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.
Tags: budget decorating, Budget Design, Decorate on a budget, design trends, hgtv, Home Improvements, Home makeover, ideas for kitchens, inexpensive tips, Interior Styles, Kitchen Updates, pc design
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!!!!
Tags: Advice, Budget Design, Decorate on a budget, decorating styles, Design Styles, design trends, Do's & Don'ts, Eclectic Design, Home Improvements, Home makeover, inexpensive tips, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Design Tips, Interior Styles
Inspiration found through Color.
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.
Tags: Advice, Budget Design, Decorate on a budget, decorating styles, Design Styles, design trends, Do's & Don'ts, Eclectic Design, Home Improvements, Home makeover, inexpensive tips, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Design Tips, Interior Styles
Inspiration found through Color.
Part 3…
Trend 3: The Recycled Look
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.
Tags: Advice, Budget Design, Decorate on a budget, decorating styles, Design Styles, design trends, Do's & Don'ts, Eclectic Design, Home, Home Improvements, Home makeover, inexpensive tips, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Design Tips, Interior Styles
Inspiration found through Color.
Part 2….
Trend 2: Femininity With A Hard Edge
This is a more dynamic trend, which includes pretty yet powerful colours, from their palest to most dramatic shades. Think of peonies that burst into colourful life and then slowly reduce in intensity as they fade. Imagine delicate whispers of texture from vintage lace and silk, offset by hard modern ceramics and metals. You could sum it up as femininity with a tough edge. While not ideal for every room in the home, this does work best in living rooms and bedrooms.
Paint Colours
It might be that you choose a white or pale green background colour for your walls, then add a touch of ‘wow!’ with stronger shades of the accent colour like, raspberry or periwinkle with accessories and soft furnishings. This scheme does not need to be dramatic, if you want something easier to live with, try something a little more understated.
Wallpaper
Just as choosing a paint color can be difficult and tiresome between a man and a woman…ditto for wallpaper! Go for soft, feminine shades as a base, add sharper (or more masculine) tones to pep up the scheme.
Living Room
This room, with all the tendencies of a more feminine room; also, sways toward the masculine with the finishes and shape. Find this look a little heavy? Keep the wallpaper, but swap it for a lighter colourway and change the flooring to a pale, soft carpet…
Bedroom
The idea of a pale lilac bedroom would turn most men’s stomachs, but this one is edging into grey, while the contrasting colour – mustard yellowy green is a fabulous foil for the walls soft tones. Add to that the contrast of white furnishings with a single high gloss black piece and you’ve got femininity, masculinity, light and dark all in one space. Brilliant.
Tags: Advice, Budget Design, Decorate on a budget, decorating styles, Design Styles, design trends, Do's & Don'ts, Eclectic Design, Home Improvements, Home makeover, inexpensive tips, interior, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Design Tips, Interior Styles
Inspiration found through Color.
Part 1….
Trend 1: Nature Inspired.
What a relief for lovers of neutral color schemes – everyone agrees this year that understated room schemes inspired by nature will be one of the strong trends for 2009. Designer’s have been inspired this year by everything from rich ochre colors to the simple beachfront homes with bleached cream wooden shutters, weathered and worn woods, and stones in warm hues, punctuated by cooler tones of blues and greens to create a natural balance of colour and texture that is warm and embracing.
Elements of the natural world have also inspired Wallpaper palettes such as this colour palette and is combined with flame red for an injection of vibrancy. Combine the ever popular greens with fresh yellow’s and add a touch of raspberry and mint green for a unique combination.
Being “Eco-Conscious” or “Green” is a deciding factor for many when decorating. In 2009, the will be slightly more subtle. With people moving less frequently, look for fresh and bright to become increasingly more important. Expect to see “New-Neutrals” take root, as the year continues.
Natural tones will also be an enduring popular choice for furniture, with wall colours being chosen to echo the tones of the upholstery.
Living Room
Inspired by nature doesn’t have to mean “No” color in a living room ! You can choose anything from deep dark browns to rich ochres, mustard yellows, pale greens and blues. When incorporating patterns… using something light and airy as opposed to heavily patterned choices creates a visually pleasing environment.
Bedrooms
Natural schemes doesn’t mean feminine and traditional – you can give a nod to the trend within a contemporary scheme too, as in this bedroom. Combine wood panelled wardrobes or walls with natural floor coverings and furniture in woody tones, and add texture with throws and cushions in deep earthy shades. Combine with a bold accent color to add a “Punch” to the area.
Kitchens
When making selections for your kitchen in the Natural trend, think sensibly and long term. Walls can always be painted and Accent your Kitchen with unique objects such as lighting, accessories, rugs, stools and window treatments to add flair….
Dining Room
This is a particularly good look to go for in your dining room. And, if your dining room is part of your kitchen area -like in an open plan – a Neutral scheme is a must to create a relaxed and cohesively calm space.
