Green is Beautiful!

As people become more concerned about the environment, “green” design is rapidly gaining in popularity. Being green means using environmentally friendly products and design techniques, and it appeals to the conservation-minded as well as to those who wish to live in more healthful surroundings. When you buy products from companies that engage in environmental stewardship – meaning conservation and management of resources, you’re being green.

One of the companies we recommend when choosing to go green is California Faucets. Check out their green philosophy and their efforts to make the world a better place: http://www.calfaucets.com/green-philosophy By going to Face Book you can also see their newest practice……. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.478961215464345.125285.222330891127380&type=1

One product we have fallen in love with is the luxury drain. This drain is eco-friendly and absolutely beautiful as well! The difference is definitely in the details! Take a look…

It’s All In The Details

I love beautiful things. There’s very little in the world that takes my breath away quite like an object that was exquisitely crafted. If you put three items down in front of me and ask which one I like the best, inevitably it will be the item which is highly crafted. Just the feel and visual details will draw me in.

Recently I had the privilege of working with a family owned jewelry store who sells Patek Philippe and Rolex watches. As you may imagine in was imperative that our designs and final product match the craftsmanship of the watch companies. Everyone on the project had to be a craftsmen of the highest level. The custom designed showcase cabinets were hand made – down to the hand carved and suede covered textured Rolex Feature wall.

Items that exhibit the quality of craftsmanship are timeless. They are built well, and built to last. That was our motto throughout the project. The end result was an interior that will withstand the test of time and lived up to the expectations of not only the client but Patek Philippe and Rolex!!

Another area in which quality and craftsman ship counts is your bathroom and kitchen. Keep durability and quality in mind as it will pay off in the long run. Using California Faucet products will provide you with good old-fashioned craftsmanship featuring solid brass construction, lifetime warranties and largest selection of super hard PVD finishes.

http://www.calfaucets.com/video/the-2-minute-custom-faucet

Details are what makes the difference….California Faucets.

Practically Beautiful Design

We all want our bathrooms to beautiful, tranquil and spa like! Beyond the esthetics comes practicality and maintenance. As a designer I look for both style and ease to make for the perfect bathroom setting.

California Faucets has the perfect drain solution that is sleek, easy to install, and easy to use! The ZeroDrain has a one finger push that allows the first pop down drain to close and retain water within the sink instead of the traditional rod and clip design. Maintenance and cleaning are equally easy. You simply pull out the stopper, rinse, and reinsert. This video says it all: http://www.calfaucets.com/video/zerodrain-the-world-s-first-pop-down-drain-overview

I feel a client hires a designer to create a beautiful space the reflects their lifestyle but to also provide quality products that can withstand the test of time. Click on the link to learn more about the incredible “ZeroDrain”: http://www.calfaucets.com/news/california-faucets-introduces-zerodrain-the-world-s-first-pop-down-drain

ZeroDrain™, the world’s first “pop-down” drain (lo-res)

Summer Design Specials

Have you ever opened a magazine and wished that your home looked like the pictures?

If you are looking for guidance, expertise, and professional ideas for your indoor and outdoor rooms, now is the time to take action with these great rates.

Package Rates Effective June 10th – August 8th

Decide how you want to use your time with an experienced designer.

Basic Package $2000.00

Consultation/Retail Shopping Experience
Summer rate is $175.00 per hour (12 hours – includes 2 free hours)
- Normal rate is $200.00 per hour (10 hours)
Additional hours can be purchased at summer rate

Design Package $4000.00

Consultation/Retail Shopping Experience
Summer rate is $150.00 per hour (25.5 hours – includes 5.5 free hours)
- Normal rate is $200.00 per hour (20 hours)
Additional hours can be purchased at summer rate

Luxury Package $5,000.00

Consultation/Retail Shopping Experience
Summer rate is $150.00 per hour (33.5 hours – includes 8.5 free hours)
- Normal rate is $200.00 per hour (25 hours)
Additional hours can be purchased at summer rate
Bonus: Conceptual rendering ($500.00 Value)

Call us today to book your package, and don’t forget to tell your friends!

Dawn

Many Shades to Greening the Home

Conserving resources, saving on utility bills, removing harmful pollutants, contributing toward a more sustainable planet: these are just a few of the reasons to green your home. Not so long ago, making the green choice meant paying more or compromising on the look you wanted. But that is no longer the case as you will see in this month’s newsletter. Today, when it comes to making the home more eco-friendly, homeowners have a wide range of green options to choose from.

Even if you make no other changes, you can do yourself and the environment a big favor by improving your home’s energy and water efficiency. You’ll save money, consume fewer resources and reduce pollution. For very little cost there are some simple steps you can take to lower your electric bill. When your old power-hungry appliances have exceeded their usefulness, replace them with Energy Star® models. Swap out your vintage dial-controlled heating/air-conditioning thermostat for a digital model that will allow you to pre-set multiple settings for peak and off-peak usage and those times you are away from home for an extended period. Insulate or increase the insulation to save money year-round, keeping the house warmer in cold weather and cooler in hot weather.

Similarly, many washers and dishwashers now come with water-saving settings. Flow restricting shower heads, sensor-activated faucets and dual-flush toilets can reduce wasted water, and many high quality, well-designed models are available. Consider adding a rain collection barrel or harvesting system for the garden. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and require little maintenance or upkeep.

These relatively low-cost improvements will more than pay for themselves over time with the energy and water you save. But why stop there? Many green solutions improve health and safety as well. Eco-friendly or green products, like low-VOC paints, sealers and finishes, non-treated woods, and natural fiber textiles contain few or no contaminants or toxins, thus improving indoor air quality. They are highly recommended if you have family members who suffer from asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions.

Many homes are over lit in some areas and under lit in others, with an overabundance of overhead or ambient lighting and too little light directed to where it’s needed most. Adding energy-efficient LED task lights to a work area, such as a kitchen counter or island, in combination with a dimmer switch for overhead, ambient lighting, will help reduce costs, and it will provide better illumination, resulting in reduced eye strain and lower risk of injury.

If you’re considering a remodel or an addition, this is definitely the time to think green. Make sure any new studs, panels, drywall or cabinetry are green rated and free of formaldehyde. Select flooring products that are easily replenished, like bamboo or reclaimed woods, or free of harmful chemicals, such as PVC. Opt for furniture manufactured with natural materials, dyes and finishes. Maximize available daylight and choose window coverings that allow light to enter while ensuring privacy.

Be careful when purchasing products and materials. Many claim to be “green” or “eco-friendly” but are only partially so. As professional designers, we have the knowledge and experience to help you select quality, certified green and sustainable products. We can also recommend other eco-friendly strategies that will improve your home’s efficiency, comfort, health and safety.

Give us a call today, and let’s discuss your options for achieving just the right shade of green for your home.

Welcome Spring with a Bright Interior

As sure as winter turns to spring, warmer days lie ahead. So take your cue from Mother Nature and direct your thoughts toward all things bright and beautiful. Spring is the season of renewal, indoors as well as outdoors. Now is the time to make those changes that will improve your home and lift your spirits for months to come.

Change your coat. One of the most dramatic and rejuvenating changes you can make to your home is also one of the easiest: paint. A fresh coat of paint will cover over all those little scuffs and nicks your walls and floorboards have acquired during the past year-and for very little cost and effort. Plus, a change of color will give new life to any room. This season paint suppliers are promoting brighter, more vibrant and richer palettes. Whether your taste runs to luxurious sophistication or boldly playful contemporary, you will find an array of welcoming colors to choose from.

Let in more light. Daylight adds warmth and improves mood. Perhaps new window treatments, shades or a skylight would help you get more from your home’s natural lighting. Replace heavy, dark fabrics with lighter translucent or semi-opaque weaves or sheers. Many types of shades are designed to let in light while protecting privacy. Where shade persists, dark and shadowy rooms can be illuminated with ceiling lights or sconces. Today’s wide range of LED task lighting makes it easy to find stylish solutions to brighten up works areas in the kitchen, laundry room, home office or hobby room.

