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Furniture and Design
The most recent segment that we did with ABC’s Morning Blend is about design and furniture. Using an interior designer should not be a scary or intimidating it should be all about you. So we decided to talk about some of the myths and help our viewers to learn a little more about how the process works.
I love our design boards and how they allow me to give our clients a view into what their space will look like. I always include the floor plan as to how everything will layout, and I love to add a rendering to complete the vision. I still do all of my renderings by hand as I feel that they add a more personal touch as opposed to the computer generated version. I also include as many of the fabric and rug samples as possible while also using pictures of the items they will be on. And to complete the look a few of the accessories that I will be bringing into the space on install day. I love seeing my clients faces when they realize that hiring a designer was the best idea because not only are we saving them time and money but we get them!
Let us help you to design your space so that you can “love the space you’re in!”
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Let’s Talk Fabric
I have been very lucky to have been able to do recent segments on ABC’s Morning Blend. We have been talking about all different elements that go into the design process so I thought I would share with everyone the video from when we were talking about fabric and the different kinds that are available.
Don’t know what works best for you and your space? Give us a call, text or email, we would love to help you to “love the space you’re in!”
Wallpaper has grown and changed over the years. The materials used are different, textures are gallore and they are like pieces of art. So I thought I would show you some of my favorites.
Art do your walls
Moroccan style
Watercolor design
Seagrass
Printed seagrass
Wall art
Seagrass with metallics
Elegant design
Style and texture
Wallpaper can be scary because there has been so much bad press about installation and removal. But here is the thing, what you can do with wallpaper you simply can’t do with paint, for a reasonable price. Look how these spaces just dazzle with wallpaper.
Old world meets new world
Tile mosaic wallpaper
Details details
Works of art
What amazing depth and style that these papers add! So when you want to transform your space think wallpaper. Want to see more? Check us out on ABC’s Morning Blend Tampa Bay Monday at 10am. And remember it’s not your Grandma’s wallpaper!
Since it is summer time and we all want to be living outside, in amazing weather I thought we would talk outdoor furniture. So what are the major things that everyone wants outside, a place to sit and enjoy company of just a great evening/day with the family. So here are some of my favorite pieces for outdoor summer living. And if you live in Florida like I do these pieces get to be used all year round.
Notice it is all about the spa like style. It is about relaxing and enjoying the space comfortably. It doesn’t mean it has to be boring but serene is a wonderful thing. Don’t for get to add some fire or water features. These great fire pits and fountains are a great way to add elements to your back yard.
Don’t forget about dining, lighting and accessories. Outside is just as much a space to be designing as inside.
And Rugs are absolutely essential to creating that space that is going to give you a hug.
It’s time to be living outdoors. Not sure how to make it work in your home? Let us help you to create a space that you will love all year round whether you live in Florida or anywhere else in the world. And don’t forget to have fun!
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New Arrivals to the Showroom
As some of you know we have both the online store and the showroom in Tampa. I am constantly changing and updating what is available to our local clients. Although, everything can also be shipped anywhere! Here are some of the newest pieces that arrived in the past two weeks.
Unique tables that are perfect for accent areas or next to your favorite chair. Combine the triangular tables for an amazing and creative cocktail table.
Beautiful and glam planters that will make you want to run to your nearest flower shop.
Candle holders that have you wishing for a romatic evening.
Not your Grandma’s jugs and jars. These are beautiful in their own right, with the right combination they are spectacular.
And a small sampling of the unique and fun vases that are perfect for every occasion. Have a need for a hostess give? We got you covered.
And I saved my favorite for last……..
These amazing geometic pieces are pieces of art!
Can’t wait to see you in Tampa!
As the glam look continues to get bigger I thought I would share some of my thoughts and favorite pieces.
First, when working with a glam look keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Eglomise, silver leaf, gold leaf and mirrors have a huge impact so one or two pieces can be enough for a while room depending on the size.
Don’t forget that lighting has a huge impact on the space. A glam light can change the feel of any room.
Mix textures to complete the look. Linens combined with silks are great for depth and style.
Have fun! Design should be fun and exciting. Make sure the space has enough contrast so it doesn’t put you to sleep.
+ Area Rugs, color, decorating, Designing You, furniture, High Point Furniture Market, home decor, Interior design, Interior Design Trends, personal style, Redesign, Uncategorized
Designing You
I am very excited to say that the book is done and now available through Amazon! It has been a project of love and an amazing experience. I had always thought about writing a book but never really thought it was something that I would do. It is done and I thought I would go into a bit more depth as to what the book is about and what is in the book.
Designing You is about my philosophy on design, what it is like to work with me, and a self evaluation on your personal design style. To me interior design is all about the client. For many years and through much of my early training I heard all about how the client doesn’t know what they want. That is is the designers job to tell them what they should do. That it is the designer and only the designer that has the style and vision to see what should be done. I have always felt that this was not correct. Yes, we as designers much have a vision for what the space is going to be. But we much get that vision from somewhere. And it must come from the client.
