An interior design blog with furniture reviews, interior decorating tips, DIY projects, and home furniture guides.

Living Room Urban Style

March 17th, 2010

Urban style is a popular contemporary sub style that is particularly suited to apartment living because of its compact designs; clean, uncluttered lines; and trendy, cosmopolitan accents. Lines are crisp, wood finishes are typically dark brown or black with a smooth, low to high sheen. Furnishings are often “textured” with brushed metal highlights or accents made of glass or ceramic. It can have a modern minimalist feel while still appearing warm and approachable. Urban style furniture has a unique look and feel that grab’s your attention, while being, above all casual, comfortable and inviting.

The living room is where it all happens – kicking back in the recliner to see your favorite TV program or read a magazine; watching a Harry Potter movie marathon with the kids; or entertaining friends you haven’t seen for awhile. Because urban style furnishings are somewhat smaller in scale, they’ll be enough room for everything you will need to express yourself and revitalize your body and mind.

The Coaster Furniture Roma Black Leather Sectional with Ottoman has plenty of urban style. The lines of the sofa are clean and compact; the pillow backrest adds plush support; and the chaise type seating is comfort itself. Sectionals can work well in smaller sized rooms because they maximize floor space by using corners. Or if placed away from the wall, they will define one area from another in an open concept apartment or condo.

If a sectional doesn’t appeal to you, the Kathy Ireland Home by Omnia Furniture Leather Delmar Three Seat Leather Sofa (multiple finishes) has an understated chic that is emphasized by the gently rounded arms and tapered, metal legs.

An armchair, club chair or an accent chair offers a stylish yet comfortable place to sit, other than the sofa or couch. By grouping one or two armchairs or club chairs like the Klaussner Furniture Hero Chair around a focal point like a flat screen TV or an electric fireplace, you will create a cozy and casual place to hang out with family and friends.

The Homelegance Espresso Ottoman Coffee Table plugs into a hot decorating trend of using an ottoman as a coffee table. It also has that extra something much needed in apartment furniture – hidden storage, which makes this ottoman as multifunctional as it is smart looking.

The more compact design of the Jofran Miniature Rectangular Wood Top Cocktail Table is ideal for apartment or condominium living. The three different storage options (enclosed shelf, cubby and two drawers) make this coffee table a practical addition to any living room, family room or den.

“Solid” pieces of furniture in smaller spaces like an apartment can make a room feel cramped. However, the open design of the Southern Enterprises Contemporary Black Cocktail Table gives it a lighter, less solid appearance.

The way in which the Lexington Black Ice Flint Rectangular Coffee Table in Carbon Black pairs wood with metal is visually stunning. It has a sophisticated urban style that will make a living room’s décor “pop.”

Merging modern design principles with an upbeat, contemporary look, the Modus Hudson Solid Wood 72 Inch Media Console and Back Panel has an urban style that is adaptable. The frosted glass shelves are a great place to display collectibles while the satin nickel hardware and glass doors add to the overall stylish, finished appearance of this entertainment center.

The Winsome Linea Solid Wood TV Stand in Espresso has a simple design; lines are clean while its profile is uncomplicated. What gives it its urban style is the stand’s top, separated from the body of the cabinet by polished metal accents and door handles.

Urban style furniture is functional furniture that is beautiful to look at. While it has origins in contemporary design it goes one step further by being adaptable and flexible in specific urban environments. Choosing to decorate your apartment or condominium will give your home a contemporary urban flair that is unique to you.

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Getting Your Outdoor Space Ready for Spring

March 16th, 2010

Although for some of us it might not feel like it just yet, as of Sunday, spring will be officially here. As the sun manages to warm away the chill of winter, thoughts turn to spending more time outside. Whether you have to deal with the aftereffects of snow or not, your backyard is going to need a little spring cleaning. But it doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or a condominium – your balcony will need a little TLC as well. These ten great ways to get ready to start living outdoors will transform your patio, balcony or backyard into an esthetic space for entertaining family and friends.

Rake the backyard. There will always be a few missed leaves from the fall. Aside from being good for the grass, it will “instantly” make the area look tidier. For those of you with balconies or patios, get out your broom and mop.

