Interior Design Blog

How to Add a Spark of Magic to Your Space

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:32:18 GMT

What is it about an interior space that makes it feel almost perfect? You know the one…warm, engaging, atmospheric…with wonderful depth and dimension. Of course the layout, architectural details and elements of décor all play a key roll. But the crown jewel may very well be the lighting. Different degrees of illumination across a space not only create a sense of magic and enchantment, but they can help the room function better as well. When designing your interior space, think about how to create layers of light. For example, recessed lights in the ceiling are unimposing but highly impactful for general illumination. Add another level of lighting like a chandelier or pendant light for a specific function such as dining or food preparation. Then round out the plan with pools of light that accent certain decorative features like a glass curio cabinet or a work of art. Together, these elements of light will add a spark of magic to your space and make it one of the favorite rooms in your home. Click here for more on lighting.

The Best Interior Window Treatment

Mon, 07 May 2012 14:11:18 GMT

How do you select the best interior window treatment for your space? These tips will help.

A Welcoming Entry

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:18:03 GMT

I love light-filled spaces, so this entry way photo caught my eye. The glass doorway is unusual and striking with its beautiful, graphic lines and clear view out onto the courtyard. A restrained decorative approach works well in this narrow space. It enhances the modern architectural aesthetic. Even so, the designer has included some key features that repeat the lines in the doorway – a side table to offer a welcoming display, as well as an upholstered bench to comfortably slip off your shoes or just rest a moment and take in the calm atmosphere. And what can I say about that skylight? It’s just brilliant! Photo Credit: Dream Walls Glass

Repetition is the Key

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:04:07 GMT

A great technique for bringing a sense of cohesiveness to your interior design project is to repeat a specific element throughout your space. This small dining room is a great example of the technique. A repetition of circular forms is clear - from the chandelier and wall art down to the very details of the table top. This rhythm softens and offsets the strong vertical lines created by the glass doorways. Even though the décor items are different from each other in many ways (color, texture, etc.), a visual kinship is formed through their related shape. This helps to create a cohesive and stunning display. Photo Credit: Architectural Digest

Using Contrast to Create a Winning Interior

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:55:22 GMT

Using deep, dark color in a space can really make an impactful statement. One of the keys to a successful completion of this approach is the element of contrast. While too much of one color tone can start to feel overwhelming, breaking things up with a contrasting hue allows elements to stand out from the background. This creates more definition within the space and adds an element of sophistication to your design. In this beautiful living room, light-colored fabrics pop against the dark blue wall paint. The overall palette is tightly controlled with lots of white to balance the deep intensity of the blue. A patterned area rug and pillow counterbalance the many solid-color surfaces while simultaneously bringing together the two main hues in the scheme. Photo Credit: Bassett Furniture

Accenting with Light

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 12:45:01 GMT

As is also the case with a lovely photograph or painting, light plays a crucial role in the perception of an interior space. Accent or decorative lighting is one of the three key lighting types and its impact should not be underestimated. In the scenario pictured here, buffet lights are positioned to enhance a beautifully balanced vignette. The small lights play a tertiary role to the main lighting in the space, but their effect is crucial to adding depth and mood to the room. Layering multiple types of lighting is always the best way to go, and these stylish, little torches are doing their part. Photo Credit: Glidden

The Perfect Kitchen?

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:05:50 GMT

When space is at a premium, you can still have a kitchen that meets your needs in style. Take this one by Wood-Mode, for example. The kitchen has been tucked into the corner of an open floor plan. The u-shaped layout and choice of design elements result in a compact but stylish food prep area with all the necessities, abundant storage and even space for friends to pull up a bar stool and enjoy your best cuisine. The minimal use of overhead cabinetry, translucent cabinet doors, light wood finish and stainless accents give the impression of an airy openness to the design that allows the stone-clad back wall to star as a focal point. Perhaps best of all, the host doing double duty as the cook will love being able to stay easily connected with what’s happening in the adjacent living area. Could this be the perfect kitchen? Photo Credit: Wood-Mode

Tips for Enhancing a Small Space

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:01 GMT

So you have a living space that is not very big and it just so happens that your budget isn’t either. A hopeless situation, right? Not exactly. There are a couple of things you can do fairly quickly to improve the situation without resorting to a massive renovation. Start by choosing the right color scheme. Generally, the higher the contrast of color in a space, the closer objects will feel. So think low-contrast and calm things down with a harmonious color scheme with hues that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Select a variety of textures for the different textile and object finishes you will incorporate in your scheme. This will keep things interesting. Once your low-contrast color palette is established, accessorize with some reflective items. A mirrored nightstand, a decorative wall mirror…items like these will reflect light and give the illusion of additional adjacent space. It’s a tried-and-true trick of the trade. And it doesn’t hurt that a sprinkling of these features will add a degree of glamor. In the end…while the results may not feel enormously larger, you will probably find yourself breathing a bit easier in a space that’s much more chic than it was before. For more tips on enhancing a small space visit my page here.

