Well, we finally bought a new sofa. We have owned our last sofa for about 15 years, and I know it needed replacing. It just wasn't comfortable anymore, although, in black leather, it still looked pretty decent.
I've been sofa shopping for at least 2 or 3 years now-- my husband estimates that we sat in at least 30-40 sofas during that time. What took me so long to finally decide? It was really tough finding a sofa that was comfortable enough for our family, yet still attractive enough for my design sensibilities. The perfect sofa for me includes the following characteristics:
1- It is good looking, with clean lines and a tailored, contemporary look
2- It is comfortable for TV watching and working on my laptop
3- It is high enough in the back to give good neck support
4- It is not so deep that my feet do not touch the floor when sitting (I am just under 5 feet tall)
5- It is long wearing and durable
6- It doesn't cost a fortune
There are probably many of you out there who can relate to this list. The good news is that I finally found the sofa and it was in stock, available for delivery in just three days. I found it at La-Z-Boy. Comfort was a higher priority than having my idea contemporary-style couch, although the sofa is good looking enough to please me. It has a streamlined look, and does not have the large back cushions like many other sofas. Since my husband and I work quite a bit on our laptops, we opted to buy a reclining sofa. Each end reclines, so both of us can have our feet up, and our laps are in perfect position for the laptops and for TV
The whole family is enjoying the comfortable new couch. Now I can devote my efforts to finding the perfect fireplace tile!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Three Do's and Don'ts when Choosing Colors for Your Home
I spend a great deal of time helping my clients choose just the right color for their home. Many of them have lived with white walls for years and are ready for a change; others have tried colors but for whatever reason feel unhappy with their choice. Here are three do's and don'ts to help you choose the perfect color for your home.
1. DON'T get fixated on the idea that dark paint colors make a room look smaller. Some rooms are small-- a dark color will make the room feel cozy and dramatic. A friend of mine painted her dining room a dark chocolate brown, and it is stunning! And I selected a dark burgundy red for a client's powder room. The look is rich and elegant.
DO use lighter colors in the upholstery, furnishings and trim to contrast and balance the dark paint colors. For example, in a chocolate brown dining room, use antique white crown molding and baseboards, and a cream-colored tablecloth. Use artwork with dark frames and white mats.
2. DON'T forget about the ceiling. If you paint the walls a darker color and leave the ceiling white, your eye will draw upward to that stark white ceiling.
DO paint the ceilings! If your walls are red, for example, select a neutral tan color for the ceiling to soften the contrast between the walls and ceiling. In a small room, try painting the ceiling either the same color as the walls or a shade or two lighter than the walls. In my own home office, my walls are blue, and the ceiling is one shade lighter.
3. DON'T judge the room or the color until it is all done and put back together. Even I got scared when my husband and I painted our bedroom a dark brick red color. After the first wall was painted, I wanted to give up and start over. However, we kept on painting. After I put the furnishings back in, and made the bed with the colorful new bedspread (that, of course, contained quite a bit of the brick color), I loved the room. It looked cozy and warm; very unique.
DO trust yourself-- if you've had white walls for years, it will take you a little while to get used to the color. But give yourself that time. I promise that once you've tried wall colors, you'll never go back to plain white.
I spend a great deal of time helping my clients choose just the right color for their home. Many of them have lived with white walls for years and are ready for a change; others have tried colors but for whatever reason feel unhappy with their choice. Here are three do's and don'ts to help you choose the perfect color for your home.
1. DON'T get fixated on the idea that dark paint colors make a room look smaller. Some rooms are small-- a dark color will make the room feel cozy and dramatic. A friend of mine painted her dining room a dark chocolate brown, and it is stunning! And I selected a dark burgundy red for a client's powder room. The look is rich and elegant.
DO use lighter colors in the upholstery, furnishings and trim to contrast and balance the dark paint colors. For example, in a chocolate brown dining room, use antique white crown molding and baseboards, and a cream-colored tablecloth. Use artwork with dark frames and white mats.
2. DON'T forget about the ceiling. If you paint the walls a darker color and leave the ceiling white, your eye will draw upward to that stark white ceiling.
