Built-in, Custom and Free-standing bookcases are multi-functional pieces of furniture; and aren’t just for books anymore!

Bookcases anymore should be considered a visual piece of art unto themselves.  They create atmosphere, personality, contrast, and visual pleasure; amongst other things.

From wall mounted bookshelves

To Free-standing bookshelves

To Custom-built-in’s

Bookshelves give the ability to represent past, present and even….future.

They offer harmony to a room’s decor, character in an old home, and function in modern design.  Bookshelves can also act as a piece of ART…

Whether you color coordinate your books…

add a Modern Flair….

Incorporate…

Or use a traditional item…. in a non-traditional way.

Styles range from Modern…

To transitional…

To traditional…

You can use a bookshelf as a station for your home office.

As a piece of furniture to sit back and read.

In your Living Room as an entertainment storage bookcase with a 2-in-1 fabric cover/projection screen.

and…Bookshelves can be used to for traditional purposes such as displaying; art, photograph’s, collectibles, lighting and foliage.

For more information on how to incorporate bookcases into YOUR design…. Contact pcdesign@mac.com.

But the thing is, articulating your style is the key to creating a room that really reflects it. If this sounds esoteric, have no fear: We’ve have some simple steps to help you identify the look you crave, a few visual tutorials to make you a mini expert on design, and dozens of sources to let you shop your style and bring it home. So whether you’re overhauling a mishmash of furniture bit by bit or doing a rapid-fire redecoration, you’ll learn how to make great choices and get cohesive results that you’ll love.

3 STEPS TO NAMING YOUR STYLE

Decorating is an extension of your personal style, but so much better, because it comes without the concerns of sizing and fit. That should make it fun, but for a lot of us it’s incredibly stressful — a too-blank canvas that involves big commitments and potentially pricey mistakes. Aside from the money part, choosing a sofa is not all that different from picking a pair of shoes: It’s all about who you are and what you like on a gut level.

Finding your decorating groove depends on getting in touch with that;  We’ve created a plan geared toward home decorating. Here’s what to do.

1. Tour your home, and really look at your furniture.

With a pad in hand, walk from room to room examining your belongings and make two truthful lists: “Love It” and “Wish I Could Replace It.  Catalog everything you can, including art — and be real, even if it’s difficult.  It’s all based on how things make you feel. Maybe you come across a piece of art that bugs you, but you’ve kept it around because it was your grandmother’s. Pay attention to that — and categorize accordingly.  You can also photograph the room, print out a copy of the photo and cross out what you don’t like and circle what you do.  You can think of that photo, as a bouncing off point and use it as reference when shopping or getting advice.

2. Pull together small items you love, including clothes.

Check the top of your dresser, your mantel, your bookshelves, your china cabinet. Sift through collections and mementos. Make a pile of favorites on your bed. Then pull special clothes from your closet. Focus on the items that make you feel beautiful and joyful, the ones that inspire you to stand tall. Take the same eye to your jewelry and accessories.  Open your closet doors and see what colors pop out the most.  You can see which color dominates and use that as a reference point for the “colors” that you are drawn to.

3. Tap your memory and your imagination.

Get comfortable, then close your eyes and think about places you love to be and why you love them — from a local cafe to a faraway beach. Recall paintings, movies, and books that have stuck with you for some reason. Then go into fantasy mode.  Imagine that real-world constraints don’t apply.  Picture your dream home. If you could live anywhere in the world, would you choose a loft in New York? An English manor? A tree house in the tropics?  Then think outside of home:  If you were invited to the Oscars, what would you wear? Include jewelry and shoes.  This moves you beyond the limitations of your own lifestyle and budget and into a new realm of creativity. Jot down your answers.

Now for the hard part. Look for common threads — design, colors, shapes, materials, vibe — among the things you love. You may find yourself attracted to a blend of styles rather than just one. Notice which features appeal to you and which don’t. This will help you translate your taste into smart decorating choices.

4.  When all else fails, call an Interior Designer.

“Style Samples”

SOPHISTICATED CLASSIC

An elegant blend of refined traditional furniture, jewelry-like accessories, and pale hues. Patrician old-world elements pair with cleaner Art Deco shapes. The look evokes a more formal lifestyle. Think Grace Kelly, Tiffany & Co., and Charlotte  from “Sex and the City”.

FEATURES
 Delicate furniture pieces with feminine lines and tapered legs.
 A palette of neutrals and soft colors.
 Grand chandeliers.
 Luxurious fabrics, like silk and velvet.
 Rich dark woods with polished veneers.
 Luxe accent materials, including metal, marble, and glass.
 Symmetrical floor plans.

COZY CASUAL

A warm, traditional look made for relaxing with family and friends. Draws on English and early-American furniture designs, as well as laid-back country, cottage, and farmhouse styles. Weathered, low-maintenance furnishings are easy, inviting, and built for daily life. Think golden retrievers, fuzzy slippers, and just about any movie by Nancy Meyers.

FEATURES

 Plush upholstery, often slip-covered, with roll or square arms and skirts or ball feet.
 Indestructible tables with turned legs, trestles, or substantial pedestal bases.
 Warm wood tones with rustic or distressed finishes.
 Natural fabrics, like cotton and wool.
 Solid textiles, simple stripes, or unfussy floral’s in muted colors.

MODERN GRAPHIC

A fresh, fun, contemporary look that combines urban styling (imagine a downtown loft) with edgy, colorful elements and mid-century design. Simple furniture forms balance out bold accents and patterns. Think the Museum of Modern Art, Frank Lloyd Wright, a Rubik’s Cube.

FEATURES

 Furniture with clean lines and no extra adornment.
 Blocks of saturated color.
 Boxy upholstery with plain legs or skirt-less bases.
 Lacquered finishes and a mix of woods, both light (birch, oak) and dark (walnut, mahogany).
 Geometric or abstract patterns and Pop Art–inspired accessories.

VINTAGE ECLECTIC

A rich, layered look combining flea-market finds, furniture designs from various time periods (including Victorian pieces and 18th-century French styles), and a diverse collection of accessories and artwork. Dusty colors, timeworn or handmade textiles, and collected objects create a lived-in feel. Think Paris flea markets, Granny’s teacups, the film Grey Gardens.

FEATURES
 Furniture with shapely, feminine silhouettes, intricate detailing, and weathered finishes.
 Jewel tones mixed with washed-out, chalky shades.
 Antique and vintage elements interspersed with newer, offbeat items.
 A varied mix of fabrics (on pillows, upholstery, and window treatments), including Jacquards, paisleys, ethnic tapestries, folk motifs, botanicals, and florals.
 Crystal chandeliers and embellished lamps.
 Abundant art and decorative accents on walls and surfaces.

For more information regarding these and other styles, contact pcdesign@mac.com.

]]> http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2010/04/22/define-your-style/feed/ 1 http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2010/02/15/kitchen-updates-for-any-budget/ http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2010/02/15/kitchen-updates-for-any-budget/#comments Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:33:32 +0000 PC Design http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/?p=907 A very affordable update is to replace your cabinet’s hardware with one of today’s popular options: vintage-look glass, burnished bronze, antiqued copper, pewter and shiny or matte nickel. This simple change can make dated cabinets look new. Tip: To ensure that new pulls and knobs match the existing holes, remove one of each type and take them with you when shopping.

Sink faucets have come a long way in recent years. Current models offer detachable sprayers, hidden soap or lotion dispensers and touch-sensitive, knob-free operation. Faucets also come in a wide variety of finishes and styles, from formal Victorian to ultra modern, making it easy to coordinate the faucet with your home’s decor.

Painting your existing cabinets is an inexpensive update that even a newbie DIYer can handle. Some sandpaper, paintbrushes and a few gallons of primer and paint are all you need to give your kitchen a fresh, new look.

Every kitchen could use more storage. This cleverly concealed drawer provides the perfect place to keep cooking necessities within easy reach of the stove. Built-in storage like this can be a costly addition. To keep costs down, check your local hardware store for pull-out storage kits and drawer organizers that will fit your existing cabinets.

In addition to improving the overall look, the right lighting also makes a kitchen more functional and appear larger. Brighten up by adding under-counter illumination, task lighting above work surfaces and ambient lighting, such as recessed lights. This kitchen uses all three to great effect.

Adding a tile backsplash, even trendy glass tile, is a relatively simple DIY project. Many home improvement and tile supply stores offer free, hands-on classes to teach you the basics.

New flooring can change the feel of your kitchen. Hardwoods lend a warm, traditional look while natural stone, such as marble or travertine, adds a polished vibe. This kitchen mixes the two for a modern finish.

An island provides additional cabinets, a handy location for a sink or stove and the perfect spot for a casual meal or keeping an eye on the kids while they finish up homework. This cottage-style kitchen beautifully combines vintage-style details with a modern, open-concept layout.

Appliances are more than just your kitchen’s workhorse, they also add to the overall look. Professional-grade stainless steel continues to be the most desirable. Also hot are retro-look appliances from the ’20s – ’50s.

Replacing the kitchen cabinets offers a great opportunity to customize them based on your lifestyle. This built-in hutch and buffet provides an attractive space for displaying treasured dishware in the glass-front cabinets while the countertop below can be used as a buffet when entertaining.

If your budget allows, a complete kitchen remodel is the way to go. New flooring, electrical, cabinets and plumbing allows the opportunity to create a more functional layout. Although it can be costly, removing walls separating the kitchen from adjacent living spaces is a popular option for those desiring an open floor plan.

http://www.hgtv.com/kitchens/kitchen-updates-for-any-budget/pictures/index.html?nl=HGDeco_v065_60

To read more stories related to this article by HGTV.

Here are some beautifully/uniquely decorated Holiday trees to get you into the holiday spirit.

Update or Re-model Your kitchen?

Follow these steps below to find out what your desire is.

Step 1.  Find Inspiration for your New Kitchen

Look through magazines, go to trade shows, shop local kitchen design studio’s or even your local Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Create a file to keep all of your images in and throw in some color & fabric swatches, appliance brochures, wood finishes that catch your eye and anything else you can think of that will help round out the process.

Step 2.  Plan your Total Remodel Budget.

First, come up with what you CAN spend.  Then, as seeing that number isn’t difficult enough, add 10% more on top of that for “over budget” encounters.  This always happens!  Your job will never come in at that number that you have in your head, and rarely, if ever comes in lower.  It’s better to be prepared then shocked at the end, when you hadn’t budgeted in for over-spending.

Step 3.  Locate and Hire a professional…Whether it’s a Contractor, Residential or Commercial Designer or a Remodeling Professional.

It’s always good to meet with a few to see who you click with the best.  Whether you are just working with a Contractor or a Contractor AND Designer, you want the experience to be a pleasant one and the people that you will be seeing on a daily basis for a few months are bound to get on your nerves, but remember the qualities that drew you to them in the first place.

Also, when hiring just a Contractor to do the job, keep in mind they are trained to “Build”, NOT design. It’s always good to have someone who can pull it all together in a pretty package, rather than using design basics that may or may not go together, or items that look like the job the Contractor just finished up before yours.

Let PC Design llc help you find the right option.  Email pcdesign@mac.com or visit www.affordableinteriordesigners.com

Step 4.  Determine Your Kitchen Layout

How often do you cook?  Where does your water come in?  Do you need big workstations for rolling out dough?  Are “to-go” dinner’s your norm?  How many people will be eating in your kitchen nightly?  Do items need to be accessible to small children?  Left or Right handed?  Do you need to be able to clean out large stock pots in the sink?  Porcelain or Stainless?  Granite or Corian? Wood or MDF?  Look vs. Function?  These are just a few questions to ask yourself….. there are more!

Single Line Kitchen

L-Shaped Kitchen

U-Shaped Kitchens

Galley Kitchen

Island Kitchens

Let PC Design llc help you find the right option.  Email pcdesign@mac.com or visit www.affordableinteriordesigners.com

Step 5.  Choose the Right Flooring Material

Wood, Granite, Vinyl, Stone?  There are as many flooring options for the kitchen, as there are for your Foyer.  You need to think about how much you will be standing while cooking.  Do you need cushioning where you will be doing most of your prep work?  What type of flooring surrounds the areas leading to the kitchen?  Clean-ability?  Is there a door to the exterior that is often used, especially by children, or coming in from the garage/mudroom?

Step 6.  Decide Whether to Replace or Reface Your Cabinets

What kind of budget are you working with?  Do you have good sturdy cabinets that just need a face lift. Are your cabinets falling apart, off the wall, moldy, too small???

There is a lot that goes into replacing cabinetry and sometimes people have a good structure and just want to update, or improve them, a little.  That’s where refacing comes in.

If you are dealing with cabinets that are too old, moldy from moisture, coming off the wall, the wrong style for the design of the overall home, too small, don’t go all the way to the ceiling, etc… consider replacing your cabinetry.

There are too many options of things you can do to cabinets (painting, re-styling, changing the doors, adding glass, opening up) to go into all the options for refacing.

When replacing cabinets, make sure you buy from a reputable dealer or kitchen supplier and make sure that when they are being installed you follow directions closely or hire someone with expertise in this area.

Step 7.  Buy Appliances That Match Your Needs

Stainless, black, white….. Oh my!

These aren’t your only options as you may think.

Do you prefer gas?  Electric, double oven, convection, convention, double sided fridge, top bottom fridge, double or single bowl sink, arched faucet, spray faucet, and more…..

Do your homework before you purchase and think what is most effective for your home and not just what is stylish.  There is nothing worse than purchasing a major appliance and then not being able to figure out how to use it, or realize, maybe you really didn’t need it all.

Let PC Design llc help you find the right option.  Email pcdesign@mac.com or visit www.affordableinteriordesigners.com

Step 8.  Pick a Countertop Surface That Fits Your Lifestyle

These days selecting Countertops can take as long as picking out all of your appliances.  There are so many choices out there ranging from Eco-friendly to High-End designer looks.

Here are just a few samples of what you are able to choose from:

Keep in mind when making your selections that some surfaces may not be suitable to what your needs may be.  If you cook a lot, you might need something that can handle heat, moisture and a lot of abuse like granite or stainless.  If you are looking to update with something sleek looking but your budget is middle of the way, a low priced granite that is readily available maybe another option.  If you decide you like the wood, or butcher block look, keep in mind the process to keep it in good shape on a yearly basis.  Bamboo, Tile, Glass & Marble are all very pretty, but the durability isn’t as good as using a Granite, Corian, or Stainless.  This is where your design professional will add great value and alleviate any misconceptions you may have toward one product or another.

Step 9.  Select Faucets and Sinks With Style and Utility

There are so many types of faucets you can choose from that you can go crossed eyed from just trying to tell the difference.  Here are a few to give you an idea:

Step 10.  Complete Your New Kitchen With Proper Lighting

There is nothing more important in your kitchen than proper lighting.  This is the only room in the home that can’t have TOO much lighting.

There are three types of lighting you will need:

General:  The lighting that is coming from the center (ceiling) of the area offering the overall lighting source for the room.

Accent:  Lighting that illuminates cabinetry, creates an “Effect” in the kitchen.  Shows of design, creates an almost artistic aspect to your kitchen.