An English Countryside Interior

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:16:46 GMT

I became interested in interior design at a very young age after reading some magazines my mother had ordered. While working in England as a secretary,

Cottage Chic

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:43:31 GMT

Check out this fun space by Dering Hall. The clean, cottage dining room pops with some amazing color and texture. An eclectic arrangement of décor softens the white crispness and creates a sense of casual coziness. Note how the dining table has a mid-century modern edge but still blends beautifully with the more rustic elements in the space. It’s a red, white and blue extravaganza! Photo Credit: Dering Hall

Now That’s A Mirror!

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:23:38 GMT

A mirror doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. Sure, it’s handy for checking the status of your mug in the morning, but it can also be a great design feature in your home. A mirror can make a space feel larger because it reflects light and acts as a virtual window to what feels like an adjacent, open space. Created in many shapes and sizes, mirrors run the gamut from rectangle to round to star-shaped. But occasionally you may find one that is a real stand-out as an artistic element. This hefty reflector caught my attention because it is both beautiful and strongly architectural. It commands the attention of this space and then accepts it with a stately elegance. Photo Credit: Restoration Hardware

A Holiday Touch in Your Bedroom

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:36:06 GMT

As you begin to decorate for the holidays, don’t forget to add a festive touch to your bedroom. This is often an overlooked space because the focus tends to be on the more common areas of the home like the kitchen, living and dining rooms. In the bedroom example seen here, the designer has incorporated hints of the holidays without overwhelming the space. Crisp white sheets, botanical prints and berry-red bedding recall the imagery of a winter forest. A large glass vase on the nightstand is filled with ice-like ornaments and a bouquet of greens that pick up on the theme of the bedding while adding a subtle festive touch. The French doors have been adorned, each with a small wreath held by a simple gold ribbon – an illustration of how just a few simple items can change the whole character of a space. When the parties are over and the guests have gone home retreat to your own private space that is a reflection of the warmth the season brings. Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

Great Holiday Decor Ideas for a Festive Interior

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:33:01 GMT

Make your home warm and inviting this season. Here are ten holiday decor ideas that are sure to add some comfort and joy.

The Painted Kitchen

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:28:56 GMT

This kitchen caught my eye with its muted green palette and pops of orange. It’s a refreshing alternative to the typical white or wood tones that, though nice, have for so long been standard fare in kitchen design. The style of cabinetry has a traditional aspect to it, but the fabric-free windows, color scheme and the clean lines of the open cupboards give the space an exciting, contemporary feel. The floor runner brings all the colors together perfectly and may very well have been the inspiration for the scheme to begin with. The bookcase wall is a nice touch as well. This space actually reminds me of a relaxing coffee shop. And why not? The kitchen is probably the most lived-in space of today’s home. Making it a comfortable, practical and beautiful place should be the goal of every designer. Photo Credit: Traditional Home

Patterns Galore

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:16:13 GMT

The prospect of combining a variety of patterns in a space leaves many do-it-yourselfers cold. But a palette of patterns is what makes a space interesting. The key is to make them work together harmoniously. You do this by varying the type and scale of the patterns you incorporate in your space. This beautiful room by Stroheim illustrates a proper combination of patterns. An airy floral motif is repeated in the wallpaper pattern used above the chair rail. Below the chair rail is a denser-looking, wide geometric stripe. The chair upholstery features a stripe as well, but notice how this stripe pattern is much smaller and tighter in appearance when compared to the larger stripe on the wall? The carpet, though textured, essentially reads as a solid. Because each pattern is varied in scale from the others (and also part of a coordinated color palette), the overall appearance looks ordered and put together. This is the key to successfully mixing patterns. Photo Credit: Stroheim