Clear the clutter. When the weather turns cold, we take comfort in the cozy, snuggly feeling of being surrounded by cherished, familiar things. In the spring sunlight, however, yesterday’s cozy becomes today’s clutter. But before you clear the decks, get organized. Make sure you have adequate storage. Sort through those closets, shelves and drawers that have been accumulating stuff all winter and decide what you can recycle, toss or give away. Take note of where you put those seasonal items you will want to retrieve when winter comes around again. While you’re at it, give your memories a refresh by reorganizing photographs, mementos and curios that have stood in the same place for months on end.

Make space. Like a blast of March air, clean, simple lines open up a room and give it life. If you’re feeling hemmed in by your furniture, consider streamlining and rearranging. Remove obstacles to clear pathways. Minimize furnishings to accentuate areas of visual interest, such as fireplaces and picture windows.

Renew. Give that well-used sofa or armchair a second life by having it reupholstered in a more updated fabric. Reinvigorate a worn breakfast table or guest room nightstand by painting it a soft, cheerful color, such as mint, lemon or saffron, depending on your décor. You can give your floors a facelift by adding or replacing area rugs. Subtle tones, pastels and floral designs will lend a touch of spring to entryways and powder rooms.

Or perhaps this is the year you shake off winter by tackling that big remodeling job you’ve been putting off – a grand new open kitchen where family and friends can gather or a spacious spa bath where you can retreat, refresh and relax. You will enjoy them for years to come, and you will be adding to the value of your home, as well.

Large or small, whatever changes you have in mind this spring, you will want to coordinate them with what you have now to maintain a harmonious look throughout your home. If you’re going to give your home a refresh, you want to be sure you’ve invested wisely in the proper colors, fabrics, furnishings and accessories.
As professional designers, we have the knowledge and experience to help you achieve the result you want. Whether you’re considering reorganizing a room, updating your current look, or doing a complete remodel or redesign, we can create a design tailor-made for you and your home. And our wide
range of services, from design and color consultation to managing your project, will help you make the most of your budget as well as save you time and stress.

Spring is just around the corner. Give us a call today, and let’s start planning now so you can get the most from the season!

Valentine’s Boudoir & Bathroom Makeovers

February is the month for love, so let’s talk about how to makeover your bathroom and boudoir to create a beautiful and luxurious space for relaxation and rejuvenation, shall we? Even small changes can create a new ambiance in the space you spend at least a third of your life.

One designer said, “The boudoir is the place where the man is the invited guest. It should make the spouse or significant other look beautiful and feel pampered.” Could your space use a “refresh?”

When you think of interior design for this important suite of rooms, it is natural to think of function and form, but the elements of texture, lighting and color can create dramatic transformations without a major renovation.

Let’s start with color. If your goal is to create a space that exudes calmness and serenity, here is an example of how to make an instant change to a room that does not need structural changes. “Cool” colors like blues, greens and shades or tints of white can be used effectively to evoke a sense of softness and visual texture to your room.

You can see the results in this master bedroom. Add luxurious fabrics and textures to create the sensual element of touch to your visual palette. Using a contrasting “hand” (feel) with smooth and nubby fabrics adds interest without distracting from your ultimate intent.

Since subtlety is our goal for your lair, lighting that is dimmable is a must. If you like a formal feel, here is a favorite chandelier to add a touch of sparkle to your space.

Sconces can also be used as a decorative element to give you different lighting levels within the room, and of course using a dimmer switch is recommended.

Wall to wall carpeting has been traditional for many years, but using hardwood floors with a rug made of wool and silk creates a counterpoint of textures that you feel underfoot. Here are some examples from The Rug Company.

Now let’s move to the master bathroom. If you’ve lived in your home for many years and have had the traditional built-in cabinets with a slab countertop and drop in sinks, it may be time to do a face-lift with vessel sinks.

Tile is another important element of your bathroom, and texture can be seen and felt with some of the new options available.

Here is the result of one of our recent master bathroom remodels. As you can see, what was a “ho hum space” is now sleek and elegant. You deserve to have this for yourself. When you’re ready to create your boudoir and master suite transformation, contact me for your one of a kind unique design!

New Year’s Resolutions For Your Home

How Well Do You See Color?

Are You Ready for a Quick Makeover?