living space

History Of The Gingerbread House

December 16, 2019

First, there were your children’s – or your own – simple graham cracker “gingerbread” houses made in boy scouts, girl scouts or other youth group organizations as part of the holiday craft making sessions. Then, you may have created gingerbread patterns yourself one year, baking sheets of house-shaped panels, and hosting a gingerbread house making party for your children’s friends in your own home (Click Here for a recipe, pattern and icing instructions).

The scent of gingerbread baking is certainly a seasonal favorite, and what is better than mixing up a little royal icing, purchasing your favorite candies – both holiday themed and otherwise – and using them to exquisitely adorn an edible decoration? (We say, breaking it all down again after New Year’s and gobbling it all up with your favorite cup of tea…)

For many of us, building and decorating gingerbread houses around the holidays was a first foray into the world of home design – albeit an exterior version.

Before The House, The Root

While the actual craft of artistically decorating gingerbread, and making it into houses, originated in Europe, the heart of gingerbread – the ginger root – is actually a native of Asia. That should come to no surprise for those who enjoy cooking authentic Asian recipes. At some point, most likely via trade routes, the spicy, sweet and aromatic ginger root piqued the interest of palates in other countries.

Initially, the Greeks and Egyptians bought and traded for Asian ginger root, which they baked hard and incorporated into various religious practices and rituals. These traditions continued for thousands of years until about the 11^th century when, as Steven Stellingworth’s The Gingerbread Book tells us, crusaders fond of the flavor brought ginger back with them from the Mediterranean to share them back home in Turkey; this was the beginning of the longstanding tradition of delicious gingerbread – covered with incredible, icing-based artistry.

Gingerbread Became A Favorite Of Medieval Europe Confectioners

Unlike any flavor they had yet to experience, medieval confectioners quickly began incorporating ginger into their bread and cookies. Gingerbread was quickly fashioned into all manner of shapes, most notably flowers, birds, and animals. Armor was also a popular shape, and ladies often gave their favorite knights gifts of gingerbread as a good luck charm. Gingerbread men may also have their origin in this early European life, as single women were known to eat “gingerbread husbands” as a way of helping to attract the real thing into their lives.

We know that Shakespeare was familiar with gingerbread. In his play, “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” Costard remarks, “An I had but one penny in the world, thou shouldst have it to buy ginger-bread…” Gingerbread became a popular ware for street vendors in Germany, who decorated the dark, heart-shaped cookies with sugared messages and designs – almost like those associated with Valentine’s Day heart candies. Only, rather than “be mine,” or, “I’m stuck on you,” German gingerbread cookies said things like, “Du bist einfach super,” which means, “you’re really super,” or, “Alles was ich brauch bist du,” which translates to, “You are all I need.”

From this cookie-based artistry, the gingerbread house was born. In fact, it’s thought that Germans were the original gingerbread house makers, perhaps inspired by the famous Hansel & Gretel fairytale, which was set in Germany’s foreboding Black Forest. If you recall, that delectable house was built by an evil witch – entirely of candy – in an effort to entice poor, lost children into her home, where she baked them into cookies.

Today, gingerbread houses can be as sweet and original as those graham cracker versions I mentioned above, or they can be as grandiose as the ones entered into gingerbread competitions that take place around the world. Visit Newsweek’s coverage of Gingerbread House Day 2019, where you can see unbelievable gingerbread creations – and be inspired to make some of your own.

Organizing And Decorating Your Home Office

December 7, 2019

The home office can easily become the home dumping grounds if you’re not careful. Piles of this and boxes of that get scattered hither and yon, and before you know it you’re typing amidst chaos with nary a space to set a cup of coffee.

Believe me when I say you’ll be much more productive, and will enjoy a lower-stress atmosphere, when you decorate and organize your office in style.

7 Tips for Decorating and Organizing Your Home Office

Keep your home office stylish and organized with some of these simple tips.

