One of my favorite things to do is to use a modern sofa mixed with an antique oriental rug. Or use some really modern pieces in a Victorian home. Great interior design had some playfulness to it. You should have a smile on your face when you walk into the room. It should make you happy to see it. So here are a few looks that really pulled off the right combination of modern and traditional.
Have you seen a great combination of modern and traditional? Do you want more ideas how to combine these two? Tweet us or comment.
Interior Design and décor is a constant living breathing thing. And as I was attending a current trend lecture and line unveiling yesterday I was happily patted on the back to see the leaders in this industry say exactly what I have been saying for years. Interior design is about adding personal elements to the home, it is not about the designer. Now to take it even further the white, on white, on white, stark, hotel inspired look is done, over, finished. It is not about creating looks that could be in a home, but also an office, and a hotel. It is about creating personal spaces. Allowing the client to see themselves in the space. Adding those fun touches that make the space truly about those using and living in it. Whether you call it bohemian chic, post traditionalist, modern eclectic the bottom line is that it is personal. So here are some great images to see how the release of control is planning out in current design trends.
So be yourself, don’t let anyone tell you to be something else, and have fun. For me I am so excited to be creating these kinds of looks for my clients making sure to include my clients in their homes.
There are many times that as a designer I am called a decorator. And although my husband knows that can annoy me most people do not know there is even a difference. So I thought I would talk a bit about the difference between to two and here are my top six differences.
The first big difference is that a designer went to school for their trade. One of the comments that I can be heard saying to a friend when they make the mistake of calling me a decorator is “hey don’t take my degree away from me” with a big smile and a small cringe inside. A decorator needs no formal training.
The second difference between a designer and a decorator is the scope of the projects. A designer, since they have formal training is able to read and draw blueprints. This matters especially if you are looking at a construction project.
The third difference is in how the project is managed. A designer will do scale renderings and floor plans while a decorator does not. The renderings and floor plans take away the possibility of items of the wrong size or scale being ordered or purchased for a space.
The fourth difference is knowing about current codes for the area. There are many constantly changing building codes and fire codes that effect how a project can be done. Without the full knowledge of those codes the client is at a major disadvantage to have the project properly managed. For instance did you know that there are restrictions on the types of fabrics allowed to be in a commercial space? There are weight requirements for furniture in a commercial space. A decorator most likely has no idea about these things and could cause a very costly mistake for a client, especially a commercial client.
The fifth difference is the knowledge that a designer has about construction, furniture, fabric and color. A designer who has studied knows why certain fabrics are made a certain way, why furniture is constructed in a certain way, why a sink has to be a certain distance from the toilet, and why certain colors make you feel different things. This knowledge allows us as designers to help our clients make the best choices for them. It is not just about what looks pretty.
The sixth difference is the buying process. A designer has the ability to purchase directly from manufacturers. This means that you as the client can get the best product at the best prices. A decorator does not usually have those trade relationships. Designers do not purchase of websites like Wayfair and Joss and Main. We work with the companies that sell to those websites. We cut out the middleman which is why you save money working with a designer.
So when you are looking for someone to help you through the design process remember you get what you pay for. Look for the right background and education, talk to past and current clients, and know that the right designer will guild you in the best direction for you, not just to what they like.
So we are now just days away from Furniture Fashion week so it is the time where we are planning on what vendors we will be seeing. Ok really most of the companies we have already booked our appointments with, so how about I give you a preview on a couple of the companies that we will be seeing at market. How about a great upholstery company that does beautiful bench made furniture right here in the USA?. Wesley Hall is one of my favorite companies they are a true American company that knows what true craftsmanship is. They still make everything by hand, no overseas product here. They have hundreds of items to choose from, thousands of fabrics and if there isn’t something that you absolutely love they will work with us to custom design the absolutely perfect piece.
Classic with a modern twist
Stately and refined with a little fun
Outdoor furniture is always an evolving is style and design. One of my favorites is Season Living, they not only offer furniture but great design and all the accent pieces that every space needs. So for outdoor furniture to outdoor lighting to outdoor accessories Seasonal Living gets my vote and my time at market.
From brightly colored ceramic tables to comfy modern seating it is all about Season Living.
Modern and functional
Area rugs add the perfect place for that added touch. Whether it is a traditional hand knotted oriental rug, an over-dyed oushka, or modern geometric Surya has all the options. They have now also branched out to lighting, accessories and small furniture made with their beautiful rugs. They are always aware of the trends and are happy to be the trend setter. They always get my time at market.
Bohemian style with a modern twist.
