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| discount: 75% | regular price:$200 |
| discount: 75% | regular price:$200 |
If someone asked you to name the kind of decor you like, could you do it? Or would you stumble and mumble, mention a few stores, and look off into the distance in search of the right adjectives? You’re not alone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After reading a recent article Benjamin Moore published on their website, I began to think how many homes I’ve been in that had “Ceiling White” on the Forgotten 5th Wall.
Too often, little thought is given to a ceiling’s contribution to the overall room design, which is typically just coated in some ubiquitous white paint.
Look at your ceilings from a new perspective. Color, sheen, pattern, and texture (not the stipple or popcorn texture that contractor’s use because they are too lazy to finish a ceiling properly) on the ceiling can transform the entire look and feel of a room.
Create a warm… cozy environment…
If you have a large room with high ceilings, consider using a darker, deeper color up there. Use this theory if you have a lot of darker furniture and need to balance out the “bottom” of the room – considered the floor, with the top, so it creates a balanced effect.Take a look at all the furniture that occupies the floor and the fact that there is nothing to draw your eye upwards. By creating a darker ceiling effect, you are giving your eye a smooth transition from top to bottom.
Adding Jewelry….
Most women won’t leave the house without their “face” on. Why would you leave the ceiling, or the “5th wall” bare as well? Just because the 5th wall is located up from the other’s doesn’t make it any less important. Remember…. you want to consider the whole room from TOP to bottom!
When you add a chandelier, think about adding architectural details around like a double crown moulding,
or add a ceiling medallion situated around the chandelier mount that is proportionate to the size of the chandelier and the room.
Keep in mind that these can be painted to match or coordinate as well.
Try using a a glaze mixed with the ceiling paint.
You can create a metallic/pearlescent finish and a nice design element by adding this to the paint and a little bit of “Sheen” to the ceiling as well (which will also draw your eye upward).
Plaster is also something you could add, but consult a professional before trying this yourself, the experiment could turn out horribly wrong if not applied correctly.
Wallpaper
Tin
Fabric
Mirrors (venetian, colored, distorted)
Top 5….Famous “TV” KitchensWe often get so comfortable with our favorite TV shows that we don’t really notice their surroundings (even if their kitchens are only partly surrounded). But there are kitchens on certain TV shows that have some great concepts that could be incorporated into your own kitchen (in reality). So look no further than reruns to get your next kitchen idea.1. Seinfeld.Jerry rarely cooks or eats anything but cereal, but he has to have a stocked kitchen for Kramer and, well, mainly just Kramer. The Seinfeld kitchen is spare, but effective: plenty of storage space for dozens of boxes of cereal. (Bet you didn’t even remember Honeycomb existed.) His work triangle (sink, stove, fridge) is darn near isosceles. While at first glance you might think this style would only fit a cereal-eating bachelor who never has dinner parties, and you are correct. (Your thin-slicing is remarkable). But if you remember the episode where Jerry has the kitchen remodeled to add more cabinets, it ruined the flow of the apartment and worse, the flow of the gang. It had to go. TV Advice: If it ain’t broke, don’t break it. Seinfelds new kitchen 2. That 70s Show.While the basement is more the hangout than the kitchen in this show, there is some wisdom in Kitty’s Kitchen. First is that the style of the 70s is only to be made fun of. It was, and is, terrible. Second, this is a kitchen for the home that doesn’t like to entertain in the kitchen, and while weird, this is the way some people want it. If you’re one of those people, follow in Kitty’s steps and make this function in the way you want. Kitty doesn’t have many tall shelves that she can’t reach, a layout that isn’t very expansive. When people come into the kitchen, they get what they need and get out of your way. Don’t doubt Kitty’s wisdom. TV Advice: Get a kitchen that suits your everyday family needs. Not that elusive dinner party you might someday have. That ’70s Show: Another Bacon Scene 3. Will & Grace.This kitchen is the most modern of all the kitchen on this list, plus it’s the only galley kitchen. There are a few things that Will does well. First, his kitchen is a step up from the rest of the living space. No clue why this is smart, but it just seems to be. Next, he has a very modern, sleek style that fits his tight T-shirt wearing self. While apple pie might seem out of place in this kitchen, sushi, wine, and expensive desserts will feel right at home. TV Advice: Make sure that your design style matches the kind of food that you enjoy. This sounds crazy, but it’s true. So true. Will and Grace 4. Friends.Monica is a chef for crying out loud, of course this kitchen is perfect in every way. Sure, they spend most of their time in the kitchen hanging out around the table, but the room still seems large enough to function well. Monica does a great job of keeping everything nice and organized – barking orders at people along the way – but it makes their apartment kitchen bigger and sleeker than any apartment kitchen should be. Brightly painted shelves and trim add some character to an open-style kitchen and give it plenty of personality. Plus, it kept Joey fed for like 10 seasons. No easy feat. TV Advice: Organization is king. Also, don’t let Rachel cook. Ever. FRIENDS (Rachel’s Trifle) 5. The Cosby Show.This is the life we all want. Big family, great house, funny, and they put on a great musical show a lot of the time. But the kitchen is a place where they play cards, have big meals, and talk. There’s even a fireplace in there. What’s great about this kitchen is that it’s all self-contained. Podium stove, island bar counter, and a kitchen table. You could have big meals right there without being more than a few steps from the sink, stove, or fridge. This is a kitchen that is tailor made for a large family or even a smaller family that is a hub of activity. If you have lots of friends and have them over often, this is a kitchen to consider. TV Advice: Sandwiches are the best. Don’t take away my sandwiches. Thanksgiving at the Huxtables |
Follow these steps below to find out what your desire is.
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.
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.
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
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
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?
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
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.
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:
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Part 5…
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….
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.
Part 3…
Head out to your favorite flea-market or vintage store and rummage through to find pieces to compliment your design. Whether edgy, subtle, minimalist, cluttered or over the top, you are sure to find that… “one person’s trash is another’s treasure”.
Living Room
What’s good about this look? Essentially, its eclecticism and its eco-friendly attributes. What it’s telling you… get yourself down the local antiques/junk arcade and rummage…
Bedroom
So, rummaging isn’t your thing? The key… choose a dominating colour that has a faded look, furniture that isn’t the same style, and think out-of-the-box for placement. Take this room as a great example. The bed is upholstered in a dove grey, while the throw’s colour is a faded version of the bedside table. The bedside table itself doesn’t match the rest of the room, and is really a side table, yet it works within the room because it’s colour ties into the beds throw.
Kitchen
Ideal for a kitchen, simply choose units painted in faded shades, recycled worktops (like Cork/ Bamboo/ recycled stainless), rustic style tiles (mismatched/ hand-painted/ vintage) , match it with furniture that’s recycled rather than brand new and, finally, pick wall colours to complement, adding splashes of bolder shades in accessories.
