Elements for an Eye-Catching Nursery Decor

Move over gender-neutral yellows, pastel pinks, and soft-hued blues, today’s contemporary nurseries are all about eye-catching color, bold pattern, and magical metallics! When decorating baby’s first room, you’ll find exciting new possibilities beyond past trends and typical furnishings to spark your little one’s (and yours) imagination and creativity. 

Based on our latest nursery design shown in the images below, we’ve curated a collection of essential elements to make your baby’s nursery visually stimulating and fun.

Go Bold Palettes

Beyond the typical toddler room canvas of bright primary colors, bold palettes can be achieved using warm secondary and intermediate colors such as yellow, orange, fuchsia with touches of cool blue, green, and grey. 

Opting for walls painted in white or eggshell can leave many possibilities for pops of color and pattern to be introduced on bedding, upholstery, floor coverings, and even a wallpapered feature wall.  

Big Beautiful Botanicals 

Go ahead, introduce those big blooms and fanciful flora you love in the rest of the home into baby’s space. Whether you choose a dynamic wallpaper background for behind the crib as shown in our nursery design or a floral motif bursting with blooms on the bedding or rug, you and your little one will adore the beauty of oversize botanical prints.

Plenty of Pattern

Despite what you may think as a hard rule of thumb, don’t be afraid to mix two or three patterns for a layered look. Our nursery boasts an all-over circle pattern on the rug, and blooming vine patterned wallpaper. But you can alternately add patterns in smaller amounts on toss pillows, bedding, or drapes.

However, when mixing pattern, be sure to include broad swaths of solid neutral elements such as window treatments and upholstery. Too much pattern can be chaotic and busy, creating a sense of confusion and overstimulation. 

Magical Metallics

Contemporary and modern nurseries beg for gleaming touches of brass, gold or silver. Metallic finishes on lighting, accessories, and furniture hardware will provide just the right amount of sparkle for a bit of magic. 

Metallic touches in our nursery design are introduced through modern brass floor lamp, light fixture, accent table, and the objets d’art perched on the dresser shown here. 

Wondrous Wall Art

Inspire baby’s creativity with adventurous artwork such as those we hung above the nursery chair here. From magical unicorns to preening peacocks, there is a wondrous world of art just waiting to enchant your child. Modern abstracts and lively landscapes can also add captivating color and unusual shapes to enhance your baby’s play and learning time. 

If you are inspired with the nursery ideas shared here but feeling a bit overwhelmed and not sure where to get started. Look no further for an interior designer in Chicago to help design a beautiful nursery for your little one. Enchanting and eye-catching nurseries like the one featured here are one of our favorite projects. We can help design, furnish, and decorate your baby’s space beautifully. Click here to book a consultation today.

Talk to you soon,

Paula

Art at the center of interior decor

The picture of a Victorian-era sitting room shows almost every horizontal surface covered with tiny photos, knickknacks or a variety of other pieces. The walls host an abundance of hanging art, tapestries and intricate needlework samplers. Art is at the center of the finest of rooms.

This technique, called "display technique" is a hallmark of Victorian design and is a wonderful example of the "form follows function" concept. These pieces were conversation-starters, almost there for entertainment; making for more personalized living spaces.

Today, our design aesthetic suggests fewer things; knick-knacks are considered passé, and for many, too much "stuff" is undesirable as it creates a sense of turmoil that reduces the sense of calm that we seek to enjoy in our home.

But we still crave visual stimulation; we still enjoy the memories that a photo can bring or the sense of tranquility that a piece of art may invoke. A piece of art, or photography may become the inspiration for a certain color scheme in a room or even the whole house.

In the current era as in the past, interior decor requires a thorough evaluation of every piece in each room of a home. Items picked have a special meaning for us, they can even cause an emotional reaction in us. We cherish authentic decor that will make our homes stand out.  Like the Victorians, we want the objects in our homes to stimulate conversation and become the "anchor element" in the room. 

