interior

Making Your Home Purrfectly Pet Friendly

December 29, 2017

Pets have always had a special place in the hearts of American families, but the last couple of decades have made life even cushier for our furry friends. From designer clothing lines and memory foam sleeping quarters to purified water dishes and jewelry, modern day pets are living the American dream.

All kidding aside, contemporary home designs often take pets into consideration in an effort to maintain a stylish household while still accommodating four-legged members of the family.

The Contemporary Home: Designing Your Interiors With Pets in Mind

Here are a few ideas for making your home purrfect for furry, feathered and potentially scaly family members.

Enjoy the benefits of indoor/outdoor upholstery. Honestly, if you have kids or pets, the main living areas in your home should always contain furniture with indoor/outdoor upholstery. Put the idea of rough canvas or green fabric with bright rainbow flowers right out of your head. Indoor/outdoor fabrics aren’t just for the patio anymore. The advancement of technology and synthetics has allowed furniture manufacturers to create patterns and prints that look and feel elegant enough to complement any design. They don’t tear as easy, they don’t stain as readily and any spills, accidents or fluid-involved pet shenanigans can be wiped up in a flash.

Built in sleeping and eating quarters. Built-in shelving and storage areas are the norm now in living rooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. These built-ins also make for ideal “pet centers”. If you have the luxury of a large laundry room or mud room, you can include a low, tiled area with a perimeter rim and a drain for dog washing (also handy for rinsing boots, shoes, hands and feet after gardening or wet season outdoor play). You can also build sleeping nooks built to fit a favorite pet bed, slide-out, metal-lined drawers that hold economy sized pet food and a cabinet or two for all the pet accessories. These are all attractive ways to incorporate pet gear into your home without all the clutter.

Kitty walkways and playgrounds. If you’re a cat lover, things can feel cluttered pretty quick. On one hand, your cats need something to keep them distracted from clawing up your favorite furnishings. On the other, those carpet covered cat poles and platforms don’t always mix with the rest of the home decor. Companies like Square Cat Habitat sell designer pet furniture that blends in to a well-designed home. You can also incorporate “barely there” cat walks, stairways, platforms, sleeping lofts and more by using the upper areas of your walls, soffits and ceilings. Check out the colorful cat playground that was blended into these children’s bedroom.

Hard surface flooring. When families are consummate pet owners, I always recommend working with hard surface flooring in all of the main living areas. There are many wonderful products out there for eliminating pet messes, odors and stains from fabric but – no matter what – there always seems like a little residual “memory” lingers. Plus, animals often have “favorite” places to express their accidents and upsets, which can lead to more wear-and-tear on those particular sections of carpet from all the repeat washings. Hard surface flooring is versatile and easy to clean. You can save cushy carpet for formal living rooms, dining rooms or any bedrooms that don’t have regular access. Area rugs can be used to soften things around the house and are more easily washed or traded in for new models when needed.

Simple Ways To Add Charm And Character

December 29, 2017

Even a serial modernist can’t help but acknowledge that older homes have charm and character. There’s something special about architecture from years gone by, not to mention the wood work and unique details that were more common in the everyday homes of the earlier 20^th century and further back along the architectural timeline.

You don’t have to buy a historical home to enjoy living spaces that have charm and character. All you have to do is personalize your own a bit, and throw in a few extra details that make guests take notice and feel more like they’re in a Home.

