interior decorating

Adding Color Without Adding Paint

September 30, 2018

The walls, ceiling and floors are often the first palette considered when choosing a room’s color scheme. However, there are situations where this simply isn’t possible. Renting is one the first that comes to mind; sure, you can paint your walls but who wants to repaint them back to their original color when moving out? Or, sometimes budget is an issue. Repainting your living spaces isn’t cheap and it’s a laborious process to tackle on your own if DIY home improvement really isn’t your thing.

Time to Add a Little Color to Your Space? Here Are Easy No-Paint Options

In these cases, you have to use other tricks of the designer trade to keep your interior design both stylish and color-rich. Here are some ways to add a little color without the fuss and muss of paint.

Temporary Wall Paper. Believe it or not, there is a temporary wall paper product made just for people like you. The sticky residue on the back is sort of like the stuff they use for post-its so it peels away easily. It comes in a range of colors and patterns, just like regular wallpaper and you can buy it at a local home improvement store. Temporary wallpaper is on the pricier side but can be the ideal thing to add a single colorful accent wall from which you can build the rest of your design.

Go Big and Buy Art! Here in the Bay Area we have access to both ultra-high end art as well as a wealth of more affordable pieces that are equally as attractive for a fraction of the price. If you’re foregoing paint on the walls, I recommend looking for some larger canvases, prints, photos or 3-D art that will add color and interest to larger wall spaces, as well as a mix of other sizes that can be arranged creatively to fill in gaps around other furnishings.

Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tiles. Here’s another excellent temporary option for enhancing the color and style of a typically drab space – the kitchen or bathroom backsplash. The average apartment or rental home has zero to offer in this department. You can find these peel-and-stick options at a home improvement stores and cut them to size. Like the temporary wallpaper mentioned above, the tiles are designed to peel away without leaving a residue – or at least nothing that can’t be removed with warm water and mild soap. You can take them with you when you go to use for another project your the next living space.

Tantalizing Textiles. Now that we’ve covered the walls, let’s move on to textiles, which include upholstery on your furniture, window treatments, accent pillow shams and so on. These are all things that can be taken with you when you go and – outside of upholstery – are relatively easy to switch out periodically to keep things interesting from season to season. For example, the walls in this industrial living room were intentionally left white. Therefore, we added a woven textured coffee table, a rich cabernet-upholstered chair and throw pillows with complementary geometric patterns for splashes of color.

Don’t Neglect Your Reflections. Finally, don’t forget the importance of mirrors and/or mirrored furniture. When hung and placed smartly, your mirrors and reflective furnishings will amplify and multiply the color in your space.

How Many Throw Pillows Is Too Many?

September 30, 2018

Yes, in fact, there IS such a thing as too many throw pillows. Some signs that your couch or bed suffers from grandusthrowpillowitis include:

You can’t sit or lay down without a full pillow removal process.
Guests often stand, rather than sit, because they are afraid of ruining your pillow arrangement.
You have a designated cabinet where the pillows live after you remove them…and there’s overflow.

Throw pillows are one of the most versatile accents around, but there is a point where ?? throw pillows is too many.

What Should I Consider When Choosing Throw Pillows for My Home?

When selecting perfect throw pillows for your home, consider the overall color scheme and style of the room. Opt for pillows that complement the existing furniture and decor. Additionally, think about the size and shape that will work best for your space. Don’t forget to consider the level of comfort and the quality of materials used in the pillows.