Designing a Modern Living Space

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:38:35 GMT

The modern decorating aesthetic offers a forward looking approach to interior design. Because it is very tailored and pared down to its essential structural elements, modern style sometimes gets a bad rap for feeling harsh or cold. But with the careful injection of texture and the skillful use of color, a modern space can be very cutting-edge while conveying a wonderful degree of serenity. So, what are the best spaces for modern design? Really any space can benefit from some degree of modernism, whether it is a furniture item or a work of art. Some of the most stylish spaces I’ve seen are traditional ones that include a few modern pieces. The blending of past and present seems to give the space a noticeable freshness and unique sense of character. Naturally, when it comes to the full blown modern aesthetic it’s good to take a cue from the architecture of the building or space to be designed. Modern design style is a natural for an urban loft, for example. The industrial vibe of steel beams, glass, brick and concrete call for a pared down and edgier approach to decorating. The space pictured here is a great example of how this is done. It features decorative elements that are based on fundamental, geometric shapes. The furniture is minimal and streamlined - echoing the strong lines in the architecture. The large, smooth surfaces have been counterbalanced with a strategic use of texture in the form of a plush area rug, some fuzzy pillows and a floral display on the coffee table. These elements along with a touch of color soften the overall look of the space. The result is a peaceful, sunlit room that is firmly planted in the 21st century. Photo Credit: Crate & Barrel

An Interior Design Color Scheme That's Totally You

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:43:39 GMT

Creating your own interior design color scheme can be exciting and sometimes challenging. Understanding these color scheme fundamentals can give you the edge you need for success...

Hello Settee!

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:40:09 GMT

What do you do when you need something more substantial than a bench but not as chunky as a standard sofa? Try a settee! It’s the perfect piece for the foyer, entry hall or really any room in your home where light, elegant seating is needed. This particular example caught my eye because of its classically inspired details. The regal embellishments and distressed finish give it the look of a Swedish antique, perfect for a formal space or as a complement to neoclassical architecture. Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Accenting With Wallpaper

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:12:02 GMT

Defining architectural detail in your space that sings in harmony with your chosen color scheme is a great way to create the kind of visual texture that will make your space extraordinary. But what if your space doesn’t have any architectural interest? How do you take that boring square box and ratchet it up a notch on the design scale? One way to accomplish it is through the use of wallpaper. It’s come a long way from the days when it often gave the impression of being a holdover from a bygone era. Today, designer wallpaper is making a splash in the world of interior design with stunning color ways, patterns and textures. Choosing a high-end wallpaper pattern for an accent wall in your space can add visual drama to your space while avoiding the cost of using it throughout the entire room. If you are starting a fresh project, consider choosing your wallpaper first and then use it as the launching off point for the rest of your room’s color scheme. Otherwise, choose an accent color from your existing palette and let it inform your wallpaper choice. In this beautiful ensemble by Thibaut, the wallpaper background echoes the lavender accents in the room while wispy, gold rings in the design speak to the creme tones that dominate the rest of the space. The result is both interesting and elegant!

Functional Beauty

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 01:21:43 GMT

The key to good design is the combination of both form and function. However, there are some household items that are taken for granted as being primarily utilitarian elements with lots of function and not much style. So, what is the first image that pops into your head when you hear the term ‘filing cabinet’? Do you envision a basic, metal box with some drawers on metal sliders? Ah, my friend it’s time to think bigger, bolder and well…more beautiful. Check out this lovely interpretation of a filing cabinet . Its spicy red finish and detailed trim make it look more like an heirloom than an office product. I love it because it successfully combines both fundamental elements of good design. Don’t settle for utility alone when you are decorating. Make sure it looks good as well. Your living space will be much more pleasing as a result. Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Minimalist Interior Design

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:51:26 GMT

One of the best ways to achieve a sense of beautiful serenity in your space is through minimalist interior design principles. Here's how to do it!

Tips for Creating a Royally Inspired Bedroom and Home

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 20:40:58 GMT

Kate Middleton may have just bagged herself a prince, but like any other newlywed one of her priorities will be settling into her new marital home. Just

A Home Gallery

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:01:27 GMT

One of the hottest color trends in design today is gray. From soft misty tones to deep smoky ones, gray is having a powerful impact on interior design. Think of it as a neutral backdrop that can be layered with more vivid hues. In this space the gray walls provide a sophisticated backdrop for a collection of black and white photography arranged in both formal and casual ways. For example, the left wall features a tight grid frame arrangement while the other wall has a more organic configuration replete with frames of varying size and wood tone. I love how this creates a sense of drama. Despite the casual layout on the right wall, the design maintains visual balance. Imagine a line from the center console leg extending directly up to the middle light near the ceiling. Do you see how each side is roughly balanced visually? The warm brown tones in the composition also balance the black ones. Always important in any design is a marriage of opposites: vintage vs. contemporary, smooth vs. rough, formal vs. casual. It gives life and sophistication to a space. And this delicious gray room has it all! Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

Top Interior Flooring Options

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 01:21:10 GMT

There are many interior flooring options available today. Make the right decision for one of the biggest surfaces in your home.

