Archives for April 2013

Benches and Chaises

April 26, 2013

Popular in today’s home furnishings are upholstered benches and chaises. It seems that these pieces are used more and more in the everyday setting to add interest and extra seating to a room.

Chaises are usually an extended version of a chair, similar to a chair and ottoman feel but as one piece of furniture. Once called “fainting couches” in the Victorian era, this piece of furniture dates back to ancient Egypt.

 

Benches and Chaises

Benches and Chaisesphotograph by Tria Giovan 

Benches and Chaises

Designer Eileen Kathryn Boyd – Traditional Home – Photographers: John Bessler and Jonny Valiant

 

Often times you may see the term “daybed”, which is a flat surface that allows you to lie horizontally and similar in size to a twin bed.  The terms are used loosely by some manufacturers for some daybeds can actually more like a chaise or a bench.

 

 

Benches and Chaises - Interior Walls Designs

Chaises and benches offer extra seating in a room without carrying the visual weight of a sofa.

Being that these pieces are open and do not have a back, they can be used in a seating area therefore allowing the room to feel open and offering a full view of all your site lines.

 

Benches and Chaises

images via pinterest

Chaises and Benches

image via elle decor

Benches and Chaises - Interior Walls Designs

 

These pieces can offer a division between two seating areas of a room or be a designation between two different areas or rooms of the home.

 

Chaises and Benches

 Benches and Chaises

Benches and Chaises - Interior Walls Designs

images via pinterest

Filed Under: Upholstery Tagged With: , ,

Stylish Staircases

April 22, 2013

There are first impressions…in life, in business, and in the home. Upon entering one’s home, many times the staircase is the first detail you see. It can set the tone of the entire house while adding interest and drama to the space. Not only does the staircase provide function to access different floors or levels, but it also can be an architectural element for the space.

 

Stylish Staircases

 

This two-story foyer makes great use of the weathered beams to outline the details of the walls and high ceilings while adding drama to the foyer. There is no doubt that this foyer stands out from most others.

 

 

Glass partitions add the interest while allowing the staircase to feel open. The open tread design keeps it light and airy.

 

Stylish Staircases

Stylish StaircasesArchitect William Hefner

The underside of the staircase can be also show details and design elements that are typically covered or enclosed.

Stylish Staircases - Interior Walls Designs

image via Metropolitan Home

You can also create flow from room to room and by using the space under the stairwell allowing for a more open floor plan.  The bookcases and library lights definitely enhance this space.

Stylish Staircases - Interior Walls Designs

images via pinterest

This staircase in the backyard of Lara Spencer’s home shows how the design is in the details. The circular concrete stairs that lead to the lower patio level add that perfect architectural touch.

Stylish Staircases

Lara Spencer from Good Morning America via the Los Angeles Times blog

Filed Under: Stairs

Bathroom Detail

April 17, 2013

When it comes to most anything, it is true that the design is in the details. Taking a space and going one step further can make all the difference. The bathroom, particularly the powder room, is the perfect room to make a statement or do the unexpected. Maybe adding some character or a much need conversation piece is what your space needs.

It is a room that can dare to be different. You and your guests will love the element of character that you so cleverly added.

Note the use of the stool and bucket to make this wall mounted faucet work in this small yet original powder room.

 

Bathroom Detail

This horizontal wall treatment is ideal for this rustic bath. The simple pedestal and glass vessel are perfect for this room for they are clean and simple.

Bathroom Detail - Interior Walls Designs

Wood countertops have been making their way back into the desgin scence as of late. I love the application in these baths and are a new and welcomed choice for a countertop.

The wood countertop with the integrated bowl is a work of art in this contemporary bath.

Bath Details - Interior Walls Designs

Bathroom Details

images via pinterest

Think outside of the box and use a piece of furniture for your vanity. Many companies make vanities to look like pieces of furniture but you can also use a piece of your own furniture. Most vanities in bathrooms are 30″ high to accommodate children but you can break the rules and use any height that works for you.

Bathroom Details

Bathroom Details - Interior Walls Designs

Bath Detail - Interior Walls Designs

I think tile is a great way to add that piece of “jewelry” or “art” to a room. There are thousands of tile choices today and I even get overwhelmed when I go hunting for that perfect tile.

This black and white tile is stunning in its pattern and application. The floor is bold and daring while the curved wall has the small, stripe pattern to perfectly compliment the floor.

Bath Detail

images via pinterest

This tiled wall is all the art you need in this bath. The hanging light fixtures are the perfect selection in my opinion. A wall mounted fixture would have taken away from the tiled wall therefore making these lights an excellent choice.

Bath Details

Suspended mirrors in front of this large window are ideal for this bathroom. It is a great use of space and light.

Bathroom Details - Interior Walls Designs

A two-sided vanity works well in a bath if you are limited on space.  This configuration can work well if you do not have wall large enough to accommodate a double vanity.

Bath Details - Interior Walls Designs

images via pinterest

Filed Under: Bathrooms Tagged With: , ,

Buy What You Love

April 11, 2013

Buy what you love and it will all come together. I always try and communicate this to my clients or friends when designing a room. The fact is that it is less expensive to design a room the right way the first time, than it is the wrong way a second time. It has been proven many times in my career that it is more satisfying and less expensive to buy what you love.

