Interesting article on how indoor plants can affect your space

It's spring, and flowering plants are popping up outdoors in gardens and inside on store shelves. So, it's the perfect time to bring some of those plants to the windowsills and tabletops in your home.

Indoor plants can enrich our lives in many ways. One of the benefits is that they can help bring our stress levels down and put us in a better mood. There's research evidence that plants with more rounded leaves seem more relaxing than plants with sharp narrow leaves, so leaf shape is an important consideration as you pick out indoor plants. Also, our brains do a better job on mental tasks if there are plants around inside the home...

See the full article here:

http://www.stylelist.com/sally-augustin/spring-cleaning-plants-inside-home_b_1408620.html?ref=stylelist-home

Small bathroom woes?

In one of our recent remodels, we were faced with the challenge of creating visual "space" in a very long and narrow Master bathroom. I feel we succeeded :)

Here are some of the tricks we used to expand the horizons of this cramped and dated space:

• The first thing we did was remove the wall that divided the room, completely unnecessary and instantly created space.
• Floating cabinetry - instantly expands the width of the room by allowing for the flooring material to extend to the walls rather than stop at the cabinets.
• Using the same neutral tile for both the floors and walls, brings the eye up and around the entire room. We wanted to make sure we capitalized on the height we had in the room to visually expand the space.
• Mirror, mirror, on the wall...This long wall of mirror is not only dramatic, but makes the bathroom feel immensely larger.

Need help with your narrow space? Call us today! 480-994-0833

Wallcovering - Old is New again

Wallcovering has made a huge come-back in recent years. With everything from natural grasscloth textures, to flocked (yes, we said flocked), to removable options, there's something for every style and budget.

We recently completed a 1-1/2 year long remodel and chose to use wallcovering in a couple of the rooms. And what an impact it made! The wallcoverings we chose added subtle color and visual texture that can’t be achieved from paint alone. Well worth the investment in our opinion!

Here are some styles we’ve been drooling over lately:

You thought we were crazy with the flocking comment, right? Check out this beauty! An updated classic Damask pattern by Graham & Brown called Naughty Noir. This would be gorgeous in a Dining Room - or Powder Room!

Wood paneling of the past has been replaced with this beauty. Ajiro by Maya Romanoff has several colors and patterns available that will create a beautiful and timeless look for any room.

Little unsure of making the commitment to wallcovering? There are several companies offering "removable" papers. Lots of impact, for a nominal investment - and if you decide you don't like it, no worries! I'm loving Wallcandy Arts - so much fun on one website!

Lenny Kravitz + Design = Incredible Combo?

Art is art, creativity is creativity - in any industry!

See the article here:

http://nyti.ms/AAUwFi

Budget Kitchen Remodel!

BEFORE

AFTER

This dramatic renovation included: updating the cabinets, new counter tops, tile backsplash, new appliances, the addition of a new breakfast bar & wine storage, improving the lighting and accessorizing this kitchen, all within their fairly tight budget!

School's In Session!

Looking to spruce up your office now that the kids are back to school? Here are some great tips!

The first thing you will need is a good, functional desk. Check out places like Ikea, they have beautiful (and functional) desk units from $140! Check out the Galant series which has tons of flexible options:

Next, make sure you have adequate storage for all office necessities, such as fax machines, paper supplies, pens, pencils, etc. Purchase several different types of storage cabinets, to ensure you’ll be able to keep everything tidy. Filing cabinets are always essential to keep paperwork organized and in its proper place. We really like the multiple options of the Effectiv series from Ikea to keep all those necessities neat and out of sight:
Here are some great tips on "dressing up" your office space:

• Use a minimal amount of accessories to keep the space looking crisp and clean.
• Opt for great artwork on the walls instead of lots of accessory items to clutter up your work surfaces.
• Paint the walls a great color. If you’re afraid of all-over color, paint an accent wall to brighten up the space.
• And last, but not least, make sure you have comfy chairs for the whole family

Finds under $50...Dorm Decor

Back to school time! Here are some fun finds that will add some spice to that bland dorm room.

Storage is always a huge issue in a tiny dorm room. These colorful fabric bins can hold everything - from books, to bathroom necessities, to clothes.

Looking for some purposeful art? How fun are these cork boards from Crate & Barrel!