Creating a Designer Bathroom

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:08:27 GMT

A simple room configuration with quality furnishings and interesting finishes is all it takes to shift a bathroom from mundane to a place in which you want to linger. This light-filled space is a perfect example of what I mean. Soft, golden walls exhibit a subtle finish similar to Venetian plaster that warms the space with a sunny glow. Skylights and windows add to this effect and give the room its light, airy feeling. The selection of floor and wall tile adds a neutral, coordinating element to the scheme that is perfect in an environment where water might get splashed here and there. The focal point for me is the sink cabinet. Its intricate carvings and burnished finish give the appearance of a high quality antique. The dark accents in the finish complement the dark, paneled surface of the bath tub – tying the two together. The mirror’s dark band speaks to the scheme in a similar way. By coordinating and not matching everything, the designer has created a collected look that gives this bathroom special character. For more on bathroom design, check out my page here. Photo Credit: Hooker Furniture

A Vintage Bedroom

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:14:07 GMT

How do you create a unique space with vintage charm that is also light and fresh? Create a calm, clean background and let the details do the talking. I love the approach utilized in this masculine bedroom. It’s coordinated, kind of preppy but not overly fussy. Bright white architecture contrasts with the dark lines of the window and painted bed frame to create a sense of balance in the space and the foundation for a classic color scheme. The British colonial-style bed provides an eye-catching focal point with its island-inspired detail and vintage vibe while red, blue and gold décor elements ad a pop of rich color that ensures the overall look is anything but stark. My favorite element in the space is the triad of faded, old flags – no question about it. Photo Credit: House Beautiful

Elegant Outdoor Living

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 01:12:22 GMT

With the onset of early summer the desire to get outside and enjoy the company of friends and family increases. After all, who doesn’t love a good patio party? You can increase the style and comfort level of your summer events by employing techniques to your patio space that you might use inside your home. Naturally, in an area exposed to the elements you will want to choose your key components wisely. Look for furniture made of materials such as powder coated aluminum framework (for rust prevention), all weather wicker or rattan and removable cushion covers made of a synthetic material that is designed specifically for the outdoors. Arrange your patio furniture to encourage a social atmosphere. The outdoor conversation set shown here has been set up in an “L” shape so there is easy communication. This arrangement also allows for easy movement in and out of the seating area. The design is replete with an outdoor area rug and ottomans which double as a place for resting a serving tray. Potted plants add to the garden ambiance and provide a contrasting shot of color. Once you’ve arranged your furniture and outdoor décor it’s time to fire up the grill and pour the drinks. Your outdoor living room is ready for a party.

The Best Interior Design Schools

Mon, 30 May 2011 02:15:07 GMT

There are many great design schools from which to choose. Find out which ones make my list of the some of the best interior design schools in America.

Sisal: Understated Elegance

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:13:48 GMT

An area rug can make a great statement in your space. It softens a hard floor and helps create a layered effect that gives richness to the room’s atmosphere. A sisal area rug is a particularly elegant choice. Sisal is a hard-wearing, long-lasting fiber that comes from the agave plant. It is a sustainable material, so it not only looks great it’s more earth-friendly than other types of materials often used in rug making. Sisal rugs occasionally feature a subtle pattern, but usually they are a solid color with a contrasting banding on the edge. This creates wonderful, natural texture in your space that is tailored, understated and elegant. Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Pillow Power

Mon, 16 May 2011 00:44:44 GMT

Decorative pillows, though a small element in a space, can provide a powerful punch of color that positively impacts the whole atmosphere of a room. In a living room, pillows make a sofa or chair feel more luxurious, and they help to tie together the room’s overall color scheme. Decorative pillows provide a similar benefit in a bedroom when layered on a bed. A great way to integrate pillows into your room’s design scheme is to coordinate them with your room’s accent colors. Choose pillows that will highlight your room’s supporting colors with graphic designs that reflect your room’s style emphasis. For example, in a country cottage style interior consider a floral pattern. For a modern interior, a pattern featuring geometric shapes could be a great choice. For a guide on mixing patterns, check out my page here. Decorative pillows help keep a room from looking too sterile while providing an excellent opportunity to inject an unexpected or even whimsical pattern into your living environment. Photo Credit: New York Spaces

The Beauty of Gray

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:29:34 GMT

For many decorators and interior designers today, gray has become a star neutral. And no wonder! It can simultaneously be sophisticated, flexible and elegant. You can select a gray tone that has cool overtones or another that has a warming aura. Naturally, it works beautifully with touches of black or white, but it can be a great backdrop for pops of bold color, too. In this kitchen by Wood-Mode, a gray wall tone becomes the elegant backdrop for gorgeous white cabinetry and intricate moldings. A dark floor anchors the space while cylindrical, black lamp shades add a contemporary touch to the traditional fixtures for a fresh and sophisticated look. In the hall beyond, lighter gray walls give way to a hint of lavender demonstrating gray's enormous potential for flexibility in a color scheme.

Southwest Interior Design Style for Your Living Space

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:12:39 GMT

It’s casual, lived-in style with native and Spanish influence. Update your space with a southwest interior design approach.

Bridging Traditional and Contemporary Styles

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 01:23:38 GMT

Traditional and contemporary interior styles are very divergent - one references the past while the other emphasizes the here and now. Most people identify their own style preference as one or the other. But what if you like elements of both? At first glance, it might seem impossible to find common ground, but there is a way to reach a happy (and stylish!) medium. Transitional Style is the bridge. What is Transitional Style? Well, you might say it emphasizes traditional forms or materials interpreted in a more modern, streamlined way. Take this beautiful chandelier for example. Notice how it features the outlines of a traditional light feature while at the same time the form is tailored and the finish is contemporary. Wouldn’t this look beautiful over a dining table? Those chocolate drum shades are absolutely delicious. Just remember, you don’t have to be boxed in by an either-or approach to interior style. If you love the rich look of the traditional but prefer the clean lines of the contemporary, look for transitional furnishings that bring together elements of both. It will help create an up-to-date look that says a lot about your good taste. Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Art as Focal Point

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:46:09 GMT

You can use artwork to create a stunning focal point in your space. If you're starting the room from scratch, choose a prominent wall surface around which you can arrange a furniture grouping. Choose art that is scaled appropriately for your chosen space with a color scheme that works with your intended design. Otherwise, choose something that you would like to build a scheme around and then use it as your color guide. Black and white photography is a great neutral that will work with any color scheme while giving your space an up-to-date feel. Place a sofa or side table just below the artwork to create a visual pyramid with the artwork forming the top. Then step back and admire your beautiful, new design. Photo Credit: Restoration Hardware

Tuscan Interior Design Techniques

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 17:03:31 GMT

Create old world style in your space with beautiful Tuscan interior design elements. Here’s how!

A Gentleman’s Man Cave

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:54:13 GMT

Layering a variety of textures is an important element in interior design. Properly done, it can lift a space from one that elicits the response of “that’s nice” to a big “wow” instead! It’s all about the details. This masculine room by designer Todd Yoggy is a superb example of wow. It could be the perfect man cave (assuming there is a TV tucked in there somewhere). The color palette is dark but not too dark. Rich wood tones, leather upholstery and natural textures play off touches of chrome to create a look that is casual yet sophisticated. Each furniture piece is a unique element, yet everything coordinates superbly. And speaking of details, check out the nail-head trim on the leather chair and ottoman. It’s the little things like this that add up to big impact. I’ll take one of everything, please! Photo Credit: ToddYoggy.com

A Country Style Bedroom

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 21:56:40 GMT

Country style remains a very popular look in interior design. It allows you to bring elements of rural living into your home, even if you don’t have lush fields outside your door. If you want to create a country bedroom, here are a few ideas to get your imagination going. Typically, the focal point of any bedroom is the bed, so start your country makeover here. Deep, comfortable mattresses covered with a combination of crisp, white sheets and floral pillows creates a classic, country look. Areas of detailed floral patterns and blocks of color can be used all around the room to add contrast to your design. Consider a neutral toned wall color and contrasting floral, patterned curtains to establish the fresh look associated with this style. When choosing a bed for your country style room, why not choose a metal one that will add a bit of rustic charm? Alternately, consider one of the many railed headboards and bed frames that allows light to pass through. This prevents the bed from being cast in too much shadow. Wood flooring works well in a country inspired space, and adding a wool area rug helps create a comfortable, layered effect. A few period pieces of furniture located around the room will add to the theme, with a small bedside table being a perfect feature. The key to country style is making the room feel warm and welcoming. Article courtesy: Alex Corcoran