Choose the right location. If you have the luxury of a extra office room, lucky you. Most homes, however, incorporate their offices into existing living spaces. Try to find a space that is somewhat our of the way, perhaps under a stairway or in an unused corner in a family or living room space. Many clients are opting to add a home office as part of their kitchen remodel, building it in to the end of a wall or as part of a kitchen peninsula or message center.
Focus on ergonomics. The more you use your home office, the more you will want to focus on ergonomics. Make sure that your desktop and workspace are at a height, angle and position that is healthy for your body. Research is showing more and more how unhealthy the seated-and-working lifestyle is for the human body. Check out OSHA’s eTool regarding Computer Work Stations and then set up your work space accordingly.
Think about color. If you’re home office is situated in another living space, your color combinations may have already been decided for you. In cases where you can repaint and decorate, think carefully about the energy you like to have around you while working before moving forward with color combinations you like. Different colors have different effects on human psyche. If you prefer to work in a more calm and soothing environment, choose blues, greens, whites or more neutral color combinations. If you want a home office environment that has a pick-me-up vibe all on its own, opt for brighter colors like reds, oranges and yellows.
Prioritize organization. As I mentioned above, the home office space – like any office space – can get cluttered pretty quickly. Is your office also going to be the place where the family’s art supply will be stored? Will others be accessing its drawers and cubbies? Think about how the space will be used and what will be stored there. You may find you’ll benefit from custom shelving and storage that will accommodate your needs. Add a few open shelves or cubbies so you have a place to add a few (a few – not a cluttered collection!) sentimental mementos and/or photos.
Define the space. Again, if your office space is located in part of the main house, you’ll want to define the space a bit more. Ideas for doing this include using area rugs to anchor your office furniture or adding an accent wall with a cool wallpaper print that is slightly larger than the outline of your desk and/or shelving or book cases.
Give yourself a little sunshine. If at all possible, make sure your home office space has access to natural light. It’s the best light source for reading, writing and computer work. Don’t have a window or skylight nearby? Consider adding an affordable solar tube. Otherwise, upgrade your lighting plan to prevent tired eyes or a dim and gloomy workspace.

9 Colors That’ll Make Any Room Feel Larger

November 25, 2019

Here in the Bay Area, people get used to living on a smaller scale. Apartments and homes can require ingenuity in order to make them feel spacious. Fortunately, there are “tricks of the design trade” that can make a smaller room appear more spacious. This is typically done with color and furnishing size.

9 Color Choices and Tips To Make a Small Room Feel More Spacious

Today, we’re going to focus on color and how the colors you select can make a room feel larger and more spacious than it actually is. Here are 9 ideas to try in your small rooms.

All white. We’ll start with this one, though it’s often the only choice people think about. White is bright and open, which is one reason why it makes a room feel larger. There is another reason though; an all white room is monochromatic, and monochromatic palettes can make a room seem bigger because they blend the edges and keep it from looking compartmentalized.
Opt cool over warm. If you are thinking about adding color, especially if it’s a darker color, opt for cool shades over warm ones. Warm tones jump out at you. So, if you have warm red, orange or yellow walls, the walls will seem “closer”. Cooler colors, like green, blue and violet will have more of a receding feeling, which opens a room up a bit.
Stiffkey Blue. Want to be a little more daring? Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue is a rich blue color that will take you far from the idea of all white or all neutral palate. Ideal for a living room or bedroom, it creates a soothing ambiance.
Appalachian Brown. This one might surprise you given the fast-held belief that small rooms should always be painted light colors. Benjamin Moore’s Appalachian Brown is a rich, dark hue but it still manages to make the room feel bigger because the color is so saturated, blending a room’s dimensions. Consider using a high-gloss finish for light play and movement, and paint moulding/trim in the same shade with a slightly different finish. Don’t paint them white or it will chop it up and make the room smaller again.
Cut in a white ceiling. If you have a particularly small room and you choose to put color on the walls, cut in a white ceiling which will help to raise it a bit and give a sense of extra space.
Horizon. Benjamin Moore’s Horizon reminds us of a beach sky when the sun is hidden by the clouds. It will work with any of your furnishings and accents. The muted gray looks almost white until you put it on the walls where the softest blue peeks out.
Select smaller furnishings. You don’t have to go miniature here, but smaller (always comfortable, though!) furnishings will be more proportioned to the room, making it feel larger. Consider a love seat and svelte arm chair rather than a sectional or oversized sofa.
Curry Yellow. We mentioned yellow as a warm color, and typically it is. However, you can also find cooler shades that will make your room appear larger while still feeling much warmer than the all-white option. Porter Paint’s Fresh Curry is a good yellow option.
Shades of Spring. This is a two-for-one tip. Look out your windows and take palette cues from there. Using a shade from the outdoors will connect your interior with the exterior, making it seem larger. Benjamin Moore’s Shades of Spring is a lovely green to consider.

What Color Says About You

November 25, 2019

Talking about favorite colors can feel like a rather empty, “getting to know you” type topic that doesn’t hold much weight. During the younger years, little girls often hold staunchly to pink while boys may advocate for blue. As they age, children will often use colors as if they were a weapon – sticking staunchly to an all-black wardrobe and make-up palette, for example. Over time, however, the colors we gravitate to really do have more meaning than we may think.

They may reflect a personality type or energetic vibration that characterizes who you are. Or, on the flip side, they may be a signal for the type of energy you need more of in your life. Of course, there is always the possibility that you simply like a color because you like it – plain and simple.

What Do Colors Say About You and Your Life?

It probably doesn’t surprise you to learn that, as a professional interior designer, my clients’ favorite colors are an important piece of information. I use their color preferences – and their functional remodeling desires – to help select the design and décor that will best suit their taste and lifestyle.

Here are some general psychological associations that are made between a person’s favorite colors – and what that says about them:

Red is a color of energy and tenacity

Red has long been a high-energy color associated with power. Wear a red dress, shirt, sweater or jacket into a room and you know you are going to be noticed. Therefore, those who choose red are often seen as self-confident too. Those who gravitate towards red as a favorite or preferred color are often tenacious and determined when it comes to work, life and goals.

