Gray, Gray and More Gray

I love it when I’m right! Nothing like having your design sense affirmed by a bunch of other professionals. Check out this article and the favorite grays used by interior designers.

#1 is my all time favorite and go-to gray. Ask any of my clients. Even the name Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams sounds inviting. As if that wasn’t enough, the list goes on to include my other top choices…#3, #5 and #8.

 

Gray paint on your walls adds a nice warmth and neutrality most spaces need. And the options today are endless. Stick with one of the grays listed in this article and you can’t go wrong.

I Want That

I love everything about this kitchen…literally everything! Look at the “before photo” and see where this room started. The transformation is beautiful and inspiring which all design should be (in my humble opinion).

Houzz does such a great job of exposing us to excellent design and ideas from around the world.

These homeowners in Atlanta, GA re-purposed some space to add concentrated storage areas and more windows. The vintage vibe of the tile mixed with the rustic woods adds warmth to the room. The lighting is a special surprise – swing-arm sconces in a kitchen? What? The custom hood pulls everything together on the focal wall.

This kitchen is a lovely gathering space for family and friends!

What Is A Vignette?

And No, it’s not something you put on salad… A vignette is just a fancy term for what I like to call a “Moment”. I’m sure that really clears things up! As I walk through a client’s house I’m always quick to say “I love this moment you’ve created here” as I wave my hand over some table or mantle or chair. They typically look very confused. I assure them it’s a compliment.

A vignette is a variety of items placed together to create a focal point or an area of visual interest. The items are different in nature and size and scale and texture and purpose. But when put together in a grouping they compliment each other to create an interesting visual moment. There’s that word again…

If you’re interested in creating a vignette in your own space, check out this article with the ABC’s of how to pull it off.

Nursery Ideas

This article from HGTV is full of the best, most calming nursery designs. I’ve always thought it strange to have a nursery made to be so girl or boy specific. What if you have more than one pregnancy? What if the ultrasound technician was wrong? What if you have twins or triplets?

I’ve always been a fan of the more neutral nursery…the grays, the khakis, the whites, the creams…such soothing palettes. Most time spent in a nursery is relaxing, napping, nursing, sleeping, reading, rocking or sleeping time for a baby. Active play areas can have more vibrant and excitable colors.

Whether you’re intentionally trying to create a gender-neutral space or a simply tranquil room, your baby (or babies) will enjoy a calming nursery design! Check out some of these nursery inspirations

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Best Finishes for your Kitchen

This article is a gold mine of information! Everything you’ve always wanted to know about the best finishes for your kitchen. All here, in this one place!

Not only are you told what finishes are best, but you’re told why and then given a second runner-up option as well. I love that window coverings are addressed which helps explain why I never recommend soft or fabric-based treatments in a kitchen. There’s even a link for “how to clean stainless steel” since that’s often the #1 complaint for those beautiful appliances.

Check out this article by @SamFerris….he’s done all the research for you!

 

Let’s Clean Up the Laundry Room

The laundry room in my last house almost caused a divorce. Well…maybe that’s a little dramatic, but it was one of the top reasons we moved. Maybe if I’d read this article sooner and had more than 36 sq. feet to work with we would still live there. In my defense the laundry room was also the room between our garage and the kitchen, so you can imagine the shoes and coats and bags and sports gear and laundry all piled up to be tripped over constantly. Like I said…that was our last house!

I love good Before and After photos and this article has plenty. One thing I always suggest to clients is that they make the laundry bright and inviting. You’re going in there to take care of  a mundane task so the space should be pleasant. Make sure it’s functional and organized and there’s a place to store everything – out of site if possible.

Check out the Before picture on the 3rd example. I’ll be curious to know if you shake your head too!

 

Outstanding White Tile

Clients often get nervous when it comes to selecting tile. It’s much more permanent than paint or lighting or furniture. When the stakes feel high people often opt for the more neutral choice. They typically ask for a white tile. The good news is that there are so many fabulous white tiles out there that offer texture, dimension or pattern. That’s how I help my clients keep their designs interesting.

I love the tiles and their applications in this article! So much design inspiration here…

 

Appearing Bigger is always Better

Quite often a challenge arises when a room is much smaller than the client’s vision for the space. A client sees enough comfortable seating for visiting family and friends while a designer sees all the physical parameters including window walls, a fireplace, 2 doorways entering the room, etc.  This is where the right furniture and finishes make a huge difference in helping a room feel larger than it is.

Designers use lots of “tricks” to achieve certain goals within a space. This article gives some great suggestions to keep in mind if you’ve got a tight space you’re working with.

Along with painting ceilings Bright White, I use #5 and #10 regularly. These are some of my best kept secrets!

 

Which Countertop Is Best For You?

This article answers all of my and my client’s questions…Finally! A must-read before any kitchen or bathroom remodel. Not to mention that all the photos are gorgeous and inspiring…Enjoy!

 

Kitchen Renovating

A kitchen is the most used room in your house. It gets the most traffic, gathers the most people and sets the tone for your lifestyle. The kitchen is also the #1 interior item that sells a home.

Here’s a great article of things to consider before you plan a kitchen renovation: