Tag Archives: interior design

Appearing Bigger is always Better

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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!

 

Time Is Money

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I’m a firm believer in using time wisely. This is a great article for clients on being prepared for their interior design consultation meetings. For #5, I suggest clients check out my Pinterest Boards for inspiration and then create some of their own to help them find their style. The boards are extremely helpful as we design their space – a great reference tool!

 

Transformation of the Week

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Now this is how you transform a bathroom!

If you have a good bathroom layout, then one of the most cost-effective tricks is to not move any of the plumbing. The new cabinetry around the toilet is a great use of space adding tons of extra storage. The large frameless walk-in shower expands the visual size of the room dramatically.

This bathroom gets an A+.

 

Feature Walls

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One of the most dramatic ways to make a design statement is to create a feature wall.  This could be a focal wall in a room such as a bed wall or sofa wall.  This could be a main wall in a foyer.  This could be a technique to pull a wall toward you. Whatever your need or preference, a feature wall is always a great addition to your space!

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MH23XB18

http://www.burnhamdesign.com/portfolio/whittier_drive.php

A darker paint color, an intricate tile pattern, reclaimed wood planks can each be used to create a spectacular feature wall.  The above 3-D wall was created by making a fretwork-like pattern with wood trim pieces and then painting walls and trim one color.

A dining room can often easily host a feature wall due to the minimal furniture. Below is an example of a wooden wall that adds much warmth and texture to the space.

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http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2011/10/2/walls-of-wood.html

Feature walls can be simple or complicated, but the effect is similar.  They will bring visual interest to your room or space and will help create an atmosphere.  And that’s what great design does!

Check out more of our favorite feature walls on Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/intbydesign5/walls/

 

 

 

Fresh Face

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Beautiful spring vignette from www.snapcreativity.com

Beautiful spring vignette from http://www.snapcreativity.com

At Interiors By Design, Inc. we like to usher in the new spring season with a Fresh Face for your Space. How many of you (who wear make-up) have a new lipstick color for the spring? Doesn’t your wardrobe typically brighten up a bit at this time of year? We say let’s make a few modifications to our interiors to reflect this new spring season, too!

A few touches are all you need to help transform your rooms into the new season. What comes to mind when you think spring? We think of birds singing, creeks flowing, flowers blooming, grass greening and the sun shining. Let these and other similar elements become your inspiration. You can easily incorporate hints of spring into any design.

Consider infusing robin-egg blue accents into your space via accent pillows, accessories or towels. Try changing out a few key art pieces and replace them with spring themes of flowers or the pastels of most impressionist artwork. Find placemats with birds, flowers or fresh colors. These subtle modifications in your home décor will have a huge impact in the feel of your space.

Lovely spring tablescape from www.deavita.com

Lovely spring tablescape from http://www.deavita.com

As your environment shifts don’t be surprised if your mood, perspective, and even productivity improve. Spring is a great time to gather energy from your surroundings and with a few tweaks you will be able to do that right in your own home. Be inspired and put a Fresh Face on your Space!

Kid Space

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One of our favorite areas to design in a home is the “Kid Space”.  There tends to be more whimsy in the design as imaginations soar.  Colors, fabrics and patterns are often bright, bold and playful.  Basically, we get to be kids again!

from nytimes.com

from nytimes.com

Our philosophy is that form always follows function, so the most important aspect of our design is that we meet the client’s needs.  We believe there are 3 main functions of a “Kid Space” and we design accordingly.

#1  All kids need to read (or be read to), so make sure to incorporate a comfy spot with books close at hand.

#2  All kids need to develop fine motor skills so let’s make it fun!  Drawing, coloring, painting, building blocks and legos are all great ways to help master those skills.  Your “Kid Space” should definitely have an area for this type of creativity.

#3  All kids develop socially through imaginative play.  In your design, include an area as simple as a box with dress-up and costumes or as elaborate as tents, kitchen sets and pretend workshops with tools.

There’s nothing more inviting than a sweet space for kids where their imaginations can run wild!

from vogue.com

from vogue.com

One last tip…Make sure you hang or display all the masterpieces and creations.  Kid art trumps all design rules!