Creating A Cozy Home Atmosphere

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 01:26:23 GMT

If you are living in or around the US East Coast this time of year, you know how cold it is. Even though you experience the blistering cold and blustery snow when you step outside, this unpleasant feeling can be countered by changing up your living space to feel more warm and inviting. Wood burning stoves and fireplace inserts add the perfect amount of heat to any den, living room, or bedroom. Wood burning stoves and fireplace inserts are a relatively inexpensive alternative to having a new fireplace built into your home. Not only is heat created, it also provides a site within your living space where everyone wants to congregate. Candles are inexpensive accessories that can transform a space with warmth. The light and scent given off from candles can turn a cold winter night into a luxurious evening. Soy candles burn clean and come in a variety of different scents. It is important to purchase candles in different heights as this determines how the flame will brighten your room. Group them together and place them in fun places around your home to create a special atmosphere. During the winter months there are fewer hours of natural sunlight, so it is important to make the most of them. The installation of skylights and skydomes has become increasingly common in the last two years. As a result of this, the installation cost has decreased substantially. The benefits afforded from the natural light of a skylight or skydome is not limited to the winter. You can enjoy increased natural light throughout the year. Skylights and domes may also increase the resale value of your home up to 10% percent per skylight. And don't forget about proper artificial light. It can create ambiance and make reading easier during the evening hours. The light bulb you put into your lamp is just as important as the lamp's height and shade color. GE's Reveal light bulbs are specially designed to filter out that unpleasant yellow color given off by many other light bulbs. Reveal bulbs create a clean and natural light that can warm up any space. Source: Megan Gates on behalf of Elliman.com

Home Office Serenity

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:46:22 GMT

Creating a home office is a great way to help your life feel a little more organized and serene. It's your place to store important documents, house a PC and related equipment, pay bills, write a thank you note and generally keep business matters out of the way. The great thing is you don't really need a separate, dedicated room for a home office. It can be a smaller area within your living space that blends nicely with the rest of your decor. An important feature is a desk, of course. This doesn't even have to look like a typical desk. It could be a chest-like unit like the one shown here with a flip-down door that becomes a work surface but hides document binders and computer equipment when not in use. A unit with lots of storage potential is a big plus. Another important aspect of a home office is a comfortable chair that supports good posture and is height adjustable. By setting aside an office area in your home, you can separate business from the rest of your family life and enjoy and increased sense of serenity. Photo Credit: Spectra Wood

Designing Your Dream Kitchen

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:18:42 GMT

When designing your dream kitchen, you need to consider the issue of space. The area of the room will limit your creativity on the project so it is important to understand the possibilities which are open to you. Before considering the aesthetics of your design, you need to figure out what you need and want from your kitchen. You may be an avid cook, use you kitchen for entertaining or if you are a person who eats out more than in it may need to be practical for quick meals before you leave the house. Once you know what function you would like from your kitchen, you need to make a list of the kitchen units and features you will need so that you can ensure you utilize the space correctly. Drawing a good scale plan on squared paper is will help you decide what you can and cannot fit in your kitchen. An important consideration is marking the gas, electric and water points which currently exist. Moving these will be costly so if you can base your plans around the existing features, you will save money. A good kitchen design is based around the Kitchen Work Triangle, which is the distance between the three key points in the room, the oven, the fridge and the sink. The distance between these three areas should not be too small or too large for safety reasons. Cut out scale models of the units and appliances you wish to add to your kitchen and place these on your scale plan. This will enable you to experiment with your design and see how workable your ideas are. If you do have enough space in your kitchen, adding a centre island can be a great way to add a breakfast bar or extra work area to the kitchen. If you are struggling for storage space, you could consider a removable kitchen island which can allow utensils to be stored in other rooms in the house. Good planning is the key to good kitchen design so these steps are vital if you are to create the kitchen of your dreams. Photo Credit: Wren Kitchens

