White—great choice for a bathroom

March 16, 2012 By

I’ve designed many bathrooms over the years, using a wide variety of materials from slate to granite, to glass. All have been beautiful and have suited the clients’ taste to a T. If I had to pick my own favorite projects, however, I would pick the ones where we used a lot of white. There’s just something so clean and pristine about white in a bathroom. And white is so versatile. It can be contemporary, traditional, glamorous, or spa-like depending on the accents used with it. Let me give you some examples:

There was the small traditional bathroom where we used white subway tiles in the shower, white hexagon tiles on the floor and white wainscoting on the walls. Accented with black toile window valance, a border of black hexagon tiles on the floor, and an antique oak wash basin instead of a vanity cabinet, the look is both clean and fresh, but also charming and homey.

Then there was the large master bath with the white claw foot bathtub front and center, white porcelain pedestal sinks, white bead board paneling, and the large walk-in shower featuring white tiles in three different shapes and patterns. Accented with a rich lilac wall paint above the bead board, this bathroom is just plain beautiful, oozing vintage charm.

One of my other favorites is a recent project—a stunning black and white and gray guest bath. White 9×12” wavy field tiles in the shower are accented with three bands of black glass tile mosaic. The vanity top is black granite, and the vanity cabinet is painted gray. The shower floor is made of black river rocks, and the rest of the bathroom floor is large 12×24 black porcelain tile. The high-contrast black and white color scheme is striking and contemporary. And the addition of the gray keeps it from looking too harsh. It’s a very sharp look.

White can also add a touch of glamour. I am just finishing up this master bath project: white quartz counter tops with a touch of silver sparkle, all white 9 x 12 field tiles in the shower and surrounding the spa tub; the accent is a band of 4 x 4 glass tiles backed with silver leaf, and the walls are a very soft light blue. With polished chrome fixtures, and the sun shining on the silver leaf, this bath gleams and glistens. It looks light and bright, but also very glamorous and elegant.

The new bath project I am just starting will have white quartz countertops, large white Carrara marble tiles on the floor, and will feature tile mosaic in light green, white, and clear and frosted glass. It will have a very spa-like feeling, soothing and relaxing, and light and airy.

White is an extremely versatile color that takes on a variety of looks depending on which materials you pair with it. If you are planning a bath remodel, look at the myriad choices of white tiles, glass, quartz, marble and even granite. You can design the bath of your dreams.

Filed Under: Bathrooms, Color, Interior Design Tagged With: ,

Look at maintenance and design style when selecting kitchen counters

November 26, 2010 By

In my last column, I wrote about planning for your kitchen remodel. This week, we’ll talk about kitchen countertop materials. There are numerous options available, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Your lifestyle, cooking style, design style, and of course your budget, all will come into play when deciding on countertop materials.

Granite
Granite continues to be very popular for kitchen counters. It is durable, practical, beautiful and luxurious. Since it is a natural stone, each slab is unique, and the patterns and colors can vary greatly from piece to piece. The randomness of granite patterns and colors is one of the most appealing features of this material. It is easy to clean with an appropriate granite cleaner, and you must seal granite periodically to protect it from stains and water absorption. Generally speaking, the darker the granite, the more dense and water resistant it is. Granite prices run in the range of $50 to $100 per square foot installed, depending on the uniqueness of the stone and what type of edging you select. There are dozens of granite choices out there, so take your time browsing, but here are a few of my favorites: For a contemporary look, consider Black Galaxy (gorgeous black with copper flecks) or Labrador Antigua (rich brown with hints of blue.) For a more traditional look, try Crema Bordeaux (elegant burgundy colorations) or Juparana Fantastico (beautiful mixture of cream, brown, gold and silver.)

Marble
Marble is less stain-resistant and more porous than granite. However, with proper care, it can last for many years and is a beautiful choice. Think about the marble sculptures in Europe that have lasted for centuries! If you love to bake, consider a baking station with a marble countertop. Marble is reputed to stay chilled longer, making it advantageous for bakers. Marble is priced similarly to granite and also comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The classic White Carrara marble works well in both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Engineered Stone
Engineered stone, like Caesarstone and Zodiaq, is a man-made product composed of quartz glass and colored pebbles. It is very durable, impervious to water and stains, and does not need to be sealed. For those who like more uniform and consistent colors and patterns, engineered stone is a good choice. It works well with contemporary designs. Engineered stone is as expensive as granite and marble, so the decision to purchase it would be more about the maintenance and aesthetics rather than price.

