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9 Ways to Create a Modern Nursery for a Girl

November 27, 2018

There’s plenty of inspiration out there for those who love the traditional and antique-inspired nursery for baby girls, but what about those of you who prefer a more modern look? The tenets that categorize modern design – cool, clean, streamlined and low-profile – aren’t necessarily synonymous with the soft, cuddly and nostalgic emotions associated with newborn babies.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to decorate a baby girl’s nursery without having to suffocate in ruffly bassinets or first-edition prints of Precious Moments artwork. Here are 10 ideas for keeping a baby girl’s nursery on the modern side of things.

Stripes on the walls. Look for striped or geometric wall paper prints in colors that you like. Or, if you are feeling truly inspired and brave, you can opt to paint them yourself. Even one single accent wall will add a modern aesthetic and it’s something your baby girl can grow into.
Stay away from soft pastels. One way to bunk the traditional girl’s nursery is to stay away from the softer pastels and, instead, choose slightly bolder versions of the same color(s).
Use a non-traditional color. I love this baby girl’s nursery that used a beautiful deep dove gray, almost charcoal, for the base color and then added swatches of a dusky pink as the contrast. It’s decidedly modern but maintains a completely girlie aesthetic.
Use stencils. I think stencils are a wonderful way to jazz up any room in the house. Using a relatively generic stencil, like a tree, a paisley, or some other gender-neutral shape, allows you to glam it up girlie for now but also leaves room for interpretation for potential future buyers or should you convert that room into a study or guest bedroom later on.
Mirrored furniture. Metallic finishes and mirrored furniture and furnishings are trending right now. Look how the mirrored dresser/changing table in this nursery keeps the softer elements of the design from going too traditional.
Enjoy a mix of patterns. You have so much room for pattern opportunities in nurseries and children’s bedrooms. Kids are high energy and fun – and their bedroom designs can reflect that. Mixing patterns can be a bit of a challenge but a nursery is a great spot to begin experimenting.
Use black. Black is both modern and chic – and it’s rarely used in a nursery design, especially a girl’s. Choosing to use black furniture and accents in your little girl’s nursery will certainly put you on the cutting edge and the results can be visually stunning. Plus, babies don’t see in color very well at first, so you’ll be doing her a visual favor as well.
Choose an atypical crib. Keep your eye out for a more uniquely shaped crib. This circular crib is modern in its design and allows for a whole different furniture layout in the nursery since the crib can be placed in the center of the room, or off-center – freeing up a significant amount of wall space.
Go neutral. Perhaps the most modern idea of all is that girls and boys don’t have to align themselves with gender-specific colors. A neutral nursery provides the opportunity for you to create a soothing space, filled with books and toys that all children love. Your daughter can pepper her nursery-slash-bedroom with accents of her choosing as her tastes grown and evolve on their own.

Throw Rugs

November 26, 2018

Do you have hardwood or another type of hard-surface flooring? Are you struggling to create some sort of boundary between different areas in an open living space? Are your feet freezing when they hit the ground, or is the sound of your dogs’ clickety-clack driving you crazy?

Answering yes to any or all of the above questions is a sign that you need a little more throw rug in your life.

Throw Rugs Offer Amazing Solutions To Basic Design Dilemma

That subtitle may seem like a bit of an overstatement – but it’s not! Throw rugs offer solutions to a myriad of design – and even lifestyle – issues that crop up along the way.

Let’s address some of the ways you can apply throw rugs to improve your day-to-day life.

To add warmth and warm up a hard-surface floor

Personally, I’m a big believer in hard-surface floors. You only have to tear up carpeting – and the pad underneath – one time in your life to know why wall-to-wall carpeting is a bad and risky enterprising. Ever had allergies? Ever had mold? Ever wanted to live amidst layers of dust and particulate matter that can’t be eliminated no matter how much you vacuum? ‘nough said.

Even so, life with hard-surface flooring requires the application of a throw rug here and there. Firstly, they break up foot after foot of the same surface. Secondly, they’re much warmer on bare feet – especially in the winter months or first thing in the morning. Finally, throw rugs add visual warmth, because even an area rug in a traditionally “cooler” color will add a softer look to the hardness, and that translates as “warmer” overall.

Show us what you meant by your furniture arrangement

In a traditional home, with segmented living spaces, area rugs are usually the central stars – located underneath the coffee table, for example, or perhaps as a runner in a long hallway.