 So, what are the advantages of buying original art? Owning an original piece of art, particularly if the artist has become better known since the purchase, can provide a sense of status, and an increase in the value of the piece is an attractive benefit, too. But, as with other types of investments, there is no guarantee that the value will increase in the future. 

 Original art means that the artist controlled the production process of the one-of-a-kind piece. It no longer means the artist actually made the piece, for example when you buy giclée’s or photography. It means that the piece is signed and numbered by the artist even when there might be other similar pieces available for purchase.

Consider buying art as a personal expression that can reflect your personality, style and taste. Art can inspire you to look at the world in a different way, lift your mood, and in some cases make you feel like you've been taken "away" to another time and place.  Buying art also supports artists, allowing them to expand their craft and further their vision, which in turn can help improve the quality and esthetic of our surroundings. 

 We want our homes to be unique and art is the final expression that will take us there.

 Here's to incorporating more art in our homes. Giver me a call so we can find the best piece for you and your home.

Talk to you soon,


Paula R

Paula Interiors Project

Paula Interiors Project

Take your room from good to spectacular!

OSBORNE & LITTLE

If we agree that the touchstone word for the year is 'comfort,' you may wonder how wallpaper -- which is undergoing a BIG renaissance -- fits into this. It's a perfect pairing because the new wallpapers are beautiful to look at, some so textured you just have to touch, and some so life-like in their botanical representations you think you are sitting in a sunroom.

This isn't your Grannie's wallpaper, Dorothy. These papers are thick of substance and just full to bursting with vibrant color in some, and subtle mood enhancing colors in others. And sometimes large repeats -- so there is no skimping on yardage, here, or you could be in trouble as big as the repeat itself. ( 35-40 inches isn't unusual.)

Who doesn't remember the iconic hallways of the Beverly Hills Hotel? That big, marvelous, blousy palm print  ( called Martinique)  which was designed for the hotel in 1949 is still on the walls.
"Now after nearly 80 years with nary an update, the paper's manufacturer, CW Stockwell, is releasing an entirely new collection based on the iconic print, bringing the pattern into the modern day while paying homage to its roots."

And who hasn't marveled at the subtle finesse of the Morris prints  "Bird and Pomegranate", "Compton", or "Acanthus" which originate from the 1870's?
These classic papers are still available, some with new tweaks. CW Stockwell, for example, is adjusting backgrounds and refining colors to suit today's design aesthetic better.

MARTINIQUE - BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL

MORRIS & CO

CW STOCKWELL

PAULA INTERIORS PROJECT

But the new papers are also full of textures. Grasscloth works across most design styles. Working with a designer to find the perfect backdrop for your room's style will ensure that the look and feel of your room matches your vision.

We all remember, too, the trays of sticky, murky water, the "discussions" between the people actually doing the work and all prefaced by the hours of steaming and scraping the old paper off the walls. New papers go up easily, come down easily, and some are reusable --  all of which means that homeownership doesn't limit where these papers can contribute to a design style. 

And contribute, they do. In fact, they can be the boss of the design style;  Martinique, for example, sets the tone for a room and anything in that room better measure up.   We said "comfort" is the word for the year. Let's add to that if you step outside your comfort level, just a bit, and do even one wall in 'spectacular.'

Talk to you soon,

Paula R  

Why You Should Consider Custom Furniture

The furniture you choose can have a huge impact on any room design. Whether you live in a tiny condo or a large home, a custom piece of furniture is an excellent way to personalize your space. It’s also sometimes the only way to get exactly what you want.

CENTURY FURNITURE

Custom Furniture Fits

Designing for smaller or oddly-shaped spaces is difficult, especially if you are relying on traditional mass-produced furniture pieces. When you buy a custom piece, you can have it made to fit the space that you live in. While traditional furniture can be modified, it’s often less expensive to have the piece made for your space from the beginning - something that many homeowners find quite surprising.

And it’s not just size. It’s often hard to find a mass-produced piece that exactly fits your vision of a space. Usually something is always just a bit off; whether it’s the materials, the color, or the size, it can be hard to find a traditional piece that is just right for what you want.