Reseed any of the bare or brown patches of your lawn. When heading into the warmer days of spring and the beginning of summer, you’ll be glad you did. Especially after you invite a few friends over to fire up the grill for the first time this season, you’ll want the lawn to look good.

Plant flowers. Don’t let being an apartment dweller stop you. Buy planters or window boxes for your balcony or patio.

Add an arbor or a trellis. It will give your garden the ideal focal point. For a balcony or patio, select a decorative accent like a small outdoor fountain.

De-cluttering applies to the outside of your home as well as the inside. If you haven’t used it for at least a year, perhaps it’s time to get rid of it. A garden shed or utility shed would be a great way to organize your backyard.

Bring out the patio furniture and give it a little spring cleaning. Perhaps your patio furniture is getting a bit too shabby chic? New outdoor furniture, like a wicker glass topped table with matching chairs, will make your backyard or balcony an inviting place to sit.

When the heat of summer finally does arrive, will the round patio table be sitting directly in the sun? Invest in patio umbrella. Would you like to be able to sit in the shade next to your favorite flower bed or by the pool? Buy a garden umbrella with an ornamental base.

Prep the barbecue grill. Before putting even a small grill on your balcony, check zoning by-laws.

Plan for cooler nights. Buy a patio heater or add a fire pit; it will let you enjoy your outdoor area well into autumn.

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From the Design Files of Heather B – Mini Kitchen Reno

March 15th, 2010

Design Question

Hi! We are wanting to do a mini kitchen reno. We are replacing the countertop and backsplash only. Cupboards are a golden oak and will be staying as is. Our appliances are stainless steel. The kitchen is average size with a lot of counter space. The house is an open concept so the kitchen is open to the eating area and the living room. The countertop next to the dining area is wide 39″ and has bar stools on one side. These three rooms are facing south with a window in the kitchen, patio doors in the dining area and large windows in the living room so there is plenty of natural light.

The floor throughout is hardwood. All trim is hardwood.  Decorating colours are earthy.  We have found a tile that we really like and now are trying to decide on a countertop colour. The tile has three colours running through it (light beige, mid beige and dark brown) in thin inconsistent lines so that it has the look of a piece of fabric. The dark brown stripes have a sheen to them. I believe the countertop will need to be quite plain to not make the end product too busy. We currently have a light tan countertop and I was thinking that I would like something dark for a change, but of course want to go with what will look best.

Should we be trying to match the two or look for contrast between the counters and backsplash? With the backsplash having texture and sheen should we pick a matte finish for the counter? My husband is concerned that the room will look too dark if we go with the darker countertops.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our questions.

Design Answer

Because it is the second main focal point (the first being the kitchen cabinets) that one notices upon entering a kitchen, many professionals suggest that the countertop material should be selected first. Particularly if, as you mentioned, it has an open concept design, you will want to select the right countertops for the space; ones that add rather than detract from the overall look. However, by the sound of the richly textured backsplash tiles, I can understand why you chose the backsplash material as your starting point.

You will definitely want to pick a kitchen countertop color that appears in the backsplash tile. Matching the countertop color to the backsplash will give your kitchen a seamless, cohesive appearance, while picking a color that complements or is in contrast to the backsplash, provides visual interest by adding a little “drama.” Whether you match the two or choose a countertop in a contrasting or complementary shade, is entirely a personal preference and there is no real right or wrong choice, other than selecting a countertop color that clashes (stands out in a jarring way) with your backsplash. It all depends on the end look you would like to achieve.

Since the backsplash tile has pattern and texture, you will definitely want to take that into consideration when choosing your kitchen counter. But you don’t have to necessarily limit yourself to matte finishes or solid colors. Just make sure that it is in harmony with the backsplash: the pattern, color and texture of the countertop should not look too busy or too shiny when paired with the backsplash. A darker color countertop such as chocolate, espresso or even black will provide the perfect foil (make the tiles stand out) for the backsplash.