DO paint the ceilings! If your walls are red, for example, select a neutral tan color for the ceiling to soften the contrast between the walls and ceiling. In a small room, try painting the ceiling either the same color as the walls or a shade or two lighter than the walls. In my own home office, my walls are blue, and the ceiling is one shade lighter.
3. DON'T judge the room or the color until it is all done and put back together. Even I got scared when my husband and I painted our bedroom a dark brick red color. After the first wall was painted, I wanted to give up and start over. However, we kept on painting. After I put the furnishings back in, and made the bed with the colorful new bedspread (that, of course, contained quite a bit of the brick color), I loved the room. It looked cozy and warm; very unique.
DO trust yourself-- if you've had white walls for years, it will take you a little while to get used to the color. But give yourself that time. I promise that once you've tried wall colors, you'll never go back to plain white.
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Case for Artificial Flowers
For the second time in a few months, I've heard the designers on HGTV counsel against the use of artificial flowers and greenery. Real is better, they say. And I have to agree, but with one big exception: if you are like me and have a hard time keeping plants alive, let alone looking good, then you should consider artificial plants. Believe me, a dying, gangly philodendron, or a pot with a stick and a couple of leaves do nothing for your decor!
I know why designers disapprove of artificial flowers and plants. It is because people commit two big faux pas when they own them:
1- People let artificial plants get dusty. When plants are dusty, they make your house feel dirty and unkempt. Make sure you buy high quality artificial flowers and greenery, and make sure you keep them dusted and looking fresh.
2- People keep artificial floral arrangements long past their prime. If you have arrangements from the 80's please let those go! Chances are they are making your house look dated. Make sure your artificial flowers are in colors that actually appear in nature, and don't look like they've been around for 30 years.
If you are really attached to your artificial arrangements, give them new life by pulling out all the flowers, tossing out the really old-looking outdated stems, and creating a new arrangement by mixing some of the old flowers with new stems. Use a new container for an updated look.
I know why designers disapprove of artificial flowers and plants. It is because people commit two big faux pas when they own them:
1- People let artificial plants get dusty. When plants are dusty, they make your house feel dirty and unkempt. Make sure you buy high quality artificial flowers and greenery, and make sure you keep them dusted and looking fresh.
2- People keep artificial floral arrangements long past their prime. If you have arrangements from the 80's please let those go! Chances are they are making your house look dated. Make sure your artificial flowers are in colors that actually appear in nature, and don't look like they've been around for 30 years.
If you are really attached to your artificial arrangements, give them new life by pulling out all the flowers, tossing out the really old-looking outdated stems, and creating a new arrangement by mixing some of the old flowers with new stems. Use a new container for an updated look.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Three Unique Baths for Three Unique Clients
This year so far, I've been lucky enough to help several clients with their bathroom remodeling projects. Three different clients, three very different bathrooms. This is the best part of my job-- every client is unique, and I get to design spaces that really fit their taste and lifestyle. Maybe you can get some ideas for your own remodel.
Bathroom #1: Vintage Splendor
Picture this: Lots of white-on-white, very clean and pristine. White subway tile in the shower, accented by an embossed white border tile. White hexagon tiles on the floor. Gorgeous clawfoot tub, front and center, the focal point of this beautiful bathroom as you open the French doors. Overhead is a beautiful vintage chandelier, centered over the tub. White beadboard paneling, white porcelain sinks with shiny chrome fixtures. For color, we chose a lovely lavender paint for the walls, very calming, a nice contrast with all the white. The client, a fan of all things old-fashioned, is thrilled with the results.
Bathroom #2:
This bathroom will be a stunner when it is complete: chocolate-brown Emperadora Dark marble tile on the floor, and also as an accent in the shower. Fixtures are bronze finish, shower tiles are creamy-colored marble. The vanity is amazing-- carved wood with ornate detailing, creamy white with a chocolate glaze distressed finish. The shower is embellished with a floor-to-ceiling custom shower curtain in chocolate-brown faux silk with an embroidered floral motif. My client can't wait to show off this elegant bath.
