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Put some rhythm in your room
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 [...]
Color Makes a Big Difference in Living Room Makeover
This living room recently underwent a makeover. The client was ready to move on from all white walls and the furniture he’d had since college. The end result is a colorful, contemporary and comfortable space where he can relax and also entertain family and friends. If you’re looking to redecorate your living room, feel free to use the following tips as inspiration. Design the space as it suits your lifestyle, [...]
Home Improvement Trends for 2016
Looking back on the design projects I completed in 2015 gives me some insight into what clients will be asking for in 2016. 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. Improved lighting throughout the house This is an extremely common request, no matter what the [...]
A Few More Favorite Things
Several years ago, I invoked the classic song from The Sound of Music, and wrote a column featuring “a few of my favorite things” for the home. Here are a few more of my favorite things. Pendant lights. Of course I love using pendants in kitchens over islands or dining tables, but I also love using hanging pendant lights in bedrooms and even bathrooms. They bring light where you need [...]
Decorating with White – Color of the Year for 2016
Interestingly, Benjamin Moore named “Simply White” their color of the year for 2016. Other paint companies like Sherwin Williams, Behr and Gladden have also listed versions of white in their their forecasts for 2016 and going forward. Why white? It’s part of a larger societal trend favoring simplicity and timelessness. White is recognized as a fantastic backdrop color— one that sets the stage for everything else that will be happening [...]
Words of Advice for Your Windows
Custom drapes and top treatment add softness and color to this living room, while offering privacy. If it’s time to update the window treatments in your home, please allow me to offer you some advice. With so many choices out there—from brands to styles to colors and materials—it can get overwhelming. But on the flip side, with so many choices available, there is no reason not to find [...]
Decorating with Black
In my closet, I have several black garments— dresses, pants, tops and shoes. Black is most definitely a color that is always in style, and one that can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on what you pair with it. It’s such a versatile color, and since it works so well in a wardrobe, it also works extremely well in interior design. getting prednisone Black is a favorite color [...]
Enviable Laundry Room
Raise your hand if you enjoy doing laundry. Maybe there are a few hands raised out there, but probably not too many. But what if your laundry room were a very pleasant place to be, rather than a cramped, dingy room with no personality? modafinil online Even if you can’t undergo a large remodeling project like these two, you can at least give your space a face lift with paint, [...]
Questions Designers Ask Their Clients
If you’re starting a design or decorating project, it might be helpful for you to ask yourself the same questions a designer would ask you. When I meet with new clients, I aim to get to know you, your style, your taste and your design goals, so I know best how to help you. If you are embarking on a project on your own, these questions can help you focus [...]
Designing a Bath For All Ages and Abilities
Let’s face it: we are all getting older, as much as we may not like to admit it. Because of this undeniable fact, having a home you can live in comfortably for as long as possible becomes even more important. Enter universal design principles. Universal design simply means designing for all ages and abilities. It would include features like wider door ways, grab bars in the shower, taller toilets and [...]
Decorating with Green
Green is one of the most versatile colors in interior design. Since it is so prevalent in nature, it can work in almost any room, and almost any design style, from traditional to modern. On the color wheel, green is considered a cool color, although it is a mixture of cool blue and warm yellow. Greens can lean more blue—like emerald green—or more yellow, like avocado. Regardless of which way [...]
Baths for Different Personalities
I’m betting that you can tell a lot about the owners of these three bathrooms. Each is beautiful, but in very different ways. The best part of my job is that I get to design in a variety of styles, using products in new and exciting ways. It’s great to see how the same materials— tile, stone, quartz and wood can come together in such unique ways. Bath #1 Colorful [...]
Tips to a Beautiful Bedroom
I once met with a client about redecorating her living room. She showed me around the house, which was quite beautiful, and when we got to her bedroom, she showed me a very plain room, with hand-me-down furniture, very inefficient lighting, and no decor at all. I asked her about it, wondering why we were working on her living room when her bedroom needed so much TLC. She said, “Everyone [...]
Fall Colors bring warmth to your home
I recently went on a vacation to New England, where the fall foliage was magnificent. The beautiful oranges, reds and golds were truly a feast for the eyes. Let’s not underestimate California, however. In wine country, we have a fall foliage extravaganza of our own taking place right now. A weekend getaway to Healdsburg and Geyserville, featuring acres of golden-hued vineyards, was every bit as breathtaking as parts of New [...]
Tips for Transforming Your Living Room
This living room recently underwent a striking transformation. It’s amazing what some redecorating can accomplish! My client get prednisone 5 mg online had furniture she liked, but not enough to fill the space. She wanted to create a living room that was cozy and comfortable for her, but that also welcomed guests to sit and relax. She also wanted to redesign her fireplace so it had more presence in the [...]
Planning a Kitchen Remodel? Here’s what to expect
A few weeks ago I wrote about planning a bathroom remodel. This week I thought I’d tackle kitchens. Whether you do the bulk of the work yourself or hire a general contractor, I’ve provided a sample timeline so you understand what to expect. A typical kitchen project takes 6-8 weeks, and it can be longer if walls are being moved or if adjacent rooms are involved. For example, in one [...]
10 Ways to Add Color Without Painting Your Walls
Are you wishing for some color in your rooms without having to paint your walls? Try one or more of these tips to add an instant punch to your room. 1. Add artwork Many homes I visit have empty walls with no art, or artwork that is too small for their walls. Stores like Home Goods, Ross and Bed Bath and Beyond have affordable artwork in all sizes. Add a large canvas [...]
Frequently Asked Lighting Questions
A few weeks ago, I answered questions about paint colors. For this article, let’s talk about lighting. These are some questions I get asked all the time. How high should I hang my chandelier above the dining table? In general, the bottom of the chandelier should be 30-36” above the dining table. This allows for great illumination of the space, without the chandelier being too low or too high. What [...]
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