Versatility

Custom furniture is very versatile. Need some extra storage? Have a custom bench, ottoman, or even sofa made. Extra storage can be incorporated right into the piece. Need a bookshelf that features a few adjustable vertical shelves? A custom furniture maker can do that for you. It’s a great way to ensure you get exactly what you need.

BAKER

Quality

Custom furniture is often much higher quality than mass-produced features. Because your piece isn’t being made on an assembly line, the maker can create your piece out of whatever materials you choose - including higher quality materials than you’d normally find in a furniture factory. Of course, higher quality materials also means that your custom furniture will last much longer than a piece that’s been mass-produced in a factory - which brings us to our next point.

Value

One thing that trips many people up when they’re shopping for custom furniture is the cost. While the initial price can sometimes cause a bit of sticker shock, this can always be lowered based on the materials you choose. It’s also very important to remember the value that you’re getting. When you order a custom-made piece of furniture, you’re getting exactly what you want and expect. You’ll get to choose the dimensions, shape, features, and even materials that your piece is made from. So, yes - it may initially be more expensive than a mass-produced piece of furniture, but it will also carry more value. It will be made exactly for you and the space you’re creating.

So the next time that you’re looking for the perfect piece to fit your newly-designed living room or bedroom, consider ordering some custom furniture instead. Not only will you be pleasantly surprise at the many options available to you, you’ll be happy with the quality and value that you’ll get as well. A custom-made piece is something you can keep for years - and there’s nothing quite like seeing something that was made especially for you and your space every day.

Talk to you soon,

Paula R

Color and Furniture trends for 2019

If we had to pick one word to exemplify the paint and furniture trends for 2019, it would be 'Comfort.' Not the down-home but upscale comfort of the Modern Farmhouse, instead this comfort is personified by beautiful fabrics begging to be touched, easy-on-the-eye paint colors, and gently curving forms in the furniture. 

Walls have color again

BENJAMIN MOORE - GREY METROPOLITAN AF-690

Wall color trends suggest bolder but still muted hues than we have seen in the past few years, and we will see softer pastels in some of the private areas of our homes. Pink has morphed into blush, for example. Subtle warm colors prevail; the cool blue-grays of the gray trend are at the end of their ten-year cycle.

 From Pantone's Living Coral at one end of the color forecast continuum for 2019 to Benjamin Moore's cool gray Metropolitan, the color palette we will see is varied, and there is a color here to compliment all the moods, styles, and auras we are creating in our homes. 

Jewel tones  - green and navy in particular -- co-exits beautifully with the soft muted colors because they are all the colors of nature -- almost any color combination from Mother Nature works. 
Wood colors are following the trend with lighter, more natural finishes. Natural walnut, for example, is a warm-blooded mid-to-lighter-toned wood. Use it on floors, in furniture, and in curtain rods.

The softer side of furniture

INTERLUDE

With the urge to get cozy, stay warm and safe and snuggle in, furniture trends for 2019 reflect this ease of living, but with a luxurious twist. Curved edges, soft tufting, concave sofa fronts and slightly over-stuffed cushions invite lingering; they encourage us to take time for ourselves.  

Because our living spaces are tending to smaller rather than larger, acrylic coffee tables, side tables, and chairs add the needed function while keeping the visual impact low -- helping support and reaffirm the 'less is more' credo of today's decorating.  

Furniture is smaller in scale, overall, to fit better in these more compact spaces, but always with an eye first to comfort. We won't be seeing  'beautiful to look at but uncomfortable to sit on' furniture this year. Even the tufted backs of the new traditional sofas invite lingering -- in part due to the exceptional hand and allure of today's velvets and chenniles.

Just remember that one word: 'Comfort.'