Bathroom #3: Casual Country
With mossy green walls and crisp white trim, this bath is colorful and casual. The shower curtain adds pattern and color with stripes of blue, brown and terracotta. The shower tiles are rustic green, and the floor is a wood-look water-resistant material. The overall look is warm, cozy and casual.
Bathroom #1: Vintage Splendor
Picture this: Lots of white-on-white, very clean and pristine. White subway tile in the shower, accented by an embossed white border tile. White hexagon tiles on the floor. Gorgeous clawfoot tub, front and center, the focal point of this beautiful bathroom as you open the French doors. Overhead is a beautiful vintage chandelier, centered over the tub. White beadboard paneling, white porcelain sinks with shiny chrome fixtures. For color, we chose a lovely lavender paint for the walls, very calming, a nice contrast with all the white. The client, a fan of all things old-fashioned, is thrilled with the results.
Bathroom #2:
This bathroom will be a stunner when it is complete: chocolate-brown Emperadora Dark marble tile on the floor, and also as an accent in the shower. Fixtures are bronze finish, shower tiles are creamy-colored marble. The vanity is amazing-- carved wood with ornate detailing, creamy white with a chocolate glaze distressed finish. The shower is embellished with a floor-to-ceiling custom shower curtain in chocolate-brown faux silk with an embroidered floral motif. My client can't wait to show off this elegant bath.
Bathroom #3: Casual Country
With mossy green walls and crisp white trim, this bath is colorful and casual. The shower curtain adds pattern and color with stripes of blue, brown and terracotta. The shower tiles are rustic green, and the floor is a wood-look water-resistant material. The overall look is warm, cozy and casual.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
2009-2010 Home Decor Design Trends
I had a pleasure of attending the West Coast Interiors trade show recently. I love attending seminars, and I am absolutely fascinated by design trends. Here's what I learned at the show, and what you'll be seeing a lot of during the next couple of years. If you like to shop and peruse catalogs and magazines, you may have seen some of this already.
For home decor, you will see:
For home decor, you will see:
- Adventurous design and craft: layering of fabrics, textures, accessories; bold and graphic patterns, and lots of pattern mixing. (Did you know that wallpaper is back in fashion? Patterns are very bold and large, and would be gorgeous in a room where you really want to make a statement.)
- Nature-inspired design: "green" products, colors of sand, sea, sky, trees; natural materials like stone, wood, glass; animal prints
- Bohemian style: edgy, funky, ethnic mix; handcrafted originals; lots of color and pattern
- Dramatic style: lots of black and white, mirrors, crystal, shimmer, metallics. Look for unexpected combinations such as leather combined with crystal.
- Vintage/Nostalgic style: 1940's looks; Hollywood style; pieces with a history
If it sounds like "anything goes," you are partly right-- it is definitely OK to mix woods, colors, patterns, styles, but it should look deliberate and purposeful. Take care to avoid a haphazard, random look.
Monday, June 9, 2008
In my last post, I discussed color schemes and aspects of the color wheel. This time I will discuss how to use color to tackle your decorating challenges. The right color can make a large room seem more intimate, a small room seem more spacious, and even fool the eye into thinking that a narrow room is wider or that a low ceiling is higher.
If your room is very small, with little natural light, and you’d like to make it seem as large as possible, choose a light, cool color and paint everything—walls, ceiling, doors, even trim-- in that color. Flooring material should also be in a similar color, for instance a light maple hardwood, or a light-colored carpet. Tile installed on the diagonal will draw your eye into the room and visually make the room seem larger. Minimize the contrasts in the room for a spacious feel, so upholstery and window treatments also should be in a similar color. Add interest with textures and tone-on-tone patterns. Add a few sparks of color with artwork and accessories.
Some of us have small rooms, but rather than make them feel spacious, prefer to accentuate their coziness. A recent re-design client of mine described her small home as a “jewel box”. She chose rich colors such as caramel for her walls, green for her sofa and chocolate-colored leather for her side chair. With accents of gold and burgundy, her room exuded a warm, welcoming charm.
