So as we change homes or the ways in which we are using our homes there are so many times that the pieces we once had no longer work with the new design or in the new space. So I thought I would talk a bit about how to reinvent those pieces to make them work in the new space.
One of the most thrown away items are mirrors. These are usually pieces that we don’t have a huge attachment to. We like them but finding a new spot for them can seem like more work then they are worth. Well mirrors can be used in so many ways and honestly most homes never have enough. So here are some thoughts on how to update and change them for the new space. If you have remodeled and have an old bathroom mirror, usually a frameless plate-glass you can have this piece cut down and framed. Framed mirrors are all the rage in bathrooms now so why waste the old mirror. Select a new frame and instantly you have a new look. Now if this a is cheap mirror that you are starting to see the backing on already don’t bother. But if it is a nice beveled silver nitrate mirror go for it. It is definitely worth it.
Another option with mirrors if they are already framed is to spray paint the frame. I love a colorful lacquered framed mirror. They can go in so many spaces from the entry to the bedroom to the hallway. You just can’t go wrong. And you can completely change the feeling of the piece with the new paint color. And go for something out of the box the few dollars for the spray paint and a little bit of time is not going to break the bank and will have so much impact.
One of my favorite things to do is to have a painted piece of furniture in the house. Especially kids bedrooms, guest bedrooms and entryways. These are great places to have a unique piece and show off your whimsical side. Take that old dresser, bookcase, or side table and refresh it with a completely different look. Want to use it for a kid’s bedroom stencil a fun scene on it. Frogs and bugs for boys or fairies and butterflies for girls. Can’t draw no big deal a few dollars at your local craft store and you will find every kind of stencil there is.
Lamps are another item that usually need some updating when we have moved or remodeled. Replace the shade. This is the easiest way to create a whole new lamp. Just make sure that with the new shade you don’t see the workings of the lamp. Another way to reinvent a lamp especially for a beach home is to wrap it in material. I love to use either linen or rope for the beach house look. Also I am in love with the clear glass lamps. These many times can be filled. I have filled them with glass beads, sand and sea shells and even rose petals. Easy changes that completely change the feeling of the space.
So the next time before you throw out the accessory or piece of furniture think about how you can use it in a different way. And remember just because it was used in one manner doesn’t mean that is the only way to use it. Small bookcases make great end tables or sofa tables if long enough. Large end tables can be foyer tables. Everything is just a matter of changing your thought pattern. And if you just don’t know what to do with the pieces call an interior designer for a consultation. Guaranteed that designer will have a million different uses for each piece.
As many people know there are many different levels of quality and prices for home fashions. And sometimes it can be very confusing as to what the difference is, especially when we now have all these stores that claim to have the same quality for less. So I thought I would give you some tips of things to look for when shopping for area rugs and when and where to splurge.
One of the elements that can really change a room is a great area rug. Rugs can be made of many different fibers and techniques. Area rugs are usually made from wool, silk, rayon, polyester or polypropylene. Wool and silk rugs are your highest quality rugs. The fibers last and when you think about antique rugs these are the fibers that were used. Polyester rugs are used for indoor/outdoor rugs because they are easy to clean and if small enough they can go in a washing machine. Rayon is used as what is called art silk. That means it looks like a silk fiber when used but is much less expensive. The last fiber is polypropylene. This fiber is made from petroleum and you should stay far away from this fiber. It attracts dirt and emits chemicals. Usually these are the least expensive rugs and there is a good reason for that. They do not last and you really do not want them around you or your family.
For construction area rugs can be made in a few different way. There is hand-knotted, hand-tufted, hand-woven, and machine-made. As I am sure you figured out machine-made are the least expensive. These are also usually the rugs containing polypropylene. Hand-knotted area rugs are your most expensive and for good reason. They last forever and have different levels depending on how many knots per square inch there are created when making it. The higher the knot count the higher the quality and price. Hand-tufted area rugs are usually the ones you see with the high piles. These are the ones that when you step on them you get that thick plush feeling. These are going to be moderately priced and will last a long time. Woven rugs consist of your flat weaves and boucles. Flat weaves are extremely popular right now and are very well priced. These are a nice mix of style and price. And when you decide to change your mind in a few years you won’t feel bad about getting rid of the rug.
