Pantone Color Institute, the renowned color management company, released not one but two colors for its 2021 color of the year choice.  It is only the second time Pantone has released two colors in its color of the year award history.  The two colors, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow, were chosen to be used together as an uplifting and enduring combination.

Ultimate Gray is a neutral color and is grounding enough to be used in larger spaces and as a primary wall color.  Illuminating Yellow is a bright and sunny shade that is an excellent choice for smaller areas and items such as kitchen island stools and dining chairs.  Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow both work well with light or dark wood finish.  The Pantone Color Institute suspects that Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow will show up in interior design, primarily in textiles and decorative accessories.  

Here are a few easy ideas for implementing this bold, intriguing color combination into your home decor.  

Kitchen

Gray is a timeless selection for kitchen color due to its being neutral and having a grounding effect on other colors. Ultimate Gray is no different.  It works perfectly for large spaces like walls or cabinetry.  Introduce Illuminating Yellow in smaller doses, using it on kitchen island stools or kitchen towels and dishcloths.  For a bolder, more stunning look, use the Illuminating Yellow on kitchen cabinets with the Ultimate Gray on the walls as a grounding backdrop.  Another way to use Illuminating Yellow in the kitchen is to find floor tiles that feature the sunny shade.  

Bathroom

Bathrooms are a great room choice for color experimentation because they are usually smaller, less frequently used areas of the home. Like the kitchen, using Ultimate Gray on the walls and Illuminating Yellow on the cabinets would create a dramatic and energizing bathroom space. Additionally, a small powder room would be a great area to reverse this design idea, using Illuminating Yellow as the primary wall color and the Ultimate Gray on the cabinetry.  Lastly, using a tile backsplash or flooring featuring Illuminating Yellow would also fit wonderfully in a bathroom or powder room.  

Living Room

Interior Designers and Instagram influencers have cautioned against using Illuminating Yellow in large doses, such as using it as a primary wall color in a large living room.  The shade affects lighting so that can cause issues with the atmosphere in the room.  However, the living room is a great area to add pops of the bright, sunny color through decorating with throw pillows, throw blankets, and even area rugs. These color pops will be grounded if used with Ultimate Gray as a primary color in the design.  

When you’re looking for more ways to incorporate color into your space, we’d love to help!

The start of a new year always brings with it anticipation for new and exciting trends in the world of design, and this year is no exception! We've been scouting out the best and brightest design ideas for 2021 and are ready to help you incorporate them into your home. Let's take a closer look at how to use a design trend that's about to sweep through stylish spaces this year: black frames.

Window Frames & Doorways

Using black to accentuate entranceways and window frames is a clean and sophisticated way to elevate your space this year. Almost any interior design style is compatible with the simplicity of a black-framed accent window or door, especially if the view beyond is inviting. Adjacent gardens or neighboring landscapes seem to be captured visually within these stark frames, creating a connection between the indoor atmosphere and the outdoor world. 

Creating Partitions

Another way to incorporate black frame design is with the clever use of partitions. Rather than dividing up a large room with an opaque screened room divider, consider the appeal of an open black-framed partition. This trend makes your divided room feel more spacious while maintaining a timeless sense of style. Black framed partitions can also be functional in the form of shelving or displaying art. 

A Trend for All Styles

 Another great reason black frames are a go-to trend for 2021 is because of its compatibility with a large variety of design styles. If your preferred style is contemporary, industrial, minimal, or modern, you can confidently incorporate black frame elements into your spaces. Black frames can also serve as a high contrast accent to almost any color palette. We recommend pairing black window and door frames with light-colored walls for maximum impact.

Whether you're redecorating a room for the new year or building your dream home from scratch, black frames in your design will be sure to enhance your interior spaces. That's why we're naming black frames a true trend to look for in 2021. We can't wait to help you explore the possibilities it presents!

Natural stone has been a basic component of home building, décor, and furnishings for thousands of years. Its natural strength and beauty makes it both practical and enjoyable. Not every stone is suited for every use, however, so understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each of these three types may help to determine which best meets your needs.

Marble

Marble is perhaps the most recognizable of all the natural stones. Its unique beauty and durability have made it popular in building, furniture, floors and countertops. It varies in color, usually determined by the geographical area it came from. It can be found in various white, black, green, and gray, and almost all the colors have appealing vein-like patterns in them. 

Quartzite 

Quartzite is another frequently seen natural stone. Formed by the extreme heat and pressure of volcanic activity, it is able to withstand almost any abuse. Because of its remarkable strength it is frequently used on floors and countertops where even harsh cleaners cannot diminish its beauty.  It can be found in a wide range of colors and patterns, each unique and stunning. 