To make a large room seem smaller, choose darker warm colors, such as the caramel, green, and burgundy mentioned above. To increase the coziness, add a variety of colorful patterns and textures on upholstery, pillows and window treatments. A large area rug with a dark-colored border will also help to bring in the walls and create the appearance of a smaller room.
A monochromatic color scheme in cool, restful colors such as gray-blue or mossy green will create a calm and peaceful feeling in a room. Minimize the contrasts in the room by repeating the same color in fabrics and window treatments. On the other hand, a three-color scheme, emphasizing warmer colors and incorporating vibrant patterns in fabric, accessories and art will create a lively, vibrant mood in the space.
To make a long, narrow room seem wider, your objective is to visually extend the walls outward. To do this, paint the two opposite long walls in a light, cool color, and paint the short walls in a darker shade of the same color. Limit the number of patterns and colors in the room. If your aim is to make the long, narrow room seem shorter, use a darker color on the opposite long walls, possibly even a patterned wall covering, and a lighter shade of the same color on the short walls.
To make your ceiling appear higher, paint a border on the ceiling using the wall color. Trim the border in a darker color, and use a lighter color on the ceiling inside the border. In contrast, to bring down a high ceiling, use a darker color than the walls, and paint a border on the walls in the same color. Trim the border in a contrasting color, or use a wallpaper border. One of the easiest ways to change the look and feel of a room is with color. Happy Decorating!
If your room is very small, with little natural light, and you’d like to make it seem as large as possible, choose a light, cool color and paint everything—walls, ceiling, doors, even trim-- in that color. Flooring material should also be in a similar color, for instance a light maple hardwood, or a light-colored carpet. Tile installed on the diagonal will draw your eye into the room and visually make the room seem larger. Minimize the contrasts in the room for a spacious feel, so upholstery and window treatments also should be in a similar color. Add interest with textures and tone-on-tone patterns. Add a few sparks of color with artwork and accessories.
Some of us have small rooms, but rather than make them feel spacious, prefer to accentuate their coziness. A recent re-design client of mine described her small home as a “jewel box”. She chose rich colors such as caramel for her walls, green for her sofa and chocolate-colored leather for her side chair. With accents of gold and burgundy, her room exuded a warm, welcoming charm.
To make a large room seem smaller, choose darker warm colors, such as the caramel, green, and burgundy mentioned above. To increase the coziness, add a variety of colorful patterns and textures on upholstery, pillows and window treatments. A large area rug with a dark-colored border will also help to bring in the walls and create the appearance of a smaller room.
A monochromatic color scheme in cool, restful colors such as gray-blue or mossy green will create a calm and peaceful feeling in a room. Minimize the contrasts in the room by repeating the same color in fabrics and window treatments. On the other hand, a three-color scheme, emphasizing warmer colors and incorporating vibrant patterns in fabric, accessories and art will create a lively, vibrant mood in the space.
To make a long, narrow room seem wider, your objective is to visually extend the walls outward. To do this, paint the two opposite long walls in a light, cool color, and paint the short walls in a darker shade of the same color. Limit the number of patterns and colors in the room. If your aim is to make the long, narrow room seem shorter, use a darker color on the opposite long walls, possibly even a patterned wall covering, and a lighter shade of the same color on the short walls.
To make your ceiling appear higher, paint a border on the ceiling using the wall color. Trim the border in a darker color, and use a lighter color on the ceiling inside the border. In contrast, to bring down a high ceiling, use a darker color than the walls, and paint a border on the walls in the same color. Trim the border in a contrasting color, or use a wallpaper border. One of the easiest ways to change the look and feel of a room is with color. Happy Decorating!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Take the mystery out of choosing colors for your home
I've been in the interior design business for just about 8 years, and one of the most common questions clients ask me is, "How do I know what colors to choose??"
Choosing colors for your home can seem overwhelming. But knowing a few facts about color can help you create a winning decorating plan. First, some color basics. You probably remember from Kindergarten that the three primary colors on the color wheel are red, yellow and blue? And secondary colors are green, orange and violet, which are created by combining the three primary colors. Those colors can then be mixed in different combinations to create more colors such as red-violet, yellow-green, and blue-green.
