Interior Design

How to Use Dark Colors

October 30, 2019

Interior design is like any other field: there are rules, and these rules are meant to be broken. Some of the strictest “Rules of Interior Design” revolve around color – how to choose it, how to use it, and what not to do. In the latter categories, dark, strong, and bold colors are often treated like a lit fuse (Use Caution!). In fact, dark, rich and bold colors are often the key to a striking interior design, but they must be used well. By their very nature, there is no way for them to fade into the background if they are a little “off” or the color isn’t quite right.

The following tips can help you explore how and when to use dark colors in your design. From full dark interiors to the barest of accents, darker colors are often the means of adding depth and contrast in your living spaces.

Monochromatic dark with a light upper border. If you like the idea of a charcoal room, but worry the effect may be too cave-like, I recommend choosing a white that you like and cutting that into the ceiling, continuing the white paint down into the vertical wall space. If your ceilings are higher, this lighter upper-border can go as much as 2-feet down. If you have lower ceilings, you may only want to dip down 6-inches to a foot. The point is that the extra lip of white around the wall and to the ceiling lightens up the space and will prevent a claustrophobic effect. What a great way to enjoy some of those rich velvety blacks, grays and chocolate browns. Or, it will have a similarly muting effect for a bright and crazy color scheme.

Add moulding or wall details in a lighter color. In this living room, both the walls and ceilings are painted Ralph Lauren’s Artist Grey UL31. In a different version of the technique I wrote about above, these homeowners opted to use extensive moulding and trim work on the walls and ceiling, painted in a light Rivera Terrace. The overall affect is that you are in a cozy, private space but nothing about it is gloomy or shadowy – quite the opposite.

Accent Walls, plural! Accent walls are said to be out of style and then back in style – – the bottom line is they have been used and will always be used in interior design. If you enjoy a room with rich jewel tones, I say use more than one to layer the rich color effect. This may sound crazy, but when done well, this technique can create a More is Less impact. Check out how these contrasting burgundy and blue accent walls work together. Somehow, by having both, it softens the effect, don’t you think?

Dark and bold details. Here is where interior design gets really fun – the details. Dark and bold colors can have an equally appealing and dramatic effect when they’re used in the details. For example, choosing a dark and colorful trim color makes your room details pop. Your furnishings and accents can be your mode of going bold as well. This can keep a room very light and bright while still delivering the dramatic impact you’re going for. Also, this route is ideal for renters. Who wants to have to repaint a place back to white when you’re dealing with the moving process? Your dark and bold furnishings can go with you wherever you live.

Are you still feeling apprehensive about when, where and how to use dark or bold colors in your interior design?

Modern Nursery Color Combos

October 24, 2019

Tired of the same girlie pinks and little boy blues that dominate the nursery scene? It’s not easy to escape those tried-and-true gender traditions but with a little work and an eye on the future, you can introduce modern nursery color combinations that will still yield a soothing and nurturing ambiance for your little darling’s bedroom space.

Check Out These Modern Baby Room Color Combos & Design Ideas

Perhaps the single most poignant piece of design advice I can give to soon-to-be parents is: take the “long view” approach when decorating the baby’s room. What do I mean by “long view?” I mean that the time you have to put into decorating now will be virtually non-existent once you become parents, and that sweet little baby transitions into a busy toddler faster than you can blink your sleep-deprived eyes. The more you can do to create a room your child can grow into without the need for another re-design, the better.

For this reason, using a modern color palette makes very good sense. Modern colors can be easily added to via big kid furniture and accessories to serve as more mature rooms down the road, and they can also be transitioned into guest bedrooms as needed.

Here are some of my favorite modern color combos for baby rooms:

Turquoise and Tangerine. Together, turquoise and tangerine form a vibrant and energetic combination without being too busy. My recommendation: leave the walls a warm neutral color and then bring in the turquoise and tangerine via area rugs, rocking chair cushions, a painted dresser-slash-changing table (again, thinking ahead to the future), window coverings and bedding. This is also a gender neutral combination, which can be nice for parents who opt to let their baby’s gender remain a surprise. If it’s a boy, throw in some brown accents; if it’s a girl, you can add splashes of pink or purple.

Yellow and Gray. The pairing of yellow and gray forms a balance; yellow is vibrant and gray is calming. The brighter the shade of yellow you select, the more energetic the effect will be. Again, this makes for a fabulous gender-neutral color scheme or a fair selection for fraternal boy/girl twins. Greens and blues can be added to this combination to good effect as well for a little more diversity.

Primary Colors. Did you know babies are the most able to perceive black and white to start, and then vibrant primary colors after that? They also like geometric shapes and patterns. For those reasons, I’m a fan of this bedroom with a big map of the world on the wall – full of happy colors and plenty of shapes to keep curious eyes occupied. Pick your favorite colors – or theirs as they get older – to build the rest of the bedroom’s design.