Travertine 

Travertine is very similar to marble in its composition but tends to have a layered appearance. It is very often used to create tile and outdoor paving stones, where its strength allows it to remain water and scratch resistant even in thin sheets. It comes in a wide range or earthy tones including ivory, browns, grays, and reds. 

Like all types of natural stone, the main advantage to these are their ability to withstand the all the wear and tear that daily life can throw at them without losing their beauty, or functionality.  Matching the right stone to the right use is the key to creating a long-lasting and timeless look to your home or décor. If you need help finding ways to incorporate natural stone in your space, we’re always here to help!

Waking up to the fresh crisp autumn air have you inspired to get out the fall decor totes and put away the bright summer items? You're not alone there! This weather has us ready to break out the flannels, sweatshirts, and boots while we sip on some pumpkin spice coffee decorating the day away. Here's a look at some fresh ideas to spice things up for the fall season. 

Candles

Everyone loves a good scented candle. With fall here, bring out those apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin-scented candles. They make the house smell warm and inviting. Sometimes the smells spark a need to bake up some warm baked goods too. This will just add to the wonderful scent in your home.

Blankets

Blankets are essential now with the weather dipping down to the colder temps.  Change out those sheets for flannel ones to keep warm at night. Break out those soft plush throw blankets to keep in the living room for a cozy night on the couch watching your favorite Halloween movies. 

Rugs and Furniture

Fall decor isn't all pumpkins and flannel. Change up your area rugs for a fall color instead of a bright summer one for a cozy feel in any room. Add a couch or chair cover in a warm neutral color as well for an even bigger change up to the room. 

Drink Accessories

Colder weather means less going out and more staying in for the coming months. No need to go out in the freezing weather. Get prepared by stocking up on some new coasters and wine or drink glasses. Get your area cocktail ready for those cold winter nights when you just can't bring yourself to leave the house.

Outdoor Decor

Don't forget to decorate the outside of your house as well. Grab some pumpkins and a straw bail and get your entryway looking trick or treat ready. Add a flannel throw over the bail for a nice place to sit and sip your morning coffee while enjoying some fresh air. It won't last long before you won't want to be out there so enjoy it while you can!  

If you’re looking for more help with your decor this fall season, be sure to contact us.

Nearly everyone wants home decor that is functional and elegant but that can easily mean different things to different people based upon their stage in life. Whether you are an up-and-coming Gen Z-er looking to define your style, or an established Baby Boomer confident in her collections, we have curated the must-have statement pieces that will appeal to your generation.

Gen Z

Born between roughly 1995 and 2012, the older Gen Z-ers are just now coming into their own. With any luck, they are moving on from dorm room decor to their first apartments. But just because they do not yet own a home does not mean they have to delay their decor dreams. There are many trendy and affordable temporary decor options, such as peel-and-stick tile and removable wallpaper that can redecorate any space without risking a security deposit.

To create a short-term showstopper, consider designing an accent wall using architectural details such as adhesive molding or millwork. Paint molding frames to either match or complement the wall color and hang them up to simulate decorative wainscoting. Or hang adhesive crown molding to give texture and depth to an otherwise empty wall.

Millennial

Successful and driven, millennials want it all and won't stop until they get it. They make their own rules, so their decorating style embraces flexible, multi-use spaces while emphasizing individuality and personality.

The perfect statement piece for any millennial is something artisanal and unique as millennials love to repurpose pre-loved pieces and put their own twist on a modern upgrade. If you are a millennial, consider a heritage piece that reflects both culture and careful curation. For example, an antique Zapotec wool rug in the kitchen is a nod to both a Mexican heritage and millennial style that will upgrade your floors from simply wood to simply "wow!"

Gen X

Gen X-ers, born between roughly 1965 and 1980, are hitting their stride and desire decor that reflects their mastery of work-life balance. Confident and frugal, Gen X-ers are likely to gravitate toward design pieces that are splurge-worthy but practical to satisfy their cost-benefit analysis.

A savvy Gen X-er can make a statement with decor that is a bold conversation starter and functional workhorse. The perfect statement piece for a Gen X-er is a head-turning headboard. A velvet upholstered platform bed crowned by an art deco headboard or a diamond-tufted headboard with side wings is the ideal marriage of both form and function.

Baby Boomer

Born between roughly 1946 and 1964, baby boomers enjoy decor that is at once relaxed and refined. With an appreciation for relationships and togetherness, this generation looks for pieces that inspire and invite.