Talk to you soon,

Paula R

6 Easy Kitchen Updates That Make a Huge Difference

After

Before

Tell someone you’re updating your kitchen, and you’ll likely be met with shocked stares. Many people are intimidated by the idea of a kitchen renovation. It tends to conjure up images of endless construction, constant mess, and weeks or months of take-out dinners. But making a change in your kitchen doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. In fact, you might be surprised at how much of a difference some small, easy changes can make.

1.Install a Backsplash: One of the easiest changes you can make in your kitchen can also make the biggest difference. Installing a backsplash not only creates a great focal point; it lets you express your unique style and personality as well. Whether you choose subway tile for a clean, modern look, or a colorful mosaic of tile, a custom backsplash can change the entire feel of your kitchen.

2.Remove Your Cabinet Doors: Removing your cabinet doors to create open shelving is an excellent way to lighten a heavy-feeling kitchen. In a smaller space, remove only one or two cabinet doors, and use the space to showcase eclectic, attractive, and colorful pieces that you love. Dishes, attractive glassware, and even dry goods stored in attractive glass jars all make excellent displays for open cabinets.

3.Replace Your Countertops: This change is easier and less expensive than you think. Swapping older stone countertops for new marble or quartz countertops are an excellent way to update your kitchen. For a few hundred dollars, this one small change can completely transform your kitchen - making even the most ordinary kitchen space into something you’ll want to show off.

4.Swap Out Your Hardware: Sometimes all it takes to change the look of your kitchen is a hardware update. Swap out outdated drawer pulls and cabinet knobs to give your kitchen a fresher look. Not quite enough? Consider painting your cabinets to really change the feel of your space.

5.Accessorize With Small Appliances: Toasters, stand mixers, and many other small kitchen appliances aren’t just functional must-haves. Many of these gadgets come in bright colors or with fun designs. Swapping out your old, dull pieces for newer, more fun gadgets can be a great way to show off your personality and sense of style.

6.Update your fabrics: This can be one of the best ways to change the feel of your kitchen. Hanging new window treatments, a rug in front of the sink, and swapping out your tablecloth or placemats can really change the look of your kitchen. The best part? It’s easy to rotate through various looks as often as you like!

For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home. If it’s out of sync with your style, the whole house can feel off. Luckily, changing the feel of your kitchen doesn’t have to be difficult. With just a few small changes, you can update your space and create a kitchen that you’ll love to cook in.

Lets start creating,

Paula R

The Hidden Mystery Behind Martini Tables

Martini tables are small nonetheless convenient. You can move these from corner to corner in your living room when you need it the most.  These tables are so light that you can pick a table with your left hand and hold a drink in your right.

You can place them between two chairs, at the end of a sofa, or even group them and create an interesting arrangement when you aren’t using them much. 

Beside their weigh, they come in different shapes, colors, materials and styles. From sleek to sculptural, traditional to modern, from wood to glass and from black to white. Martini tables are a great addition to your living area. Now, do you want to get one but aren’t sure what to get? 

Call me, I can help you choosing the one

Talk to you soon,

Paula R

A chair for any design Style

The wingback chair is known for its graceful design and comfort. They were first introduced in the 17th century in England and since then it has transformed and modernized. It was first designed to be sat in front of fireplaces, the wings protect us from drafts while keeping us warm.

Although the main features of the wingback chair haven’t changed, the designers are tweaking the curvy silhouette with new materials and updating the legs. Now you can find them in a variety of colors and styles.

These chairs are surprisingly versatile and so comfortable that you can place them anywhere you want to curl up, relax and stay a while. They are a great add-on to your dining room, office, seating areas, bedrooms, in front of fireplaces and living areas. If you need help finding the perfect one for your home just send me a note!

Talk to you soon, Paula 

High-end vs. mass-produce

When buying a good piece of furniture you should ask your self: How long do I want this piece to last? A year? Five years? Do I want to replace it in maybe 10 years? Or, do I want this piece to last a lifetime?

 If you are in the “long last” category, a good, high-end piece can last for about 10 years or more. These pieces are made with certified wood species, multiple layers of veneer, solid wood edges and water proof glues that can be refinish up to 7 times. 