Here are 9 examples of what I’m talking about:

Re-vamp your foyer. When’s the last time you took a good hard look at your foyer or entryway? A welcome mat and a mirror are not enough to make guests feel welcome, nor will they tell us anything about who lives here. Eliminate clutter, clean things up and then re-vamp your entryway with a few extras that express a little bit about you, your tastes and your interests. Read, The Entryway, to learn more entryway design tips.
Dress up those windows. Sheer curtains are lovely, but they can also be bland. See if your windows couldn’t be framed a little better with curtain panels, or a valance, that highlights your color scheme or adds a bit of texture with its subtle or bold print. You’d be amazed at how different a room’s energy will feel with the right window dressings.
Show off those collections. Are your collections hidden away in boxes or a storage unit? Or are they cluttering up a few squashed shelves in your den? Get your collectibles out into the open using stylish display methods and your living space will be infused with personal charm.
Finish off those unfinished or unused spaces. Do you have a window seat that’s dying to be transformed into a reading nook? Is there are blank corner that could be put to work housing a gorgeous potted plant or tree? Look at those unused or unfinished nooks and niches in your home and get them settled into official “somethings” once and for all. They’ll add character, color and interest to the room.
Trim it up. Wood trim does wonders for living spaces. Take a peek at the trim that adorns your windows and doors, your baseboards or the top of your walls (if there is any). Then, begin perusing the array of moulding and trim out there. It might be time for some replacements or additions. Even the simple addition of a chair rail around your dining room wall, along with a new coat of paint (or a half-wall’s worth), will make it seem like you’ve had a total room remodel.
Change out your light fixtures. Did you move into an already-built home? Unless you’ve done a total remodel, odds are you have a light fixture or two that was chosen for you. If they are the standard versions that came with the home, I’ll bet they are they’re totally boring – and/or not your cup of tea. Get online or out there at flea markets and look for fun, unique or stunning light fixtures that will enhance your interior design and are worth taking the time to look up at.
Is that wood underneath that carpet? Many homeowners take their carpet for granted, and have no idea their older home may have stunning wooden floors underneath the carpet. If the wood underneath is a little beat up and you can’t afford to refinish or replace it, you might think about painting it. Let me begin to count the ways wood flooring trumps carpet: looks, character, resale value, less allergenic, more sanitary, etc. etc. If you are one of those older-home owners whose neglected to learn what lies beneath the carpet, do your homework and find out. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Decorate your ceilings. The ceilings are a much-overlooked piece of the interior design puzzle. In most cases, it’s like a big, blank wall staring at your from above. When clients decide to paint their ceiling, install coffered ceilings, or trim their ceilings with wood or woven fabrics, it adds a tremendous amount personality.
Look for that perfect vintage or antique piece. Find a piece in your home that is boring, out of place and/or made cheaply. Now, your mission is to scour flea markets, antique stores and craigslist for its vintage or antique counterpart. That one swap out will make a difference. Repaint or refinish your replacement if needed, but don’t forget that the right type of wear-and-tear can be quite charming on its own.

Stuck on how to incorporate a little more charm or character in your Bay Area home? Schedule an in-home consultation with what you have and then work from there.

Budget Friendly Tips For Re-Decorating Your Kitchen

December 25, 2017

While a full kitchen remodel might sound nice, the current budget may not accommodate your vision. Does that sound familiar? If so, you’ll appreciate these 10 easy and budget-friendly tips for redecorating your kitchen.