Vetrazzo
Vetrazzo is the brand name for a man-made, environmentally friendly product made from 85% recycled glass. It is unique and beautiful, and comes in many colors, from earthtones to vibrant blues and greens. It is similar in durability and stain-resistance to granite and marble, and should be sealed periodically. Vetrazzo is priced similarly to engineered and natural stone, so choose it because you love the look and the fact that it is considered a “green” product. It is best suited to contemporary design styles.

Laminate
If you are on a tight budget, laminate countertops are the way to go. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns (some mimic the look of granite quite well!) and you also have a choice of edge details like bullnose and beveled edges. Laminate can scratch and is not heat resistant, but it is stain and water resistant. With proper care, laminate counters can last many years and serve you very well.

There are other options available as well, such as concrete, stainless steel, wood and tile. Depending on the look you want in your kitchen, your budget, and your maintenance requirements, the perfect countertop material is out there waiting for you.

This article appeared in The Tri-City Voice on November 26, 2010.

Filed Under: Interior Design, Kitchens

Plan Today for a Beautiful New Kitchen Tomorrow

November 12, 2010 By

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen next year, it is not too early to start planning. There are many details to consider, and the more planning you do in advance, the better your kitchen will turn out.

Since we spend so much time in our kitchens, we want to create kitchens that truly fit our lifestyle. Selecting the pretty things such as the granite and tile backsplash is part of the fun, but before you get to that, take time to think about the functionality of your new kitchen.

Evaluate how your existing layout works for you. Is there enough counter space for food preparation? If not, see if appliances or cabinets can be relocated to free up some space. Is there enough room for a kitchen island? This is a great way to provide additional counter space. Are the appliances located in the optimal places? Do you have to cross the room to get from the cook top to the refrigerator? Think about where it makes the most practical sense to place appliances.

No one ever has enough cabinet space, but then again, most of us simply have too many things. Make sure you are not storing items that could be stored elsewhere or given away. When planning your cabinet and drawer space, it helps to group things according to function. For example: plan a coffee area where you will keep the coffee maker, mugs and coffee supplies in close proximity. And place the dish cabinet close to the dishwasher for easy emptying.

How much do you actually cook? Are you mostly about microwaving and heating convenience foods? Or are you an avid cook who longs for state of the art appliances? Do you love to bake? Perhaps a dedicated baking center is in your future. Buy the right appliances for your own use; don’t be seduced by the $5000 professional range if it doesn’t fit your needs. If there is more than one cook in your family, plan for wider walkways and work aisles. Minimum width for walkways is 36″; width for work aisles should be at least 42″ for one cook and 48″ for multiple cooks.

Most kitchens I see have inadequate lighting. One of the best ways to provide adequate general lighting is with recessed can lights. Current California building codes require your kitchen lighting to be 100% “high efficacy” (which means fluorescent). However, they make one exception: up to 50% of the total wattage can be incandescent lighting if it is separately switched. This means you can have decorative non-fluorescent pendant lights over your island or in your dining area as long as they are operated with their own light switches, and they do not account for more than 50% of the total kitchen wattage. Combining incandescent and fluorescent is a great way to go. Fluorescent recessed can lights offer very even and efficient general lighting, plus fluorescent bulbs have the added benefits of being longer lasting and less expensive to run than incandescent bulbs.

Start making a list of your wants and needs; when designing a new kitchen, there is no such thing as too much planning.

This article appeared in The Tri-City Voice on November 12, 2010.

Filed Under: Interior Design, Kitchens

Take the mystery out of choosing colors for your home

May 16, 2008 By

>I’ve been in the interior design business for just about 8 years, and one of the most common questions clients ask me is, “How do I know what colors to choose??”