Thanks for writing in! Keep sending me your design questions, and especially if you’re asking for advice regarding wall color, tips on rearranging a specific room etc., include pictures if you can.

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The Different Faces of Modern – Sophisticated Modern

March 12th, 2010

Today’s last installment of our Friday series is intended for those of us who like the idea of modern style but would like something a bit “warmer” and not so stark. One could argue that this might be considered more transitional style than modern, but I’m still following the basic principles of modernism, where form is function; there’s no decorative detail; and profiles are cleanly geometric, angular or asymmetrical. While minimalist (part 1) can have a space age, futuristic appearance and ultra modern (part 2) can still feel sparse, sophisticated modern expresses “feeling;” bares a little soul. Sophisticated modern furniture might stick to the sleek, crisp lines of the other faces of modern design, but it has something else – an unusual curve, a surprising twist of metal, the unique use of a specific material – that catches the eye and deems it visually pleasing.

Sophisticated Modern in the Bedroom

The bed sets the tone of the room. It’s typically the first thing you see upon entering the bedroom. Since it is center stage, it’s important to choose one in a style that perfectly expresses your personality and lifestyle. Because the bedroom has evolved from just a place to sleep to a sanctuary that refreshes and renews, the bed, and the other bedroom furniture pieces you select, should reflect the other roles (hanging out with the kids Sunday morning; a quiet place to read; somewhere to stretch out propped up by comfy pillows when last-minute proofing a proposal) the room plays in your life.

The Lifestyle Solutions Knotch Modern Wood Cappuccino Platform Bed 5 Piece Bedroom Set is definitely a fine example of sophisticated modern. The furniture pieces have a rich warm wood finish that can be adapted to both a neutral or bold color scheme when you’re dressing the bed and accessorizing. The headboard of the platform bed has the appearance of recessed panels, but is actually a set of built-in shelves. The open design of the nightstands and the absence of a footboard give the bedroom set a less solid appearance.

While there could be several convincing arguments that the Modus Leather Upholstered Rumba Low Profile Sleigh Bed is more transitional in style, it qualifies as sophisticated modern for several reasons. This platform bed has virtually no decorative detail; the lines are clean; and an old form (sleigh headboard) is adapted in a new and surprising way.

The Curt Christian by Martin Madison Wood Panel Bed 5 Piece Bedroom Set shouts sophistication. And what says “modern” more than a dresser or nightstand with brushed metal drawer fronts?

Sophisticated Modern in the Bathroom

A growing interior design trend is to transform the ordinary bathroom into one’s own personal spa or a bathroom one might find in a high-end or boutique hotel. A well-designed, well-organized space helps us to prepare ourselves, both mentally and physically, to face the day. Sophisticated modern for a bathroom décor makes perfect sense.

While borderline ultra-modern, the Nameek’s Concept One 27″ Single Bathroom Vanity Set shows a distinct sophisticated modern style. The subtly patterned doors make this vanity luscious to look at.

While displaying contemporary sensibilities, the Ultimate Accents Contemporary 3 Piece Double Bathroom Vanity has design acumen that can only stem from sophisticated modern. The crackle glass vessel sinks and the textured finish of the wood cabinets will certainly lend your bathroom a truly modern look with that special touch of spa.

Sophisticated Modern in the Dining Room

When a modern dining table with a unique design is perfectly matched with dining chairs crafted from space-age materials, the result is a dining set that is bold, cosmopolitan and edgy in a sophisticated way.

Definitely with a nod to Art Deco (another sub style of modern), the Somerton Manhattan Modern Art Round Pedestal Dining Table is sophisticated modern at its best. The interlocking circles that make up the table’s pedestal base is visually striking. While the button-tufted backrest of the dining chair is decorative, it is so much an integral part of the design that it contributes to this dining set’s classic modern flair.

Highly polished metal accents and a round glass tabletop make the Steve Silver Matinee 48 Inch Round Glass Dining Table thoroughly modern. While the wood legs in a dark cherry finish, a definite contemporary style trait, in this context, give this table an understated chic.