Throughout the book you will learn about how working from a client driven space creates designs that our clients love for many years, because they are all about them.
I also want all of my readers to be able to get to know themselves more. So in the book I have included a color/design quiz that will help each reader to better understand their own personal style. I have dropped the traditional hard to understand design terms and created it in everyday language. Good design is for everyone.
I will take you on a journey of what it is like to work on clients designs, what Furniture Fashion Week is all about, and why I do what I do. Creating great design, is creating a place that you can soar from. The process includes every emotion out there. When I design I have to get into the heads of my clients. So when I am shopping for them I have to see everything as they would see it. Go through all the options and then present to them only what is best for them.
And of course there are some great pictures of completed spaces. I have included some of my favorite projects in the book to show what it is like when a space is completed. The styles range all over the place, from beach living to traditional to contemporary. And as I designer I feel that I should always be able to pop back and forth between styles because each client is different and deserves to have a design specific to them.
So please enjoy, check it out. Pick up the paper copy so that you can write in it and mark things that you love. But most of all find out more about who you are and your personal style.
As may of you know, or maybe I haven’t shared it enough, I have written a book and it will be out this spring. So I thought I would give everyone here a preview of the book. I would love to hear your feedback and of course your reviews! So, here is the front and back cover of the book.
And here is an except from the beginning of the book:
The word home brings so many things to mind for most people. For some it is a goal of something to achieve, for others it is a state of mind, and for others it is a continual search. For me the word home represents all of those things. It is a place to be safe, a place where you can thrive and achieve anything that you want. Home is more than just a house, apartment, condo, mansion or any other term we use for a place to rest. Home is about creating a place that is more than just to rest or eat and sleep. Home is the combination of both location and state of mind. And for me the only way to create a home is to listen and understand my clients, to know their wants, needs and lifestyle so that I can create a place for them to thrive.
Interior design is about creating spaces from our client’s hopes, dreams, and needs with artistic strokes of balance and vision. It is art that is functional and envelopes the users. There has been for a longtime the thought that designers know more about what the client should want or like for their spaces. For all the years that I have been designing I have disagreed with this philosophy. I have always felt that my job as a designer was to listen to my clients about what they want, like, and dream about; to create a design based on those things while educating the client on how to incorporate their ideas with balance and vision. Design is not about the client being told what should go in their home or workspace. Design is about using our knowledge and education about principles and materials to create the space of their dreams.
Are you excited? Do you want to read more? Do you want to be a part of my review team and get an early digital copy? If you are selected to participate you will get an early preview and will be asked to post reviews of the book. If this sounds like something you want to participate in, email me your information and why you think you will be a great team member. sara_chiarilli@artfulconceptions.net
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My Favorite Lighting for 2017
The right lighting makes such a difference in any space. Lighting is an item that is both functional and beautiful. It influences how we use the space and defines they style. It can be hanging, on tables, or standing on the floor. Every room needs three sources of lighting, one completely functional, one for ambiance and one that is both. Here are my favorite hanging lights that I see being very popular in 2017.
Lamps are extremely important for adding function and ambiance. They can be clean and simple, whimsical, functional, and elegant. Here are some of my favorite new releases.
Sconces are a fantastic place to add light and design to any space. They are all about ambiance and elevate any room. Check out some of the newest sconce designs.
Check out your lighting, is it solely functional? If so, see how you can incorporate some of the above items into your room design. Don’t know where to get them? Give us a call so we can ship them directly to you!
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Let’s Talk Color
Color is the one topic that everyone always wants to know more about. Color changes the look and feel of any space, instantly. Color can make a space feel warm and inviting, soft and elegant, soothing and relaxing or energizing. Each year there is a new Pantone color of the year. This year each of the paint companies have also come up with their own colors of the year. This year they are not in alignment with Pantone. So I thought I would post some of my favorite colors and the direction I see my clients currently going when it comes to color.
Neutrals – every design needs some neutral tones. Here are some great starting points for the base of designs. These neutrals give a balance to colors and allow for quick easy changes such as pillows, accessories and artwork.
Notice the tones are on the warmers side. The super cold gray is going away and warmer tones are being added, warming up the cold gray.
Blue is always going to have a place in design. It is a primary color and has a warm place in almost everyone’s hearts.
Green is the color from Pantone this year so lets look at some great greens.
Yellow is a love it or hate it color with a lot of people. Those who love it fine it cheerful. I feel that if you are going to go yellow, go with true yellows.
Purples and reds these are colors that are either in or out. If you have been following me on my design philosophy you know that I feel design is about the client not all about trends. So if you love these tones we can always make them in style.
Now lets talk combinations with these great colors.
I love the stone color mixed with the deep blue, light blue and white. This combination give depth and character to the space.
Complimentary colors come together to create POP and WOW with a balancing from some great neutral tones.
Historic greens mixed with neutral tones give a classic look.
As you think about color and your space think about using color to give depth and influence to the space. Not sure how to combine your favorite colors for your home, reach out for a consultation.
I thought that I would continue about designing with feng shui in mind. As we continue into 2017 I am going to take an area that can be improved through design using principles of feng shui. Abundance is an area that many are wanting to increase. Abundance can mean money or wealth but it can also be abundance of love, family, clients, happiness, or anything in your life that you want to increase. As I shared in the last post you have a wealth or abundance area in your home or office, if you are standing at the front of the space looking in, it is the back left corner. This is using the more modern version of the bagua. If this area in your space is not designed properly or there are flow issues there are some easy ways to get it in order. First, make sure that it is not a neglected space. This could mean that you have not put anything on the walls, or that it has become a catch-all. If that is the case first thing you want to do is clean out the space so that it can be a functioning part of your home.
Now to bring in abundance there are some great items that can go in that space. One of the main cures for a space is a water feature. Water is a symbol of abundance and can quickly change the energy to the space. I love a fountain and there are specific feng shui fountains. I do not feel that you have to go to that extent but having a fountain in the north-west corner will definitely increase the abundance in your home or office. They do not have to be large fountains, it can be as simple as a table top or desk top fountain. Here are some great fountains that I love.
If the area will not fit or work with a water feature look for a painting or image that features water. This could be a landscape with a waterfall or of the ocean. This will also bring in the water element to increase the chi.
You can also bring in other feng shui cures to the space to increase abundance. A vase with lucky bamboo or a healing tree. I make healing trees for my clients an incorporate what they need in the tree. These are made from gems. Each gem has an area that they influence and bring an energy to the space. Some are for protection, abundance, hope, energy, clarity, communication and so on. Placing a healing tree in your abundance region of your home will help to increase whatever area of your life that you want to increase. Here are some that I have made.
When creating these I use raw gems, which include emeralds, rubies, quartz, sapphires, aquamarine amethyst and other gemstones.
If your abundance area is in a challenging space in the house you will need to make sure to be especially diligent on maintaining that area. You will also want to use more than one cure. This could mean that if it is in the bathroom that you have both a painting with a water element and a fountain or healing tree. You can also add lighting that has crystals. There are some great light fixtures that incorporate crystal into them. Just make sure they are actual crystal not just look like crystals. Check these out.
Incorporating feng shui into your home does not mean that it has to be unconventional items. Everyday items in the right placement can completely change the energy in the space.
As 2017 begins it is time to see if our lives are truly in balance with what we want. For interior design that means asking the question is your home or office in alignment for your goals and do you feel a big hug when you walk through your front door? If not then it might be time to do some energy work with your design by employing some Feng Shui principals. Let’s first talk about what Feng Shui is. The words Feng Shui mean wind and water. Which makes sense as it is about using the elements, colors and shapes to create a space that is in balance with the natural world. Feng Shui has a traditional implementation and there is now a more modern implementation. It is this more modern implementation that I use with my clients and what I feel is easier to understand and implement into our everyday lives. Either style, the main purpose is to have your Chi, or energy flow, to stay gently flowing through your space as opposed to flowing straight out or becoming stuck or blocked. Each element must be in balance to create the proper flow of chi.
So let’s talk about what the elements are and how they are represented. The five elements are fire, water, earth, metal, and wood. Each of these elements have shapes, colors and attributes.
Fire – triangle, red, orange, purple, passions, emotion
Earth – square, brown, yellow, grounding, stability
Metal – circle, white, metallic, strength, independence
Water – curvy, blue, black, relaxation, inspiration
Wood – rectangle, green, teal, growth, expansion
In traditional Feng Shui it is about the placement of the Bagua an octagon shaped chart that each section represents areas of your life. It is used to place items in accordance with the elements within your home or office to affect the chi of the space. In a modern approach to Feng Shui a vertical or horizontal chart is used and is based on the shape of your home or office. This new chart is also based on nine areas of your life.
When working with this modern approach each item that goes into a space still has impact and is used for specific reasons.
Color is used to represent and balance the elements.
Sound such as music is used to connect to the environment. This can be used to remove stress from a space.
Lighting is used to bring more chi into a space.
Art enhances chi. The placement of the artwork will increase the chi to the area it is placed.
Growing things such as plants connect you to the natural world. if the light is poor in an area that needs a better connection silk plants can be used.
Water features increase the flow of chi throughout your space. These can be fountains or aquariums.
Wind features attract chi into your space. This can be wind chimes, weather vanes, banners, flags and mobiles.
Mirrors and crystals are used to unblock structural elements that cannot be changed.
So how do you incorporate this into your home or office? Start small, if your entry is to a wall add a mirror to remove the blockage that is created with the stop. Make sure that each of your spaces has each of the elements represented. Focus on the one area that you want to increase and make sure that your house is aligned with that focus. As you affect and change your first focused area move on to the next. Remember it is a living space and the energy or chi will always be changing. We want to make sure that you are bringing in the energy you want and keeping it flowing through your space. But it is also understood that as our lives continue to progress we must adapt and incorporate new technologies and how they effect our environments.
Make 2017 your best year yet, start by creating balance and harmony in your home and office. Once this is created you will be able to achieve anything you decide to create.
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