The process of making high-end quality pieces starts with carefully selecting the materials and the superiority of the construction. High-end manufactures will carefully cut each piece to make each individual part of your custom piece. Each part of wood will be sanded many times to allow the finish to be absorb more equally creating a beautiful finish. The finishes are built in the piece though transparent tinted finishes that are sealed and sanded in between. It takes up to 18 steps and three coats of lacquer to complete the process. The result, is a piece that is beautifully and carefully crafted, a piece of art made to last a lifetime.  

But if your plans for the future are uncertain and you rather a piece that lasts only a year or two max, you’ll probably would want to save some money and buy a mass-produce piece.  

Low-end products are made of particleboard with a single layer of veneer made of paper, printed wood or wood grain veneer. On the edges a veneer band its applied, so they don’t have a solid wood for edges and joints. Sanding is a labor-intensive process therefore low end products cut this process making the pieces brown painted finish that disguise the wood grain underneath. Most of the time the pieces are only offer in one or two finishes. Lower pricing furniture most of the time has only 3- 5 steps to complete the finish process. The result a piece of furniture that will work in your space for a while but you will find yourself buying a replacement very soon.

I know, maybe you want the high-end piece, but you think it’s not in your price range. Well, let me tell you that I have great news for you! I work with manufactures that are in the middle range pricing. They can give you the quality and a custom look you want for a very affordable price. These pieces won’t last a lifetime but they are made to last five years or more depending on the use.

So, are you ready to get that piece of furniture you’ve being wanted for long but don’t want to head to IKEA?! Call me and I can help you select the perfect piece for you, one that fits your budget and your lifestyle.

Talk to you soon,     

Paula

(Pieces available for purchase)

Sofa Tables... One of the most important pieces in your home.

Lets talk about the history and relevance of sofa tables. One of the most important pieces in your home. Sofa tables became a fundamental piece of furniture in most stylish homes in Europe and USA between the 18th and 19th centuries.  Sofa tables were used as writing desks because of their many built-in drawers allowing people to storage and keep their pens, ink and papers all in one place.

Today sofa tables are way more versatile than back then. They can be moved from room to room playing a different purpose in both decorative and functionality. We used them in open floor plan areas as room dividers, in dining rooms to create a feeling of openness or wherever the space doesn’t allow for a regular buffet table…

In entryways, they function as a great furniture piece to place your gloves, keys and mail. 

In family rooms or small living rooms they are a perfect piece of furniture to store stools, ottomans, toys or blankets. And when having guests at home, sofa tables add an extra table seating that is accessible and easy to use. Sizes, styles and colors in sofa tables vary so you can select one that fits your needs and style. 

Give me a call and I can help you finding “the one” that is functional and beautiful for you and your home.

Talk to you soon,

Paula 

More than Bed Time!

The master bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. It should be your personal haven, a space where you can create anything you desire. A private cinema, a place where you can listen to your favorite music, a cozy corner where you can relax, read a book and take a break from life. 

To create the proper master suite setting; comfort should be at the top of the list. An acquisition of a great bed should be a priority since this piece will drive the style of the room. From wood beds to upholstered headboards.

Lighting is another important piece in your room. If you like to read in bed it is important to select a task lamp which is both functional and decorative.

A proper haven requires the perfect wall color and texture. Everyone interprets color differently.For some, red is soothing and comforting. For others, a neutral cream can be luxurious.You spend a lot of time in this room. Make it cozy.

Make it fun! Make it a space that complements you. Make it personal! Call me and I can help you design the perfect space for you, one that fits your budget and your lifestyle.

 

Talk to you soon,

Paula

(Pieces available for purchase)

Looking to add art to your walls?

Adding art to your home décor will enhance your room and will definitely showcase your personality. Here are some tips that will make the process stress-free:

1.    The wall. Pick the wall you want to enrich. Look at your furniture, accessories, rugs that are around and select the wall that needs an extra touch. Make sure the piece you are going to bring relates to your current items. No need to replicate the existing color pallet but make sure you have at least one of this colors in the painting.