Choosing colors for your home can seem overwhelming. But knowing a few facts about color can help you create a winning decorating plan. First, some color basics. You probably remember from Kindergarten that the three primary colors on the color wheel are red, yellow and blue? And secondary colors are green, orange and violet, which are created by combining the three primary colors. Those colors can then be mixed in different combinations to create more colors such as red-violet, yellow-green, and blue-green.

You may also remember that colors can also be described as “warm” or “cool”. Reds, yellows and oranges are considered warm, while blues, greens and violets are cool colors. This is important because warm colors often make rooms feel cheerful and lively, while cool colors exude a tranquil, restful feeling. Warm colors make the walls seem to advance toward you, while cool colors make the walls recede away from you.

Next one must consider a color’s value, or, in other words, how light or dark a color is. Light colors reflect a lot of light. Dark colors absorb a lot of light.

Also consider a color’s intensity. The closer the color is to the pure color, the more intense it is. For instance, bright lemon yellow is higher in intensity than soft butter yellow.

What does all of this mean for your home? Well, it all depends on the look you are trying to achieve. If you want to make a room seem more spacious, you should try using light, low-intensity, cool colors. And to make a room seem cozier and more intimate, you should use dark, high intensity, warm colors. That said, I don’t want to discourage you from choosing dark colors for small rooms. If the room is already on the small side, why fight it? Dark colors add a lot of rich ambiance to a space.

Then there are color schemes. Color schemes are referred to in terms of the color wheel. For example, an analogous color scheme features colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. My daughter’s room is decorated in mint green, lavender and light blue—an analogous color scheme.

A complementary color scheme utilizes colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel. This color scheme also appears in nature– think of a beautiful sunset with blue sky accented by the flaming orange sun, or a purple iris with a yellow center.

Another successful color scheme is the triad– three colors forming a triangle on the color wheel. A woman I know decorated her living room in vibrant primary colors. Her walls are sunny yellow, her sofa is blue denim, and her two side chairs are upholstered in red chenille. With colorful art prints by artists Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro and a collection of whimsical art glass, this living room reflects her cheerful, energetic personality.

One of my favorite color schemes is the monochromatic scheme. In a monochromatic room, only one basic color is used, but in varying tones. For example an all-white living room can have a white painted armoire, cream-colored upholstery, white sheer draperies, and a shaggy, white area rug. To keep this room from looking boring, the key is to add contrast using different textures. Add a glass and pewter-finish coffee table and throw pillows in a variety of fabrics including tone-on-tone patterns, chenille, raw silk, and linen. Include baskets for more texture, a collection of white pillar candles on a silver tray, and black and white family photos. A single red rose in a crystal vase will provide a stunning punch of color.

So much to think about, and maybe that is why people have so much trouble deciding on colors for their homes. That is why hiring a professional designer can be extremely helpful. For help on choosing colors in your home, please contact me at info@annajacobyinteriors.com.

Stay tuned: My next post will focus on using color to solve decorating dilemmas!

Filed Under: Color, Home Decorating, Interior Design

Put some rhythm in your room

January 20, 2007 By

You undoubtedly have heard of rhythm as it relates to music. But did you know that rhythm is also an important concept in interior design? Rhythm in interior design refers to the illusion of movement through a space. Rhythm keeps the eyes traveling around the room and makes a room look lively and interesting. Rhythm in a room can be created in a number of ways:

