·         Fall is the time of year where we spend more time indoors. Even in our more temperate climates, such as Scottsdale, the shorter days means we retreat inside earlier. Here are some of the hottest design trends to consider as you spend more time inside.

·        Shades of gray. Shades of gray are still popular. Black is back, and according to Dunn Edwards a paint manufacturer in the Southwest, the new trend is toward optimistic colors that are bright, vibrant, and romantic.

·        Bringing the outdoors in. Rugged wood, vintage-feeling furniture; a terrarium; pillows covered in rosettes.

·        Bold patterns and texture. Mixing natural wood with industrial materials, such as steel and concrete; tire track and mechanical gear motifs on wallpaper and lighting.

·         Multi-functional spaces. Continued replacement/merger of formal dining and living rooms with one open plan entertaining area; desk units built into kitchens for home office use.

·        Sustainable design. Increasing the use of non-toxic, recycled, and high-energy efficient materials.

Design Savings!

Schedule any design service before the end of 2011 and save $100.

Pass Along Our Passion

We could talk about home design and improvement all day long and if you know someone who would like our tips and advice, as well as a $100 savings on a design consult, please feel free to pass this newsletter on. Our business continues to grow and we thank everyone for your referrals.

Save Your Space with a Pop of Paint

A perfect way to liven up any space is with a shot of paint. Citron green with stark white, matte black and muted blue – the right combo doesn’t have to be crazy to look completely fresh and cool.

Consider one of the home’s liveliest rooms: the kitchen. Try showcasing the cabinets and not letting your love of wood overtake your interior. From glossy lacquer to a matte finish, painted cabinets can be a great way to make your kitchen look fresh and new. A dark, rich color or a bright, bold hue can focus your attention on the color itself and not the style (or lack thereof) of your existing cabinets. And don’t think that you have to paint them all. Painted surfaces don’t even have to be the same color. Perhaps you have an island area that you want to highlight; paint it an interesting shade that brings it to the forefront. On the contrary, do you have a bank of cabinets at the back that you’d like to recede? Dark tones of grey, black, or brown may be just the thing. You can even paint either the doors or the frames only or the upper cabinets a different color from the lower cabinets. Anything goes. The idea is to keep it different but interesting. Just remember to prep and prime them well so that paint won’t chip or show through.

The Return of Turquoise

Speaking of pop colors, making its rounds again is turquoise. This beautiful, calming shade has home decor fanatics everywhere scrambling to update their color schemes. The table is a perfect place to start incorporating turquoise. Look for table runners, charger plates, and place mats in this trendy color. Or paint the table legs in a glossy turquoise finish.

Today’s spray paint can do wonders for home accessories, as most are safe for use on wood, glass, and metals. Turn an old, outdated vase into a splashy new piece using simply a can of turquoise paint.

Picture frames, wall art, and even framed mirrors are an easy way to work turquoise into your home décor. Turquoise is an extremely versatile color that rarely looks out of place in any home.

Accent furniture, such as small side tables or plant stands, really pop when painted in turquoise. Rough them up a little with some fine-grain sandpaper and you’ll have the perfect “shabby chic” look, ideal for a cozy guest room or inspirational workspace.

Texture and Faux Finishes

Another exciting trend in the paint world is texture. Adding fine-grain silica sand to latex paint can give you just the right level of texture without spending a lot for it.

Textured paint can help hide imperfections while also giving plain wall depth and visual interest. Paint like Behr Premium Plus lets you achieve authentic looks of subtly scratched canvas or stuccoo-like geometric swirls. Faux finishes can create the illusion of anything from plaster to brick or leather. Even wood grains can be imitated.

A fireplace in the home provides character and comfort. It can also reduce energy costs, heating an entire space using only fire. But today’s fireplaces are more than just practical; innovative designs can add modern glamour or vintage charm to any interior. Fireplaces can be functional, decorative, or both. Material choices are also plentiful, from classic wood and iron, to chic tile and stone. Whether it’s to update a look or create a cozy atmosphere, choose a fireplace that meets your needs and suits your style.

Functional Fireplaces

If functionality is a must, then first decide if you prefer a wood-burning, electric, or gas fireplace. Check out this “cheat-sheet” to help you with your selection.

Wood-burning

·         Enjoy natural, ambient light and enhance rustic décor with the traditional look of an iron, brick, or marble fireplace.

·        Lower heating bills, especially if a blower is installed, which helps push warm air throughout the house.

Electric

·        Great for small apartments or individual rooms - no venting required and no clean-up.

·         A safe choice, electric fireplaces do not burn actual wood or cause real fire.

Gas

·        Modern versions include such authentic-looking logs that it takes a trained eye to detect that gas is burning instead of wood.

·        If you choose a gas fireplace with the highest efficiency rating, you will be doing your pocketbook – and the planet – a big favor. Be sure you get the efficiency rating in writing.

Non-functional Fireplaces

If your fireplace is strictly for decoration, then brighten up that empty “black hole” with something different.

·        Showcase quirky finds or personal collections, such as stacked books or topiaries.

·        Prop a large wall mirror inside to open up space and create an artistic display.

·        Select your favorite andirons and stack some beautiful birch wood logs for contrast.

Remodeling and Decorating Fireplaces

Functional or not, fireplaces offer a wealth of decorating options. If you are considering a room remodel or just want a simple décor boost, here are some ideas.

·         Remove the mantel and surround the fireplace with wallpaper. From textures and patterns like suede, animal print, raffia, and silk, the design possibilities are endless.

·         Combine contemporary and natural. A stainless steel gas fireplace, elevated and embedded in wall of rugged stone and wood beams achieves the look.

·        Cover up old faded brick with a fresh coat of white paint for a clean, modern update.

·        Use glass mosaic tile to create an exotic feel. Tile looks rich, yet is easy to clean and maintain.

·        For a quick fix, the classic mirror-over-the-mantel trick can reflect traditional or modern tastes, depending on which type of mirror you choose.

Whether sleek and modern gas, or classic and cozy wood-burning, make a powerful focal point with a unique fireplace.

TNL Home Solutions

            For An Organized Life

We’re excited to announce a professional relationship with TNL Home Solutions, a professional home organizing firm in Northern Virginia.

Many times the first step to a beautifully designed living space is organizing the space for the people who live there.

“Each space has it’s own geometry,” says Tracey Liberson, TNL’s owner. “Additionally, each person and each family uses their home differently. My job is to help fit family needs within defined spaces.”

A typical project for Tracey would be to help a family with a finished basement organize it for the children to play, family entertaining, and a home office. Each person wants to lay claim to the space but also has to respect everyone else. Proper organization and room structure that takes into account everyone’s personalities and abilities can turn chaos into peace.

Tracey is quick to point out that she doesn’t walk into a home with plastic bins and shelving. “I help people find a way to become organized and stay that way.” She likes best to work with what her clients already own because those are the items they are most comfortable with.

From a design perspective, after a space or an entire home has been organized, it sometimes becomes obvious that changes need to be made, whether it is improved lighting, furniture, or a complete redesign. But the first step begins with managing your stuff.

Tracey is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and has worked successfully on several joint projects with McGough Interiors.

If you are interested in working with Tracey, please give us a call.

Low Voltage Service

Move from an organized home to an automated one with home automation equipment specialist Low Voltage Service. Visit our partner at http://www.lowvoltageservice.com/