2.    Orientation. Carefully look at your walls and think about what it will look better. Tall walls will look better will a vertical piece, horizontal walls will look best with a landscape oriented artwork.

3.    Size. You can enhance a large room either with a large piece or with a group of small pieces, kind of creating a gallery wall. If you are working with a small room, a big piece can create an amazing focal point. The rule of thumb is to have the art fill two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall.

4.    Furniture. The size of the art pieces should be at least 1/3 of the lengt of the furniture. You can do it with a single or multiple pieces. 

Other tips...

When hanging your art piece, make sure to leave 6 -12 inches above the furniture from the bottom edge of the frame. If you are hanging the piece in an empty wall make sure that is hung eye level.

Select something that moves you, that makes you feel something, not simply a piece to fill your wall. Choose something that will have a meaning for you. If you need any help finding the perfect artwork give us a call!

 

Comfortable & Stylish

Are you one of those people who after a busy day desire to sit down and relax? If you are, a recliner will be a great addition to your home.

Years ago recliners where only made to be comfortable. They were big, took a lot of space from your living room, and the only style available was the leather masculine look. 

There is nothing wrong with that, but if you prefer a chair small in size that gives you comfort, as well as, complement the style in your home; you will be happy to hear that now there are many styles available to you!

Wing back chairs, wood frame chairs, rolled and sleek arms, tufted, with nail heads, with skirts, casual or formal.Transitional, traditional or contemporary in style. Many styles and options for you to choose from. 

Call or visit us for more information on these amazing and comfortable additions! 

Four simple tips to transform your living room into a wow space.

The holidays are around the corner so lets create one you will always remember. A kind of holiday that will have your guest talking about it for weeks not only for your delicious food but also for your fabulous decor. Here are four tips that will make that boring living room into a wow welcoming space.

1. Place an ottoman next to your favorite chair, rest your feet and start to unwind. 

2. Place a throw over the sofa. It can bring a new color and texture, as well as, getting you warm this cold season. 

3. Bring a cozy atmosphere to the room by placing buffet or table lamps. 

4. Accessorize using warm colors and textures 

All the pieces shown are custom and available for sale. If you need any help selecting whats best for you and your home; remember I am a call away!

 

Talk to you soon,

Paula 

Pieces that will take your breath away!

The crisp breeze has arrived; the trees have started to notice the change; leaves of different hues of red and orange are flying thru the air while the birds are looking to nest. 

The magical fall has started giving us the energy and time to start designing and creating. Its time to bring the magic indoors and add a twist to that area that has been forgotten for a quite long time or add life to that boring room.  Here are some exquisite pieces that can inspire you to start visualizing the magical change. 

A table with serpentine leg in a sophisticated finish paired it with a wonderful piece of art and a midcentury chair, can bring luxury to any portion in your home.

You will enhance any practical office space by mixing wood with metal. Exceptional hardwood solids, curvy legs and functional drawers will make a beautiful and functional desk. Add an interesting metal book case and will have the wow effect you always dream of.

Any space would be graced with the unique, beautiful grilles panel design. This display cabinet bring a twist to any sophisticated dining area. 

 Start conversations with a piece that will make your heart stop. It's your home and It should be a piece your love. You can find anything from artistic, classic , romantic, sophisticated or whimsical. There is a piece that will reflect you and your style. Bring a fall breath of fresh air into your home. Start planning, transform your home and enjoy the season. If you need help finding the perfect piece, just give me a call!

Talk to you soon,

Paula 

Give a purpose to your dining room

When choosing a dining table, consider the style, size, and purpose of your dining room.

The architectural details of  your home can be a great help when choosing a table. If your home is sleek and modern, an ornately carved table would look outdated. 

If the molding of your home include rich color wood and carved finials, then a straight leg wood dining table will clash with the architecture. The size of the dining table can be determine the size of the room and the number of people you would you like to seat comfortably.