Though many boomers might be hoping to downsize, others hope to embrace and entertain the many friends and family they have cultivated over the years. Therefore, the ideal statement piece for a baby boomer is a marble-top outdoor dining table. Sturdy and elegant, a marble-top outdoor dining table reflects the resilience and warmth of Boomers, themselves.

Regardless of when you were born or where you might be on life's journey, we would love to help you find a statement piece that reflects and honors where you have been and where you are going. Please contact us for ideas.

Indoor plants are a great way to invigorate your space. A little greenery can go a long way to helping your home feel comfortable and look gorgeous. Here are five indoor plants that make great additions to your interior design.

Aloe Vera

What is better than getting skincare and a decorative plant all in one? The Aloe Vera plant can come in the smallest potted size or be as big as a small tree. This plant can survive for a few weeks without water, so it is ideal for someone who is always on a busy schedule or even just wants to minimize daily chores. The plant can live for several years, so it can be a long-term companion!

Dumb Cane

This plant is perfect for dark to light conditions. Although it does not like to be in direct sunlight, it is ideal for any indoor situation. It can grow around six feet tall, so it may be better in a room with more space. Although it is beautiful with the unique patterns on every leaf, it is not recommended for cat and dog owners, as it can be toxic to our furry friends.

Spider Plant

This is a small flower that eventually blossoms into a festive, confetti-like plant with the arms dangling from the base. Nothing like the insect it shares its name with, the spider plant is very pleasant and sure to uplift any room it is placed in. It doesn't need daily watering, and it is actually best for the spider plant to dry in between each bath. It can grow up to three feet, so you don't need an immense amount of space for this lovely plant. 

Peace Lily

The peace lily is a classic in any household. It can grow as tall as four feet and features beautiful white flowers that resemble a white flag, hence the name. The best part about this plant is that it lets you know when it needs water! It is recommended to water as soon as it starts to hang or droop down. 

Lucky Bamboo

The lucky bamboo is definitely a unique plant that thrives in higher temperatures. It is extremely versatile as it can grow straight up or take the most interesting twists and turns. They are also hard to kill which, once again, makes it a plus for busy individuals. The plant itself can survive in soil or pebbles and water. It is known that they bring the household good luck, so there are plenty of reasons to own this wonderful plant.

Any of these plants will bring some wonderful energy to your home. If you’re looking for more ways to freshen up your space, we’d love to help!

Decluttering is a must before redecorating. It creates a clean slate, enabling you to focus on elements that are absolutely needed. It will also allow you to showcase your style and let your gems shine instead of getting lost in a sea of clutter.  Use these tips to get your project off on the right foot and create a lovely space oozing in style and functionality. 

Keep, Toss, Donate

Divide and conquer, one space at a time. Tackle that room, bookcase, or drawer and divvy things up between these piles. Everything is a yes or a no and is to be kept, tossed, or donated. A helpful tool for determining what to keep is following the guideline…

Functional? Beautiful? Sentimental?

Everything in your home should fall into one (or more!) of these categories. Does looking at this item bring you happiness? Do you use it regularly? Do you want to pass it on to your children? If the answer is yes, then absolutely keep it. But seriously, ask these questions! The rest is unnecessary and needs to go. 

Create Stylish Storage Solutions

As you redecorate, incorporate storage into the new plan. Decluttering your decor is important but you also need a place for everyday items. It is hard to focus on the beauty of a room with stuff everywhere. Look at where things pile up in your home and fix it. Create a landing station in the entryway with a ceramic bowl for keys and your cell phone, sturdy hooks for bags and jackets, and a defined spot for mail.  A large woven basket can be utilized in the living room for extra blankets. The possibilities are endless and unique for everyone. The key is ensuring your storage falls into the beautiful and functional categories from above. 

Let's redecorate for success! Clear away the clutter, and only allow items you truly love to be part of your new space. You will end up with a home that brings you sheer bliss. So while you're motivated—let's get started! 

Many of us fall in love with fall each year. There are so many ideas and crafts out there to bring the mystical allure of autumn into your home. Here are four fall decor ideas to help bring the cozy charm of the season into your home:

Make a Fall Entrance

What better way to make guests feel right at home immediately than a seasonal welcome starting at your front door! There are so many ways to make a front porch, patio or entryway feel cozy and autumnal. Seasonal wreaths make a great first impression on any door. Plus, baskets filled with fall-themed goodies are an easy way to add an autumn aesthetic. You can also customize various festive signs with fall or Halloween messaging using chalkboards or letter boards.