These days, however, area rugs have a more important role to play; they anchor space in open floor plans so we know what each of your furniture groupings means. Aaah! That one over there anchors the reading and conversation corner, while the larger area rug over there is clearly meant to define the TV zone. The rugs create visual boundaries that may not be as visible otherwise, and it makes our brains happier to see all that nicely organized space.

Note: Size matters in the world of area rugs. Being too small or too big will cause problems. Try to find rugs that are large enough for all of the furniture legs to fit on or none of the legs to fit on. Only the front end of a couch or chair is fine too in a pinch. It shouldn’t wrinkle or bunch up because it doesn’t lay nicely along a wall edge (try to leave at least a few inches there) or an adjacent furniture piece.

Give us a little texture or pattern to sink our eyes into

When you look around at your interior design what do you see in terms of texture? Wall, floors, and tables are all hard surfaces. Even certain couches – particularly the contemporary, shiny leather versions – can appear more “hard” or “sleek” than soft. If this is the case in your home, area rugs are a very simple way to add texture.

You don’t have to get a high-pile shag for this – even a woven jute rug will suffice. The point is to bring something texturally different into the space to balance what’s there already.

I’m including a pattern in this category too because patterns can add texture as well. Patterns, particularly geometric or viny/floral patterns can add a different dimension to the space. If you’re someone who’s less comfortable adding patterns to a room, let your area rugs do the work for you. Patterns on the floor can be diminished a bit if part of the rug is covered by a couch or a chair and they are less intrusive than when they make an appearance via upholstery or wallpaper.

You can also layer your area rugs – using a larger, patterned rug on the bottom and then a solidly-colored rug on top – a smart choice if a pattern is attractive but feels too bold or too busy for your taste.

Don’t forget to think about comfort and safety

I like to use area rugs for comfort as well – in the kitchen where I stand to work (designer outdoor rugs work great for this because they’re attractive but durable and easy to clean). I use them underneath my favorite reading chair so my feet can rest on a soft, warm surface. Consider placing them in front of your bathroom vanities, and to protect stairs and hallways from wear-and-tear.

That being said, area rugs can be major trip or slip and fall hazards, so make sure to use the anti-slip mats underneath them to prevent them from sliding out from underneath you. Also, get rid of any rugs that curl up around corners or edges; it’s only a matter of time before someone trips and falls. In the dining room, be thoughtful about how they work – or don’t work – when chairs are scooted out and back in so nobody unintentionally tips over.

10 Tips for Creating a Stylish Yet Functional Home Office

November 19, 2018

For those of us that work from home, whether occasionally or full-time, the home office is often an afterthought. Perhaps it’s a small corner of a room or a random desk in a guest room that’s hastily cleaned up before company arrives. Instead of this haphazard approach, we recommend making a conscientious effort to make your office stylish and functional.

Consider your work flow. Always consider how you work, distances, left/right handed actions, etc., before investing in office furniture and furnishings. Only choose pieces that facilitate your work flow.
Let there be light! Multiple studies show natural lighting is significantly more beneficial for the human spirit than even broad spectrum incandescence. Try to set your home office up in a space with ample natural light. Consider adding a solar tube if a window isn’t available. Then, use attractive fixtures with high-quality lighting for those cloudy day or post-sunset work sessions.
Honor ergonomics. Boy are our bodies getting screwed up from all this hunched over, arm-cocked, slouchy office work we do. It’s not how the human body was meant to operate. Do all you can to set your space up in ergonomic fashion. Check out these Office Workstation Ergonomic Solutions to learn more. Consider a variety of options – standing and sitting, yoga balls, a high-quality chair, etc. to protect yourself.
Accentuate your style. Is it predominantly your home office? Then make it yours. If the rest of the home is a blend of your family’s design tastes, your home office is the space where you can make it all about you: your favorite colors, works of art, funky chotchkies, etc.
Anchor the space with an area rug. If your office isn’t a room but, rather, takes up a space in a hallway, under the stairs, etc., anchor the space with an area rug. It will add definition, as well as a little color and style.
Get creative with the desk. You don’t have to use a traditional desk to do your work. Keep your eye out for charming and unique furnishings that will do the job. Perhaps an antique armoire with a drop-down writing desk that will also double as storage and organization.
Built-in storage. If your office is a permanent addition to a room or corner nook, make it permanent by adding custom, built-in shelves, storage and cabinets. This is a great way to make the add-on office integrated with the rest of your design, and cabinets can cleverly hide printers, scanners, cords, etc., which can create clutter if you aren’t careful.
Hide it behind the couch. If you don’t have a designated office room, it can be hard to find the right spot. I like the idea of using a console table behind a couch. You can tie into the floor plugs from the living room for your lamp(s), your laptop can be shut for a clean look when you’re finished and even a simple, tasteful file cabinet tucked underneath won’t look out of place.
Coordinate your organizational tools. Go ahead and ditch your mismatched desktop organizers and file drawers and invest in pieces that are coordinated for an look that is instantly more cohesive and stylish.
Give it a coat of paint. Are you working in a sea of standard white walls? Warm your office up and give it a little life with a fresh coat of paint in a color that inspires you. Are you renting? Even a single accent wall will be worth repainting again later.