Design By Nature

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There is a reason that nature is so beautiful. There is a reason that it awes and inspires us. Nature was created for us to live in and enjoy. Unless you choose to live in the great outdoors, we suggest a simpler approach to enjoying nature. Let’s bring some of the nature inside!

We can be as creative or as subtle as we want. Bring a bright floral fabric to an accent chair or install pebble tiles on your shower floor. Many of us may have wooden floors in our homes, but have you thought about accenting your walls with twigs or branches? A vase full of bright fresh flowers or potted plants may seem like an obvious solution, but a wall of birch trees wallpaper can be a welcomed surprise.

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We love artwork that represents nature. Choose photographed landscapes, vibrant colored paintings of flowers or the calming tones of waterscapes. A natural wood table brings warmth into any room. Check out where you can find great reclaimed options in your area. And don’t forget the many ways stone can bring beauty into a space: walls, floors, fireplace surrounds, frames and accessories.

Be creative with how you bring nature into your home.  Just go outside, see what you are drawn to, then take some steps to creating the ultimate nature-inspired space!

Check out our Nature Board on Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/intbydesign5/nature/

 

Inspiration

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Everyone needs a little inspiration sometimes.  Even designers can be completely wowed!  Check out the new Google Offices in Tel Aviv.  Their design team hit this out of the ballpark!  We dare you to not be inspired…

Sneak Peek at Google’s Incredible New Offices in Tel Aviv, Israelfreshome.comColorful and interactive, the Google’s new offices in Tel Aviv, Israel seem more like a part of a dreamy holiday hotel, than “plain old” working spaces

 

 

Turn Your Closet Into A Boutique

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Now that you’ve been inspired to turn your bedroom into a sanctuary, let’s move on to your closet!  Going into a dim, disorganized, over-crowded closet on a daily basis can make selecting an outfit stressful and exhausting.  It’s time to purge what you don’t need or wear and re-establish your style.  As you organize your clothes and accessories, put like things together.  Have sections for business attire, weekend-wear, fitness, jackets, etc.  Think about how you can best “shop” for the perfect outfit in your very own closet!

207306389067198838_IEYrNvHX_cSelecting clothes should be an effortless and even enjoyable experience.  For Monday’s work meeting you will be able to pull together an outfit quickly from one section of your closet.  The next step is to choose shoes, a handbag and accessories.  The best way to make these selections with ease is to see all of your choices.  Shoes should be displayed like a store, so you can “shop” for the perfect pair.  Set out handbags on a shelf, scarves and belts on hooks and jewelry can be laid out in drawers.

Excellent lighting, a full-length mirror and a spot to sit will complete the space.  A closet that is designed like a boutique will make getting dressed a joy every day!  Now who’s ready to go shop?

I found this picture on houzz.com.  A great resource for all home design inspiration.

A Resolution Worth Keeping

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Ringing in the New Year is often accompanied by a few resolutions.  Well, we’ve got an excellent one to add to your list:  Make a sanctuary in your home.  We recommend your bedroom.  We all spend at least 1/3 of our lives in the bedroom so let’s make it special!  Your bedroom should be the one room in your home where you can retreat and be completely at ease.

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While creating this new retreat, your bedroom should reflect your personal style.  Your space can be cozy, romantic, sophisticated or rustic.  No matter your style, it should be minimalistic.  Think hotel-living.  This should be a space that evokes peace and calm, no piles or projects.  We want you to be able to rest and relax!

Accomplish your style through new bedding and pillows.  Add meaningful artwork.  Select a few interesting accessories like photo frames or bud vases for fresh flowers.  And don’t forget lighting…a new chandelier or the perfect bedside table lamps will really highlight your space.  Making these few changes will definitely give you an amazing sanctuary.  Now that’s one resolution worth keeping.

Enjoy 2013 in your new bedroom retreat!

For more bedroom inspiration, checkout my Pinterest Board at http://pinterest.com/intbydesign5/beautiful-bedrooms/