Search Results for: design guide

Design Guide: Every Room Needs A Touch of Black

August 4, 2016

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When it comes to design rules, some rules hold more weight than others. Some rules like the ‘ideal placement for furniture’ or ‘throw pillows need a karate chop’ are flexible and can and should be adapted based on personal preference and the function of a space. Then there are rules that I think are essential to good design. One of the rules I believe in whole-heartedly is… every room needs a touch of black.

Explaining the logic behind this design rule is pretty simple. We all know that color is a powerful thing in design and the color black is one of the most important design colors you can use.

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CS Design Guides

Design Guide: Color Rules

July 11, 2016

I hope everyone had an ok weekend. I know that with all the turmoil going in these days, it’s hard to find a sense of peace and calm. One way I did that was not watching the news and spending time doing things I enjoy. Sometimes it the simple things in life that can brighten our day. Anyhow, todays post is all about color and decorating, two things that definitely impact your world.

Last week as part of my Design Guide series, I talked about picking the right paint finish. Several of you asked for tips on starting at ground zero and picking the right paint colors for your home. Last year I shared 4 tips to picking paint colors with you and today I’m going a little deeper and talking about Color Rules. I think giving you a better understanding of colors will help you have more confidence in selecting colors for your home.

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♦ Start with a color you love. Are there colors you consistently wear in your wardrobe? Or maybe every time you see emerald green pillows you heart flutters. Take note of what colors you have a positive response to and those that make you feel good. These are the colors (or color families) that you will fee most comfortable with in your décor.

my domaine

♦ Once you hone in on the colors you like, keep in mind the feeling that specific colors will convey. Warm colors like red, yellow and orange have an energizing effect and will feel more vibrant. Blue, green and gray are calming colors and will add provide a soothing feel to the rooms you decorate.

via bhg

via ralph lauren

♦ When it comes to pairing colors use a color wheel to guide you in picking color families that work best together. Colors close together on the color wheel are analogous and will make a room feel calm. Colors that are farther apart are complementary and are more dramatic when paired together.

Here’s an example of an analogous color scheme…

via apartment therapy

And here’s an example of a complementary color scheme…

via Laurel Bern Interiors

♦ In open floor plans where rooms open on to each other and avoid choosing radically different colors and color families or the space will look choppy and disconnected.

source unknown

♦ If you find a color that you love but you feel it is too dark, ask the paint counter to do a 50 percent tint of the color.

♦ One of the best color rules to follow is layer bold colors with mid-tones and neutrals to create balance within the room.

via hgtv–Photo By: Allison Corona Photography, Let It Shine Photography, Doug Petersen Photography

♦ If you love bold colors but don’t want to overwhelm a room by painting all the walls in that colors, pull those colors in through decorative trims on chairs, curtains or pillows. Small doses of vibrant colors can be easier on the eye and you won’t tire of the color as easily.

via Society Social

♦ Always sample the paint colors you are considering and try them on your walls. Look at the color in the morning and at night and put test swatches near your furniture. I just started using these ingenious paint sample boards with clients and boy oh boy are they great way to try colors on the wall without damaging your current wall color.

via Elle Decor

♦ As you consider the color for your walls, make sure to also consider the trim and ceiling color to make sure it all works together. White trim color can reflect or absorb the tones of your wall color and in some cases make it look brighter or duller.

via bhg

Selecting the right colors for your home is just as important as selecting your accessories so spend the time it takes to find the right the colors that brighten your world and your home.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a fun gift wrap inspiration post using two of my favorite color combinations.

top paint image via bhg

Design Guide: Choosing the Right Paint Finish

July 5, 2016

I hope everyone had a great 4th. Today I’m sharing my latest design guide focusing on paint finishes.

When it comes to painting any room in your home, picking a paint color is just half the battle. The bigger challenge for many people is what paint finish to use.

The first consideration when contemplating finishes is how the room will be used by you and your family. And then deciding what type of look you want the room to have.

Just like design trends, paint finishes are also susceptible to trends. High gloss finishes are a popular look right now but classic finishes like satin and eggshell remain the most widely used paint finish in home décor.

Here’s what you need to know to pick the right finishes for your home.