Sophisticated Modern in the Living room

Because modern design arose in the second half of the twentieth century in resounding protest to the traditions and social trends of the past, it reflected the new technologies, materials and philosophies of the Machine Age. Vinyl, microfiber and other space-age fabrics including plastics are popular upholstery materials for sophisticated modern living room furniture. Leather, of course, is also welcome.

The Global Furniture USA Alexander Tan Leather Sofa looks comfy and inviting, just as at home in a contemporary environment as a modern one. But it’s the arms that make you look again. The bold curves of the armrests are emphasized by the dark mahogany wood veneer inlays, giving it its sophisticated modern distinction.

Even though it is made of a dark stained wood, the tiered repetition of its elliptical shapes gives the Abbyson Morgan Ellipse End Table a trendy modern chic.

There is no mistaking the minimalist origins of the Adesso Regency Modern Black Coffee Table. But what makes this coffee table sophisticated modern is the rounded corners, which adds another dimension to its basic geometric shape.

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Speaking with a French Accent – The French Country Dining Room

March 11th, 2010

A French country dining room is warm, inviting and intimate. This is where you close the door on a micro-waved meal; where glasses are raised in a toast to good fortune or in celebration of a happy event; where friends and family take their time over a good meal to share their stories. Since French country tends to mix old with new; painted furniture with washes and wood furniture with low-sheen finishes; and wood furnishings with ones fashioned from metal, stone, terra-cotta or cane, this style is perfect for anyone on a budget. The timeless feel of French country style is created by layering all of the main elements in the room – the color scheme, the furnishings and window and floor treatments – in such way that is elegant and sophisticated but contains a rustic touch that keeps it “honest.”

French Dining Palette

Typical colors used in decorating a French country dining room have their roots in nature. Wall shades are sunflower yellows, soft autumn leaf golds, rust reds and oranges, forest greens and lighter shades of leaf and sky. In French country interior design, terra-cotta, marble, slate and ceramic tiles are popular materials for tabletops and decorative accents for case goods such as buffets and china cabinets so it makes perfect sense that the color scheme reflects these natural elements used in the making of dining room furniture.

To give the space an authentic French country look, use faux painting techniques or choose a textured paint product to make the walls look like stucco or weathered plaster.

Another way to create a casual, French country look for your dining room is to use half paint (top half) and half bead board (bottom half). If bead board doesn’t appeal to you, use wallpaper instead, separated from the painted section with a chair rail (a type of molding). You could also opt for painting three walls and using wallpaper on the fourth wall. Choose wallpaper with smaller patterns, especially floral ones.

Think curves; even straight lines have rounded corners or are softened in some way. Wood is a good place to start. However, as mentioned above, other materials like stone, wrought iron, ceramics and cane or wicker are integrated into the designs of furniture pieces, revealing their rustic nature while imbuing them with an inherent sophistication. The trick to creating a room that will have an ageless, old world charm and appeal is to mix oversized furnishings like an armoire or a china cabinet with a whimsical cast iron tea cart.

The Hillsdale Wilshire 5 Piece Dining Table Set in Rubbed Black displays classic woodworking elements like a pedestal table with scrolled feet and barley twist posts. The dining chairs have a wheat sheaf splat that gives the dining table set a studied elegance, but the motif is pure country living.

For something that is still essentially elegant, but with a carefree casualness and air of a French country antique, choose the Stanley Furniture Portofino Ivory 7 Piece Dining Table Set. The dining table is typical of this style, with its antiqued metal base, scrolled metalwork legs and wood tabletop with a distressed finish. Ladder-back chairs are a popular choice when decorating a French country dining area.

The Stanley Furniture Portofino Ivory Buffet paired with the Stanley Furniture Portofino Ivory Tasting Server perfectly qualifies as an oversized piece. The server has a bead board panel, fluted finials and metalwork accents.

While the Ultimate Accents Italian Wine Center doesn’t have curves it displays plenty of other French country attributes such hand painted decoration and harvest-related themes like grapes.

Because of its beautiful hand painted designs, antiqued metal door and drawer pulls, floral motif, fluid lines and framed door fronts, the Pulaski Accents Credenza in Sedona has the appearance of a much-prized heirloom.

