professional interior designer

Choosing The Perfect Kitchen Backsplash

March 25, 2019

They’re easy to admire in photos, but can be infuriating to design on your own.

Backsplashes are more than just an extra layer of protection for your kitchen walls. They are also the means for some serious design impact. Color, mosaic work, continual expanses of natural stone – whatever your tastes, choosing a backsplash for a kitchen remodel should not be a last minute decision.

Standard Backsplash or The Whole Shebang? What Makes the Most Sense?

One of the decisions you’ll have to make in regards to your kitchen backsplash is whether or not you should tile the entire wall or go with a standard height version. Typically, a “standard” backsplash is about 4-inches high, although you are free to go a little higher. Often, clients who opt for this style will use 6-inch or 8-inch high options, so keep those heights in mind when reading “standard” or “partial” in the considerations listed below.

There are a few considerations that come into play when choosing a full or partial backsplash for your kitchen remodel:

Budget. Not surprisingly, the more materials you use in a remodel, the higher the price tag. Thus, a full backsplash will cost more than a partial version. If you have splurged on your cabinet and countertop materials and want to save a little, choosing a partial backsplash will help, especially if you want to match your backsplash to expensive countertop materials. You can meet a little in the middle by putting a full backsplash in a section or two and leaving the rest at standard height (more on that below).

Aesthetics. What look at your going for? If you have a formal kitchen design or a very modern kitchen design, a full backsplash might be the best look for your overall presentation. It creates a very regal and clean aesthetic, streamlining the finished design.

Kitchen wear and tear. How much do you use your kitchen? Who uses the kitchen and what’s their cooking style? If you have a busy kitchen, filled with boisterous chefs and/or assistants who aren’t always careful about where the sauces, dishwater, pot splatter, etc., lands, a full backsplash might be in order – particularly behind the stovetop. You will appreciate cleaning last night’s dried marinara sauce off of a smooth tile surface rather than a textured wall surface. Plus, you’ll mitigate potential long-term damage to the wall, which may eventually need to be resurfaced or replaced if cumulative damage causes dents or a cave-in.

You can have both! Keep in mind that you don’t have to pick one or the other. In some households, full backsplash areas are installed behind the stove, sink, or any major food prep areas where food or liquids are more likely to infiltrate the permeable wall surface. The remainder of the kitchen can have a standard backsplash height.

How often do you change your color palette? This can be an important factor. If you are someone who really enjoys changing your interior color scheme every few years or so, I recommend going with a standard backsplash height. That will allow you the freedom to paint, paper, stencil, or generally get creative on the wall space between the countertop and upper cabinetry. This is much, much simpler, not to mention more cost-efficient, than ripping out and reinstalling new tile work. It is also preferable to living with tile work you wish you could change.

Working with a professional interior designer ensures you think about every aspect of your interior design – even the seemingly insignificant details – so you can enjoy a completed remodel that balances function and aesthetics for your household.

What are we talking about? Kitchen backsplashes, of course. The more interesting, dynamic, and complex you want the backsplash to be, the trickier it is to design. So, what’s the best way to choose a backsplash that fits your kitchen design?

5 Tips For Designing Your Kitchen Backsplash

Believe it or not, the main point of the backsplash is to protect the less-durable drywall beneath from the water, steam, grease, and general food splatter that abounds in the kitchen space. Its secondary role is where the real challenge lies.

Do you want it to blend in with the design? Or do you want it to make a statement? Is it a standalone feature? Or do you want it to transition the color/style differences between the countertop and cabinetry?

Use the following questions to help guide your way through the seemingly endless options available in the backsplash department.

Full or partial backsplash? One of the first things you’ll need to decide is whether you want a full or partial backsplash. If you’re on a budget, partial backsplashes may be the best way to go – especially if you’re splurging on granite or higher-dollar countertop. Standard backsplashes are typically around 4- 4.5-inches above the countertop, although you can add extra inches to that. If you can afford it, I recommend going with a full backsplash because it yields a cleaner and more luxurious look. It is also more popular with future homebuyers.
Blend or Pop? What effect do you want your backsplash to have? Should it blend in with its surroundings or pop? If you’re aiming for a timeless design, plan to sell your home in the next few years, or are someone who likes to redecorate frequently, I recommend choosing something that blends. You can still work with fun or different layouts to create a bit of interest, but you won’t be stuck with something that is so stylized that it falls out of style anytime soon. If you want the backsplash to pop, look for pre-made mosaic strips or patterns that are easy to install but can be matched to your countertop.
What Material is Your Countertop? Your countertop material may be the deciding factor in the type of backsplash you select. For example, if you’ve selected a bold granite or quartz slab, you may find it’s best to either continue that material up the wall or choose a matching, monochromatic backsplash. Trying to coordinate a patterned or multi-color backsplash that matches a bold countertop pattern is nearly impossible. Then again, if you’ve chosen a very understated stone slab, it’s much easier to select stylized or multi-colored backsplash tiles that work.
Are You Using the Backsplash as a Transition? Are you using a mix-and-match motif, rather than a single color? These days, many homeowners opt to have multiple cabinet finishes. If your upper-cabinets are a different color than your lower ones, the backsplash should ease the visual transition. You can choose a color the finds the middle-ground between the two finishes, or you can choose a multi-color pattern or layout that incorporates both colors and also blends with the other kitchen finishes.
Which Material Makes the Most Sense? Again, this will be decided by your budget as well as your countertop material. In most cases, clients with granite, marble, or Corian opt to continue the same pattern through to the backsplash for continuity’s sake – although not always. The most popular backsplash choices are:
–Ceramic/porcelain tile. They are affordable and come in an incredible array of options, but the grout can be problematic so keep that in mind.
–Glass tiles. These can add a lively, luminous quality to the backsplash. Make sure your installer knows what he’s doing, however, as the adhesive is visible through the tiles.
–Metal tiles. Metal accents are increasingly popular because, in addition to being durable, they have a fun, reflective quality.

Working with a professional kitchen designer is a smart way to choose a backsplash that will enhance your kitchen design, and add a little extra via texture, color, or pattern.

9 Feature Wall Tips

March 19, 2019

Looking for simple, spring spruce-up tips? In just a few hours, you can transform a blah and boring wall into a design focal point. Here are some simple examples to use as a reference.

Create a Feature Wall in Just a Few Hours

Change the paint color. A new coat of paint may be all you need to make a wall pop. Accent walls are often thought of as bold or bright. However, even subtle changes can be enough to make an impact. See your room through the eyes of a paint palette and choose a color accordingly. Analogous colors are a wise choice since they are different from the root color but not so strikingly different as contrasting colors.
Paint a half wall. If you want something a little different than the traditional accent wall, consider painting a half wall. This trick is smart in smaller apartments or cottages. Using a darker color on the bottom and a lighter one on top will add the pop you want without making the room seem smaller than it is.
Display a collection. Do you have a prized collection? Maybe it’s time to get it off of shelves (or out of boxes) and onto an empty wall. Depending on what it is you collect, you can use shelves, frames or shadow boxes.
Add texture with trim. Texture is a vital part of interior design – and a part that is often overlooked. One way to add texture as well as an upscale finish is to add trim to an otherwise straightforward wall. Check out this craftsman-style entry and living room. Now, imagine it without the beautiful trim pieces. It would look dramatically different.
Create a gallery wall. Get out that shoebox of pictures – or start printing the favorites from your digital collection and create a gallery wall. There are all kinds of ways to cohesively display photos of varying sizes.
Wallpaper it. Don’t forget the power of wallpaper. For many, it’s easier to deal with than paint (clean first but no need to primer…) and there are so many great patterns to choose from. You can take advantage of the ‘half-wall’ idea, by papering half and applying a nice chair-rail trim piece to finish the transition.
Make the most of your fireplace. Are you getting all you can from your fireplace? Here in the Bay Area, fireplaces are used more for accent than for warmth, so it’s important to make the most of it. Using a new paint color above the mantel can give the fireplace wall new life. Then, prioritize the mantel and create a beautiful and/or interesting place to rest the eyes.
Paint or stencil. If you’re an artist, now’s the time to explore your creative side and conjure up a masterpiece to give a wall a facelift. If you aren’t much of an artist, look into stencils. Even the simplest of patterns will transform a wall from normal to absolutely stunning. It’s easier than you think and yet it’s rarely done.
Reflect and shine. Mirrors are a wonderful way to accent your interior design, which is reflected back in duplicate. They also help to increase illumination in an otherwise dim room and can make a small room seem larger. Perhaps it’s time to look for a single, stunning mirror – or create a gallery-type mirrored display. It will dress up a blank wall while providing additional design boost as well.