Bring the Fall Leaves In

There are several DIY projects you can create with fall leaf decor. For instance, you can make a leaf garland to hang across a doorway or over a mantel, or create a flowing fall leaf mobile to hang outside or inside. You can even press real leaves to turn into wall art. The opportunities with foliage are endless!

Incorporate Autumnal Plants and Produce.

Corn husks, wheat sprigs, acorns, and pumpkins are just some of the natural elements abound during the fall season, and there are many ways to use them in your home. Wheat sprigs can be used for centerpieces on tables. Corn husks can be used anywhere to give a rustic touch, whether outside or inside. Acorns can be decorated and painted to your liking to be used as centerpieces or in jars and baskets. And of course, pumpkins (from mini to large) can be placed in creative places around your home to give off a subtle yet consistent autumn vibe.

Let There Be Light!

Nothing says "cozy" in chilly weather quite like candles and string lights. Hang string lights for a magical feel inside living areas or outdoors in a backyard space. Place candles with seasonal scents all around your home amongst your other fall decor to add that extra little touch of comfort. You can even get really creative and place pillar candles in carved out pumpkins.

Now that you’re inspired, it’s time to set the cozy fall mood in your own home. You can always contact us if you need a hand.

Plants breathe life into our homes. Humans are biologically drawn to the natural world. By integrating greenery into our lives, we are improving our mental and physical wellbeing as well as the aesthetics of our space. A large floor plant, tabletop bonsai tree, or fresh cut flowers are all simple and eye-catching ways to incorporate plants, but let’s get creative. Up your plant game and surround yourself in greenery one room at a time. 

Take It To The Walls

Vertical gardens and wall planters come in an array of sizes, shapes, and styles to fit any decor and home size. They offer an unexpected and intriguing way to turn plants into artwork. A floor to ceiling succulent garden or moss wall would be stunning. If you are short on wall space, fill a single wall planter with a draping pothos for a simple yet dramatic statement. 

Hang From The Ceiling

Free up coveted table space and hang bushy or cascading plants, like the maidenhair fern or string of pearls, from the ceiling. Hang a glass terrarium with air plants for a modern look or use macrame plant hangers for a more casual bohemian vibe. Try creating a live room divider by arranging them in a row separating spaces for an impressive partition. 

Display Your Collections

Collecting and caring for plants is a therapeutic hobby that also happens to beautify our space. Find interesting ways to display them that will showcase their beauty and your hard work. Position plants along a picture ledge, fill a bar cart top to bottom with greenery, or turn a long bench into a plant stand for unique ways to feature them.

Grow What You Love To Eat

Put your plants to work—turn your kitchen into your very own indoor garden. A sunny window sill is perfect for a few loved herbs or create that vertical garden filled with greens, vegetables, or small fruits. Snip the herbs and hang them to dry for another visually interesting way to display and use them later. Do you put avocado on everything or lemons in your water? Grow your own tree!

Greenery enriches our lives. Plants provide so much more than just beautiful decor, so go wild! Use these ideas for inspiration and bring plants into your home one room at a time. If you need help, you can always reach out to us.

Using natural elements in the design of your home gives it a unique flair that accentuates organic usage and helps you feel connected to nature itself. Here are some great ways to transform your inner space to look like an earthy comfort zone:

INCORPORATE OUTDOOR ITEMS

To fully accomplish bringing the outdoors inside, consider raw stone, wood, or textiles. This helps to soothe you when cold weather keeps you in.  Neutral rugs that belong outside could also work in a hallway or living room. These elements are long-lasting, and comforting for any interior enthusiast or lover of decoration. 

WONDERFUL CREATIONS FROM NATURE

Wooden dishware can be lovely pieces to display on your table or kitchen counter. You can fill the bowl with rustic accessories, and the overall look acts as an accent to wooden furniture. Made out of several wood variations and stained to perfection, these are great items to have.

FROM FLOORING TO LIGHTING

Hardwood flooring is charming for the home. It’s sturdy and matches wooden cabinets, tables, and more. Let natural light flow in, so the space is wafted in a sun-lit glow. Bamboo blinds on windows are an eco-friendly alternative. Make sure to design your furnishings in a cohesive and fun manner.

FEEL COMPLETE WITH ORGANIC MATERIAL

Bring earthy elements inside, such as fire and water, to complete an atmosphere that feels like an indoor Eden. A fireplace with cut stone, organic scented candles, and sounds of nature with an electric fountain will bring tons of natural coziness. If you like houseplants, add these around your space as well. The air will be cleansed, and the earth will be grateful to you for your life-changing efforts. Earthy details will always give off positive energy.

