BLOG
Favorite Design Projects of 2017
It’s hard to believe we have said goodbye to 2017 already! Why does it seem like it went by in the blink of an eye? With this first column of the new year, I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite design projects from 2017, and what I like most about them. They all came out beautifully, capturing the needs and wants of the clients, and each space [...]
How to successfully combine patterns and colors in your interiors
Many people find it challenging to combine different colors and patterns when shopping for new furnishings. They feel more comfortable purchasing a matching sofa, loveseat and chair, for example. However, mixing colors and patterns makes a room much more interesting, and it is not as difficult as it may seem. As a general rule, vary the patterns in your room by including small-, medium- and large-scale designs. An example would [...]
No room for a sofa? Try this instead.
For a variety of reasons, some living rooms are difficult to furnish. Maybe the room is too small, or even too large, or just awkwardly laid out. Or maybe you’d just like a new idea for furniture arrangement. Instead of your typical sofa, try a grouping of chairs instead. Here are some reasons to try this arrangement in your house: When your fireplace is awkwardly placed. A fireplace is often [...]
Your Bath as a Tranquil Oasis!
Brushing your clomid online teeth, shaving, styling your hair— those mundane tasks are a necessary part of our daily lives. But what if you could start and end your day in a calm and tranquil space? How might a soothing ambiance alter your mood and set you up to tackle the workday or prepare for a restful night’s ambien zolpidem sleep? These homeowners were seeking just such an environment. They [...]
Smart Planning Optimizes Existing Space For Growing Family
Excited about the upcoming arrival of baby number two and a lengthy visit from the grandparents, these clients challenged me to reconfigure their existing laundry and powder rooms into an improved space which would include a larger washer and dryer, plus a full bath with a shower. They also desired a little more space for jackets, shoes and all of the items needed when leaving and entering the house through [...]
Remodel Brings Color, Personality and Lots of Storage to Tired Kitchen
Before (scroll down for after pictures) This kitchen transformation is striking. What once was a dark and isolated space is now an open, light-filled, beautiful great room. The first item on their wish list was removing the wall separating the kitchen from the living room. This young couple wanted to be able to entertain friends and family, and be part of the festivities, rather than be relegated to the kitchen. [...]
From Basic to Charming: Before-and-After Guest Bath
I got to know my client a few years ago while we worked on her kitchen remodel, and I was delighted when she asked me back to work on her guest bath. She knew what she wanted— a free-standing bath tub and vintage charm— and she asked me to put it all together for her. While her original bath was certainly usable, it was old and tired, and there was [...]
Your Bedroom as Sanctuary
At the end of a busy day, wouldn't it be nice to retreat to a beautiful and tranquil bedroom? I recently completed several bedroom design projects, incorporating some tried and true tips for creating a lovely and peaceful space. I’d like to share them with you here. Clear the clutter This is not always easy, but it is truly one of the best things you can do for your bedroom. [...]
Before and After Contemporary Kitchen
After decades of living in their Fremont home, this couple opted for a full remodel of their kitchen. The old kitchen was dated and dark, lacking in storage and counter space, and definitely in need of a makeover. My clients told me that, at this stage of their life, they were ready for their home to finally reflect their taste and design aesthetic. Before: (Scroll down to [...]
Make the Most of Your Tiny Bathroom
Let’s face it: some bathrooms are just plain tiny! You know what I mean— bathrooms where the door barely clears the front of the toilet; or where you have modafinil online to contort yourself to get past the toilet and get into the shower. I’ve designed dozens of bathrooms over the years, learning quite a few things along the way about how to make the most of a very tiny [...]
Which countertop should I choose?
If you’re embarking on a kitchen or bath remodel, one of your most important decisions is the countertop. Which materials are available and what are the pros and cons of each? Let me give you an overview of your choices, and my take on each. Granite: I get asked frequently if granite is still “in.” It’s true that many of my clients are preferring Quartz over granite, but many still [...]
Home Improvement Trends for 2017
Looking back on the design projects I completed in 2016 gives me some insight into what clients will be asking for in 2017. Here are some of the most common requests from last year that I see continuing this year as well. As you plan your own remodeling and redecorating projects, keep these in mind. Aging in Place Just like in 2015, many of my design projects involved making changes [...]
Creative ways to use glass tile in your bath
Glass tile provides amazing color and pattern, and is a gorgeous accent in your shower or at your vanity area. Borders, stripes, entire walls— your creativity is your only limit. There are considerations to using glass tile in a bathroom, so let's discuss some of those. Cleaning and Maintenance: Many clients ask me about this issue. Because of the smooth surface of glass, it is actually relatively low maintenance. All [...]
Back-to-Back Baths
This family has four adorable young children, and wanted to reconfigure their out-dated baths to increase space and add functionality. These two baths were back-to-back in the house, in between the kids’ bedrooms. They needed to be child-friendly, with easy-to-maintain materials, but also coordinate with the rest of the house in terms of color and style. The left-side bath had a very tiny, claustrophobic shower awkwardly situated behind the bathroom [...]
What’s Your Kitchen Style?
When it comes to interior design, many people find it easier to tell you what they don’t like rather than what they do like. Can you describe your own design style? Are you traditional? Modern? Contemporary? Classic? One reason it’s so difficult for us to pin down one particular style is that most of us, at least here in California, tend to gravitate toward a mix of styles. Seldom do [...]
Designing a Bath for My Younger Brother
What happens when a younger brother asks his older sister for interior design help? My brother and I get along well now that we are adults, but we did have some heated fights when we were kids! I was flattered when my brother and his wife hired me to redesign their bath. They own a charming 1920’s bungalow in San Jose, but their bath had been remodeled in the 80’s [...]
Accent Wall Tips and Tricks
Are accent walls still “in?” This is a question I get asked frequently, and the answer is yes, but there are some guidelines. Not every wall can or should be an accent wall; accent walls should be chosen with a specific design intention. Here are some guidelines. Decide why you want an accent wall. I find that many people are afraid to commit to a color, so they think just [...]
Gorgeous Bath for Two
In every relationship, one spouse favors certain things, and the other spouse favors other things. In remodeling, those differences often come to the forefront, and it’s up to the designer to create a plan that pleases both partners. I’ve worked with many, many couples over the years and have learned what questions to ask and what to do to strike a perfect compromise. For example, in some relationships, one partner [...]
Ready to embark on your kitchen or bath remodel?
Contact Anna to book your initial consultation.