Tag: ca interiors

Learn interior decorators’ foolproof design formulas to make your living spaces a little more beautiful.

FOLLOW THIS THROW PILLOW EQUATION

To accent your couch, place two 20-inch-square pillows in a matching bold pattern in the corners. Overlap them with two 16-inch pillows in a coordinating solid color. Add one lumbar pillow with a subtle pattern (like a pinstripe) for balanced design.

HANG ARTWORK AT THE RIGHT HEIGHT

Most people hang artwork too high. Place a piece so its bottom is only three to eight inches above furniture—lower for large pieces and slightly higher for small pieces. When there’s too much space between furniture and a painting, the eye rests on the void, blank wall between the two pieces.

REARRANGE THE BOOKSHELVES

Organize 60 percent of books vertically and 40 percent horizontally on the shelves. This creates balance yet spontaneity (and shows off the back of the bookshelf if it’s lined with a decorative fabric). Stack horizontal books lower than vertical ones: If the vertical books are 12 inches tall, place three to four books horizontally up to four inches high. Add green plants to soften the bookshelf, but avoid flowers, which can look cluttered and distracting.

CREATE SPACE WITH THE RIGHT MIRROR PLACEMENT

Mirror, mirror, on the wall: What is the best placement of them all? Centered at about 57 inches high, experts say. This is an easy, strain-free eye level for most people. To create the illusion of more space, mount a mirror opposite a window to bounce light.

FOLLOW THIS GO-TO COLOR SCHEME

When choosing a color palette, assign 60 percent of the room a dominant color, 30 percent a secondary color, and 10 percent an accent color. In a classic room setting, this may translate to designating walls the dominant color, upholstery the secondary color, and a floral arrangement or pillows the accent color. If you have a nice view outside, frame it by painting the interior window trims a dark color.

From fashion to design, color, and more, it seems like trends come in and out of style before we get a chance to enjoy them. And while fads may be fleeting, they are a marker for great style, often living out—to some degree—longer than their time in the spotlight.

BOUCLé

We are seeing this pop up more and more in great upholstered pieces and from our favorite fabric showrooms. This great fabric adds a dramatic texture and turns a drab piece into something a little more exciting. Also, it is so cozy!

LAYERED LANDSCAPES

A layered landscape in the scale and height of our furnishings is in in 2019. We look for a standard 18” seat height in key seating pieces and try to provide accompanying accent tables and lighting that are scaled appropriately. Lamps that are tall enough to cast light over a shoulder and taller cocktail tables add to a heightened and more refined environment.

FEMININE TONES

Colors we see in for 2020 as well are blush, dusty pink, and bronze. Warm colors and feminine tones for on the walls and dashes of soft pinks to break up expanses of taupe or neutrals will instantly update a tired room.

FLORAL FABRICS & WALLPAPER

The traditional beauty of floral patterns, either abstracted or straight up chintz, will be the pattern to use.

BOLDLY PATTERNED BACKSPLASHES

Simple, monochromatic kitchens have had a good long run, so we will be gravitating toward making a little more impact in their kitchens, whether that’s with bolder color choices or graphic tiles. Either way, I predict we will be seeing more pop and punch in kitchens!

Whether you’ve just moved or are looking for a quick, little home pick-me-up, or perhaps something more significant, there are some well-known interior design tricks that designers employ that you too can easily do with minimal effort and cost.

Sometimes the smallest things make the greatest impact. It could be the addition of a mirror, a painting, a lamp or even a plant. Maybe you want to soften your walls, brighten a room, or add some warmth to your living space. Take a look at these clever design tips and see how they can inspire you!

1. PAINT SMALLER ROOMS IN SOFTER, LIGHTER COLORS TO HELP THE ROOM FEEL LARGER

The living room above is a great example of how to maximize a small living space. A room of this size has the tendency to seem cramped, but the large windows, light colored walls and ample use of mirrors not only reflect the natural light pouring in from the doors and the windows but the use of mirrors also gives the optical illusion of space, making the room seem larger than it actually is. Conversely, darker colors will make a room feel smaller. Even with the abundance of natural light and the strategic placement of the mirrors, this room in a darker shade would have a more boxed-in feel to it.

2. USE DECORATIVE MIRRORS TO ADD INSTANT LIGHT TO YOUR LIVING SPACE

As seen above, mirrors can also be used to make a small space feel larger. For larger rooms, or any room with a more limited amount of natural light, mirrors placed directly across from the windows, will add instant light. Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space. Large or small, mirrors add light and dimension to your living space.

3. ADD A HANGING POT HOLDER TO YOUR KITCHEN

Kitchens are meant to be warm and inviting. We spend much of our time in them whether it be for preparing meals, serving meals or entertaining. A hanging pot rack is useful elegance. Kitchens are meant to feel as though they are in constant use and a hanging pot rack certainly makes one feel this way. In addition to looking so wonderful, (there are many sizes and styles available) additional cupboard space below is now freed up to store other items. Seldom has anyone complained of having too much storage.

4. USE AREA RUGS TO SOFTEN HARDWOOD FLOORS

Throw rugs give warmth and can add great texture, color and personality to your living space. Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to maintain but they lack the comfort that carpeted floors offer, especially in the cooler months. Area rugs can add fun and functionality to your living space. Use several of varying patterns and fabrics together to showcase your character. Or add several rugs of the same pattern and fabric, or different textures but the same color. The possibilities are endless. You can change your area rugs to reflect the seasons using warmer tones and fabrics for cooler months and lighter ones for the warmer days of the year. There are many lovely cotton, washable area rugs which are ideal for those homes with children. There really is no reason why a home with young children cannot also be a stylish one.