All about the marsalas!
So are you as excited as I am? It will be fantastic to see how these amazing companies outdo what they did last year. All of the showrooms have a bit more fun at Spring market so it should be a colorful time.
So it is just about that time again, furniture fashion week. That’s right those of us in the industry are getting ready to descend on the town of High Point, NC and shop until we drop. Ok so we may not be shopping all the time, but what we are doing is seeing all of the new trends and the up and coming designer and companies. We are also going to seminars about how we can be better designer, business people and companies. We are finding out about the newest software to make our lives easier and how to make our clients lives better. But during all of that we definitely have some fun and certainly don’t sleep. It means long days, usually at the first showroom by 8am and working until 8-9pm. We are shopping for clients, showrooms, new vendors and just to keep up with the newest ideas. It is super fasted paced and it is all set in this great town that is the perfect mix of old and new. I say that because you may be in a hundred year old building at 9am and then in a brand new skyscraper in the afternoon and in the courtyard in the evening for wine, cheese and day end review. So how about a little peek into markets past? Here are some pictures of the fantastic buildings and showrooms that can be found at market. And yes this is just a very small slice into what happens at market.
Are you as excited as I am for market? Keep checking in for updates on market as it is happening and my favorites from the show. Market will be from April 18-23, 2015. Almost time!
One of the areas that I am asked questions on regularly is on window treatments. There are so many companies that claim to do window treatments, everything from the big box stores to the handyman but there are very few who really know and understand the use of the right window treatments. So I thought I would spend a little time on one type of window treatments. Roman Shades. This does not mean that there is only one style of roman shade just that it is one option when looking at how to design an home and the proper function. It is also one that I like a lot because although it can run a higher price for a single item it can be a money saving option since you do not need a second decorative treatments when using a roman shade. You can add a second decorative treatment, such as drapery or a cornice, but it is not required. There are other treatments that I would almost never do without a decorative addition.
So roman shades come in a few styles. The most common styles are flat and hobbled, but they can also be relaxed, dog eared, balloon or Austrian. So confusing with all the different names? Well don’t be confused or overwhelmed. Most of them look as they sound to their name. A flat roman means that when it is down the shade it completely flat. Hobbled means that even when completely down it as a soft billow at the fold points. Relaxed roman shades have a soft curve to the bottom. Dog eared is a relaxed shade with ends that look like floppy dog ears. Balloon and Austrian styles are soft and billowy with multiple curves and seem like they are multiple shades in one. If I break that down to a type of shade for a type of style your flat and relaxed shades will be a more modern or contemporary style, the hobbled, dog eared and relaxed are more country, the balloon or Austrian is very traditional and the your transitional style would lean toward flat, relaxed or hobbled. How about some visuals? Here are some romans shades of all types in different settings.
See all the different ways that roman shades can be used. This is why I love them as one of my favorite answers for window treatments. They are great alone or with additional elements. So the next time you are looking at how to complete your room think about roman shades. And call a specialist in window treatments not just that big box store or the person who bought a franchise. As designers when know how to properly incorporate you into the space and get you the right treatments for your room.
In a continuation of the new year theme I thought it was time to address kitchens. This is the number one room in the house that sells a house and is also the one that is most important to function properly. We gather in the kitchen, we make our family dinners in the kitchen and we create masterpieces in our kitchens. So being as important as the kitchen is here are some thoughts that I have about kitchen design.
Keep storage in mind. Go for the pantry wall. Add a great island for storage and for seating. Design your cabinets with all the extras, pullouts, spice racks and hidden storage
Keep function in mind. Go for the double oven. Add a second sink or pot filler.
Keep style in mind. Go for a curve. Go for the fantastic chandeliers. Go for color.
Keep your personality present. It’s your kitchen don’t go for typical, go for you.
Here are some great kitchens for all different styles.
Are you inspired? Are you ready to change your kitchen? We love designing the right kitchen and want to help you love yours.
This week I had a very interesting request by one of my favorite home decor websites. One Kings Lane asked me if I would write a post about jewelery and lighting. Not sure where this is going? Keep reading, this is going to be fun and a bit of an insight into my personal style. The idea of the request was to pair my favorite piece of jewelery with my favorite chandelier. So I thought about it for a bit and there are tons of pieces of jewelry that I love and the same for chandeliers. I love bling and sparkles. I love classic and modern. I love big, oversized and chunky bangles. I also love long necklaces with fringe. However, when I think of my favorite piece of jewelry it has to be my beautiful engagement ring that my husband gave me eight years ago. It is classic and modern, sparkles and is the perfect example of my personal style.