Task:  Specific purpose lighting.  A light placed strategically over the sink for washing dishes.  Lights underneath cabinetry to highlight areas on the counters.  Pendant lights are Task lights for an Island where you would generally find that people gather, food is placed, or even to dine under.

If you feel overwhelmed by all the options, selections and details involved in Remodeling your kitchen, contact a professional.  In the end, it will likely save you endless hours of worry AND costly mistakes.

Contact pcdesign@mac.com or www.affordableinteriordesigners.com for more information.

Industrial?…Eclectic?…French Country?…Traditional?

Unsure????  Take this quiz to find out more…..Take the Kitchen Style Quiz by HGTV

Does this give you an idea of how your kitchen best suits you?  Was it completely opposite of what you thought you would like?  Are you still confused?

Take a look at some great Kitchens below and see which one catches your eye.  Sometimes, your style isn’t what it seems.

Traditional

Traditional kitchens lend toward heavily wooded cabinetry & flooring.  A Classical or Formal sense ties the design together and incorporates many aspects from other countries depending on your tastes.

Light mixed with darks are used to play off one another.  Large scaled items, faux painting (including pastoral scenes) are often found.  Leather, patterned heavy weight upholstery and grand lighting are often found as well.  Appliances, often stainless (Depending on the budget) are used to give an updated feel to the kitchen.

Contemporary

Think sleek!!!   Contemporary Kitchens are very popular in lofts, modern homes and city living homes.  They are clean with no visible clutter on cabinetry.  Many gadgets are often apart of this design theme, with hidden pop-up storage, slide out appliance stations and invisible lighting.  Sleek surfaces (reminiscent) of gourmet Restaurants are used as a base idea incorporating, unique design shapes to the are (space allowing).

Cabinetry is typically white, black or an accent color and made of Formica or other laminate or solid surface.  Rarely do they include wood.  Think sleek!!!

Urban

Urban kitchens can incorporate many different styles, but always contains an open feel to the design.  Surfaces range from stainless, granite, wood, corian or Eco-products.  Space is limited, so maximizing storage is key.  Stainless is almost always incorporated to give that “urban” feel as well as high-tech accents.  Kitchens most often flow into other rooms of the “urban loft” theme so incorporating those elements is key.

Transitional

Think Pottery Barn.  Transitional is that middle style that incorporates others.  Don’t think eclectic, that would be mixing many styles together and that is not what is represented.  Transitional is simple, with design elements that aren’t over the top.  Sometimes a simple style, with little accents of character.  You will find wood floors, painted or un-painted wood cabinetry, wrought iron, stainless appliances, wicker, little incorporation of a variety of colors and a few well placed greenery to soften the look of the area.  There are no cold, or sharp looking items.  It is a very welcoming environment with a few whimsical things placed here and there.

Industrial

When you think of industrial, think of any large Restaurant kitchen with stainless appliances and counters, clean, free of accessories, discreet lighting.

Very little things “cluttering” up the design of the area.  You may find two colors, possible with a third as an accent.

It does give a very cold feel to the area, but that design is very popular in Contemporary design, or chef’s designing their own kitchens to be reminiscent of the one’s they cook in for a living.

IKEA Kitchen’s ” in-a-box”

Ikea has become a one stop shop for all.  When you live in a home and are looking to update the kitchen for a very low cost with a contemporary/modern look…. Ikea is your spot.  You can customize your kitchen with what you need and then have them or to save money, you can install this your self.  It is a tedious project, but affordable and has many options to create a fun kitchen for your home.

]]> http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2009/11/16/what-style-kitchen-are-you/feed/ 5 http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2009/11/10/affordable-clever-storage-solutions-for-your-kitchen/ http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/2009/11/10/affordable-clever-storage-solutions-for-your-kitchen/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:07:20 +0000 PC Design http://www.affordableinteriordesigners.com/blog/?p=688 Great Storage ideas for Kitchens lacking space.

