One of our favorite design projects is a kitchen remodel because of the essential role collaboration plays. Beauty and function/efficiency are of utmost importance, and there are some standard rules to consider (like the work triangle) but, how our clients like to work in their kitchens must be accounted for in the design. After all, the kitchen is the central hub of home life and should be planned to mirror lifestyle and taste. We consider how our clients entertain, who they entertain, if they are avid chefs, bakers or holiday hosts, if they cater to four-legged friends, if they like islands or peninsulas, ranges or cooktops, accessories and storage solutions and of course, who they cook with. There is myriad of questions we review with our clients to ensure that the transformation is not only show-stopping but also a reflection of the things our clients love to do, the way they live and the people who are most important in their lives. One of the first questions, and probably the most important one, is “what brand of appliances do you prefer?” Many of our clients have strong opinions about appliances and appliance brands while others provide pricing parameters and a […]
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Let There Be Light! Lighting is arguably the most important element in interior design. It is an essential ingredient and not an afterthought as many consider it to be. If you’re tempted to spend more time picking out furnishings or puzzling over layouts, remember that lighting can completely transform a space – not just by brightening dark corners, but by affecting your emotions. (1) Lighting creates mood and sets tone. It can affect the perceived size of a room, add dimension, draw attention and create depth and balance. In order to achieve the true power of lighting, designers consider lighting placement, amongst a myriad of other things. Standard lighting layouts with symmetrical cans, chandeliers and pendants (peppered with table, floor and task lamps) are a great starting point. After all, you need more than one source of light in a room (think layered illumination). (1) But, when you get creative on where and how to place lighting, “wow-factors” can be born. Here are a few creative lighting placement ideas that take lighting to the next level. Forgotten Corners: Light ‘em up The goal is to create contrast between the light at the center of a room, the light around the […]
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When it comes to designing your walls, there are so many fantastic opportunities to be creative and to express your style and artistic interest. Each wall in your home is like a blank canvas and it’s up to you to fill it with your imagination. Your walls can help define a certain style, direct your furnishing selections, showcase your personal tastes, tie your room together, add texture and create remembrances of friends, family, and occasions. (1) You might be someone who subscribes to a more maximalist way of designing, and if so, you might have a lot of stuff going on in your room already. You might need a spot for your eyes to rest. Letting a wall stay blank could be a great way to add much needed negative space to a room that is bordering on to busy. But, for those with a more minimalist design aesthetic, it’s easy for our walls to appear too sterile or just like big soulless spaces, so it’s important to design them with texture and color. Check out these six fun ideas to bring your wall(s) to life. Geometric Wood Accent Walls A custom geometric accent wall is a great DIY opportunity to […]
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Spring is finally here! And you know what that means…summer is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to get your outdoor space ready for entertainment and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to entertain or just create a comfy spot for you and your loved ones, there are a few things to think about when choosing the right outdoor furniture: High Quality When referring to high quality, it doesn’t always mean expensive but it does mean the difference between having long-term, durable furniture and furniture that only lasts one or two seasons. Outdoor furniture is an investment but there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank. Low Maintenance No one wants to spend beautiful summer days wiping down furniture from pollen, dirt or spider webs. So, low-maintenance options are key. The easiest outdoor furniture to clean and maintain is typically made from PVC, resin or plastic (think Adirondack chairs and patio dining chairs). These are often some of the most affordable types of patio furniture, too. And if you don’t want to bring your furniture in and out each year, or you don’t have the storage, furniture covers are a great investment. Protective covers are often available […]
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Another fantastic experience at the annual Interior Design show in Las Vegas (The Market). The Market is the most comprehensive cross-category furnishing showcase in the United States. Therefore, it attracts thousands of industry professionals who come to see the latest furniture, bedding, casual/outdoor, home décor and gift products from more than 4,000 exhibitors and brands We spent three full days covering more than 5.4 million square feet (approximately 25 miles of walking) of permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits.
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