So if you are looking for something that will last forever and always look good go with a hand-knotted wool or wool and silk area rug. This will be on the high-end of price but will be well worth the splurge. These rugs are also intrinsically stain resistant because they are made from wool. For a rug that is going to last but not break the budget go for the hand-tufted. They look great and will last and since they are made from 100% wool that will also resist stains. Stay away for the machine-made they are not worth your money and will not last. And for that fun not break the bank area rug look for those flat weave and boucles.
There are a few mistakes that I see over and over again in home design. The first biggest mistake that I see on a regular basis is an area rug that is just too small for the space. Area rugs should encompass the seating area. This means that they should be under the furniture. They are not a coaster for your cocktail table. If the front legs of all of your furniture are not on the area rug it is too small. If it is in a dining room and when you pull the chair out and the chair ends up off the rug it is too small. Basic numbers for a family of living room the area rug should be about 8×10/8×11 in size. For a dining room the rug should be no smaller than 8×11 and in most likelihood should be around 9×13.
The second big mistake is hanging painting too high. If you have to look up to see the center of the painting it is too high!
The third mistake is not having a plan. A home does not come together by getting a bunch of things and praying that they work together. Know how you want to see the space and then makes notes as to the kinds of pieces you will need to have it function in that manner.
And lastly the big mistake is not hiring a designer for at least a consultation to help with putting your plan together. The big fear is that having a designer is going to cost money but the reality is that not having that designer is going to cost a great deal more in mistakes and lack of function. If you have ever brought home pieces and then realized that they didn’t fit and the color was wrong you know what I am talking about. And the time alone to have to return those items more than covers the cost of a consultation.
An elegant answer to the black and white room.
+ bathroom remodel, decorating, Interior design, Interior Design Trends, Redesign, window treatments
Budget Friendly Adaptations
One of the biggest and most often asked questions I receive is “how do we get the look we want and be conscience of our budget”. So I thought I would give some tips on the areas where you can cut costs but still get quality and a great look.
The first area whether you are building a new home or remodeling is to go with a high quality premade bathroom vanity. These are fantastic for guest or powder baths. There are a ton of them out there and they definitely range in price and quality. If you are looking to replace the look of custom cabinetry with granite counter tops it can be done with the right premade vanity. The things you want to look for are solid marble or granite tops. I always want to make sure that the description includes either Carrera marble or the name of the granite that is being used. What you don’t want to see in the description are the terms cultured marble, stone effects, mosaic stone. All of these mean that they are a manufactured material that they are trying to sell as a stone. You also want to make sure that they are made from solid wood and have a multi step finishing process. Stay away from veneers especially paper veneers in the bathroom. The constant heat and steam can damage these cabinets. These vanities can include your sink and other elements also saving you a great deal of money. Look for the ones that include sinks and mirrors over the ones that include the faucets. These faucets are usually very low quality and will need to be replaced almost immediately.
Bathroom vanity with Carrera marble top and mirror
bathroom vanity with statutory marble top
Another area to save money but not lose the look it to find great accents in glass tiles. You can use small amounts by cutting them and making medallions out of them or in a decorative listello. You don’t need to do the entire shower in the glass tiles to give a high end custom look. By using the decorative tile sparingly you get a huge wow effect from a small investment.
Another great place to save money is to use window treatments that are functional and decorative. This can be treatments like shutters, roman shade and panel tracks. These treatments look great on their own and do not need cornices and draperies added to them to look finished. You may pay a little more for them per piece in compared to blinds but you are saving by not having to had a second treatments on top.
A contemporary panel track that can be done in a solar screen to keep out UVA/UVB rays.
A personalized panel track
The classic and timeless roman shade.
So with these three tips you can get a great look while watching your budget. If you have other areas that you want to know how to get the most for your budget comment in this post so we can write a post about it.