Think that just because you live in an apartment or condominium that you can’t have a French country dining room? Try substituting a standard dining table for a gathering table (also known as a counter-height dining table. Because it stands approximately six inches higher than regular height dining tables, it allows you to utilize space vertically rather than horizontally. With its clotted cream color, lattice back chairs, and vine motif, the Standard Valencia Garden Counter Height Table Set has an enchanting French country flair.

When there is not enough room for an oversized buffet with hutch, choose a smaller furniture piece such as a sideboard or serving table. The Hillsdale Wilshire Sideboard Table has a paint washed appearance that is typical of French country dining room furniture.

A French country dining room is ideal for someone with more eclectic tastes. French country décor can be as laid-back, inviting and comfortable as you want. It’s also true for the flipside; French country can be beautifully formal when it needs to be. By following the three basic French country decorating principles – mix and match second-hand store finds with antiques (or reproductions for those of us on a budget); use colors taken from the French countryside; and include classic motifs like the rooster, orchard fruits, wildflowers, etc. – you’ll have dining room that you’ll be proud to share with family and friends.

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Speaking with a French Accent – The French Country Living Room

March 10th, 2010

French country style is ideal for a living room because, while it has strong ties to more traditional formal French styles like Louis XIV and Neoclassical Empire, it possesses a casual charm that reflects the colors, sights and sounds of life as it lived and celebrated in the rural areas of France. It echoes the seasons and the timeless dance between the people and the land. By mixing the old with the new – the antique table that was handed down from great-great grandmother and provides a stylish resting place for the oversized blue and white porcelain vase rescued from a flea market – you will create a room with a chic, rustic appeal that perfectly reflects your lifestyle, personal tastes and individuality.

SEI Fireplace

The focus on French country interior design is on comfort, while still maintaining elements of casual elegance and relaxed sophistication. So naturally a common focal point of a French country living room is the stone fireplace. There are several great things about the Southern Enterprises Slate White Corner/Flat Fireplace: it can be placed flat against a wall or adapted for use in a corner of a living room; it is an electric fireplace; and it has dark slate accents that bring natural organic elements into a living space common to French country style such as stone, cane and wrought iron.

The way in which French country approaches the use and arrangement of individual furniture pieces also serves to make this style comfortable and inviting. While furnishings will complement each other, they don’t tend to match, as in the three-piece living room suite (sofa, loveseat, armchair) often found in North American homes. This gives a living room an overall relaxed look and feel. It also allows for a more flexible and conversational seating arrangement.

Start with an oversized sofa, preferably with rolled arms and a wide enough seating area to which you can add at least one or two layers of accent pillows and still be able to sit comfortably. The decorative pillows should be chosen with texture and shape in mind; cotton stripes with nubbed wool; solid colors with toile. The Simmons Upholstery Bixby Sofa in Peat has the obligatory rolled arms, a pillow back with accent cushions and wood bun feet. A couch with a skirt instead of legs would also be an alternative choice for a French country living room. Metal legs are good too, especially if they are antiqued or rustic-looking. But do avoid a sofa with more contemporary style legs of polished chrome, steel or nickel.

Coffee tables, end tables, side tables, console tables or any other kind of accent table or occasional table you select for your French country living room should be made of either wood with a distressed finish or of metal and glass or stone. If you choose the metal and glass option, again pick rustic as opposed to contemporary – anything with wrought iron, brass or copper legs, frames or decorative accents are perfectly acceptable construction materials for a French country interior design.

The Magnussen Aidan Round Wood Cocktail / Coffee Table has a richly layered finish with soft wood tones that enhances its round profile and uniquely shaped legs. It will definitely lend an old-world charm to your room.

Since elements like terra-cotta, marble, slate and even ceramic tile are popular materials for tabletops or decorative accents, the Steve Silver Valencia Cocktail Table is ideal for a French country living room. The metal base includes scrolled legs and has a distinctly rustic metal finish.

The Butler Specialty Artists’ Originals Round Wood End Table displays another distinguishing characteristic of French country furniture: wood is commonly hand-painted with a floral or fruit motif.