Creating a feature wall is a simple way to give a room a facelift without having to start over from scratch.

Every Home Office Needs A Desk!

March 14, 2019

The most important features of a home office desk and chair are comfort and productivity. But, of course, style comes into play as well. This is especially true in many contemporary home designs, where the home office is incorporated into an open floor plan, rather than a room unto itself.

How to Choose the Right Desk For Your Home Office

In the former scenario, you need something that is comfortable and functional, but that also jives with the rest of the interior design. In the latter case, you may have more freedom in terms of style, assuming you’re the only one who uses the office.

In any case, here are steps for choosing a desk that allows you to work comfortably while still looking great when the office is “closed.”

Measure the space. Don’t rely on spatial memory when you head out to shop for office furniture. Even the sleekest and streamlined desk designs can surprise you with their bulk once you’ve set them in place. Instead, get out the tape measure and start figuring out the room’s dimensions. If the room is empty, you’ll have to work out where all of the furniture will go. If you’re simply purchasing a new desk, throw a towel or blanket on the floor to mimic the surface area the desk will take up. This will give you a better idea of the maximum width and depth dimensions that makes sense for the room.
Be realistic about the time spent working. What’s the desk going to be for? If your home office is really more of a space where you check email and social media updates or perhaps pay a few bills, comfort is not as much of a necessity. If, however, you work more than a few hours or more per day, comfort and ergonomics are your first priority and style should be secondary.
Who else uses the space? Again, if you are the only one who uses the desk, yours are the only needs that matter. If you and your partner or the whole family will be using the space – it needs to be a more holistic fit. Think about the types of equipment and gadgets that require space, pens/pencils, arts and crafts materials, basic office supplies…how will all of these configure in the picture? You may realize you need more or less drawer/cabinet space than you thought.
Is it in the main living area? The wonderful thing about open floor plans is that they create one, large space – ideal for entertaining and hanging out as a family. The bad thing is that there’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. If your home office is going to be an addition to your open floor plan, look for desks that make sense with the visible furnishings. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel anytime soon, consider building your home office desk into the kitchen area, a great way to make it cohesive because it inherently blends with the kitchen cabinetry and décor. If a remodel isn’t in the works but you have a little room in the budget – and the floor plan – see if there’s a way to incorporate a built-in office space between the kitchen and family or living room areas.
Does it fit your body? Shopping for desks is like shopping for a mattress. You can sit at it (or lie on it) for several minutes in a store and it feels great, then the discomfort sets in after you’re home. Be conscious of your body size – height, width, and leg length – to ensure the desk will fit you well. If you aren’t averse to a modern look, consider home office desks with standing work options. If you don’t like that look, companies such as Varidesk offer desktop “standing work station” options that are well worth the investment if you work at a desk for hours at a time.

Stripes

March 13, 2019

Stripes add pattern, depth and interest to an interior design but when used incorrectly, they can be overkill, crooked or just plain unattractive. In truth, using stripes in interior design isn’t all that different from using stripes in the fashion world. Color, direction and width have a significant impact on how those stripes express themselves on their host.

Tips for Using Stripes to Energize Your Interior Design

With that in mind let’s talk about a few things to consider when using stripes in your interior spaces as well as a few tips on how to use them to their best advantage.

Know the effect your stripes will have. There is no doubt about it, your stripes are bound to cause a shake up of your interior space’s energy. Unless you go for a monochromatic palette with a very slight shade variation between stripes (common in a bedroom or formal living room space) your striped pattern will be energetic. This isn’t a bad thing, but it need to be considered. If you like the idea of stripes but aren’t sure how bold a statement you want to make, consider stripes using very subtle colors or use colors that are analogous on the color wheel, as the more subtle the shade variance, the more calm the overall effect will be.