Design Guide To Selecting The Right Paint Finish

Flat & Matte Finish

Flat paint finishes are available only in latex paint have a low-sheen, non-reflective surface which is great for low traffic areas, ceiling and some interior walls. This finish will provide the lowest level of sheen and is ideal for rooms that don’t require frequent washing or cleaning. Use flat finishes on older wall surfaces that may have minor flaws because the finish will not bring attention to those areas. If you ever have to wash or scrub a flat paint finish, you’ll probably remove some of the paint requiring a paint touch-up.

Flat and matte finishes are an ideal choice for the dining room, living room, powder room, guest bedroom and closets.

the image above uses a flat fnish on the walls and satin trim

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Satin and Eggshell Finish

The velvety, pearl-like appearance of satin and eggshell finishes are easier to maintain than a flat finish and perfect for high-traffic are like hallways, living rooms and bathrooms. A satin and eggshell finish is your best choice fo kitchen and bathrooms where there is some exposure to moisture. It is easy to clean a painted surface with a satin finish without fear of removing paint and destroying the wall surface.

Semi-Gloss Finish

A semi-gloss paint finish is sleek and radiant along with being highly durable, easy to wash and scrubbable. Semi-gloss finishes are ideal for high-moisture areas, trim, windows, woodwork and cabinetry. This is the paint finish I recommend for built-in bookcase wall units as well.

Gloss Finish

A few other things to keep in mind when selecting paint for your home:

always get a mildew-resistant paint formula to use in bathrooms and laundry rooms
the higher the sheen, the darker and more intense the color will be
high-gloss finishes reflect light and make imperfections more noticeable
if you desire a lacquered look, go with a high-gloss finish or buy paint specifically formulated with a lacquered finish
tone-on-tone striped wall designs are achieved by alternating between gloss and flat finishes
most finishes are available in latex and oil-based paints but latex is easier to apply than oil-based
buy supplies that are made to work with the finish you select. Oil-based and gloss finishes typically require specific brushes, rollers and tools

image source:

flat and matte–Postcards from Paris

satin–John K. Anderson Design, Simply Grove, Benjamin Moore, Benjamin Moore

semi-gloss–Benjamin Moore, World House Painting

gloss–Remodelholic, Huffington Post, Carla Aston, Domaine Home

Design Guide: Curtains 101

June 3, 2016

Every designer knows that a good pair of curtains can transform the look and feel of a room. Like accessories, curtains add color, pattern, texture and personality. Curtains can also enhance a space, giving the illusion of height, visually expanding the size of a window and enhancing the way light flows into a room.

Selecting a curtain style and pattern is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to adding drapes to your decor. Measuring for the right size and hanging your drapes in the correct way will make all the difference in how the curtains look and function in your room. Here’s your design guide for curtain decor…

MEASURE

The appropriate placement for window treatments is for them to hang above and outside the window frame.

WIDTH: The best placement for a curtain rod is to have the brackets sit outside the window frame. Anywhere from 10 to 12 inches beyond the window frame will work in most homes however you can place the brackets wider is you have a small window and want to give the impression that it’s wider.

To create fullness with your drapes, double the width of the panels for custom drapes or hang two panels together for off-the-shelf drapes. Sheer curtains will require more fabric width to create a sense of fullness.

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LENGTH: To draw the eyes upward and to give visual height to a room, add 4 to 6 inches above the window frame. Or, you can measure halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling.

To determine what length panels you need, measure from the floor up to where you plan on hanging the rod, then round-up to the closest panel size. You can always hem curtains that are too long but you have not options is the curtain panels are too short.

The trend for drapery panels is for them to ‘kiss’ or skim the floor. This look is classic and will work in more decor settings. For a more casual feel, you can allow the drapes to pool slighting on the floor (2 to 3 inches). If you want real drama, you can allow the drapes to puddle 4 to 6 inches on the floor but this length is not recommended for drapes that will be opened and closed on a daily basis (or if you have cats) 🙂

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THE DETAILS

The curtain rod and finials you choose for your home will add to the overall decor of your room. Think of these pieces like you do jewelry to an outfit and select a style that works with the style of your room. No matter what your price-point or style you needs, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for at big box stores or through catalogs. Here are some of my go-to sources:

Wayfair–a wide range of items including double curtain rods and decorative finials.