As an interior design I hear on a regular basis what does an interior designer actually do. I believe we get this question because there is this image out there of a fancy dressed person prancing around with a cocktail in their hand pointing and demand things to be done while spending the client’s money as fast as possible. This is definitely not what really goes on but it is what makes good television. What really goes on in our daily life well it is not so glamorous. It is a lot of number crunching, sketching, problem solving, and hot construction sites. This doesn’t sound like the image you had in mind does it? I thought I would walk everyone through the design process and what an interior designer actually does from conceptions to implementation.
The first thing we do is meet with the client to understand their needs, wants and budgets. Our goal during this meeting is to be able to get inside the head of the client/clients and determine what essentials verse wants need to go into the project. We are also asking questions and determining the style of the client. If there are multiple clients such as in a commercial space or if it is a married couple it is determining how we need to balance the styles of the entire team for the best outcome.
The next step is to head back to the office and start working on the project. If it is new construction that means sketching and drawing the beginning plans for the space. If it is redesigning or remodeling that means also sketching and drawing the plans but there is usually a footprint to be working off of. No matter what the project it always needs to start with an inspiration. This can be a picture, a piece of fabric, an architectural feature, or simply a feeling that needs to be created.
Once the drawings are done elements need to be added. These are the architectural features things like built ins, columns, arches, moldings, and wainscoting. We also need to select flooring, cabinetry, fixtures and all items that need to go in during construction. These elements are then added to the drawings and specs for the plans.
Once all structural elements are selected it is time to select the decorative elements. These are the things that take the space from a shell to a home/office/shop. This includes window treatments, furnishings, paint colors, wallpaper, rugs etc. These are the places where the personality of the client really starts to be seen. This is also where we focus even more on the use of the space for the products we are selecting. If it is a retail store we are designing we want to make sure that we are inciting the potential customers to come into the space. If it is an office we want to make sure that it is set up in a proficient way that will keep people in the mindset to work. If it is a home we need to make sure that it is inviting and hugs the client when they walk through the front door.
All of these elements come together on design boards and are then presented to the client. At this point we always hope for a resounding I love everything go ahead. But that doesn’t always happen. What usually happens is the majority of the idea is accepted and then there is time spent tweaking the idea and plans to get the final outcome that is desired. Once this has been achieved the plans are sent to engineering and permitting and demo begins.
As the design is being implemented your interior designer is constantly working behind the scenes. This entails following up with suppliers to make sure that the products are getting to the job sites on time. This means working with the fabricators to make sure that everything is being made to the specifications of the design. This means being on the construction site making sure that the plans are being properly constructed. And many times it means problems solving to create the design. Something what is forgotten is that what we draw on paper even with the best 3D programs it is still and idea on paper. When we are in the field there are times that changes need to be made to work around needed structural elements. Two of the biggest areas that change design elements are trusses and HVAC systems. These have very specific places that they have to be installed. This means that we have to work around them when creating the design. So that can lead to changing the positions of lights, changing the dimensions of closets, or even the set up of a room. When these changes need to be made your interior designer has all of your needs in mind and is on site to make the best decision possible to meet your needs.
Once the construction is complete it is all about furnishing the project. During the construction process these pieces were being made. They were designed to work with the cabinetry, the granite, the floors, the arches and columns. They were also made to be the best solutions to your work or living needs. So when they are placed in the home or office they feel as though they belonged there the entire time. It is at this point that the clients truly see the implementation of the design. This is the point that we as designers work for. This is where the fruits of all the long days, hot construction sites and stress come together. It is the absolute best when you walk in the completed space and the client is grinning from ear to ear. It makes it all worth it and why we do it again.
So no I do not get to prance around in exorbitantly expensive clothes with a drink in hand spending someone else’s money. What I do is take a dream that was at one time just a glimmer in someone’s mind and make it reality.
One of the most important concepts in interior design is scale and balance. Scale is more than just size. Scale is about proportion. The weight that objects hold in a room. Balance is about making sure that the scales of all the pieces in a space are properly connected to each other. In interior design we play with that scale and balance to create tension and movement.