FrenchPalette

French country wall colors (shown here from Sherwin-Williams) reflect the brick of a wall in the old part of town or the crate of tomatoes sold in an open air market; the mustards and golds of autumn leaves; the brighter yellows of butter, lemons or the sun.

Accent chairs and armchairs play an important role in French country design. Placed singly or on either side of a bombe chest or wood console table, you create a comfortable place to sit and read or to chat with a friend while sipping a cup of tea or café au lait. You can even pair two totally different accent chairs together, like the Powell Furniture Belvedere Accent Chair and the Klaussner Furniture Bellavista High Leg Reclining Chair as long as they are comfy and a great place to relax for a fair period of time.

The Pulaski French Floral Bench is classic French country with its lovely hand-painted floral designs, sleigh-style rolled arms and oval decorative panels. It would be a wonderful piece to put in a hallway that opened into the living room, if not the living room itself.

Achieving a French country look for your living room is not difficult. With a few choice furniture pieces that look like they have withstood the test of time; a color palette captured from spending a sunny day in the orchard and a few pastoral prints on the wall in carved frames and accent pillows piled on the sofa, you will have an enchanting and inviting living space that possesses an old world charm you and your friends will appreciate for years to come.

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Speaking with a French Accent – The French Country Bedroom

March 9th, 2010

French country interior decorating style emerges from more formal, traditional styles that had their origins in the cities and courts of France approximately three centuries ago. Craftsmen who were now free from the strict dictates and demands that governed furniture making in the major city centers began to use local woods and other materials. Furniture became less ornate and lighter both in substance and in feel. Woods were commonly painted white or even in pastel washes with hand-painted accents or stenciling using fruit or floral motifs. Natural materials, such as terra-cotta and marble, gained popularity as materials for tabletops or decorative accents. Cane was another much-used natural element, especially for the backs of chairs. French country style has a refined, sophisticated feel with just the right touch of rustic.

French Palette

Paint the walls French countryside colors (from Sherwin-Williams) like cream, antique white, soft yellow or pastel blue. Add a wallpaper border or stenciled border with a French country motif like birds, orchard fruits grape vines or flowers. You can also choose to paper one or two walls with toile-like patterned wallpaper for a more formal French country look.

Another popular construction material incorporated into French Country style is wrought iron. Metal paired with wood gives the Fashion Bed Group Monaco Metal Poster Bed a rustic charm that is warm and relaxing.

Of course a wood bed made of pine, cherry or some other type of regional wood would be a perfectly acceptable choice when decorating a bedroom in a French country style.

When dressing the windows and the bed, think of fabrics like toile, gingham, striped cottons and even denim. Make sure that you include plenty of pillows and accent cushions.

And don’t forget floral prints: a duvet cover like the Daniadown Flora Sand Duvet Cover combined with matching colored sheets and accent pillows would be ideal for a more elegant French country look.

Side tables, bedside tables and lingerie chests typically might be set on a wrought iron frame with metalwork scrolled legs or heavy, oversized drawer handles or door pulls. Wood tabletops, dressers and chests of drawers will often have distressed finishes.

A side table like the Magnussen Accent Express Collection White Provence Round Accent Table could be placed by the Natart Verona Chair in French White and Silver to create a comfortable place to sit and read or even put on shoes.

The Greenbriar Master 15 Drawer Tripple Dresser in Brown Cherry lends an old world charm to your bedroom. It has classic brass finish bail drawer handles and drawer pulls, bracket feet and reeded pilasters.

The classic bun feet, framed drawer fronts and decorative molding of the Wynwood Hampton Cove Bedside Commode are given a delightfully casual appearance by the addition of bead board side panels.

When furnishing a French country bedroom two absolute must-include furniture pieces are an armoire and a hand-carved mirror, whether cheval or wall mounted.

The Homelegance Madaleine Solid Hardwood Flat Panel/Plasma/LCD TV Armoire will not only provide you with much-needed additional storage, it will also help you maintain the timeless feel of your French country bedroom by hiding the television from view when it’s not in use.