No Color At All. This modern nursery in Los Angeles shows how beautiful and cozy a nursery can be without any particular or intentional color combination at all. The warm hardwood floors, rustic rocker frame and dresser add a sense of traditional homeyness. You can use area rugs of all shapes and sizes, accent pillows, art and other accessories to add splashes of color as they pertain to your child’s gender, interests and personality. This is definitely a room a child can grow into, a guest will feel comfortable sleeping in and prospective buyers will see as just another bedroom without any need for repainting or redecorating.

Interior Design For Multi-Generational Households

October 14, 2019

With the rising costs of living – not to mention senior communities – multi-generational households are coming back in style. According to Pew Research, the number of people living in multi-generational houses has doubled over the past three decades, and that trend isn’t expected to change anytime soon.

Multi-Generational Households Require Livable Home Designs

A while back, I read a design article that referenced the phrase “livable designs.” The idea was that accessible or universal design tenets weren’t just for the old or handicapped; rather, they were design features that made a living space more livable for everyone – be they young, old, small, tall, using a walker or not.

I love this idea and feel like the best interior designers work to create livable designs in every home they meet. Here are some of the livable design features that make the most sense for families, retirees, those who plan to age in place and/or those who plan to live with extended family members.

Design a private suite or two

When I was a child, I was so envious of my friends who had bedrooms with attached bathrooms. These master suites felt so luxurious – and they are. If you plan to live with parents or in-laws, or your kids plan to move in with you when you are in your golden years, it makes sense to design a private suite or two so everyone has their own space.

These master suites can be quite simple – large enough to accommodate a bedroom and sitting area, as well as a bathroom. Or, they can be more complex, including the addition of a small living area, kitchenette, and/or patio space. The more independent the suite is, while still being accessible to those with mobility aids, the more functional it will be. These living spaces are also convenient should you ever need to hire an in-home caregiver.

Make it easy to get around

Increasing the number of residents in a household makes navigation more of a concern. Leave ample space in hallways and along walkways, so it’s easy for people to pass each other, walk two-by-two or manipulate a walker or wheelchair. Install ADA accessible doorways from the get-go. Leave plenty of room around tables and chairs, as well as other seating areas, so the walking and functional flow aren’t obstructed when family and friends are gathered in eating and communal areas. Think about transitions between different flooring materials as well as entrance/exit thresholds so they are smooth and trip-resistant.

Flooring materials should be anti-slip and low-profile so they’re easier to get around on in a wheelchair or walker. The benefit of all of this is that you and your kids will be so appreciative when a sprained ankle or unanticipated surgery requires that you use crutches, canes or other mobility aids.

Think about safety

After the “getting around” pointers, I recommend taking a good look at your lighting plan. Focus on ample daylighting by way of expanded windows, skylights and solar tubes. This makes electric lighting superfluous until just before sunset. You will also want to include more task lighting since older eyes have a harder time seeing. By setting everything on dimmers, each space can be illuminated to suit the current occupant’s needs.

Under cabinet lighting in both the kitchen and the bathroom is a welcome addition during the nighttime hours and can keep falling and post-sunset accidents to a minimum. Gentle night-lighting will also prevent little ones and elders from being disoriented or fearful in the dark.

Balance an open floor plan with private space

Open floor plans are certainly accessible. However, in a household with multiple generations in residence, it can also feel like there’s no place to call your own. Be thoughtful about creating different zones within the central area so there is room for those watching TV as well as those who want to curl up and read a book or focus on their homework. Your interior designer can assist you in using area rugs, pony walls, furniture arrangements and other tricks of the trade so there are plenty of areas for your family members to feel at home.

Not only will your home benefit from livable design features, it will also be more appealing for future homebuyers.

How Many Patterns Can Fit Into One Space?

October 6, 2019

Mixing patterns can be an incredibly daunting proposition if you’ve never done it before. We’ve all seen the hideous fashion faux pas that happen when the wrong stripe rubs up against an equally wrong plaid. As a result, many people shy away from mixing patterns or believe mixing patterns is a no-no altogether.

In fact, mixing – or layering – patterns is a sophisticated interior design technique and will do much to liven up your living spaces. If you’re ready to take that plunge, you’re probably wondering, “how much is too much?” There is no concrete answer to that; if you used three different patterns and they look terrible, it’s too much. If you use 15 different patterns and they look incredible, it’s just right.

Therefore, I’m not going to tell you whether or not there is a specific limit to how many patterns one room can handle. What I will let you in on, however, are a few tips and tricks on how to layer patterns for living spaces that come alive and look amazing.

Tips and Tricks for Mixing Patterns

Stick with odd numbers. You’ll see this “rule” often in the world of interior design. Of course, it doesn’t mean two or four different patterns will look terrible. It’s simply a fact that there is something harmonious about sets of three. So, when it comes to layering patterns, try to choose 3 or 5 that will look good together. My advice is to start with three. If you nail that, enjoy it for a while before throwing another pattern into the mix.