Do You Suffer From Too Many Throw Pillows? Tips For Reigning it In

Notice I didn’t site a specific number? That’s because there isn’t one. The number of pillows that’s right for your couch or bed is completely determined the size of the furniture, its use and even the set-up of the room it’s in. In some cases, the bed may not have too many pillows, but the pillows may be too many for the room – creating a cluttered look. Here are some guidelines to keep your accent pillow population under control: Be practical. Believe it or not, Houzz actually polled followers and readers regarding how many throw pillows were too many. Of course, the answers varied from none, to as many as you want. But most people seem to think that more than three to six pillows becomes excessive – mainly, because the pillows become impractical at that point. So, rather than choosing a number, think in terms of practicality and furnishing function. If the pillows obstruct a guest’s ability to sit or lay down without a rigmarole, it’s probably time to ix-nay some illow-pays. Can they serve a second purpose? In some cases, a couple of extra throw pillows on a bed make for excellent bolstering if you are a bed reader, TV watcher, journaler or crafter. So, if you’re going to use the pillows on a fairly regular basis, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have an extra one or two looking pretty and at the ready. Consider using 3. There is something about the number three. It’s everywhere in nature and is also visible in art. It’s sort of like a “magic design number.” This is why you often see throw pillows or couch accent pillows in sets of three. On a bed, you may have two that sit side-by-side with the third, extra smaller pillow that sits right in front – centered along the crack made by the first two. On a couch or love seat, this translates to one on each side and a complementary one in the middle. If you are a lover of throw pillows, this may be the perfect arrangement for you – enough to make a visual impact and boost a room’s style, but not so many that they become an inconvenience. What overall impression do they make? Take an objective look at your accent pillow arrangement(s), or have a style-savvy friend come over to lend a constructively critical eye. You may find that eliminating one or too, especially if you’ve gone a little too bold or heavy with colors and patterns, may be just the type of downsizing you need. When staging a home… If you are staging a home for sale or for rent, the accent pillow limits can be thrown out of the window, especially in the bedroom. A nicely proportioned arrangement of throw pillows – even if they are layered – can make a positive impression. Perhaps this is why designers were typically the fan of larger accent pillow limits in the aforementioned Houzz survey; they know what clients like to see. Could your home design benefit from a positively critical eye? Consider consulting with a professional interior designer. A one-hour consultation can provide an amazing array of tips and tricks using what you’ve got to make your home look its very best.

Shelves 101

September 23, 2018

When I first sit down to consult with new clients, I rarely hear, “We just can’t wait to show you what we have planned for the shelving…” Shelves are one of those items that fade into the background of renovating, selecting paint colors or wallpaper, re-designing layouts, flooring, and all the other “big ticket” items. However, shelving is an integral part of most home designs. On one hand, as is the case with open shelves in the kitchen or bookcases in the living room, they are completely functional. On the other hand, their design has a big impact on how all the other parts of your remodel look as a whole. Here are some of the questions you can ask yourself as you consider which type of shelving makes the most sense for each space in your home.

How Can I Make My Shelves Stand Out and be the Focal Point in a Room?

When it comes to making your shelves stand out and become the focal point in a room, there are several tips you can consider. First, choose unique shelving designs that catch the eye, such as floating shelves or asymmetrical arrangements. Second, opt for bold and contrasting colors to create visual interest. Lastly, strategically place decorative items and personal mementos on the shelves to add personality and make them truly shine. With these ideas, your shelving will undoubtedly steal the spotlight in any room.

What Kind of Shelving Are You Looking For?

There are shelves that are required to hold hundreds of pounds worth of items, and there are shelves that are simply decorative in their own right and may only hold a picture or two. Therefore, the shelves’ function will drive the materials and support you need.