  • Repetition of a design element such as shape, color, texture, line or pattern. For example, think of a striped fabric pattern in which the colors yellow, red and brown repeat. The repetition of colors and lines implies a sense of movement and rhythm. As another example, a trio of woven baskets on a shelf shows repetition of texture. As I look in my own family room, I see my accent color, red, repeated around the room: a red leather magazine holder, red pillows on the sofa, a red lamp base, and red picture frames on the book shelves. This repetition of color leads the eye to all of the different elements in the room, tying them all together.
  • Gradation refers to the gradual movement from a low point to a high point or from high to low. In interior redesign we often refer to the concept of “peaks and valleys,” which means that the furniture and accessories are arranged to create highs and lows. Think of three candles on the dining table ranging in size from short to tall. Or think of a tabletop arrangement in which the eye travels from the top of a tall lampshade down to a shorter framed photo, down to a velvet-covered box.
  • Transition — Curved lines are a good example of this type of rhythm. With a curved line, your eye gently transitions, or travels, from one object to another. Think of a camelback sofa, for example, a curved headboard, or an archway.
  • Opposition — Using opposites can create an interesting and pleasing effect in your decor. Using colors opposite each other on the color wheel is one example of oppositional rhythm. Complementary colors such as purple and yellow, for example can create a jarring, yet desirable effect. Pairing black and white, which is currently a very popular for home decor, is another great look in a room. Mixing textures, such as pairing a smooth leather sofa with a rough slate-topped coffee table, is another example of oppositional rhythm.
  • Radiation — This type of rhythm refers to several objects repeated around a center object creating a circular pattern. For example, think of a chandelier in which crystals surround the centerpiece of the light fixture. Dining chairs around a dining table is another simple example.

Take a look around your home for evidence of rhythm. Could you rearrange a few pieces to create highs and lows? Could you find ways to repeat your accent color in different areas in the room? With a few changes, your room could be a symphony of beautiful music.

This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper Group papers on Jan. 20, 2007.

Filed Under: Home Decorating, Interior Design

Nurturing your inner designer

September 30, 2006 By

Is design sense an innate ability or can it be learned? I think it is definitely a bit of both. Let’s take my own case as an example. As long as I can remember, I have been interested in interior design. I remember as a young child spending a lot of time in my room rearranging my furniture. Although I wasn’t aware of the design terms “focal point,” and “balance,” at the time, I rearranged the room with those concepts in my mind. I remember poring over Better Homes and Gardens magazine as a teenager, cutting out favorite pictures and creating design files of interesting rooms. When I was sixteen I decided to wallpaper and paint my own bedroom, and my favorite type of shopping was not for clothes, but rather for accessories for my room.

I continued developing my decorating skills over the years, taking art and art history classes, design classes and attending many seminars and workshops. I gained design experience by working on my own home and helping clients design theirs. I learned about remodeling, painting, flooring and custom window treatments from experts in their fields. While I feel I’ve always had a sense of design, my continued education, training and experience has strengthened and enhanced my skills.

For those of you with the design bug, here are some suggestions for nurturing your “inner designer.”

  • Read design magazines. Study the way the designers have used color on walls, floors, fabrics, artwork and accessories. What kind of color scheme did the designer use? How many fabric patterns do you see? How did the designer add texture? How does the designer use symmetry and asymmetry in the room? Take note of the way art is hung. How does it relate to the furniture around it? I recommend reading a variety of design magazines. Don’t be intimidated by magazines like Architectural Digest and Veranda. Even though they aren’t exactly examples of “Real Life Rooms,” you can learn a lot about composition, balance, color, and other design concepts by studying the gorgeous photos.
  • Watch design shows on television. HGTV has inspired a great number of people to venture out of their comfort zones and try new colors and styles. My favorite designers to watch are Candice Olson and Kenneth Brown. I love their designs, and I love the way they explain the reasons behind their design decisions.
  • Observe the interior design of upscale restaurants and hotel lobbies. Pay particular attention to the types of lighting in these spaces– you will see layers of light, with interesting examples of ambient, task and accent lighting.
  • Take design classes. There are semester-long classes at community colleges, and workshops through the Parks and Recreation department of many cities. I took classes at Ohlone College in Fremont. They offer wonderful classes in Textiles, Color, Lighting, Design Concepts and much more. Some of us also teach our own seminars and workshops to educate and inspire you. Your “inner designer” will flourish.

This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper Group papers on Sept. 30, 2006.

Filed Under: Interior Design

How to achieve balance in a room

October 1, 2005 By

When I visit clients’ homes, they often tell me that their rooms don’t feel quite right and they are not sure why. Many times the problem is that the room is out of balance. Sometimes the room feels like it is tipping to one side because of too many heavy pieces of furniture on one side of the room. Other times it is the artwork or accessories that are out of balance. To remedy a balance problem in your room, keep the following tips in mind.