The purpose of a dining room can be dictated by shape of the table.

Small square and round tables are great for creating a social atmosphere; this type of tables tend to encourage conversation because everyone will be able to see each other.

Incase you are looking to create a dramatic seating, a rectangular dining table will clearly define the head of the table and distinguish the guest of honor on special
occasions.

If you are looking to host the perfect dinner party , You have a variety of wood finishes, table styles that will create the dining room of your dreams, don't hesitate to contact me when you need help. I can guide you select a table that not only reflects the architecture of your house, but you and your family life style.

Talk to you soon,

Paula R

The Ugly Truth!

You are passionate about your project and believe me, we are too. We dream and think about it constantly. We as designers want your project to be at its best; when selecting fabrics, furniture, art or whatever it will be; we spend hours looking for the perfect piece, color, texture and we keep searching for it until we find it. We have a clear idea of how a room will look when the space is completed. We will not stop designing until it is perfect. 

Give us a challenge! We love to work with irregular shaped rooms; a room where you don't know how to fit your furniture, a family room where you would like to watch TV, but it is surrounded by windows. Odd window sizes where you would like to have harmonious window treatments. Any design dilemma that makes us think outside the box and find new ways to give you the best functional space to fit your needs, wants and desires. 

Don’t wait until your kids grow up to have your home looking the way you want! A good Interior designer will have the accessibility to find you family friendly materials and will give you honest  expectations, material options and will make sure you know about all your options when making a decision in any given space.

Our goal is to work together with our client to create interiors that fit their life style as well as fill the space with color, good quality fabrics and great use of space. 

If you need help transforming your home, just give me a call!

Talk to you soon,

Paula 

Write here...

7 Easy ideas to transform your balcony

Photo Credit: Homedeit.com 

Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy 

Photo Credit: Gardenista

Photo Credit: Sarah Widman

Here are few tips that can transform your balcony from a unsympathetic boring balcony into a warm, cozy garden.

1- Let’s start with that boring cement floor: bring interest by adding texture. You can use a rug or wood floor panels, they are easy to clean, resistant to frost and can make your balcony look larger and way better.

2- Use your walls! Create a green wall by hanging plants in different heights. This will create a fascinating garden look. For a more structured look, use wall shelves and use it to display your plants. If you rather a more natural look, choose a vine or any climbing plant to cover the entire wall.

3- Create privacy: if you rather have a private space, use draping fabric or curtains. Choose outdoor fabric (I recommend Sumbrella ) in your favorite colors and just hang it horizontally. For a more backdrop look, use white fabric. If you want a natural look, use burlap. It’s a great fabric full of texture.

4- Furniture: it will change your balcony from average to a sanctuary. There are many places where you can find beautiful furniture, I recommend Rattan (if you want to spend a bit more). Other options are hammocks (great for tiny spaces), wood panels or crates with cushions on top to build comfy benches or tables. Just make sure the size is perfect for your balcony. Don’t overwhelm the space with big pieces.

5- Balcony accessories are a must! Use cushions, pillows and rugs. These are essential to make it look cozy and relaxing.

6- Create ambience with lighting. Make your balcony feel warm and inviting by using lighting fixtures like chandeliers, floor and table lamps. Decorative lights are a good way to add a romantic look to your décor. Just remember, it won’t be enough light if you want to read at night. You may need an extra table lamp.

7- Plants and flowers: Make sure to buy plants that will get the amount of light they need to be happy and pretty (low light, medium or sun). Get different plants full of color, texture and size.  

Now, go and transform your balcony into a warm, colorful garden to enjoy the rest of summer. If you need help, just give me a call!

Photo Credit: The every girl

Photo Credit: Art and Design

Photo Credit Melissa DiRenzo

Photo Credit: Home Designing

The First Layer for your Window

The Alustra® Collection from Hunter Douglas.®Fabric/Material ValenciaColor Plaza

Now is the perfect time to let the sun in and begin to enjoy bright days throughout your home. But have you noticed that maybe it’s too bright? Or that anybody can see you from the outside? It’s time to start designing your window treatment and what a better place to start than with the basic, first layer. You can keep enjoying the summer light; but with the privacy and light control that complement your home and your life style.