Shopping For Patio Furniture

November 11, 2018

April showers bring May flowers, right? That’s what we’re hoping for here in the Kristina Wolf Design studio anyway. While we’re thrilled about all the rain our state has absorbed this year, we’re ready to turn our sites on sunshiny weather – and that means more time spent in backyards and patios.

If you haven’t shopped for patio furniture lately, you might experience a bit of sticker shock; it’s an investment. Even lower-end products sold in big box gardening shops have whopping price tags. For this reason, I recommend saving up until you’re able to splurge on higher-quality products made by well-established brands. The right choice will yield furniture that lasts decades, and that beats spending money every year to replace cheaper, worn out versions.

7 Tips for Purchasing Patio Furniture

Here are 7 tips to help you make the right investment for your outdoor lifestyle.

Get your priorities straight

What are you purchasing the furniture for? This will dictate which pieces you buy. Do you dine outdoors on a regular basis? If so, a larger dining table and chairs makes sense. If not, a smaller café table with chairs will suffice and the rest of your furniture can be mix-and-match chairs and a couple of ottomans that also serve as tables or additional seating as needed.

Are you a lounger and/or is your backyard the go-to space for cocktail hour or morning coffee? In that case, a couch (which can always be pulled up to a table) and a chaise lounge or two are essential.

Make a list of which furniture gets priority so those pieces make the cut first.

Think about size

You’ll want to think about the square footage of your outdoor area and then make sure your furniture is sized according to the space.

Squeezing too much in, or placing oversized pieces in smaller spaces, yields a crowded and less relaxed energy – and that’s not the idea. Larger patios have room for furniture-style pieces while a smaller patio should feature perimeter benches and lower profile tables and chairs.

Try them on for comfort

Never purchase patio furniture you haven’t tried out on your own. Like bar stools or dining room chairs, you should be able to sit down and remain in place for at least a minute or two, so you’re absolutely sure you’re making a comfortable choice. The last thing you want is a chair that pinches thighs, tables that are too high or too low for eating or project comfort, or chair arms that are too skinny to actually support a real life arm. Don’t forget to check out adjustable chaise lounge positions to make sure the angles are all comfortable – and that you can access a completely prone position for lounging on your tummy.

Consider all-weather and storage options

Materials definitely matter for a few reasons. First, you don’t want to purchase a sturdy and heavy wrought-iron set if you’re planning to rearrange furniture on a regular basis, or if you’re going to be storing them seasonally as they are cumbersome to lift and maneuver. Similarly, you shouldn’t purchase weather-vulnerable wood furniture unless you’re committed to sealing them each year before the wet weather kicks into gear. Look for patio pieces that are inherently weather resistant and/or that are coated with high-quality protective coatings to extend their lifetime.

Really think about your outdoor lifestyle, weather you’re going to be storing furniture or not, how often it will be moved around, and the climate where you live. If you are planning to store it, have you narrowed selections to those that fold, stack or come apart easily for space efficiency? Answers to these questions will narrow your options in regards to materials and maintenance requirements.

Figure out which material makes the most sense for you

Those brand new plastic or acrylic pieces look amazing in the store, and the price may feel right, but you’re guaranteed to need new furniture within five years. Rule of thumb: always purchase from established brands to make sure you’re fully satisfied.

So, that leads to an analysis of higher-quality materials.