One of my favorite things to do in a space is to use an oversized light fixture. This creates tension and draws your eyes up and around the room. It also will highlight tall ceilings and draw attention to tray or coffered ceilings. When using a large light fixture you add a great deal of weight to the space. This needs to be balanced throughout the room. One way to do this is to make sure that you use a large area rug with an open design. This grounds the room and adds depth. The furniture that you place in the room also need to continue in the same scale as the light fixture. For instance if you have a large wrought iron chandelier this should be balanced with heavy, solid wood pieces. Keep away from light feeling pieces. This is not the time for a mirrored table. Another place that is going to add depth and balance for the room are the window treatments. For this look draperies are the ideal. By using a tacked at the top prong pleat you will draw the eyes back up. By hanging these treatments on a heavy wood rod with fantastic finials the chandelier will be perfectly balanced. The weight is moved around the room, and there is less need for lots of accessories. No room needs to look like the inside of a consignment store. Fewer larger objects create depths and strength. They also welcome you into the room because it allows you to breath. There needs to be empty spaces on the walls and around the room. You need to be able to feel welcome to move around the room. If there are too many accessories especially small accessories the room will just feel cluttered not finished.
So when designing a room think big. Think fewer larger pieces that have substance. One large painting is usually better than three small ones. If you walk into the space and you just breathe easily you have achieved balance. If you look around the space and you are unsettled remove an object.
Comfortable Beach House
The use of the large cage light fixtures balance the weight of the rustic table. By leaving open space the room has depth while also welcoming you into the space. Your eye moves around the entire space in a calming way. This is a room that you want to be in and entertain in.
To continue with giving you a deeper view of the lines that we carry at Artful Conceptions here is a look at Wesley Hall. This has become my go to for upholstery. I first found them at High Point market when one of the furniture reps I had known for years suggested that I look at them. When I walked into the showroom in High Point I instantly fell in love. The colors, fabrics and designs were gorgeous. They were current while also have a classic look. The people were as sweet as could be and everyone was having a great time. Then even better every single piece of furniture that I sat in was extremely comfortable. I was in love! So here are some images from the spring market.
A classic design with a modern twist.
Barstools with attitude
Comfort and style in a fantastic sectional.
A modern update through color to a traditional style.
A classic, comfortable and fits in just about any space.
Fun and elegant
The perfect ottoman -can’t you see the kids sitting around it with a board game on top?
Fabulous smoke colored leather.
A beautiful wood frame and nailhead
A classic settee that everyone wants to sink into.
Great color and pattern on a beautifully upholstered sofa.
Ottomans that can go anywhere – in front of the sofa, at the end of the bed, or by the fireplace.
So as you can see there is just something for everyone in this line. They have tons of fabrics, leathers an finishes. Every piece is hand made in the US and has been for 20 years. So if you are looking for comfortable furniture with a high style flare Wesley Hall is the perfect line and out go to at Artful Conceptions.
I thought that I would give everyone a little insight into some of the vendors that we carry at Artful Conceptions. Every line that we carry at Artful Conceptions I hand pick. When I go through the process of selecting lines to carry at Artful Conceptions my first requirement is that I am completely Wowed with the product. To wow me it has to be a product line that is not carried by everyone, it has to have the ability to customize, it needs to be a product that I can use in many different clients projects, and I need to love it.
One of my favorite lines that I have picked up in this past year is Surya. This company has a great product line. They supply us with area rugs, ottomans, pillows, artwork and throws. If you have been following this blog you know that I feel the area rug is one of the most important pieces in a room. There are many kinds of area rugs from hand knotted, to flat weaves, to hand tufted, and woven. Surya carries all of these types. Which is a huge benefit to our clients. This means within one company I have a range of rugs that go from traditional to contemporary and luxury priced to budget priced, all with a great look.
Here are some of Surya’s rugs.
Flat weave coral rug
flat contemporary area rug
traditional hand tufted
traditional hand knotted
Hand knotted
Surya also does a fantastic job with pillows. Pillows are a great way to bring color and pattern into a space. Here are some of the pillows that Surya does.