Shelves with a job to do. If you are designing shelves that have a job to do, we’ll want to make sure they are sturdy enough to do the job. For example, bookshelves should be anchored via studs and internal structural support elements so they don’t rip out of the sheetrock. If they will house a collection, you’ll want to make sure they include an outer-edge lip, mid-shelf grooves, or other features that make the collection more secure.
Shelves to continue or accent your home’s style. Then, there are shelves that are designed for decorative purposes. Perhaps you want some open shelving in the kitchen to open things up and add a bit of color via displayed dishware. If that’s the case, your shelves will be styled in a way that complements the kitchen cabinetry. You may want to install a shelf in a bathroom, bedroom, or living space to break up an expanse of empty wall. In these scenarios, your shelves may appear similar to the wood trim or other decorative elements in the space.
Shelves add texture and contrast. On the flip side, you may want to use shelves in order to add a bit of texture or contrast. For example, a sleek, modern design might benefit from some rustic, reclaimed lumber shelves that add a little bit of rough-hewn texture and wood grain pattern. Look how these metal and wood shelving units add grounding, earthy elements to an expansive entryway. Maybe you are looking for an easy way to add color to a monochromatic design. Painted shelves are a great way to do this, with the added benefit that you can always change their color or integrate them back into a monochromatic palette with a fresh paint job.
Shelves made from repurposed materials. In this era of eclectic design, even the highest of high-end home renovations are enhanced with repurposed shelving materials. I’ve seen many unexpected materials or gadget converted into clever and eclectic shelves including old wooden ladders, produce crates, or even the body of an old, dysfunctional piano box.
Shelves that help you save space. Finally, you may find yourself in a bind if you live in a smaller home or apartment that doesn’t have much square footage to spare. If this is the case, consider recessing your shelving into the walls. Most interior walls have a good 12-inches of usable space in them. Work with a designer or contractor to determine which areas of the interior wall space could be used for this purpose. It’s a smart way to gain much-needed storage space without using the room’s existing air space.

Don’t just hang, purchase, or build shelves for shelving’s sake. Make sure you do it with a purpose and such that it enhances both the function and form of your design.

Making Spirits Bright With A Beautiful Tree

September 14, 2018

Even if I wasn’t a huge fan of the holiday season, I still think I’d put a Christmas tree in my home and decorate it. In this season where we spend more hours in the dark than the light, there is something so peaceful and inspiring about spending the end of each evening, snuggled up on the couch or in a favorite chair, in front of a beautifully decorated and illuminated tree.

Christmas Tree Decorating 101

Whether this is your first holiday season on your own or you’re simply interested in new tips for designing a Christmas tree that will do your photos justice, the following is a little Christmas (or holiday…) Tree 101 Tutorial that will keep you on track.

Provide a firm foundation

The last thing you want is to put the shining star on top, only to have the entire tree come crashing down…believe me, it happens pretty often. If the tree will be placed on carpet, I recommend getting a large, firm plastic mat or a piece of plywood that is as wide as the widest branches of the tree. This will provide firmer footing for the tree stand.

If you have an artificial tree, do spend time walking all around the edges and adjust branches so they are evenly spaced and positioned. This will help to balance the weight. If you go the live tree route (don’t you love that fresh, pine scent in your home?), then invest in a high-quality stand. The cheap ones are flimsy and they don’t often do a very good job of supporting a medium-large to larger tree.

Make sure you get the tree snug, all the way down to the bottom of the stand. Tighten the clamps enough to securely hold the tree in position. Once the tree is rotated to show off its best branches forward, fill the base with water. After that, I recommend putting in a couple handfuls of ice cubes every other day – or as needed – so you don’t have to crouch uncomfortably and mind the decorations when it’s time to re-water.

Light’s first, then action

If you have a pre-lit, artificial tree, you can skip this step. Otherwise, always put your lights on the tree first, before you add any other decorations. It will drive the kids nuts having to wait patiently as you finish, but the final results will be worth the wait.

The best way to do it is to start at the bottom and work your way out, moving from the inside of the tree to the outside. Make sure each of the major branches is sufficiently lighted. I like to have the lights on while I perform this task so I can keep stepping back and readjusting the lights’ position as necessary. When they’re off, it’s more difficult to tell what the overall effect is. After the lights are in their final position, I turn them off so our household can enjoy our official “Christmas Tree Lighting” arter the last of the decorations is added.

If you haven’t done so already, make this the year that you trade in your old holiday lights for LED versions. Yes, they are pricier but the energy you save and the extra years of shining lights you’ll gain are well worth it.