Wrought-iron. Beautiful and long lasting. Also very heavy and can be ruthless when it comes to stubbed toes and shins. Look for powder-coated, UV-resistant finishes, rust-proof hardware, and seamless welds.
Aluminum. Yields a high-quality look but is much lighter-weight. Again, you’re looking for powder-coated, UV-resistant finishes, rust-proof hardware, and seamless welds.
Recycled plastics or polymers. Unlike the cheaper plastic options, these are thick, heavy and durable. Consumers also like the rounded and more sculpted (mid-century modern) style available from these moldable materials. Look for UV-stabilizing pigments to prevent fading.
Wood. Only purchase patio furniture made from denser wood such as eucalyptus, teak or Shorea wood (looks like teak but is much cheaper). Almost all other wood products need to be sealed every year – and the reality is that most homeowners don’t do it. Look for wood furniture that isn’t glued together.

Purchase covers or a stylish storage shed

Even the most weather-resistant patio furniture materials last longer when it’s protected. If you aren’t planning on storing furniture, purchase heavy-duty covers from the manufacture so they fit well.

Pay attention to warranty information

Do pay attention to warranty information, particularly information pertaining to the furniture’s structural integrity. While paint and coatings are relatively easy to replace, your furniture’s structure should come with respectable warranty protection so you can rest easy – physically, mentally and financially.

Comfortable, high-quality patio furniture is the foundation for years of outdoor memory making with family and friends. Designing an outdoor living space that suits your interests and lifestyles – optimizes your outdoor space.

Making Your Shelves The Most Interesting Piece In The Room

November 9, 2018

Shelves are made to be utilitarian, which is fine. But, with the right eye and a little creativity, they can become utilitarian works of art – or, at the very least – utilitarian accents that enhance an interior design.

How Can I Make My Dorm Room Shelves Stand out and Look Interesting?

When it comes to making your dorm room shelves stand out and look interesting, it’s all about getting creative with your dorm room resign. Consider adding colorful storage boxes or decorative baskets to bring a pop of style. Showcase unique knick-knacks or personal mementos along with your books and essentials. Incorporate fairy lights or statement artwork to add personality and make your shelves visually captivating.

9 Ways to Make Shelves Stand Out

Here are 9 Ideas for replacing existing shelves, or updating the ones you want to keep, so shelves do more than just “hold stuff.” Give them something to brag about while they’re at it…

Make them disappear. Here’s an idea for the modernist as well as the decorator who appreciates a little whimsy. Purchase metal L-Brackets at the hardware store. Then mount them about 10-inches to 12-inches apart- or as far apart as some of your largest, hardly-read books. Then, stack the large book on the bottom (forming the shelf) with smaller books stacked on top. The effect is a floating stack of books on the wall.
Put an old ladder to work. Have a loft or industrial-style space? Find an old antique ladder and paint it any color you like. Then, open it up against a wall and run planks of wood, metal or whatever hard material appeals to you (thick glass with dulled edges would be awesome too) through both sides of the ladder.
Don’t forget the white space. One of the biggest mistakes most of us make is overcrowding shelves so they become a boring, non-stop run of books and/or cluttered with curios. Don’t forget the white space. From books to collectibles, shelves will always look cleaner and more interesting if you leave some gaps in between things.
Wallpaper them. Budget designers can turn ugly, old wooden shelves into works of art by wallpapering them top and bottom. You can often find old scraps of wallpaper for cheap, but even purchasing it new will cost less than $50, depending on how many shelves you have. This is idea is especially attractive for shelves that are higher up, because the undersides of the shelves add unobtrusive color and interest.
Old crates or boxes. Sand, finish or repaint old wooden boxes or crates. Even old dresser drawers or file drawers will work. They can be mounted on the wall like a curio cabinet individually or in unique arrangements.
Display collections. We posted an entire piece on how to display your collections. Interspersing a collection amidst books or designating “display” shelves is a smart way to add interest to various rooms in your house.
Use rough planks. I love the look of thick, natural wooden planks that keep the edges of the tree in their natural curvature. They work wonderfully for mantel tops and also as shelves. Have a small entryway? Use a thick wooden plank or two, hung above the height where it would knock ahead, to display some curios.
Stack antique benches. Most plain, wood benches are about the same depth as substantial shelving, which makes this a smart way to convert antique benches into shelves. You can stack them, bracing them for safety to make a bolder statement. A distressed look is always appreciated and it’s just fine to mix-and-match colors.
Use art. Shelves are a great place to display some of your art, especially smaller pieces that can get lost on a wall by themselve. Instead, you can show them off – and create a little of that aforementioned shelf space – by using a shelf to prop them up against the wall. Even larger works of art will look stunning this way if the shelf and space accommodate them.