Contact us to find out more about natural designs in your home. We’re always happy to help!

From prehistoric rock art to the great Pablo Picasso, face line art has been here since the beginning of time. Millennials have embraced this ever-evolving art form, leading to its explosion all over the online world, and for good reason. This simple yet powerful source of artistic expression can fit into any design style. Integrating it into your home is simple—here are few ideas to get you started.

Wallpaper

For a bold statement—pick a wallpaper! The designs come in a wide range of colors, facial sizes, and styles that contribute to its overall feel. A soft dusty green, filling the empty space, will feel subtle and calm. A contrasting black and white design will be much louder. The right utilization of furniture will elevate the room and balance out the print. This will create a unique and interesting space that is fun to look at.

Artwork

From a single continuous line to a collection of faces, these prints come in an array of styles.  Some prints feel very modern and abstract, while others can feel quite soft and feminine. They are typically black and white, but not always. Pops of color can be a refreshing alternative and work wonderfully packed into a gallery wall or as a stand-alone feature.   

Decor

Home accessories are buzzing with these prints. From shower curtains to throw pillows to ceramics, you name it, and it's probably there. The key is picking one that speaks to you and rolling with it. This is not a trend you want repeating throughout the entirety of your home. Utilized modestly, you will have an interesting statement piece that can run the gamut of fun and quirky to a conveyor of strong emotion.

Face line art can be found in many mediums and can create a lot of power with a single line. There are tons of possibilities with this style – we'll always be here to help if you're stuck!

There is a kind of cozy charm found in small rooms. With the right decorations and furniture, any small space can be made into a comfortable nook that is perfect for a cup of coffee and a few good hours of reading.  However, when your "nook" is also where you live, the task of creating the illusion of space can feel daunting. 

The good news is, it's not impossible to make your small living space appear larger and more comfortable.  In fact, these four easy tricks will help you turn any room in the house from feeling like a cramped cupboard into a spacious getaway right in the middle of your home.

Light Cheerful Colors for Light Cheerful Rooms

Small spaces already tend to be full of shadows.  The easiest way to counter this is with light and bright colors. If this means a trip to the local hardware store for paint, then keep in mind that bright pastel colors can help reflect light on the walls of any room, thus creating the illusion of more area.  In spaces with large windows, cheerful pastel yellows and soft rose pinks might work well, as these colors easily reflect sunlight and help spread a warm sunny glow across open surfaces. 

However, in a room with less natural lighting, it might be wise to go with the soothing tones of a soft, cooling blue or a pastel green; these colors blend well with artificial light, especially when it comes to the new LED bulbs.  If you're having difficulty choosing which color to use, remember that white or a slight off-white is always a suitable choice and is easily dressed up with room decor.

The Right Curtains Can Go a Long Way

Many people use heavy or dark curtains in their bedrooms to help block out sunlight in the morning. If your bedroom is small, however, these same curtains can make the room feel stifling.  To counter this, try finding curtains with lighter colors.  White is ideal, as it goes with almost any color you might paint the walls. But if white doesn't work for you then go with some lighter coordinating tone that compliments your color scheme.  Also, don't leave the curtains closed during the day; tie them back so that sunlight can filter through the window.  The more natural light in a small space, the less small and more comfortable it will feel.

Just say "No" to Bulky Furniture

When you live in a small space, you quickly learn that less often means more.  In this case, less furniture bulk in the way means more room to spread out and enjoy life.  Big clunky recliners and heavy leather sofas are space-eaters.  Yes, of course they're comfortable, but they also take up a lot of room that could be better utilized, and as anyone who lives in a small place knows, any space that can be better utilized should be.  

If you're looking for new furniture to bring atmosphere to your small space without cluttering it up, why not try a sleek modern design in light or bright colors.  Remember, giving up bulk does not necessarily mean giving up comfort.  There are many furniture options out there that harmonize sleek design with comfortable living, like this lounge chair from our collection- it provides a stylishly comfortable look without taking up extra room, and its clean-cut style adds a modern yet welcoming flair.

Which brings us to our fourth trick…

Declutter Everything

The downside of living in a small space is that you don't have a lot of room to work with.  Too many objects lying around can make any room feel cluttered and tiny no matter how much you paint and adjust furniture.  However, the solution is as simple as a few hours of cleaning and organization.  If you keep the areas under and on top of tables, chairs, and couches open and free of clutter, you'll provide the eye with a clear line of sight along the floor and over the surfaces of furniture.  This adds to the illusion of space. 