Ikea–a great source for inexpensive, basic rod styles, clips and finials. Also a great source for budget-friendly curtain panels.

Home Depot–this super store has a great selection rods and finials including Traverse Rods which are built on a track system and allow you to easily open and close curtain panels.

Restoration Hardware–I love their selection of classic rod styles especially their brass collection.

Lux Hold Ups–this Etsy shop specializes in acrylic rods and has some really chic curtain rings.

Another thing to consider when look at drapes for your home is the style of top treatment. Here’s a visual guide from Live Journal…

image via

While not all rooms call for window treatments, most rooms will benefit from the style, texture and visual impact that drapes will add to a space.

Design Guide: The Best Black Paint Colors

May 24, 2016

Black has always been an essential decorating color and anyone that has worked with me knows that one of my design mottos is “every room needs a touch of black.” Over the years, black has gone from being used as just an accent color to being the dominant color for many rooms. I know that black walls or even black furniture aren’t for everyone but if you have a space that needs dramatic backdrop or a ceiling that you want to fade away, black just might be the color you need.

♦ THE BEST BLACK PAINT COLORS ♦

Black furniture has become a standard design statement and a coat or two of black paint is a great way to transform a vintage piece. In most cases, furniture painted black calls for a finish with a bit of shine so go with a gloss, semi-gloss or satin finish. {color: BM Black Satin}

Kiki’s List

Black stair banisters with white spindles is one of my favorite design details. If you’re looking for a quick and fairly easy update for your stairs, black paint is definitely something to consider and I recommend a semi-gloss or satin finish to make the details of the wood/design pop. One of my favorite black paint colors for banisters is Sherwin Williams Black Magic.

House Beautiful

Black require the right setting to be most effective including sufficient natural light. The black walls in this foyer space give the area a dramatic and elegant look without it feeling like a cave. {color: SW Tricon Black}

via Sherwin Williams

I think bathrooms are an ideal space for black paint. Surrounded by white surfaces and brass hardware, the black wall in this bathroom just fades away and allows the decorative elements to stand out. And since black and white tile is a hot trend these days, black walls are an easy compliment. {color: BM Soot}

Studio McGee

Black doors, both interior and exterior have almost become the norm for many homes. Black interior doors can make a hallway stand out and black exterior doors have a sophisticated feel and really pump up the curb appeal of a home. {color: BM Space Black}

Country Living

Favorite Paint Colors

Kristen from The Hunted Interior painted her living room ceiling black and boy is it stunning especially with all of the vibrant colors and metallic finishes that accessorize the room.

Hunted Interior

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Picking the right shade of black paint can be just as challenging as picking the right white paint color. Shades of black range from true, rich pigmented blacks to others that have a grey or even blue undertone. As I do with any color of paint, I recommend you buy a few sample jars and try the colors on your wall to find the one that works best with your room and decor. As a designer, I’ve tried my fair share of black paint colors and have narrowed down my top picks and my favorites to just a handful which might help you in your paint search.

If you have white trim in your home and are looking to paint your walls black, a crisp white will work best. You can read about my favorite white paint colors by clicking the image below.

Design Guide: 10 Ways To Add Color To Your Decor

April 12, 2016

As someone who loves color and loves to decorate with it, I sometimes find it hard to relate to someone who expresses a color phobia to me. I was recently working with a client where color in their book equated to having different shades of brown within a room. Yes, different shades of brown is a color combination and bright colors aren’t for everyone but I do believe that color can work magic within a room if approached correctly.

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Design Guide: My Favorite White Paint Colors

March 8, 2016

Since one of the main focuses of my blog is to share design tips and information with you, I thought I’d do a Design Guide series to talk about paint colors. Over the next few months I’ll be sharing my favorite paint colors along with tips to help you when you’re selecting paint for your home. Today the color wheel landed on WHITE so I’m sharing my favorite white paint colors from two of the most popular paint lines on the market, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams.

I know you already know this, but picking a white paint color can be super challenging. There are hundreds of white paint shades between the Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams lines and finding the right one to work with your decor and lighting is not an easy task.

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