Bedding is the simplest way to add pattern and color to your room. Loving this bold print from Target - and the pieces are under $25 each!
Tired of that old, worn out commercial carpet? Dress it up with a fun area rug!

"Skate-able" home

Form meets function in a most unique way. Kudos to this architect for taking on this amazing challenge and succeeding!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/garden/designing-a-house-in-which-every-surface-is-skateable-qa.html?ref=interiordesign

A new take on home staging...

This article poses an interesting question - to stage for "anyone and everyone", or to appeal to a certain design taste. I think it can definitely depend on which part of the country you live in, if the home resides in an urban or rural locale, and the actual architecture of the structure. I truly believe people in the market don't go into a home expecting to see no evidence of someone residing there, but I do feel that you should make it as "appealing" as possible.

Check out the article here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/nyregion/getting-a-lived-in-look-to-look-the-way-buyers-wants-to-live.html?_r=1&ref=interiordesign

Selling your home and need some "appeal"? Call us today! 480-994-0833

Do’s and Don’ts of Design…Lofty Spaces

DO Use double-duty furniture.

A small chest or dresser can serve as both a nightstand and can store extra bedding.

DON'T Overcrowd your small space.

Less is more when it comes to accessories!

DO Make use of your vertical space.

Wall mounted shelving can provide excellent storage for books, while still freeing up valuable floor space.

DON'T Forget art!

Visually interesting walls will keep the eye moving all around the room, and make you forget your lack of space!

Finds Under $50...Spice it up

Who knew there were so many cool and modern options for salt & pepper shakers?!?

What's sweeter than a hug? Loving this design from the MoMA store.

These beautiful stainless shakers might just get mistaken for a great centerpiece!

Need a helping hand at the dinner table?
Sweet little birdies to adorn your summer table.

Wallcovering makes a come-back

Wallcovering is still a top trend these days. With styles ranging from grass cloth (hello 1970's) to metallics, to pearl, there's something for everyone!

Here are a few of our favorites:

Grass cloth is back with a vengeance. The wonderful thing about this product is the style can fit in any design setting - from contemporary to traditional. Phillip Jeffries has some wonderful new products, shown below is their gorgeous Soho Hemp line.



One of our all-time faves, Bedazzled from Maya Romanoff. It's a flexible wallcovering consisting of glittering glass beads. Perfect for bathrooms, dining rooms, or any room in need of a little sparkle.



If you're a lover of all that is "mod", Chain Link from Phillip Jeffries is for you! Loving the orange shown here.



Talk about fun! What a great product for your kids' rooms, playrooms, or any fun room! You can paint directly into a "frame", add your family photos, or leave it simply as is. $45 a roll from Graham & Brown.

Do's and Don'ts of Design...Bedroom Design

DO Choose a serene, relaxing color for the walls.
Hues of green, blue, gray, and taupe are most calming.

DON'T Forget to use different elements of lighting.
Utilize different "layers" of light to achieve perfect illumination. You'll need a general, overhead light source, and task/reading light.

DO Invest in a high quality mattress.
We spend 1/4 of our life sleeping!

DON'T Make the TV your focal point.
Try hiding it away in a cabinet, or frame it on the wall to make more of an "artful" statement.

Finds under $50...Mercury Glass

If you love the idea of mixing old with new, you'll go crazy for mercury glass!

An homage to summer...a cute little mercury cricket. Only $12.99 from West Elm.

Amazing vase from Z Gallerie. I love the modern shape mixed with the antique feel of the mercury glass.

Perfect lanterns for your outdoor "room". These range from $6.50-$65 at Pottery Barn.

Lovely trinket boxes from Pier 1. Perfect accessory for any bathroom or bedroom.

Finds under $50...Earth Friendly Decor

April is Earth month, and what better way to celebrate than adding in some great new accessories?

What better way to show you love the Earth? These fun pillows are under $20 each!


For the tech lovers in your life...or if you just need a fun accent for the office - loving this recycled keyboard frame!
Beautiful, and simple teak coasters. Only $24 for the set.
Awesome barware - made from recycled windshields!

Do's and Don'ts of Design...Outdoor Living

The weather is warming up, and we here in Phoenix practically live outdoors this time of year. Follow these simple tips to create an outdoor setting you'll be proud to entertain in.