10 Tips to Redecorate Your Kitchen on a Dime (or two…)

Consult with an interior designer. Interior designers are just as happy to be paid for a few hours of design consultation as they are to orchestrate a full remodel. This can be a great tool for running your ideas by a professional as well as gleaning a few ideas and tips.
Switch out your light fixtures. Do you have an outdated suspended light fixture over your dining nook or island? Switch these out for contemporary replacements. You can get stunning light fixtures for pretty cheap and they will update your kitchen in a matter of minutes. It may even be worth it to get a quote from an electrician for wiring pendants, if you don’t already have them. That type of work is typically pretty affordable.
Make-Your-Own island. Rather than paying for a more costly built-in island, you can easily convert an old dresser or table into an island instead. In some ways, this is an even better idea because its position is flexible and it can be moved out when/if needed.
Consider cabinet refacing. Refacing your cabinets is typically half the price of building new ones. Your cabinet boxes will be reinforced and will look brand new when complete.
Pick one thing. Which thing needs to be updated the most? Spend the bulk of your budget on that and use thrifty fixes for everything else. For example, replace your countertops and then repaint your cabinetry and replace the hardware over time. In most cases, the results will be just as good as a full remodel.
Just add paint. A new coat of paint, especially if you select a new and improved color, will go a long way. Typically, a single can will be enough to do the trick since your cabinetry covers the bulk of the wall space. Speaking of cabinets, repainting your cabinets is another way to get a new lease on one of the most significant features in your kitchen. Consider using a two-tone approach for a designer-worthy finish. Try using a darker paint on lower cabinets and a lighter one on the uppers. Or, paint your kitchen island a different color than the perimeter cabinetry.
Do an accessory overhaul. Look around on your counters. Are your accessories in the “20+ Years Old” category? Replace them with high-quality updated versions and donate anything that can be used or repurposed by someone else.
Add open shelving. Contemporary and modern kitchen designs typically incorporate some type of open shelving. It is a clean look and gives you the opportunity to add a splash of color or interest based on what you choose to store there. Have an unused section of blank wall in your kitchen? Give it that fresh coat of paint and then install an open shelf or two.
Remove upper cabinet doors. Like the idea of open shelving? You can remove the cabinet doors on some or all of your upper cabinetry for a completely different style. Fill any screw holes, repaint the boxes, and you’ll have an updated look for a very affordable price.
DIY Fridge integration. Integrated refrigerators are all the rage but involve expensive new cabinet materials. If you’re at all handy, you can do-it-yourself. Check out the instructions (Q. #12) at theoldpaintedcottage.com.

Making Your Porch Scream Autumn

December 21, 2017

Decorating the porch is a great way to welcome any seasonal change. Autumn is a favorite season for many here in the Bay Area since we get to enjoy the best of both worlds – warm, sunny days and crisp, cool nights. Adorning the porch with fall decor is a nice way to get inspired.

7 Ways to Make Your Porch Scream Autumn

Find or make a fall harvest wreath. Wreaths are relatively simple to make. You can Click Here for directions on how to make a simple, fall harvest wreath or Here if you prefer something a little more Spook-tacular. If crafting isn’t your thing or you simply don’t have the time, look online or at your local home furnishings shops for high-quality, seasonal wreaths that can be packed away in between seasons. Do pay more for a better-quality wreath so it can withstand weather fluctuations as well as multiple years’-worth of storage.
Use pumpkins and gourds. If you have smaller children, take the time to purchase and carve pumpkins, and then set them on the porch or line them up along the walkway to show off your family’s talents. Yes, pumpkin carving is a messy business but the fun memories and photo ops are worth it. If you don’t have kids, or prefer a more “upscale” look, select pumpkins in various shades and sizes and arrange them to taste.
Twig pumpkins with LED lights. For a natural twist on the pumpkin theme, check out these Pre-Lit Twig Pumpkins from Balsalm Hill. They’re reusable and enhance your curb appeal by day and by night.
Drape your door with an Autumn Splendor Garland. In truth, and with a little effort, an autumn garland is easy to make on your own using colorful autumn leaves (real or fabric) that you collect on your own. Otherwise, this reasonably-priced version from Plow & Hearth will do the trick – and can be used around your front door, across the top of an entrance gate or along the top of your fireplace mantel.
Update your landscaping. Odds are your summer blooms have long since faded. Deadhead as advised per species to keep perennials in good shape for next season. Remove dead foliage and then plant a few fall annuals that will add autumn color and interest to post and planter beds. Examples that do well in our climate (mostly Zones 14, 15,16, & 17 depending on where you’re at) are mums, asters, violas, and pansies. As long as you’re out there, plant spring-blooming bulbs while you’re at it to proactively plan for next year’s post-winter blooms.
Tuck-away ghosts. If you like to decorate for Halloween, try making a few sweet-faced ghosts using an old sheet or white fabric, newspaper to stuff the head, and twine to tie it off with. A black sharpie or black fabric paint can be used to add black ovals or circles for the eyes and mouth. Suspend tuck-away ghosts from eaves or nearby trees using invisible fishing line. If you feel particularly adventurous, use a pulley system you can activate from inside the front door when it’s time for trick-or-treaters – simply release it to send the ghost swooping across the walkway or porch, then pulling it back up between visitors.
Re-paint your front door. Some of my favorite front door colors – red, burgundy, hunter green and blue – not to mention vibrant yellow or orange – all work well with autumn decor. If your front door needs a pick-me-up, this is a great time to do it. In addition to adding fall interest, it will also help to weather-proof the door for the upcoming winter.