It can be as simple as purchasing wallpaper for a room or a mirror for over the fireplace…one detail can enhance the whole look of the room.

 

Buy What You Love

 

Buy what you Love

 images via pinterest

Many people are consistent shoppers and hunt the isles of the local home decor stores. I have found many deals and steals there for sure. Trust me…sometimes there are awesome deals at bargain prices. BUT only buy it if you love, love, love it. If it is on sale or at a bargain price and you are not sure how long you will even “like” it, much less love it, then do not buy it. To me you have just wasted your money. My theory is “Buy what you love and the rest will fall into place”.

The hardest aspect for most people in terms of design is visualization. For me it is second nature. I can see it instantly in my mind; a complete picture all of it is in my mind. If we use this pillow, on this sofa, with this rug…right there; a picture in my mind.

Others struggle with even the smallest selections. I understand that for most people it is extremely overwhelming to choose one or two items, much less a whole room. That is why I love my job. I actually love it…it ignites me inside and feeds my soul. I love what I do!

 

Buy What You Love - Interior Walls Designs

images via pinterest

I love to design a room with personal items that tell the story of that person or that family. Some people bring home great finds from their travels and adventures. Others like to fill their space with photos of friends and family. How about that favorite accessory that used to sit on your grandparents table in the living room? Any and all items relating to family and friends makes a space more personal and collected over time.

These four pieces of art were hanging in my grandfather’s study before I was born. Every time I look at them now in my foyer, I think of my grandfather and his worn, hunter-green leather club chair that sat across the room from these prints. The black, back-painted glass make it appears that it has a mat but it is actually back-painted which makes it even more unique and special.

 

 

What would I buy at any time on any given day where money wasn’t a concern? Art.

On a recent girl’s trip to Maine, we visited many different towns as we made our way through the state and always happened upon the town’s art galleries to check out the local color. Each of us would peruse the gallery at our leisure, then we all meet back and walk through together to point out what we would buy if we had an endless budget. My friend and I picked the same artist at the Camden Falls Gallery. These pieces by Janis Sanders are oils on canvas. I love all of his work from this series.

 

Buy What You Love

Interior Walls Design - Buy What you Love

 Artist Janis Sanders

 

If you are on a budget and want some original pieces, there are plenty of artists and photographers at colleges or art institutes that sell their art at reasonable prices. Or consider your local galleries for many artists offer commissioned pieces.

If you are a pet lover, maybe you would want to have your pet’s likeness painted like this piece by Happy Menocal.

 

Buy What You Love

portrait of dog by Happy Menocal

 

Buy What you Love

I think a portrait of a pet adds character to any space and tells the story of the people that live there. I adore this cat and the contrast of the black and white. This work and many other originals and prints by Kate Pugsley can be found at Etsy.

One piece in the home that I feel needs to be evaluated when purchasing more than most other pieces is your sofa. This piece can typically stay in your home for five or ten years, or maybe even more. I was in a meeting with a potential client recently and she voiced that she bought her sofa five years ago for $900. Never really loved it when she bought it, but is now stuck with it for it was $900. She noted that if she had bought the $1600 one that she really wanted, she would not be so unhappy all these years. Quick calculation… that is $140 more a year, or should I say, 38 cents more per day to be happy.  Seems like a small price to me to be in love with your sofa. Once again, buy what you love and it will all come together.

 

image via pinterest

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Accessories, Art

For the Love of…Sisal and Seagrass

April 5, 2013

When designing, I typically feel that a rug can set the tone and define the space in any room. Sometimes it can actually make or break a space. Many times choosing a rug or carpet is a starting point for my designs. But sometimes the room just calls for the simple styling and natural tones and fibers of a seagrass or sisal rug.

 

For the Love of Sisal and Seagrass

Seagrass and sisal rugs have been popular for more than a decade and have continued to remain an accepted choice for rugs or wall to wall installation. These two natural fibers are sometimes confused for they both have a similar look, but they are very different fibers.

For the Love of Sisal and Seagrass - Interior Walls Designs

images via pinterest

Most people who have seagrass in their home sing its praises, especially on how well it wears. It is extremely durable therefore you may tire of it before it will ever wear out. Since it is grown in water, this product is basically non-absorbent and is a strong, sturdy fiber. It is static-free and typically does not attract dirt and dust. To the touch, it almost feels like it has a wax coating on it.

 

Sisal and Seagrass - Interior Walls Designs

images of seagrass via pinterest

Sisal has a rougher texture and with loose, visible hair-like fibers which can sometimes shed. Sisal is made from the agave plant and is more absorbent and can sometimes stain. But sisal has come a long way as far as patterns and colors in the past several years. It continues to be one of my favorite choices for not only its texture but the abundance of patterns and colors that are available.

For the love of Sisal and Seagrass

For the love of sisal and seagrass

For the Love of Seagrass and Sisal

 images via Merida

A wall to wall installation is common with both seagrass and sisal. It is a great background for layering other rugs on top of it as shown here with this hide.

 

For the love of sisal and seagrass

image via elle decor

When selecting either of these for your home, read the warranties and waivers that come with each product. Some fibers tend to have a grass-like smell which is essentially the nature of the beast. Also note that some products can have somewhat of slick surface and I would therefore use caution when installing this on stairs.

For the love of sisal and seagrass

image via pinterest

Filed Under: Area Rugs, Sisal and Seagrass