Kids’ Room
Design a neutral scheme for a kids’ room is easy and sustainable for the long-term (not having to change the scheme every few years is easy for the wallet as well). So, whether you’ve got a baby or a teenager, hit this trend in a big way…
Bathroom
Space is always a factor, but any bathroom can be given the natural touch easily. When looking for a new bathroom cabinet, choose one in real wood. Flooring, choose a natural stone. Wall tile, choose something light and airy with some visual texture. On a budget? Paint the walls a soft shade of green or blue.
Tags: 2009 home trends, Advice, choosing colors, Decorate on a budget, decorating styles, Design Styles, design trends, Do's & Don'ts, Eclectic style, home decorating, Home Improvements, Home makeover, inexpensive tips, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Design Tips, Interior Styles, paint colors
Contemporary design can often times, be confused with modern design. Similarities between both include; clean lines, neutral colors, use of woods and metals.
There is a thin line between the two but Contemporary takes design a step farther than Modern. It takes everyday items and pushes the design limitations.
A sink in your powder room, instead of white porcelain, might be zebra wood mdf board and mounted on the wall with the chrome faucet pouring out from the wall.
It will take a handful of clear lightbulbs, gather them together and create an industrial looking chandelier over the dining table.
The style will take a zebra skin and use it as a rug on the floor in front of the fireplace.
Contemporary style takes design a step further than any other design. It tends to lean toward an idustrial, sparce look with very limited color. In fact the only color in the room, might be a large painting hanging on a wall or a large hand blown glass chandelier hanging from a vaulted ceiling in the foyer.
Contemporary furniture is typically covered in solid fabrics ranging from Chenille, leather, linen, silk, nubby wool and cotton. Some have wood or even metal legs and rarely do you see a skirt on your upholstered pieces.
Rugs tend to be used as an accent adding color or a simple, abstract design to balance the simplicity of the upholstery on furniture.
Tables tend to be glass or metal (typically chrome or steel) or a mixture of both. The glass keeps the design clean, open and simple.
There isn’t an abundance of furniture used and there tend to be a variety of seating areas; some for a group or for just a a section for a reading area. It all varies depending on the amount of space you have.
Overall Contemporary design, from the outside in, keeps the spatial relationship simple and flowing. The sterile exterior is carried inside, keeping spaces open flowing from room to room, limiting the amount of walls a home has.
Floors are often wood and sometimes, polished stone, again keeping in line with that sterile, clean feel. Countertops are granite, stainless, or a solid composite material. Cabinetry can be metal, glass, some wood as accents coordinated with stainless appliances, closely resembling a kitchen in a high-end restaurant.
Window treatments, if used, are simple in design. Long panels framing in the window, custom roman shades to diffuse light for during the day, double top treatments to create drama on tall windows that carry your eye toward the ceiling.
Sometimes, drama is added to windows with bold, geometric fabrics.
In Contemporary design, art is used as accessories, but sometimes sample knick-knacks are added here and there, but used very sparsely.
Glass art used in Architectural alcoves with lights to highlight it.
Variety of accessories used throughout homes.
If you are looking to design your home in the Contemporary style and still have questions, contact pcdesign@mac.com for more information.
Tags: Advice, Contemporary, Contemporary Design, Contemporary style, decorating styles, Design Styles, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Styles
Most people today, classify themselves as “Transitional” in their Interior Design Styles (or what some of my client’s call, “the Pottery Barn Style”).
Let’s delve into the meaning of “Transitional” to find out if this style best represents you!
We go back to the unforgettable, and I say this with great respect, catalog that is received in the mail by millions of people weekly………..Pottery Barn.
As quoted from their website; “Pottery Barn began in 1949 as a single store in Lower Manhattan, and is founded on the idea that home furnishings should be exceptional in comfort, style and quality. Our in–house designers draw their inspiration from time–honored models in America and around the world to create unique collections…..”.
While this isn’t a Blog about Pottery Barn, they are one of the most widely viewed home decorating catalogs in the world and are, the best, Visual example of simple, neutral and elemental design qualities out there. Other places to find “Transitional” style furnishings are at your larger department stores and larger chain furniture (some discount) super stores.
Transitional decor, blends “Traditional” Style with “Contemporary” Styles to make distinctive, classic, yet comfortable Design. The primary influence is “American” with sleek lines and rounded profiles, rich prints with minimalistic approaches and very affordable options. Items aren’t overstated for the rooms, but sized in proportion to them.
Colors associated with this style are muted neutrals; blends of creams, taupe’s, chocolates (neither to masculine or feminine). There aren’t many additional adornments to furnishings, like fringe, tassels or “frills”. Nailhead is often used as contrast for trim on upholstered pieces. Typical fabrics used are; Suede, Corduroy, jacquard, leather, chenille, cotton, twill, woven and tweeds.
Accessorizing takes a back seat in transitional design. Crisp, clean black or white framing and monochromatic artwork, hammered metals, natural wood, geometric shapes. Accessories that are ornate, fancy, elegant or over-the-top are limited to one (or none) per space. Keeping things simple, but interesting, is primary.