Orange is fun, energetic and prone to clutter

Those who love orange tend to be lovers of life – and that includes lots of fun and socializing. While others may seem them as being a little too playful (bordering on flaky or irresponsible), those who like orange can be very hardworking as long as they’re interested in the task at hand or the work applies to their own interests and/or benefits. Those who like orange can be prone to clutter.

Yellow people are magnetic and engaged

People who like yellow are relatively optimistic and like to infuse the people and things around them with positive energy. They enjoy learning, as well as sharing their knowledge and experience with others. They are typically viewed as being cheerful.

Green is a color for those who are frank and down to earth

Those who prefer the color green are usually affectionate and loyal, and they also tell it like it is. They care about the impression they make on others and value their reputation.

Blue is associated with stability, organization and emotional depth

People who like the color blue tend to be sensitive and appreciate stability and grounding in their lives. They are reliable and care about the emotional well-being of others. They like things to be clean and organized.

Purple denotes with creativity as well as royalty

Purple has long been associated with royalty, and perhaps that is how it became linked with a certain level of arrogance as well. However, those who gravitate towards the color purple tend to be artistic and creative as well as sensitive. They have a great deal of respect for those they care about.

Brown is a color associated with steadfastness and humility

I will be honest and say that I haven’t met all that many people who claim their favorite color is brown. That being said, a notable percentage of my clients seem to gravitate towards neutral, brown hues when decorating their homes. When it comes to personality types, people who like the color brown tend to be humble and don’t like flashy or gaudy fashion or décor. They are known for being loyal and dependable and – like those who prefer blue – they like stability in their life.

Black is associated with sensitivity and artistry

On the outside, black can seem foreboding, uninviting and even scary. In fact, those who like black colors and accents tend to be very sensitive and artistic. Perhaps the image it presents helps them to mask their vulnerability and the tenderness within. While those who own predominantly black wardrobes are often seen as introverts, they are usually just more guarded and prefer to share intimate details of their life with people they trust.

So, what are your favorite colors? Do you find this general color analogy resonates with you?

A Splash Of Black

November 15, 2019

For many DIY designers, the color black is daunting. While it works easily in very modern designs, it can be trickier to implement in a traditional or transitional interior designs when the homeowner is one that prefers color. I find, however, that adding a splash of black here and there adds contrast, depth and sophistication in just about any room.

Adding Black to Your Interior Living Spaces

Here are some ideas on how you can add black in a way that makes a statement, but doesn’t steal the show or detract from lighter and brighter colors, or from a softer and more delicate style:

A Table. How about adding a black table to the room. A black dining room table provides a blank slate for table runners, centerpieces and striking table settings. However, the dining room chairs will prevent it from being overwhelming. Black is also a good choice for coffee tables or end tables. In many cases, rather than standing out, black tables actually fade into the background because of black’s ability to minimize a profile.

The Kitchen Island. I love the way it looks when homeowners decide choose black or another dark color for their kitchen island. Not only does it provide contrast in a space where walls of monochromatic cabinetry can be boring, it can help small kitchens to feel a bit larger because the black cabinet base almost disappears, leaving the illusion of a floating island countertop.

Coffered Ceiling Recesses. Coffered ceilings are a gorgeous addition to almost any room. Not only do they add interest and draw the eye upwards, they also help to make small room seem larger and short rooms to feel taller. Painting the recessed panels black will dramatize this effect.

Paint the Trim. Do you have a picture window – or a series of windows – that frame a desirable landscape scene? Painting the window trim black will showcase the outdoor scenery. If you like the effect, consider painting the baseboards, door trim and crown molding black as well – talk about defining a space. Plus, although black is a dramatic color – it’s a neutral color – and should blend with just about any color scheme in the room.

Paint the Back of Your Bookcases. Do you use your bookcases for more than just a book house? Book cases and shelving offer a space to display collections and collectibles. Painting the back of the bookcase black is like dropping a black velvet curtain behind your belongings, which will make them stand out even more.

Use Black Flooring. Just as a black dining room table, or black bookcase backs, highlight the items displayed against them, black floors do the same. For example, I enjoy the contrast created when a traditional, white farmhouse kitchen design lives on a black slate floor. Live in an older, bay area home with beat up floors? Consider painting them black and watch as your furnishings gain new life and definition.

Invest in Art. There are two ways you can use black when it comes to art. The first, like the bookcase and flooring ideas above, is to paint an accent wall black and then show off your favorite canvases. That’s what we did in this metropolitan condo and you can see how black highlights, rather than detracts, from the art on the walls. Or, you can invest in a piece of art that features black, like the striking this San Francisco living room design.

Don’t be afraid of black. Instead, learn how to embrace the sophisticated ways it can dress up and enhance your interior design.