And one last glimpse into our vendor Surya is artwork. We have available to us artwork that ranges from traditional, to worldly inspired to abstract. When ordering we can select the size of the image and it is produced to order. Here are some of the images available.
This has been a glimpse into one of the many vendors that we carry at Artful Conceptions. You now know why I selected them for my company to carry and what they can deliver for our clients. If you are interested in any of the pieces that you have seen please call us for more information.
There are a few things that I feel every room or home must have. These are items that tie rooms together, or are just so great and multifunctional they are a must have.
My first must have are pouf ottomans. I am in love with these items. They can be moved to many different places in the room and can be used as both seating and a foot rest. They can be done in all different kinds of fabrics and textures which add color and depth to the room.
This traditional pouf is great for that sophisticated room.
This transitional pouf can be used in either a casual or formal room.
This is a great pouf for a fun colorful room.
Rectangular poufs in many different colors for great casual seating.
The second must have for every room is a touch of black. Every room can benefit from at least one item with black. This can be a table, a lamp, accessories, or a painting. The depth that the black adds to the room will tie it all together.
And my third must have for every room is an area rug. A room without an area rug is floating. By this I mean that the right area rug will ground the space and tie everything together. When designing a space we want to make sure that the weight of the room is on the bottom. If you have a large painting on the wall and no area rug the room will feel top heavy and not grounded. The other great thing about area rugs is that you can mix styles with them and bring in color to the space. I love putting a traditional area rug with contemporary furnishings. This juxtaposition adds such depth and feeling to the space. Here are some of my favorite new area rugs that we are putting in our clients homes.
These must have will tie your space together and complete the home. The right pieces make all the difference.
One of the many questions I get asked is how to create WOW and peacefulness I the bedroom. This is a space that we want to look fantastic but also need to be able to relax in. So here are a couple of tips that I go by when wanting to add some WOW and have a relaxing space.
Add a chandelier. One of the easiest ways to update a space is to add decorative lighting. My favorite is a chandelier. You can give a laid back space some pizazz, elegance to the casual and funk to the trendy.
Adding a chandelier takes the room from mundane to WOW.
Use multiple layering of neutral colors. Neutral colors allow our brains to relax. It doesn’t mean that you need to create boring but by using combinations of neutral you create a space that you want to relax in.
Using multiple colors in the same family create depth and peace of mind.
Use a fabric headboard. A fabric head board can be a great place to add a softening effect. Instead of the wood headboard a fabric one adds more texture and can be a place to add color.
Add an accent wall. You can create a huge WOW with the right accent wall. In bedrooms I like to create them with soothing paint colors and natural elements such as stone and grass-cloths.
So in summary you can have WOW and relaxation in the same room. Create it with the right lighting, the layering of color families, fabrics and accents.
So it is officially summer. That means that the kids are out of school and a time for a little relaxation. In my world it also means a time for a refresher and new accents that makes me smile when I walk in the door. My philosophy even if I can’t be at the beach everyday in the summer I want to have that feeling when I walk in the door at home. So to achieve that feeling I add little touches for the summertime.
This means changing a bit of the color scheme. New pillows are a fantastic way to do an easy update without a major expense. This is why I recommend that the larger more expensive pieces like your sofa are in neutral colors. This way every season you can change out the pillows and you feel like you have a brand new sofa. For summer I think of yellows, greens, blues, and bright reds. By layering solid color pillows you can give a great deal of WOW and summer color. Or go for a fun crazy pattern in summery colors especially if you sofa is a solid.
Put a smile on your face with a cheerful look created with pillows.
Brighten up your room with bright printed pillows
Another great place for summer colors are in your table toppers. These are things like silk arrangements and decorative objects. One of the things that I love to do is to have glass vases that I fill with colored glass beads. These beads can be changed every season. You can also fill them with candles and silk flowers.
Refreshing your home for the season should not be a big undertaking. And these small updates and changes should have you smiling from ear to ear and feeling like you are in the summer loving mindset.
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