Are you looking for creative ways to maximize storage in your Kitchen?  The following will, helpfully, give you some ideas or lead you to some of your own.  And, btw… feel free to share if you have a few!

Utilize windowsills and corners to tuck away small appliances and other kitchen essentials.

Baskets are an inexpensive, attractive solution for storing like items; plus, they’re portable.

For quick access to dinnerware, install a plate rack. It’s an ideal solution, especially if you have a pretty plate collection.

Recycle for storage!  Make your own cubbies or utensil holder by using empty aluminum canned good containers.  To make your own, take a close look at the canned goods in your grocery store, or personalize cans with your children’s artwork for an Eco-friendly storage solution.  Other options are; Contact Paper, Decorative Paper from a local craft store, Paint, Beads, Labels, Photo’s and more…..  Remember when you finish to put a clear coat of Varnish over the top to ensure a long lasting container.

Built-in bookcases in a kitchen will always be filled. They are great to house your Cookbook collections, Display your children’s Artwork or even Store everyday used appliances in an easily accessible location.

Neatly stacked dishes behind glass cabinet doors make a lovely design statement at the end of the island and simplify setting the table.

If you’d like a place to store wine within easy reach, opt for an island with a pre-fabricated wine rack built-in one end. It keeps the bottles tucked away and looks fabulous.

When you’re designing custom cabinets, remember that you don’t have to choose a door or drawer front to complete the look. Sometimes, Architectural materials such as Columns or Decorative End Caps can be used on small pull out cabinets for spices, oils, etc… that might be handy to have next to the Range.

Inspiration found through Color.

Part 5…

Trend 5: New Darks

Last year, black was the big colour for interiors. This year, the New Dark’s signal a bold move away from the hard, dull greys and blacks towards a softer, palette that is accented by bright, vibrant hues. Purples, blues and blacks take centre stage but texture is also a consideration. Patent and lacquered finishes contrast with smoky, matte metals and velvety fabrics. What is created is both dramatic and beautiful. Lots of texture and a more subtle scheme than from the above is used.

Living room
Choose a dominant piece of furniture, such as a sofa, in the dark, dramatic shade that encapsulates this look, but use lighter, toning shades for the walls. Not every home or room suits dark colors – and if you spend a lot of time in a room during the day, you might want to choose lighter colors for walls and floors to make the room feel bright and spacious. Ask yourself if you liked to be “hugged” by the room or feel as if you could see for miles???

Bedroom
This look is perfect for a posh bedroom.  Rich colors and soft natural fabrics create a cushy feel and warmth to keep you warm at night.  Do be careful to not go too dark, unless you have lots of natural light, to make sure the room does not create a “depressing” atmosphere.

In the end, when designing and decorating for your home, decide the overall feel and concept you would like to achieve and pull-out lots of pictures to show your Designer to make sure you are all on the same page.

Happy Decorating!!!!

Part 4….

Trend 4: Treasure Trove

We all have our own personal treasures that we want to display in our homes. They usually take the form of furniture, fabrics, paintings and objects that have been passed down through generations, as well as vintage clothes and objects found on holiday or when browsing in antique markets. These are the things that we want to preserve and admire. Intense, deep colours such as opulent gold, rich burgundy and bold teal; lavish and glittering, concealing our keepsakes and priceless pieces. It’s a colour palette that forms the backdrop to our own treasure and is guaranteed to bring out the inner magpie in all of us. Not ideal for every room in a home, but great in Living Rooms, Studies and Guest Bedrooms.

Living Room

Reminiscent of an old Country Manor.  Alternates to the heavy wood paneling on the walls could be paint in a deep chocolate brown to make it cozy, or a pale yellow-green to make it feel brighter and more spacious.

Bedroom
Deep earthy shades are ideal for a bedroom due to the mood the room transcends.  The result? A welcoming space that you’ll feel relaxed and cozy in.