See what I mean. It is just the perfect piece of jewelry. So how does that translate to a chandelier? Well for me that means it has to be classic, stylish and a showstopper. All the things that a chandelier should be. Chandeliers are no longer just for dining rooms. We are using beautiful chandeliers in living rooms, great rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, foyers and even in closets. My favorite chandelier, well it has sparkles (crystals) strength (wood and metal) and an elegant feeling (curves).
Do you see it? Classic yet also a modern feel. Curves, definition and some bling. Nothing too much and nothing too little. A perfect combination of high style and tradition. So when you are looking for a chandelier that fits your style think of that perfect piece of jewelry. Think about what your style. Want to know where to find the perfect chandelier? Well, if you can’t find it on my website check out One Kings Lane at https://www.onekingslane.com/lighting/chandeliers to see their great selections. And stay true to yourself and style as your home is a reflection of who you are.
As we continue into the discussion of how to update your home in the new year let’s continue to talk about the bathroom. As much add I love a free standing tub I also love a large shower. And many people are finding they simply don’t use the tub. So that means that old tub is taking up some very expensive real estate. So here are some ideas for bathrooms without tubs.
What do you think? Could you get rid of your tub? It definately makes the bathroom feel larger and adds a whole new feeling to the space. So if your not using it go for function and create a high style design with a super, fabulous shower!
It’s that time of the year where people are talking about their goals and resolutions. And one that I hear on a regular basis is that I am going to get my home done this year. Well let’s be honest there are many ways to complete a home and most of the time it requires construction unless you are buying a brand new home that was just built. So I thought that I would break up those many different projects that people want to do in their homes into a series of posts about the different spaces in the home that most often need to be redone. One of the top wish list areas to be redone is almost always the master bath. There are many ways to redo a master bath but one of the biggest trends right now in master baths is the free-standing tub. This is not really a new idea we have had claw-foot tubs for ages. However, I would like to think that we are redesigning the use of those tubs and also incorporating a modern version of the free-standing tub to a contemporary, updated design. So here are some of the ways that I love to use a free-standing tub in a bathroom.
A modern play on the free-standing tub design. Clean and elegant this creates a perfect state of relaxation.
A free-standing tub in a window nook is great for relaxing and looking out at nature.
Make it a show piece! A traditional home with a unique space planning layout.
Zen baby zen. A Japanese inspired free-standing tub.
A traditional design with a modern feel.
The traditional claw-foot design with an updated feel.
Elegant and refined using the color from the base of the traditional claw-foot to bring the cabinetry to life and unify the space.
Monochromatic is always relaxing when done right.
Elegance, tradition and class meet.
So when you think about how you want to redesign your bathroom think outside of the norm and think free-standing, tubs that is. Not sure how to make the look work for you? Ask a designer, we work all over the country to help you “love the space you’re in!”
So it is just about the start of 2015 and if you are like most people you have decided to get organized this year. This also tends to be an intimidating task for many. There is the question of where to start, how to implement, and of course cost. So I thought I would give you some of my favorite ideas for organizing. These can help with everything from daily tasks like mail and chores to closets and mud rooms.
When it comes to organizing start small. Little changes make big impacts. So start with one space, complete that and then move on. Don’t have time to do it yourself? Call in a professional, designers usually have access to products others don’t and can make sure the project flows properly for your home and how you function.
So start the year off right by getting your home in order.
It’s that time of year when Pantone announces the color of the up coming year. And this year the color is marsala. This is a rich deep tone between red and brown. Think of the wine itself for a good idea on the color. Marsala takes the purple hue from last year in radiant orchid and turns up the maturity and elegance. This is a color that speaks of affluence and grandeur.
So what does this mean for the interior design and furnishings industry? It means lots of great fabrics will be coming out with real depth. This is a move away from the light and airy looks we have been seeing over the past few years. You will start to see darker colors on walls, craftsman styling will see a bit of a resurgence along with deep jewel tones. And all those gold accents you have been seeing recently will go perfectly with these deeper hues. This doesn’t mean you have to change your whole look little changes can make a huge impact, especially when working with this color.
Light blue walls become ultra rich when marsala is added.
Updating with marsala walls gives real depth.
Change out some of your dining chairs to update your look.
Are you feeling it? See how this color makes a space feel warmer and richer? Not your look? That’s ok you can add this color in accents and artwork. Or for something less permanent go for the floral arrangement.
So as you go into 2015 take a hint from pantone and make this year deep and rich for you and your family.
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