The Avanity Provence Mirror has a leaf motif that fits in perfectly with a French country styled bedroom. Because of its round pilasters and a rich, dark finish that emphasizes the mirrors stylized lines, it is more suited to a formal French country interior design.

If you prefer a full length mirror, the Powell Furniture Heirloom Cherry Cheval Floor Mirror is ideal for a French Country master bedroom. Beautifully designed, this floor length cheval mirror has a brass plated metal accent that gives it that special rustic chic.

A common decorative element of French country case goods like lingerie chests, armoires and jewelry armoires is hand-painted detailing. The enchanting floral pattern and the antique white finish of the Coaster Regal Floral Jewelry Armoire have the look of a well-loved heirloom.

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From the Design Files of Heather B – Staircase Dilemma

March 8th, 2010

Design Question

I have been building a new house, classic design and don’t know what kind of stairs to put in. Everybody does oak, but I’m not sure. I would love to put in something more traditional, perhaps with mahogany and painted wood. But scared it will not to be to everyone’s taste. Thanks for this useful posting (Designer Bathroom).

Design Answer

You don’t specify whether you are building the house for yourself or for the purpose of selling it. If you will be living in the house, my initial response is to go with what you prefer. However, if you are building the house to sell rather than to live in it, then it makes sense to make style choices that will have a broad appeal, particularly regarding the stairs, since they tend to be the focal point of the entryway or hallway and are the first thing people notice when entering a home.

Common construction materials for wood staircases are red oak, white oak, beech, poplar, cherry, hickory, walnut and mahogany. There are other things to consider as well. The components of a staircase and how they all work together will either enhance your home’s interior or make the stairwell stick out rather than stand out. If you do prefer mahogany with painted wood accents, choose a balustrade (the row of balusters or vertical posts that form the more decorate part of the staircase) that is simple in design rather than something like turned spindles, which might make the staircase appear “heavier” or darker.

But keep in mind that you can’t please everyone. For example, I personally don’t like oak and would not purchase a home that had oak cabinets in the kitchen or a lighter wood staircase. That’s because I prefer darker woods like mahogany and walnut. Traditional style or design is typically associated with darker woods and finishes such as mahogany, while contemporary and modern styles are more often linked to light to medium light to medium colored woods. Because it does essentially come down to personal taste, the way to decide what kind of wood to choose for your staircase is to determine what is ultimately in the best interest of the house – its overall style and design or the look you want to achieve.

Thanks for writing in. Keep sending me your design questions, and especially if you’re asking for advice regarding wall color, tips on rearranging a specific room etc., remember to include pictures if you can.

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The Different Faces of Modern – Designing a Less Minimalist Dining Room

March 5th, 2010

In part two of our series we will discuss how to design a modern style dining room that has a slightly more relaxed look. While still modern, it won’t be austerely minimalist. This is for people who find the idea of modern style appealing but are afraid that it will end up looking too industrial or space age. You can successfully design a less minimalist dining room by selecting modern furniture with different textures that incorporate bold color or the use of shape in unique ways.

Modern dining room furniture has lines that are clean, rectilinear or angular. Furniture pieces, like the Global Furniture USA Rebecca Arm Chair, typically possess exuberant shapes that could even be considered sculpture-like in appearance. The veneer-like pattern of this dining chair creates a visually stunning focal point.

It should be minimalist in design while providing the maximum amount of light.

Asymmetrical shapes can seem “warmer” or at least not as minimalist as straight or angular lines. Both the ItalModern Lotta Indoor or Outdoor Black Plastic Dining Side Chair and the ItalModern Beatrix Modern Green Dining Chair with Chrome Legs definitely have the appearance of a sculpted work of art. They also use asymmetrical shape in astonishing and exciting ways that will bring an energizing feel to your dining area. Popular construction materials for modern style furniture are glass, plastic and metal. The Lotta dining chair is made of plastic while the Beatrix dining chair is fashioned from a combination of plastic and fiberglass and includes metal legs.