Choosing the Right Entertainment Center

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 01:31:41 GMT

Entertainment technology is a key part of contemporary life. From flat panel televisions and video disc players to gaming consoles and other electronic peripherals, there are so many ways to enjoy down time at home. But how do you integrate these electronic ‘must-haves’ into your décor successfully? How do you avoid that unsightly mass of tangled cords and scattered discs that can damage your space’s sophisticated aesthetic? The answer is a great entertainment system. Here are some things to look for: Style:
Complement your room’s décor by choosing an entertainment system that coordinates with it. If your space is modern, something with clean lines and simple architecture would be in order. Conversely, a country cottage-style interior might be served well with a painted entertainment armoire. Scale:
Be sure the unit you choose fits the space you have available and can accommodate the dimensions of your TV while also providing adequate storage for any peripheral electronics you may have. Write down key measurements before shopping. Features:
Think about what is important to you. Do you want your television to always be in full view or would you like the option to conceal it when it’s not in use? If the latter is important, then an entertainment armoire or hutch with closing door panels is something to consider. By choosing the right entertainment solution you can ensure it both fits your décor and meets your needs. Unit featured above (Courtesy: Amazon.com): Eternity Entertainment Center w/ Sliding Door in Pecan

What's Old is New!

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 02:48:07 GMT
The unexpected elements in a space are often what make it exciting and fresh, and the skillful application of color is one way to give a space some unexpected flare. This dining space is a case in point. Though it has traditional architectural detail, a bold and modern color palette has been employed throughout. The key hues are of a similar tonal value, and that helps the scheme hang together. It's also important to note that the colors are literally brought together in the painting over the sideboard. Furnishings are kept minimal and streamlined - an effective counterpoint to the bold wall surfaces. It's not what you might expect in a traditional house, but this surprising color scheme creates a modern masterpiece. Photo Credit: Sherwin-Williams

Decorating on the Dark Side

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:30:52 GMT
It's often said that to maximize the perception of space always go light and white with your wall color. But the key aspect to whether or not a space looks larger or smaller has more to do with color contrast and less to do with the specific hue itself. In this space the larger furniture items feature dark gray fabrics and deep wood tones that melt into the surrounding walls and make the room feel more expansive. Photo Credit: House Beautiful

Interior Design News Headlines

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 21:17:04 GMT
Your design style is fresh and cutting-edge. We help you keep it that way by bringing you the latest interior design news. Check out the latest stories!

An Intimate Bedroom

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 01:01:28 GMT
A canopy bed is a great choice for a bedroom with a soaring ceiling because it creates a degree of balance to the openness of the space while also providing a greater degree of intimacy. In this arrangement the patterned bedspread takes the lead in directing the color scheme to promote a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for a restful night's sleep. When coordinating bedroom furniture, try to avoid matching everything to a tee. As you see here, a variety of finishes were used to created a richer, more sophisticated look. The wood bed frame is juxtaposed with brass wall lamps as well as a reflective nightstand. Nothing is 'matchy-matchy', but it still looks great! Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

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Tue, 28 Dec 2010 01:32:46 GMT
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Setting A Festive Table

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:55:44 GMT
When it comes to holiday entertaining there are many options for creating a festive tablescape that diverge from expected color schemes. As Ina Garten of the Barefoot Contessa demonstrates in the following video, you can take a more subtle approach that is both simple and sophisticated.

A Holiday Touch

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:14:52 GMT
A simple holiday display is often all that is needed to convey a festive atmosphere in a space. Incorporating elements from nature is a great way to set the mood without drifting into the realm of tackiness. I think this photo illustrates the concept well. A lovely traditional home is enhanced with a garland of evergreens festooning the stairway along what is probably an entry hall. Gold and red accents in the display pick up on the color tones in the stair runner and create a warm counterpoint to the cool, blue walls. Photo Credit: New Jersey Monthly

Urban Sophistication

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 22:34:54 GMT
The chic drama of this dining room brings to mind an elegant penthouse in New York City. The sleek lines, fine finishes and touches of sparkle create a sense of cosmopolitan glamor. A large mirror behind the tufted couch opens up the room and gives the feeling that the space is much deeper than it is. The mirrored sunburst layered on top is a nice touch; it makes the whole room shimmer. Fine dining furniture exhibits a contemporary take on neo-classical elements and creates the perfect spot for a friendly card game. So, take a seat and pour a drink. It's going to be a great evening! Photo Credit: Baker Furniture

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Sat, 13 Nov 2010 00:43:12 GMT
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