Of course, doing this also means that you can't keep too many unnecessary possessions in your small space at one time.  Try to get rid of any old belongings that you don't have a use for anymore, and limit the number of new things you bring into your home.  Remember the saying "there's a place for everything and everything in its place." If you don't have a good place for it, then it probably should go.

Have fun turning your small spaces into fresh new get-aways the whole family can enjoy!  And remember, if you find yourself in need of a professional designer's help, you can always contact me here.

The bedroom is perhaps the most important room in the house, yet it often gets overlooked while you focus on the common areas of the home. It's time to put your beauty sleep first. Follow these simple steps to transform it into a luxurious retreat and recharge in the lap of luxury every night. 

1. Clear The Clutter

A messy room will never feel luxurious, so start by giving everything a place. Get creative with storage solutions, add shelving to your closet, and utilize the space under your bed to keep everything neat and tucked away. Use pretty trays to keep small belongings, such as jewelry and perfume, organized. 

2. Style The Bed

Every luxurious bedroom has a well-styled bed. Make it beautiful and inviting. A velvet tufted headboard is a lovely focal point that is also perfect for resting against. Invest in quality sheets, layer throws on blankets, and have a combination of pillows in varying patterns, sizes, and textures to complete the look.

3. Lighting

A variety of lighting is essential for the proper ambiance. Hang a statement light fixture for a stunning centerpiece, add bedside lamps or a pair of sconces for a decorative yet focused light, and finish it off with a row of soft flickering candles to enhance any mood. Use light bulbs that emit a soft glow and install a dimmer switch to truly control the brightness and your needs.

4. Create A Sitting Area

A sitting area exudes elegance. Depending on your space and lifestyle this can look very different. Try a long bench over a fluffy rug at the end of your bed, a club chair nestled in the corner with a small accent table for coffee and a book, or a pair of settees with an occasional table for an elaborate and defined space.

5. Floor-To-Ceiling Curtains

The right curtains will take your room from drab to fab. They should be hung high and wide. If the room has tall ceilings this is a great way to accentuate the height, and if the room has low ceilings this will draw the eye up creating the illusion of height. Either way, the room is given a feature making it feel polished and grand.

6. Fresh-Cut Flowers

The cherry on top of your luxurious bedroom— fresh cut flowers. Nothing beats the energy that greenery brings to a space and fresh-cut flowers have an allure that emits romance. Placed thoughtfully next to the bed or in the sitting area, you will have an instant mood booster. Pick a variety with a soft scent in a complementary color so you can enjoy their beauty from near and far. 

Small but intentional changes can make a big impact on the overall feel of your bedroom. Use these simple ideas to make your bedroom feel luxurious. You deserve it!

Interior design is fun! Being able to bring your creative ideas to life and place them all throughout your home is a very empowering and great feeling. Working with an interior designer allows you to voice all your creative interests and have a say all throughout the entire process.

Benefits of Working With an Interior Designer

Hiring a professional can help you stay on budget. They will help you reach your goals while staying within your financial range. An interior designer also assesses your living space and helps build a portfolio of possible ways to go about designing your home. You get final say and can give them blueprints or notes on what you would like done with your space. Of course, you can also ask for their opinion and piggyback off of their sentiments for a nice fusion of your ideas with a professionals' flair added to it!

There are certain things that designers have access to that aren't easily available to the public in terms of connections to certain companies which can make it easier to get your project done quicker. Working with an interior designer can help reduce the time and stress it takes to find a reliable team to work with, it can be stressful going into to home design blindly and not knowing what to look for in a potential designer. 

When bringing a professional to your home to assess everything, remember they are trained to think outside the box and see the bigger picture along with all the options and how everything will look when they're finished working with you.

Closing Thoughts

It can be difficult to get the gist of designing if it's your first time, or it could just be tough to bring your creative ideas to life. Having an interior designer will help alleviate the unnecessary stressors and help you gain perspective in to go about applying your ideas and bringing them to life. Best of all, working with a designer leads to a cohesive, beautiful final outcome.

You deserve to have the home of your dreams and shouldn't have to be stressed about something that can be fun!

Texture is an important element of interior design that can help shift the mood of any space. Your living room can especially benefit from the addition of a few unexpected textures. From lightweight, airy textures (linen or cotton) to earthy and rustic textures (raw wood), there's something to fit every taste. 

That might seem overwhelming, but don't fret if you're at a loss for where to begin– we've covered the bases with a few suggestions to get you started. 

Blankets Are Not Just for Fall 

It's starting to heat up across the U.S., but that's no reason to forgo a blanket! Blasting the air conditioner indoors gets chilly, so be prepared with a swiss fox faux fur chevron throw. It's an effortless and cruelty-free way to add texture and a subtle pattern to your living room without overthinking it. 