Use similar color families. Often, it’s the colors – not the patterns – that do the bulk of the clashing. One of the easiest ways to get your feet wet with pattern layering is to start with simple color patterns, like black and white or a particular shade of blue and white, etc. This will help you see the relationship between prints and patterns more clearly. Once you get that down, it will be easier for you to “sense” if multi-colored patterns complement one another or not. For example, in the eclectic dining area of this English Tudor, I mixed a white and black geometric pattern on the window drapes with the black and white zebra print area rug. Both are considered “bold” or “busy” patterns and yet the consistent color themes allow them to blend peacefully with the rest of the room’s decor.

Understand the difference in fabric textures. Other times, the mix of fabrics is the problem, not the patterns. When mixing patterns, try to keep within similar fabric families so your formal damask doesn’t clash with a casual gingham. Certain materials, such as linen, have a foot in each world and can work to transition different fabric families into a more functional set.

Start with the star of the show. Don’t decide to mix patterns for patterns’ sake. Instead, begin with a pattern you really love. Is it a piece of art? A handmade quilt on your bed? A gorgeous Persian area rug? Find the star of the show and make that your feature, then choose a few patterned furnishings or accents that will pay homage accordingly. In this contemporary living room in San Francisco, the shining star was definitely the area rug. Thus, we let her shine and chose boldly patterned throw pillows in complementary colors. The wall hanging and table ornaments have more subtle patterns in colors pulled from the rug as well.

Making The Most Of Your Open Floor Plan

October 1, 2019

I’ll be honest; I’m particularly fond of the open floor plan trend that just keeps on trending. To be sure, there are advantages to compartmentalization – especially when it comes to privacy and/or hiding the mess from guests. However, in my experience, the pros of open floor plans far outweigh the cons.

Ideas For Getting the Most Out of Your Open Floor Plan

Open floor plans offer several advantages: they are spacious or can provide the idea of space in smaller homes, they are great for families – allowing parents to keep their eyes and ears on children of all ages – and open floor plans are the best idea for serial entertainers.

With all of those benefits in mind, the following ideas will help you to enjoy an open floor plan design to its fullest and will make future redecorating easier.

Be proactive and practical. Before you get started choosing colors, furniture and fixtures, you need think about the practical realities of the space you have to work with. What areas do you need to have (food prep, dining, toys, living room, pet areas, etc.). How many people will be using these spaces on a regular basis? What’s the square footage of the available space? Which dimensions need to be respected in terms of moving around the kitchen comfortably, scooting chairs back to eat while leaving enough room for others to pass by, the general walking flow of the space? The more practical you are at the outset, the better use of space, function and flow you will enjoy when the design is complete.
What are you living with now? Changing major structural components like load bearing walls or posts, windows, exterior doors, etc., can be quite costly. Unless you have an unlimited budget, it’s best to identify structural limitations now so you can design an open floor plan that integrates with existing features. An experienced interior designer can be a lifesaver if you are struggling to “make it work,” because she has the ability to picture various configurations in her mind and, odds are the designer has created an open floor plan with similar features or limitations in the past. Even if you don’t plan to hire an interior designer for the long-term, paying for a consultation or two is well-worth the investment.
What are your priorities for the future? Now that you’ve listed your practical reality, it’s time to live in the dream world. What are your priorities for these spaces in the current moment? How will your household change in the next five years? What about the next 10 or 20 years? What type of energy, space, or functional/playful aspects would you like the home’s living spaces to facilitate? Your open floor plan will evolve more fluidly if you design flexibly and in a way that minimizes any modifications or transitions that may arise in the future.
Unified but segregated. Here’s where things get really fun. In an open floor plan, everything is visible and sort of layered against everything else. This means there needs to be a certain level of continuity or agreement between the colors, patterns, textiles and furnishings in the individual spaces. At the same time, clearly defining each area from the rest helps to set the tone and mood. A monochromatic paint scheme is one way to accomplish this, using textiles and furnishings to add a different tone or subtle energy differences to each space. Or, you can choose complementary colors that look great together but set color boundaries between the kitchen and family room, and between the living area and formal dining room.
Focus on transitions. How will the spaces transition from one to the next? One of my favorite ways to do this is to have a unified hard surface flooring material for the entire space. Then, area rugs and even layered area rugs can be used to anchor specific seating areas, to define spaces and to create different moods or tones – soft, warm, cool, contemporary, traditional, cozy, formal, etc.
Layouts and arrangements. Most rooms are laid out or organized along either linear or axial arrangements. Linear arrangements will create zones or living areas that are arranged along a straight line. These are quite flexible and the key is to keep it all in alignment with that invisible guideline so things remain balanced and proportional. Axial organization means arrangements that use two or more differing center-points. For example, the kitchen and dining room are arranged around one line while the family, reading or toy areas are arranged in alignment with another. Axial arrangements can be a bit trickier but work well in larg spaces. The path and access ways between the two become a focal point on their own.