Let me give you a brief description of some of your options from Hunter Douglas. The Sheer Window Shadings is composed of two sheer fabrics supporting a series of s-shaped fabric vanes that could be tilted and closed for light control and privacy. This treatment is made of sheer fabric and is available in many colors to select from, so you can find the perfect one for your space. The treatments also provides UV protection. The view from the outside is clear; while, the view from the street is obscure during the day offering privacy.

Silhouettes look like a drapery but works like a blind. Luminettes are vertical treatment specially suited to cover entire walls or French doors. Honeycombs are as durable as they are beautiful. They combine the luxury of soft fabric with remarkable strength and superior performance. They are made of soft, textured, woven and non woven fabrics with crisp even pleats that trap air for maximum energy efficiency. We offer several pleat sizes, a wide range of colors and textures, and fabrics with opacities that range from sheer to opaque.

Luminette®  from Hunter Douglas. Fabric/Material Angelica TranslucentColor Angel Wing

Roman Shades are made of a woven fabric forming soft folds. The Roman shades let the fabric hang flat in the lowered position creating overlapping folds. In the lifting position the fabric will disappear inside the sleek head rail, so you can enjoy the complete view of your window.

Roller Shades are operated by specially designed clutch mechanism pulling easily to the cords causing the clutch to rotate the metal roller tube, which raises and lowers the shade and holds it securely in place at any chosen position. The roller shades are always wrapped with fabric even when fully lowered. The roller shades offer diverse range fabrics.

There are a variety of Operating systems with any of Hunter Douglas products. The combination of wand and cord, or cord lock which is an original lifting system with quiet and reliable operation. Easy Rise is a continuous cord loop and clutch system to easily raise or lower. LiteRise virtually eliminates cords and enables blinds to raise or lower with the touch of a finger. Ultra glide is a retractable pull-cord system that keep the cord at a constant length, whether the shade is raised or lowered.

Motorization is available and is a wireless control system operated with a hand held remote or wireless wall switch. There are many options, colors and styles to select from; but which one is the right for you? no worries just give me a call and I can help you select whats best!

Talk to you soon,

Paula R

Tips for the perfect outdoor rug

After the snow is gone, we all get out to enjoy the outdoors… and what a better place to do it than the patio! Lets make the best of this special place, in which barbecues are the main course and great moments with your friends and family start to unravel. To start the journey let’s talk about rugs, these indispensable things that look great while helping us cleaning the mess in just few minutes. Here are 3 basic tips to select your perfect fit. 

When selecting an outdoor rug you want to make sure you are choosing a material that will hold up against sun exposure, resist mold and mildew as well as be durable for long-lasting use.

 1.    Natural feeling: Natural fibers such as sisal, hemp, jute, and sea grass are very strong, sound- absorbent, sustainable, and add lots of texture to your space but it doesn’t last as many hours in the sunlight.  

2.    Eco friendly Rugs: These are crafted of a durable fiber made from recycled materials including plastic bottles, packaging and rubber materials. Eco friendly rugs are easy to care for and can be found in plenty patterns, colors and sizes.

3.    Industrial: Machine made outdoors rugs are made from synthetic fibers including polypropylene, nylon and acrylic. These materials make for fast drying, non-absorbent, UV, mold, mildew and stain resistant rugs. Machine made rugs can resist up to 500 hours of sunlight and have a consistent look. The machine made rugs are woven using the latest in power looms and they are capable of a variety of intricate stitch patterns and allows up to five different color yarns to be used in each rug.

Now that you have selected what is the best material to use in your patio, the fun begins. Select a rug that fit the style and color of your home and let’s start cooking. Not sure what color or style goes best? Just remember: I’m a call away.

Talk to you soon, 

      Paula