Add Some Greenery to the Scenery

It's no secret that house plants can revitalize a room, but the right plants can also add an interesting texture to the mix. 

If your green thumb isn't particularly strong, try raising a snake plant– they add visual interest with minimal effort on your part, regardless of your gardening abilities. To add more visual interest, try adding a terra cotta planter to the mix.

Variety is the Spice of Life

Once you find a texture you love, it's tempting to go overboard and fill your space with that same texture repeatedly. However, resist the urge! There's plenty of textures to choose from, and they'll all help your unique space stand out in the best way possible. 

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At the end of the day, it's important to keep an open mind when it comes to textures in your living room (or any room, for that matter). Let your creativity be your guide– we'll always be here to help if you're stuck!

We all love the feeling of the beach. The warm sun, the sounds of the ocean, and the relaxing sensation that comes with every vacation. While going to the beach might not be an option right now, that doesn't mean you can't bring that fun in the sun beach feeling to your own home!

1. Get Outside With Your Furniture!

One of the best parts of the beach is sitting outside and feeling the warm sun on your skin. You might think that feeling is not achievable while stuck at home but it's closer than you think! The simplest way to get that feeling at home is to go outside.

Get that nice feeling of relaxing with a set of patio furniture and soak in the sun. Sunlight makes us happy, so don't leave that feeling for vacation. A nice set of patio furniture that lets you sit outside and enjoy the sun is a guaranteed way to lift your mood and bring that beach feeling right to you.

2. Add Pops of Color!

One of the standout features of the typical beach house is its use of color. Beach houses are famous for their over-exaggeration of beach themed furniture and decor. You can get that same feeling without the seashells taking over your living room. Try adding color into your house to get that fun aesthetic that comes with a trip to the ocean. You could paint a wall a bright new color, or you could get simple decor that gives your home a splash of color. Curtains or a fun new plant can bring that fun beach feeling right into your home.

3. Bring the Beach to Your Home!

Beach houses never let you forget you're at the beach. With wall art, seashells, and fish decor, you're constantly reminded of where you are. That's not the case at your home away from the sand. But you can still be reminded of the wonderful waves with your own decor Beach-themed wall art can be a great way to not only add color to your home but to bring the beach right to you. You may not be able to look out your window at the sandy shores but you can look at your new wall art and get that warm feeling all the same!

These are just a few ideas to bring new life into your home. Check out our blog for more ideas.

We all love to pin every design idea we see on Pinterest and save photos of beautifully designed spaces until there's no space left on our phones. Knowing how to make those ideas a reality is a whole different story.

Luckily, you don't have to live your life with albums of photos you'll never use. Work with an interior designer and they will help you figure out how to make your space look just like you always dreamed. Even better, they'll help you figure out how to do it on a realistic budget. No more saving up for your best life piece by piece. Before you know it, people will be pinning your photos!

1. Interior Designers Know Color

Wondering if that ice blue throw pillow set is going to work with your favorite deep purple comforter? An interior designer can tell you all the best color matches and help you find alternatives. When you're indecisive over paint colors and upholstery, talk to your designer and they can help you figure out the best color palettes and aesthetics for your space. 

2. Get Out of the Indecision Slump with New Choices

Sometimes the reason we can't decide on elements for our space is that none of the choices in front of us are quite right. An interior designer has the professional experience to know what may be similar but just different enough to get you the fresh look you need. Sometimes the amount of choices in front of us is so daunting that we can't choose for that reason. A designer will help you curate smaller groups so that decisions are easier to make. 

3. Find Pieces That Work for Your Space AND Your Budget

Have you been coveting that reclaimed wood table that seems so far out of your budget that you'll have to choose between it and retirement? An interior designer has connections and experience to find alternatives that will work for your budget. Your space should be somewhere you love as well as somewhere that provides sanctuary. That isn't possible if you gave up your rent to get the design you want. An interior designer can help you make it happen without breaking the bank. 

A Partnership in Design

The main takeaway is to end up with a space that you love. An interior designer is, above all, your partner in this endeavor. You'll be working together with mutual respect, building a space that brings you joy every day. Embrace that partnership and you'll have someone that can not only make your dream space happen but also help you update it every season. Contact me today to learn more about how we can work together.

As the sun comes out and skies clear, it's time to transition your space for summer. With new trends in interior design coming and going each year, here are tried and true ways to redesign your home for summer that will never go out of style.