Which direction should the stripes go? In some cases, you’ll be able to intuit whether or not a space will look better with vertical or horizontal stripes. In others, you may be stuck on the decision. Keep in mind that vertical stripes – especially in narrow widths – make a room seem taller and draw the eye upwards. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, make a room appear wider and more spacious. Knowing which effect will enhance your room’s decor should determine which stripe direction is best.

Walls versus furnishings. Here’s a good one. If you’ve never worked with stripes in your interior before, I highly recommend you start with furnishings and see what you think before moving on to the walls. Not surprisingly, stripes on the walls – whether painted or papered – are a much bigger time and energy investment. A couch, chair, window treatments, art and other furnishings are much easier to re-sell, reupholster or simply give away or donate if you determine stripes aren’t for you after all.

Stripes on the walls. If you do opt for stripes on the walls, you will have two choices: paint or paper. In either case, I highly recommend you enlist the assistance of a professional unless you are practically a professional painter or wallpaper installer in your own right. I say this because there is one thing that ruins the effect of stylish stripes – when they’re crooked!

It’s not easy to get striped wallpaper to lay straight on your wall – and often, you will learn that it’s your walls that aren’t exactly plumb, making wallpaper application an even greater challenge. Similarly, tracing and taping perfectly straight lines and then painting meticulously enough to keep them smudge free is no easy feat. If stripes are going to be a more permanent feature in your life, I say go professional and make sure they’re done right the first time around.

Don’t be afraid to layer stripes and patterns. I think stripes make a great foundation for pattern layering. You have two colors to work with and now you can start looking for other patterns and textiles that share similar color families or contrast completely, adding further depth and interest to your interior landscape.

Your Walls: Colorful Or Neutral

March 8, 2019

Deciding on which color(s) to paint your walls is no easy feat. Some design blogs advocate bold and bright splashes of color while others preach about neutral canvases upon which you can “splash” color around using textiles, furnishings and other (less permanent) accents.

So which design theory is the right one for you?

3 Questions to Sort Out Whether Your Walls Should Be Colorful or Neutral

As with any questions pertaining to interior design, the answer varies from household to household – based on things like budget, lifestyle, long-term goals, and so on. Working through the following 3 questions can help you determine which route makes the most sense for your ultimate vision.

What is your remodeling budget?

Painting walls requires time, energy and money. How much of each of those depends on things like how many colors you use in a room, whether or not you use the same color for the ceilings or not, quantity of wood trim, etc. etc.

If you have the luxury of a larger budget, changing paint colors every two or three years is not nearly as much of a concern as it is for someone on a smaller budget. Similarly, a larger painting budget will allow you to get more creative with different colors for the walls, ceilings and trim – even if you’re just talking about a different shade within the same hue.

Those on a smaller budget may be better off going the neutral route, as this will last you longer – preventing you from the expense of changing the colors as trends and preferences change.

How Long Will You Be in Your Home?

If you plan on staying in the same home for at least another five or ten years, personalization is no big deal. Go on and paint your dining room a scarlet red, or create a warm family room atmosphere with fiery oranges and yellows.

By the same token, if you think you’ll be moving soon and are concerned about resale value, neutral colors may be the best option. Repainting walls for a more universal and neutral color palate is the last thing you want to be dealing with as your gearing up for all that is required for packing and moving.

If you are a renter, rather than a homeowner, I also caution you to err on the side of neutral. I’ve seen renters that have grand plans to “repaint everything back to white,” which is a lofty but unrealistic goal when you actually give your 30-days’ notice down the road. Better to keep the walls a neutral color and then use your own art and/or more temporary wall décor options to pick up the color slack.

How Important is Color to You?

If you were aghast reading my advice regarding neutral walls and temporary color via accents – it might mean color is essential to your well-being. Some of us do better than others with white or neutral walls. Even so, there are plenty of ways to gain the color, pattern and interest you want without having to invest in a brand new interior paint scheme.

Feature walls pack a powerful punch. If you’re someone who likes to change colors with the seasons, is a renter, or knows your home will be going on the market sooner rather than later, implementing feature walls is the way to go. Not only will you benefit from the colors you love most, you’ll also find it much easier to paint back to neutral when the time is right – – we’re talking 25% of the labor/investment, assuming you painted a feature wall in every room.