Saturday, May 31, 2014


Choose a Color Scheme

The bright pink, magenta and yellow-green color theme of this modern living room adds a touch of drama. Design by Grace Sielaff.

Trying to decide on the right color scheme for a room or an entire home can be difficult. You can simplify the process by using your color wheel and narrowing down your choices to two color schemes. There are more, of course, but these are the most effective and provide a great place to start.


Don't Forget the Black

Tall bookcases in a sleek black display a unique collection of pottery in this transitional bedroom. Design by Kenneth Brown.

This is an old adage in interior design. By adding a black element — say, a black box, lampshade, picture frame or other accent — you clarify and enhance all the other colors in the space. Try it — it really works!


Follow Nature's Lead

Need color inspiration? Look outside. Design by Gina Fitzsimmons.

Most people err, not with color, but with value. Value is the relative lightness or darkness of a color. Often you'll see a space that is not balanced in terms of value: one side of the room is too dark (therefore, "weighty" or "heavy") versus the other side, which is light in value and tends to "float away" visually. Try designing your interior space by replicating the color values of the outside world. After all, interior designs are basically our attempt to imitate Mother Nature, who is a great colorist!

Choose darker values of color for the floor (ground), medium values of color for the walls (trees and mountains) and light values of color for the ceiling (sky). If you divide your colors by value from dark to light as you decorate "vertically" in the room, you’ll get an interior design that looks good every time.



Pull From the Pattern

Pick your color scheme from the largest pattern featured in the room. This bedroom uses the colors of the duvet throughout the space. Design by Erinn Valencich.

To help you choose a color scheme, look at the colors in the largest pattern in the room first, be it drapery, upholstery fabric, an Oriental rug or a large artwork. Then choose colors based upon that piece. This is much easier (and less expensive) than painting the walls a particular color and finding that absolutely nothing else on the planet, let alone in your room, will match it. In other words, if your favorite piece of art is red, black and gray, you can choose the gray to be 60 percent, the red to be 30 percent and the black to be the 10 percent — or the red could be the dominant color with the gray and black taking secondary and accent roles.


Flow the Color

Create flow throughout your home with color. Design by Troy Beasley.

In order to create a flow of colors from one room to another, simply choose a color you're using in one room and restate it in a different way in an adjoining space. For example, if your sofa is green, use the same green for seat fabric in the dining room.Use the color in larger or smaller degrees as you move about the home. That same green from the living room sofa mentioned above can also translate as, say, lampshades in the family room or place mats in the kitchen.




Consider Contrast

A high-contrast space appears clearer and more highly defined than a space that incorporates low contrasts. Design by Erinn Valencich.

A high-contrast space (a room that uses light and dark values of colors in combination — for example, deep burgundy with light gold) appears clearer and more highly defined than a space that incorporates low contrasts (say, saffron yellow with sage green). So think about using high contrast to enhance the formality of a room and low contrast to introduce soothing qualities.


Get Emotional With Color

This living room shows an updated casual takeoff of a shabby chic style. Softs blues and whites create a romantic atmosphere. Design by Suzanne Schmidt.

We all associate colors with what they represent. In our minds, red may represent fire, blue the air and sea, yellow the sun, and brown and green often represent trees. These are generally considered to be emotional responses to color as opposed to intellectual responses. Use these emotional associations to their greatest effect in a space by deciding on what emotional impact you want the room to have. Would you like it to be lively? Choose reds and yellows. If you prefer subdued, try blues and browns.



Think About Local and Seasonal Color

Seasonal color variations are another way to choose colors. Spring colors, like pink and light green, add a fresh, uplifting look to a room. Design by Sue Adams.

By studying color schemes from the past — Victorian, arts and crafts or, perhaps, 18th century, for example — you can build a room's colors quite simply by incorporating these already-accepted color schemes. By using colors from your locale, be it the Southwest or New England, you easily can choose colors that reflect the area in which you live.



Live With Color Before You Buy

You can always try before you buy. Get samples and leave them in a room for a few days so you can see them in different lights. Design by Douglas Dolezal.

When shopping for upholstery fabric, furniture finishes, window treatments or rugs, always ask for a sample to take home to see in the space you are decorating. Then leave it in the room for a couple of days and see what the color looks like in the different kinds of lighting used in that space. Pay careful attention to how the samples look during the times when the room will be used the most.
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Mood Lighting with Shells

You can use oversize shells to bring a touch of the seashore -- and a bit of romantic atmosphere -- to an evening at home.

Pacific Rim-Inspired Room

A plywood wall panel that incorporates a foldout table and bench turns even the tiny terrace of a hillside house into a garden room.


Cot Conversion

Turn a camp cot into an elegant patio daybed.


Raffia Window Curtain

A series of small, tufted raffia bow ties, stitched with matching thread onto a sheer curtain, instantly raises a window's sunniness quotient.