Modern style is well-known for its crisp lines, straight edges and no decorative detail. Does this mean you only buy plain or “boring looking” furniture? Don’t you need decorative detail to make furniture interesting? The modernists didn’t think so. The Modloft Howard Modern Upholstered Dining Chair is a great example of how visual interest is created by the raised square design of its side panel. While the profile of the chair is strictly geometric, the tapered legs combined with the textured side give it a softer appearance.

The underlying simplicity of modern line, shape and form is ideally suited to the dining room. Modern style dining table designs are cool and sleek. They are often characterized by polished surfaces and geometric profiles. The focus of the modern style is on form and function. While metal and glass are popular dining table construction materials for modern style dining furniture, for a less minimalist look, select one made of wood, with or without a glass tabletop. Especially for a dining room that is used often or regularly to entertain guests, you will want to select a dining set that includes chairs with comfortable seating.

The Modloft Cliff Extendable Wood Dining Table has a truly modern design. The tabletop and the legs of the dining table are defined by clean, smooth expanses of wood. The floating effect of the tabletop is created by the metal accents that lift it up and away from the legs. No added decorative detail is needed: the eye is instantly drawn into the room by the table’s striking design and form.

The modern style of the Global Furniture USA Gabriella 5 Piece Dining Set is evident in its use of uncomplicated geometric shapes. The two-tone finish combined with the paper veneer accents will add layers of texture to the dining room’s interior design.

Here the use of curves and color give the Global Furniture USA Neville Dining Set a distinctly modern look without the minimalist vibe.

In keeping with the dictates of modern design, the Global Furniture USA Gabriella Buffet displays highly polished surfaces. The lines, with a touch of curvature, are sleek and beautiful, ideal for a less minimalist dining room.

While the Modloft Elizabeth Modern Buffet Table possesses some of the main elements of minimalism – sleek, metal legs and hardware; straight lines; composed of wood, metal and glass – the warm walnut finish diminishes the starkness of its profile.

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A Room Just for Mud

March 3rd, 2010

The poet, e.e. cummings wrote, “…when the world is mud-luscious” to describe how spring looks through the eyes of a child. Of course, as adults and especially as parents, we want mud, whether it’s luscious or not, to remain outside and not be tracked throughout our homes. Having a room dedicated to removing mud or cleaning oneself up before entering into the main part of the house is not a new phenomenon, even though the term might be. In bygone days, the back room or the porch of a farm or manor house served as a place to wash off the grime of the fields or the stables before changing clothes and going inside.

Today, many homes either have a mudroom, a mudroom that is part of another room like the laundry room or an entryway designed as a place to easily take off outer clothing and store them conveniently away. It acts essentially as a buffer from the dirt that can be tracked from the out-of-doors into our living spaces. And especially now that we’re heading into spring and spring-cleaning mode, a mudroom or a mudroom type entryway can come in handy.

Decide where your mudroom will be. If it is in its own room or by the back door, you can go more casual than if you are designing a mudroom that will be part of your front foyer.

Opt for easy-to-clean, waterproof flooring such as tile, vinyl, laminate or stone. If your mudroom is a part of another room that is carpeted, add a mat or mats made of seagrass, bamboo or material that can be easily machine-washed. This will protect your wall-to-wall carpeting and save you from having to spot clean the area all the time.

Because this will be a high-traffic area, choose paint or wallpaper that is low-maintenance. Many types of paint and wallpaper can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Particularly if your mudroom is by the front door, consider adding an accent chest or console table with concealed storage. It will also be a handy place to leave keys or messages.

A coat rack paired with a bench like the Linon Storage Bench Short Split Seat Storage creates the ideal place for family and guest alike to sit and take of shoes or boots and then hang up their coats.

If you have a closet in the room or in the entryway, make it part of your mudroom design by adding a shoe rack to one end. Plan on hanging just jackets directly above the shoe rack to maintain the functionality of your closet,

Increase the storage capacity of your mudroom by placing a row of hooks above the storage bench or on the opposite wall. The Prepac Sonoma Black Cubbie Shelf Wall Coat Rack for Entryway includes hooks and cubby storage, which is ideal for a mudroom.

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