Unroll the garland

Is your family a garland family? I’ve noticed that some people are and some aren’t. If you are, now’s the time to apply it. If you aren’t, and you have young children, I highly recommend going the old fashioned, plain popcorn and cranberry stringing route. It’s fun, it gets the whole family involved and it looks lovely when added to the tree. The key to keeping your cranberry-popcorn garland from looking too cheesy is to add more cran than pop. You can also add cinnamon sticks, pinecones and other natural fodder to round out the look.

Hang the ornaments

Once it’s time to hang the ornaments, I recommend the following system.

First, hand your very favorite ornaments so they are all guaranteed to have a prime, visible spot on the tree. Balance them out accordingly.
Next, hand the larger ornaments. These ornaments need more space. By hanging them next, you can find all the right “big space” locations so the ornaments fit well. Otherwise, there is quite a bit of ornament re-juggling to be done later in order to make it all look proportional.
Finally, fill in the remaining spaces with your medium and smaller size ornaments.

I can’t tell you how many years I (a professional designer, no less) used to hang ornaments willy-nilly by eye – – and then spent small portions of each day thereafter amending or adjusting. Now that I use the above system, I am typically finished when the last ornament is hung – give or take a few trades here and there.

Make Your Ceiling Pop!

September 11, 2018

Ready to wow your guests (and yourself!) with a bold interior design move? Throw some wallpaper on the ceiling and you’ll be mighty impressed by the results. There are all kinds of ways you can use wallpaper to jazz up your ceiling and provide an unexpected visual treat in a space that is traditionally left alone.

Wallpapering the ceiling can be used in multiple ways. For example:

To add a bold color or pattern that would have overwhelmed the space on the walls.
Highlight an architectural feature or lighting fixture.
Provide visual interest on an expanse of highly visible ceiling (like the lower ceilings in a sloped upper-story bedroom or along the stairwell).
To add texture and pattern that replicates traditional wood moulding motifs.
Make a tall ceiling feel a little closer in order to create a more intimate ambiance.

If you’re feeling adventurous and love DIY projects, then more power to you. Check out these instructions on How to Wallpaper a Ceiling and have at it. Otherwise, we recommend using a professional so the job is done cleanly and efficiently – without the risk of mismatched lines, wrinkles, loose edges and other calamities that can occur during (and after) the wallpapering process.

Here are examples of the many ways wallpapering your ceiling can enhance an interior design. You’ll wonder why you’ve never used it in the past.

Move Over Michelangelo: 5 Great Reasons to Use Wallpaper on Your Ceilings

Be bold – in moderation. There are some super fun and colorful wallpaper prints but they can easily overwhelm a living space. Instead, put them on the ceiling, where they are off the eyes’ beaten path. Then use accents and accessories to tie in the bright colors inherent in the pattern. It would be a special room that could accommodate the large, bright print that became the ceiling of this South Hamptom dining room, but it looks fantastic in its current application.
Highlight existing features. Here’s another dining room that optimized the idea of ceiling paper. The use of white trim detail with a recessed border around the light fixture, combined with a matching shade of wallpaper, sets the stage for any guests who enter to take a seat at the table.
Create a textured look. Texture is an important element of design. Without it, a living space appears flat. While high-quality textured wallpaper is pricey, it’s still more affordable than serious wood work. Therefore, seek out wallpapers with textured patterns that replicate ornate ceiling or panel work, and you’ll get the benefit of a luxurious look and texture for a fraction of the price of the real thing.
Make visible ceiling space more interesting. Every once in a while, there’s an expanse of ceiling space that angles into our visual plane. A little visual detail is always a nice touch and wallpaper can provide just that. I think of upper-story rooms that have sloped ceilings or a low ceiling space that is angled to accommodate a staircase.
Shrink a tall ceiling. More often than not, we talk about light and bright colors on ceilings to open up a space. However, every once in a while, you want to do the opposite. Higher-than average ceilings, typical of older homes, can make a room feel more cavernous than you like. Using darker colors is beneficial in these cases because they shrink the room a bit. Darker and/or patterned wallpaper on the ceiling will make it seem a little closer.