Sand Centerpiece

Light up a table with this beachy sand-and-shell centerpiece.


Casual-Modern Outdoor Room

Pillowy seats and potted plants create the perfect setting for an outdoor dinner on the deck.


Shell Vase

A wide-mouthed, spiral nautilus shell can double as a pearlescent vase for bedroom bouquets


Nautical Knobs

Incorporate nautical charm into your quarters by affixing these knobs onto drawers or lids of wooden boxes.

Garden-Print Stenciled Tabletop

Hand-painted dainty blossoms, colossal peonies, and greenery entwine to form this pleasing tabletop wreath


Rope-Seat Stools

A plain pair of wooden seats gets a bright new look from simple coils of rope.


Summery Leaf -Shaped Table Runner

Changing table linens is a relatively inexpensive way to rotate color with the seasons. The tones of this runner are suitable for summer.


Bright Ideas for Any Room

Paint, fabric, and paper offer opportunities to sneak rich hues into otherwise neutral spaces without a huge commitment of time or money.


Raffia Leaf Throw Rug

This throw rug's leafy design, made with raffia in three cool-green shades, conjures a vision of palm fronds moving in the breeze.


Sunroom Pillows

Brighten up a sunroom with these pillows printed with three different-sized anthurium leaves.


Block-Print Poppies

Rethink your home decor and get inspired by the bright, sunny colors of summer.
Decorate pillows with our poppy templates for breezy, warm weather decor. Poppies' graphic outlines are a cinch to block-print onto fabric: Brush strokes of textile paint in saturated tones. Start with the stem and leaves to help map out the composition.

Friday, May 30, 2014


This large kitchen is perfect for entertaining guests. The placement of the sink, wine cooler and trash compactor at the end of the island makes a separate work area that doubles as a prep sink or bar for entertaining. The butcher block is strategically placed on the other end of the island directly across from the range area to create a second prep area for the main cook.



The slate flooring brings the right amount of color and movement to this kitchen. The stone hood was designed with the same stones used on the fireplace across the room, which helps tie the entire space together. The backsplash tile and spice niches inside the stone hood add both a decorative accent and functionality. The black distressed island and tall pantry gives the space a rustic casual feel.



Image courtesy of Gene Northup of Synergy Sotheby's International Realty





A limestone hood and furniture-style cabinetry with three different color tones ensures this kitchen reflects the warmth and European design of the home.

Travertine floors in this remodeled kitchen space help achieve a contemporary Mediterranean look.


New Neutrals


Designer Lori Gilder says "charcoal and slate are the new neutrals and blend beautifully with the metallic trends." This darker neutral frames a window elegantly and adds a more sophisticated look to your room. Design by Genevieve Gorder.



Jewel Tones



Window treatments in jewel tones, which range from deep reds to subtle blues, are sophisticated and create the atmosphere of luxury in any space. Designer Jennifer Duneier says, "Jewel tones, like amethyst and turquoise, are popular mixed with soft metallics such as platinum or brushed nickel." Image Courtesy of Casa Fiora.



Stainless Steel




Not just a favorite for appliances anymore, stainless steel is making its way throughout the home. To incorporate this trend into your window treatments, designer Lori Gilder suggests threading stainless steel and other metallic curtain rods through simple eyelets at the top of panels to create a simple unadorned look. Design by Erinn Valencich.



Cheery Yellow


Brighten up a room with cheerful draperies. According to designer Lori Gilder, "Yellow epitomizes warmth and a sunny outlook toward the future.



Layer Shades


"Another trend is to layer shades," says Jennifer Duneier. "A blackout shade might be installed right next to the window with a sheer shade in front of it.



Metallics


"Metallic surfaces are back in vogue," says Lori Gilder. "Silver, bronze and gold metallic fabrics layered with sheers are making a grand appearance in living rooms and bedrooms. The simple layering of these metallics draped from a classic metal rod blends beautifully with the latest color trends.



Trim It Up


Personalize window treatments with decorative embellishments. Designer Jennifer Duneier uses trim to create custom-designed treatments. Tapes with shells or buttons attached to them are becoming more popular as well.



Natural Elements


Organic materials are bringing nature indoors. "It’s all about nature-inspired and eco-friendly materials and designs," says designer Lori Gilder. "It’s no longer a trend, but more of a philosophy in the evolution of design. Bamboo, matchstick blinds and natural woven shades layered with simple sheer linen panels create an elegant yet earthy sophistication in any space.



Let the Light In


One trend that's always in style is using window treatments that allow a lot of natural light into the space. Designer Jennifer Duneier suggests to "use simple panels of sheer fabrics to add warmth to the room but still let light through. Many fabric houses are making fabulous sheers in all colors, not just white or cream. They're also using great linen blends with more contemporary patterns. Design by Andreea Avram Rusu.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Function meets style when designer Candice Olson creates a gathering place for the whole family in the kitchen.




Open Yet Divided





To create visual separation between the kitchen and family room, Candice designs a light and airy look for the kitchen. The main cabinets are painted cream with a strie finish and topped with cream quartz countertops. A backsplash in handcrafted, multicolored glass tile is the perfect complement and adds a bit of excitement to the space.





Industrial Chic





Candice creates a large open-concept kitchen with a system of wooden posts and beams with steel joinery, which are not only crucial for support, but also give the room an open, loft-like feeling. Shaker-style cabinets, a grey-green glass tiled backsplash and polished quartz countertops that has the appearance of concrete keep with the industrial look.





Practical Style





Rich cabinetry, state-of-the art appliances and a host of contemporary fixtures and finishes create a kitchen that's a mix of style and function. A large, square island is the focal point of the kitchen and can be used for preparation and eating.





Streamlined Elegance





The focal point of this kitchen is the stunning backsplash comprised of chocolate, coffee and cream mosaic glass tiles. Espresso cabinets and white quartz countertops contrast well with the stainless steel appliances and hardware. A 14-foot-long kitchen island serves two functions, a lower section features a built-in sink and storage for a bar area and the higher section functions as the dining area.





Classic Meets Modern





The L-shaped kitchen is a blend of traditional and contemporary, particularly in the island, which is an antique wooden cabinet topped with classic Carrara marble. White shaker-style cabinets and sleek quartz countertops are combined with stainless steel appliances and fixtures, while green glass tiles are used for the backsplash and to add a bit of color above the cabinets.





Mid-Century Charm





To pay homage to the home's mid-century modern design, the kitchen layout maximizes the outdoor view and features streamlined zebra-wood cabinetry with white quartz countertops. Vintage-style pendants and funky barstools add a retro touch.





Blend of Function and Fashion





Cream cabinetry with mushroom countertops is combined with travertine floor tiles for a functional yet stylish kitchen, and bold wallpaper is a stunning focal point behind the workstation. Lit by two crystal chandeliers, a dark wood island with creamy quartz countertop houses a recycling center, a dishwasher and sink, as well as doubles as an eating space.





Serenely Blue





The backsplash is the perfect area to inject personality into your kitchen. Glass tiles that complement the grey-blue walls create a clean, contemporary backdrop between the contrasting black and white cabinets.





Warm and Welcoming





Custom cabinetry in a creamy shade and mushroom-colored quartz countertop set the tone for this functional kitchen, while the island takes center stage with espresso cabinetry and cream countertops. Eco-friendly cork flooring grounds the space and is perfect for a space where you're standing all the time. Brushed bronze finishes add a traditional touch to the kitchen.



Can't you just picture coming downstairs to the smell of coffee in your chic kitchen? Even though it isn't huge the space is really used well. I love the glass door cabinets and dark counter-tops. The fridge gives it a sleek look but the little touches like the green stools and cute lamp keep it more traditional and warm. The great thing about these types of designs is they look beautiful but it's nothing the average person couldn't do with a little elbow grease.




This dining room is a dream! Soft powdered blues and cremes are so serene and calming. It would be lovely to have a fireplace in your dining room to roar while you have your family dinners. The detail on the chairs is phenomenal as well. It's a solid light blue on the seat but the back has a pretty pattern upholstered on it and the rug below matches perfectly with the whole scene. Bon appetite!




I think this bathroom would be like having your very own spa in your house. Lots of dark finishes and stone looking tiles with a large soaker tub make it feel classic and comfortable. I think the floating counter is a really interesting look and the white coral accessory is the perfect touch. Give me my glass of wine and dim the lights because I'm ready for a soak!


This massive bedroom is the size of my entire apartment! It's so warm and inviting and the vaulted ceiling gives it a unique architectural touch that draws the eye. A bedroom is your sanctuary so it should be a representation of you and whatever makes you comfortable. A fireplace in the bedroom is so romantic and a chaise always looks like a luxurious place to flop down with a good book. I would love to retire to this paradise every night.





This is a basement hang out Candice did on a more recent episode and I am digging everything about it. It's such a warm colour pallet but it's practical at the same time. One thing that always drives me crazy is when designers fill a room with white furniture. Of course it looks beautiful but will it after your dark furred kitty has rolled around on it and the kids have spilled their juice or the dust settles and it just looks grubby? A dark couch helps you to feel less neurotic about spills and messes. The recessed lighting really works well here with a few lamps and sconces and the neutral rug ties everything together. Pop in your favorite movie and cuddle up with the ones you love!

For more great designs by Ms Candice Olson check out her show on the Women's Network or at her website at http://www.divinedesign.tv/master.asp