Transitional lighting includes, understated, unadorned chandeliers, ceiling fans with adjustable lighting, pendants that seem to fade in rather than stand out in contrast to cabinetry and lamps that carry a classic yet simple style with an updated feel.
Next, Interior Design Style Revealed………. “Contemporary”.
Tags: Advice, cotton, decorating styles, Design Styles, diy transitional design, furniture like pottery barn, interior, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Design Tips, Interior Styles, neutral colors, neutral decor, pottery barn, pottery barn design, suede furniture, transitional design, transitional interior design
Posted by PC Design on Apr 6, 2009 in
Interior Design Tips When you think of the style, French Country; you think of France, in the Provence Region. You think of old French Chateau’s in the country with rolling hillsides and romantic french accents.
French Country is a category of Design within the Country theme. There are many attributes to the “Country” them (depending on the provenance, country, city you are taking influence from), but we will get into that in the future.
French Interiors hold a romantic yet casual feel, with pleasing colors of contrast, wood and upholstery mixed together and Natural elements used to accent Architecturally.
Color is one of the first things that pop into your mind when you are thinking about what French Country entails. You think of mustard and burnt reds, oranges, grassy greens and deep dark hunter green, powder blue and sunny yellow. Don’t forget about the stylish Black & Whites as well.
One of the first elements used in French Country Design are “Natural” materials. Rough stained items (otherwise known as Rustic). Woven chair seats of straw to give a “rough” texture. Distressed wood with flowery carving. Old, distressed wood repurposed to make furniture. Stone Flooring with cotton throw rugs. Stone or brick fireplaces with large openings and iron accessories to the side. Plaster walls (or faux plaster walls) to give the aged effect of the outside coming in.
Distressed wood with straw seating.
This armoire is made out of antique door panels from France (sometimes referred to as a “Knock-down” armoire).
Rustic furnishings are a key element in this design. Wood panels, old french milk crates, hand carved pottery, distressed tables, white wash (milk painted) finishes, carved sofa’s with tall legs, wood and upholstery mixed.
The one item you CAN’T forget in a French Country Design, is the timeless Rooster. Used in many different facets throughout the home; from chandeliers, to pottery, to clocks, fabric linens, tableware and more; this icon is one element you cannot be without when designing your home with this beautiful theme.
Other elements (or icons) used are; olives, grapes, lavendar, cows, copper accessories (especially pots & pans), sunflowers and vintage wine items. Things you would think of, or have seen on the French Countrysides.
White, yellow and cream grounds stand as the popular choices for fabrics with the design in bold contrasting colors, as in toile. Most carry a cream or white background and then red, black green, blue and orange as the design. Window treatments are ornate and layered in fabric or simple with decorative trim.
If you find that you lean toward the French Country style, give it a try. It is cheery, “Green” in today’s standards if using items (like the antique armoire above) that were previously used in a different manner and fun to coordinate. Accessories are easy to find, due to the popularity of the style and searching through flea markets and old antique shops will surely bring out your creative side.
Be sure to watch for the next….Interior Design “Style”……. Revealed! Au Revoir!
Tags: Advice, Decorating in French Country, decorating styles, Design Styles, French, French Country, French Country Design, French Country Sytle, French Design, Home, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Design Tips, Interior Styles, Style
Posted by PC Design on Mar 27, 2009 in
Interior Design Tips,
Uncategorized Traditional Design evokes a feeling of understated elegance with classic style, history, symmetry, wood casegoods and gilding.
There are many different periods that create the “Traditional” Style, including; Chippendale, Federal Colonial, William & Mary, English, Biedermeier, Gothic, Georgian and many, many more.
As an overview of the Traditional style, the time periods consists of the 18th and 19th Century. Heavy in wood finishes (mahogany, cherry), pieces with decorative inlay using wood, mother of pearl and gold.
Legs of wood pieces, like dining tables, occasional tables and sofa’s can tell you a lot about the period as well.
Paneling on walls, tray ceilings, ornate ceiling medallions, and large decorative wood trim are Architectural elements to look for in Traditional settings.
Ornate mirrors dress up walls over fireplaces or standing alone on large high walls.
Fabrics associated with Traditional design include; Floral, Toile’, diamond pattern, plaid, heavy tapestry and trims edging out the upholstery. Nail head is also a popular way to finish off upholstered sofa’s in the Traditional style. Tufting used to be associated only with the Traditional style but is making a comeback in the “Soft Modern” style.
Colors associated with Traditional styles include, bright cheery pinks, sunny yellows, grassy greens, and also heavier colors such as; hunter green, dark blues, and deep burgundy. Wall colors tend to be softer, allowing the upholstery and wood casegood pieces to stand out.
Window treatments tend to be a bit heavier in style with a large range of coloring and patterns.
Decorative wallpaper is also widely used when decorating in the Traditional Style. Stripes, floral, scroll design and mini-prints.
If you would like to find out more…email pcdesign@mac.com to get details on the style that interests you the most.
Tags: Advice, decorating styles, Design Styles, Interior design style, Interior Styles, Traditional Design, Traditional Style