Lighten

Winter design is often associated with heavier fabrics and cozy, plush furnishings. Perhaps you have a woolen throw blanket on your couch or a thick shag carpet under your feet. While these features add a warm and cozy atmosphere during long winter nights, they can feel stifling in the summer. As you transition to the season, think about lighter textures in your design.

Woven rugs in natural fibers are a great way to lighten up your space. They tend to be thinner than regular carpets which makes them a great choice for the summer. These rugs also come in gorgeous colors and patterns, which can serve as a focal point in a room.

Consider replacing heavy furniture with lighter mid-century or modern style pieces. Replace an overstuffed armchair with a sleeker version that has wooden or metal legs to bring in natural elements into your space.

Brighten

Welcome summer by adding a splash of color to your interior. Muted winter grays and beiges can feel washed out in the summer, especially in a room without lots of natural light. Add a bright tapestry or artwork to a plain wall, or change out your muted throw pillow cases with bright yellow or electric blue ones. 

Add a decorative mirror to your wall to reflect more light and physically brighten up a room. Mirrors also give the illusion of more space, helping the room feel nice and airy.

Enliven 

Natural influences on interior design will never go out of style, especially in the summer. Having plants in your home is a great way to create a sense of calm and peace in your space. There are plenty of beautiful, hardy houseplants that are very hard to kill, but if you're still worried you can get fake plants that look just like the real thing. 

Vertical plants like the Fiddle Leaf Fig are perfect for entryways and living room corners. For a bushier plant, try out the Areca Palm, which thrives in bright spaces. These green plants will add a verdant touch to your summer decor.

We hope you enjoy transitioning your interior design to summer with these creative tips. Need the help of a professional designer to bring your vision together? Contact me here.

Life in quarantine can be challenging. Many of our usual avenues of communication are no longer viable and on top of that, we're all trapped inside our homes forced to examine the reality of the four walls surrounding us. And in some cases, our less than ideal interior design. But just because it's no longer safe to go outside and look, touch, and explore all of the latest design trends with an interior designer in person doesn't mean that all of your home design plans have to be put on hold.

In fact, now is the perfect time to work with an interior designer virtually!

One of the most important aspects of home design, and one of the most difficult aspects for interior designers, is crafting the perfect mix of trends, styles, and vibes to match the customer's desires for their home, something that we take seriously here at Ana Maria Designs. This relates to the paint color on the walls, the furniture in the room,  to even the throw pillows adorning the couch. And the easiest way to make sure that you get the best results, and that your interior designer brings your home to its full potential, is to have clear ideas about what you want.

Stuck inside our homes with what seems like limitless free time (outside of those pesky Zoom calls for work!) is the ideal time to clarify, compile, and create your vision for what you want your home to be. Draft some detailed emails, create a Pinterest board, hop online for a video call, or take advantage of our Design Your Own service.  Scroll through our project galleries and to find examples of rooms you love. Take the time to point out which aspects you enjoy, arrange a folder of concept pictures, furniture pieces that you love,  wall art that inspires you, and colors and fabrics that spark joy.

Ana Maria Designs is always happy to discuss your home design projects, even while in quarantine, so send us a note or book a call today.

None of us can travel right now, but that doesn't mean you can’t bring the feeling of travel into your home. Here are a few fun ways to use interior design to satisfy your wanderlust. 

Travel Souvenir Gallery Wall

Many of us have lovely travel mementos hidden away in our closets or drawers. A group of similar items would make a nice gallery wall. We're thinking of travel posters, foreign paper currency, photos from a single destination, maps, or travel postcards. It's helpful to consider the rest of your decor before you frame your souvenirs. Identical frames go well with modern or minimalist decor.  

World's Easiest Souvenir Display

Another way to show off those souvenirs is to arrange them on your coffee table. Then cover them with glass. Curating is the key to making this project successful. First, pick a theme or motif like "My Trip to Paris" or "Foreign Coins." Next, among your items that fit the theme, choose your best. Play with the arrangement to find the one you enjoy most.

Go DIY with Travel-Themed Fabric

Don't let the thought of DIY overwhelm you. DIY pillow and upholstery projects aren't complicated. And you don't need piles of fabric you've picked up at the world's most exotic locales. (If you have such fabric, that's great too.) You can easily order fabric with travel motifs or patterns inspired by traditional cultures online. Here are step-by-step tutorials for no-sew throw pillows and easy DIY upholstery. 

Global Basket Wall

You can put a travel twist on the basket wall trend. Displaying a collection of baskets from around the world is an option. We also like showing off a group of baskets from the same region. For inspiration, look online for traditional baskets made by artisans in places such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, or Zimbabwe.