DO Treat your patio as an extension of your home.
If your style is contemporary, choose outdoor furnishings and accessories within that same style. This will create a more "cohesive" look to your spaces.

DON'T Forget color!
In years past, there was a very limited selection of outdoor fabric choices. Now, you can find just about anything your heart desires! From traditional, to neutral, to bold and beautiful, enhance your furnishings with bright cushions and accent pillows.

Added bonus - outdoor fabric works great for your messier areas like the dining room. Not only will you get something that looks and feel great - but you can even use bleach (without harming the fabric) to remove the toughest spills.

DO Create conversation areas much like you do inside your rooms.
Group 4 chairs around a low coffee table. For more intimate conversations, pair 2 comfy lounge chairs with a small table and an ottoman to share.

DON'T Clutter the patio!
Keep accessories simple. Add a few decorative planters with colorful flowers, a simple iron wall hanging, and an vibrant outdoor rug to complete the look.

Finds under $50...National Color Therapy Month

Since March is National Color Therapy Month, I thought I'd provide a much needed dose of therapy before month's end...

Very retro and very colorful! Beautiful rug from Urban Outfitters.


Can't forget about the Kitchen, can we? Loving these Bodum toasters - pretty enough to make you want toast every morning!

Fabulous new take on tie-dye from West Elm!





This bold, red mirror from Pier 1 will make a great colorful addition to any room!

Do's and Don'ts of Design...Bringing that hotel feeling home

It's Spring Break! Time to take a break, relax, and possibly travel to a great (hopefully beach inspired) location. But we all feel the same way when we get home - why can't my home be more like a hotel? Sure, we can't all afford a live-in maid. But here are some tips to keep that hotel "spirit" alive once you return.

DO Turn off the TV.
It's one of the first things we usually do when we come home - turn on the TV. But when on vacation, who has time for boring programming when there's tons of fun vacation activities to partake in? Next time you come home, forget the TV and opt for soft music instead. You'll be surprised at how much quicker you'll wind down from your busy day!

DON'T Forget to make your bed!
One of the nice things about a hotel stay, is your bed is always made for you when you get back. Again, I know the live-in maid would be perfect for this, but if you can't afford that option, simply take those few extra minutes in the morning and be rewarded later that evening. Maybe you can train the dog (or the kids for that matter) to turn down the bed and put a mint on your pillow? :)

DO De-clutter.
Hotel rooms are always clean and clutter free. Clutter free = stress free. So get rid of that useless junk that's been piling up!

DON'T Forget about the hotel bathroom.
Another fun surprise about any hotel stay are the travel toiletries. We all love trying new things, so why not stock up on some travel size items at your favorite bath shop next time they're on sale? Opt for scents that you might not normally use - and bring yourself back to that awesome vacation!

Do's and Don'ts of Design...Bringing the Outdoors, In

DO Use natural textures.
Adding elements such as a sisal rug or chunky Abaca chair will instantly add texture and interest to your space.

DON'T Use primary colors.
Take a walk outside and soak in the colors of nature. Your paint choices should mimic the green of the leaves, the bark of the trees, or the warm brown of the dirt. Looking for great accent color inspiration? Think the beautiful fuschia of an bouganvilla, or the vivid orange of a marigold. Nature doesn't do bad color combinations!

DO Use Natural flooring instead of anything man-made.
Wood, cork, bamboo, and stone are all great choices.

DON'T Forget to open your drapes!
Natural light is the best way to bring the outside in!

Finds under $50...Handcrafted and Fabulous

I'm a huge Etsy fan. For those of you out there who don't know what Etsy is...let me explain. It's a fabulous place to find everything vintage, handmade, and unique. Here are a few of my recent finds - and there's plenty more where these came from!

I'm in love with this handpainted lamp shade! A steal at only $52. This will fit into any decor.

This shelf is a great recycing idea for you crafty types out there. Use it in the Kitchen for spices or the Bathroom for pretty bottles.

For all you music lovers out there, this is definitely in the "fun" category for design. Hang this record bowl on your wall for a unique conversation starter, or use it for chips in a pinch at your next get together. Unbeatable at only $5.99 each!

How have I survived all these years without a tea cozy? And an owl one at that? Handmade and fun for only $38.