How To Choose And Hang Curtains

December 16, 2017

If it were just a matter of picking a color or pattern, selecting window curtains would be a relatively simple choice. Alas, there is so much more involved to have a clean, finished and stylish look. Choosing curtains that accomplish the intended purpose(s), and look great while doing it, requires a bit more time and effort.

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Tile for My Bathroom?

When selecting bathroom tile, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, choose a tile that is resistant to water and moisture to avoid mold and water damage. Secondly, consider the tile’s durability and longevity, as it should withstand daily wear and tear. Additionally, take into account the tile’s style, color, and texture to create a visually appealing bathroom. Lastly, evaluate your budget to ensure the chosen bathroom tile fits within your financial constraints.

Answer These Questions Before Choosing Curtains

Reviewing the following question and comments can help you along your way. Plus, I’ll throw in a few tips to help your curtains look as good as you pictured them once they are installed. What are the curtains for? If the curtains are purely decorative you have way less to consider than if they are required for privacy or to block the sun at particular times of day.

Decorative: These curtains can be made from just about any fabric and do not require a liner. However, if the curtains will be exposed to a lot of sunlight – like in windows with western or southern exposure – a liner is a worthwhile investment to prevent fading.
Privacy or Darkening. In order to make sure people can’t see into your windows or that the sun is fully blocked, you will need curtains that are heavier in weight and include a liner.
Insulation. If you have older, less-efficient windows or have a room in the house that is particularly drafty or cold, a liner or a special insulation layer will help to keep things more comfortable. In most cases, insulated curtains require custom-orders as they are less common in ready-made panels.

What fabric is best? Often, the answer to this question comes down to your home’s style: traditional, modern, formal or casual. Heavy silks or velvet are thicker and provide a more formal look. They are also ideal for insulating and blocking sunlight. However, these fabrics need to be dry cleaned. If you prefer lower-maintenance option, look for panels made from cotton sateen or rayon blends that can be thrown in the washer and dryer. Cotton and wool blends are versatile. They provide a crisp look that can go more formal or casual, depending on the patterns and colors you select. Keep in mind that curtains are a great way to add texture to a room so think about what texture is least represented in your room’s current design and narrow your fabric choices from there. Color or Not to Color? There are two options with curtains when it comes to color and pattern – to blend or pop. If you choose to blend, peruse colors or patterns that match the wall color, but are just a few shades darker. You can also blend by picking a subtle color from an existing pattern and pulling it out with complementary panels. Popping requires a more bold choice with bright colors or wowing viewers with a stunning pattern – always keeping in mind that brighter colors are more prone to fading. How to measure and hang? The rule of thumb with curtain hanging is that they should just touch the floor or the windowsill, depending on the look you want. If a radiator is in the way, then they should come just above the top of it (being careful to use non-flammable fabrics). Curtains that open should be 2 to 2 ½ times the width of the window, if they are simply used to frame the window then 1 ½ times the window width will be sufficient. Always round your measurements up because curtains can always be hemmed to fit, whereas curtains that are too short in either direction can’t be helped. The curtain rod should be installed just above and just beyond the upper window trim or molding. However, in smaller or shorter rooms, consider mounting them 4- to 6-inches above the molding to add the illusion of height. When in doubt, work with a professional interior designer who can assist you in selecting the best fabric, styles and colors for your design.