  • If there is a large piece of furniture on one side of the room, such as a bookcase or entertainment center, place something large and visually heavy on the other side for balance. For instance, place the sofa directly across from the bookcase, with a large piece of art above it to add height and visual weight.
  • Bookcases and entertainment centers can be separated if necessary to achieve a more balanced look. Try placing one bookcase section on either side of a sofa or fireplace instead of keeping all of the sections together on one wall.
  • Sectional sofas, too, are sometimes too large for a room and can make the room feel too heavy on one side. If necessary, separate the pieces of the sectional and arrange the pieces across from each other, as you might with a sofa and love seat.
  • One way to balance a space is with symmetry. A symmetricalarrangement is one in which both sides of a central dividing line are identical. Matching pairs of items work perfectly. For example, place two matching chairs on either side of the sofa. Or place matching candlesticks on either side of a floral arrangement.  Symmetrical arrangements are easy to create and tend to look a bit more formal.
  • Another way to achieve balance is with an asymmetrical arrangement, which brings together equivalent, but not matching pieces. If you have a number of items in varying sizes, shapes and colors, an asymmetrical arrangement would be appropriate. One example would be to place a large vase on one side of the mantel, balanced with a trio of candlesticks on the other side. Asymmetrical arrangements are a little more challenging to create, as you must keep in mind the visual weight of each object, and tend to be more informal.
  • Balance a floor lamp on one side of the sofa with a table lamp on the other side. If the table lamp is too short, use a stack of books to elevate it to the appropriate height.
  • Use a tall silk tree to balance the height of a bookcase or armoire. A large, vertically oriented mirror or piece of art can also be used.
  • If a piece of furniture is too short and more height is needed, hang one or more pieces of artwork above it. Artwork can also be used to extend the width of a piece that may be too narrow for the wall.

This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper Group papers on Oct. 1, 2005.

Filed Under: Home Decorating, Interior Design

Comfort of your home matters more than size

December 25, 2004 By

A question I get asked frequently is “how can I make my home look larger?” This quest leads people to line all the furniture up against the walls and paint the walls white. Their fear of a “small” room keeps them from using gorgeous color and inhibits their creativity when it comes to furniture arranging. The desire for a large home is prevalent, as evidenced by the model homes I visit in new developments. While these homes, with their soaring ceilings and enormous master bathrooms, can be impressive, they do not always feel welcoming. I suspect that what most people really want is a home that is comfortable and nurturing, not necessarily large. Most of us live in modestly sized homes. Even after my remodel, my home will be only about 2000 square feet. The idea, then, is to create a home that works well for the family that lives there, regardless of the square footage.

A design book I’ve read recently and highly recommend is The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka. At a time when newly built homes boast well over 3000 square feet, this book celebrates the smaller home. Susanka’s premise is that quality of the space should take precedence over the quantity of space. She writes that: “More rooms, bigger spaces, and vaulted ceilings do not necessarily give us what we need in a home.” Rather, she stresses that a home should reflect the personalities and lifestyle of the people who live there. She encourages homeowners to be thoughtful in their design, emphasizing comfort, aesthetics, and high-quality materials.

For example, a friend of mine just completed a major remodel of her home. While she did add square footage, it was designed with the specific needs of her family in mind. Her original home had a family room and living room, with a tiny kitchen and separate dining room. However, after analyzing how she and her family really use the space, her newly remodeled home was designed with one large great room, consisting of a spacious family kitchen with a breakfast bar for her four kids, a living space for the family to be together playing games, doing homework or watching TV, and a comfortable dining area that can accommodate extra dinner guests. What used to be the separate family room is now a home office for her husband. The point is to use the space you have efficiently, designing it to fit your lifestyle, so that each space in your house is used every day.

When a home is too big, more than just space is wasted. Think of the time, energy and money that is wasted on heating, cleaning and furnishing unused rooms. Your time and money would be better spent tailoring your home to suit your needs, adding those features and amenities that can improve your quality of life. For some, those features might include a customized built-in computer desk or closet organizers. For others it might be improved lighting, or radiant heat. To borrow a line from Sarah Susanka, build for comfort, not for prestige.

This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper Group papers on Dec. 25, 2004.

Filed Under: Home Decorating, Interior Design