You may also remember that colors can also be described as “warm” or “cool”. Reds, yellows and oranges are considered warm, while blues, greens and violets are cool colors. This is important because warm colors often make rooms feel cheerful and lively, while cool colors exude a tranquil, restful feeling. Warm colors make the walls seem to advance toward you, while cool colors make the walls recede away from you.
Next one must consider a color's value, or, in other words, how light or dark a color is. Light colors reflect a lot of light. Dark colors absorb a lot of light.
Also consider a color's intensity. The closer the color is to the pure color, the more intense it is. For instance, bright lemon yellow is higher in intensity than soft butter yellow.
What does all of this mean for your home? Well, it all depends on the look you are trying to achieve. If you want to make a room seem more spacious, you should try using light, low-intensity, cool colors. And to make a room seem cozier and more intimate, you should use dark, high intensity, warm colors. That said, I don't want to discourage you from choosing dark colors for small rooms. If the room is already on the small side, why fight it? Dark colors add a lot of rich ambiance to a space.
Then there are color schemes. Color schemes are referred to in terms of the color wheel. For example, an analogous color scheme features colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. My daughter’s room is decorated in mint green, lavender and light blue—an analogous color scheme.
A complementary color scheme utilizes colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel. This color scheme also appears in nature-- think of a beautiful sunset with blue sky accented by the flaming orange sun, or a purple iris with a yellow center.
Another successful color scheme is the triad-- three colors forming a triangle on the color wheel. A woman I know decorated her living room in vibrant primary colors. Her walls are sunny yellow, her sofa is blue denim, and her two side chairs are upholstered in red chenille. With colorful art prints by artists Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro and a collection of whimsical art glass, this living room reflects her cheerful, energetic personality.
One of my favorite color schemes is the monochromatic scheme. In a monochromatic room, only one basic color is used, but in varying tones. For example an all-white living room can have a white painted armoire, cream-colored upholstery, white sheer draperies, and a shaggy, white area rug. To keep this room from looking boring, the key is to add contrast using different textures. Add a glass and pewter-finish coffee table and throw pillows in a variety of fabrics including tone-on-tone patterns, chenille, raw silk, and linen. Include baskets for more texture, a collection of white pillar candles on a silver tray, and black and white family photos. A single red rose in a crystal vase will provide a stunning punch of color.
So much to think about, and maybe that is why people have so much trouble deciding on colors for their homes. That is why hiring a professional designer can be extremely helpful. For help on choosing colors in your home, please contact me at info@annajacobyinteriors.com.
Stay tuned: My next post will focus on using color to solve decorating dilemmas!
Choosing colors for your home can seem overwhelming. But knowing a few facts about color can help you create a winning decorating plan. First, some color basics. You probably remember from Kindergarten that the three primary colors on the color wheel are red, yellow and blue? And secondary colors are green, orange and violet, which are created by combining the three primary colors. Those colors can then be mixed in different combinations to create more colors such as red-violet, yellow-green, and blue-green.
You may also remember that colors can also be described as “warm” or “cool”. Reds, yellows and oranges are considered warm, while blues, greens and violets are cool colors. This is important because warm colors often make rooms feel cheerful and lively, while cool colors exude a tranquil, restful feeling. Warm colors make the walls seem to advance toward you, while cool colors make the walls recede away from you.
Next one must consider a color's value, or, in other words, how light or dark a color is. Light colors reflect a lot of light. Dark colors absorb a lot of light.
Also consider a color's intensity. The closer the color is to the pure color, the more intense it is. For instance, bright lemon yellow is higher in intensity than soft butter yellow.
What does all of this mean for your home? Well, it all depends on the look you are trying to achieve. If you want to make a room seem more spacious, you should try using light, low-intensity, cool colors. And to make a room seem cozier and more intimate, you should use dark, high intensity, warm colors. That said, I don't want to discourage you from choosing dark colors for small rooms. If the room is already on the small side, why fight it? Dark colors add a lot of rich ambiance to a space.
Then there are color schemes. Color schemes are referred to in terms of the color wheel. For example, an analogous color scheme features colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. My daughter’s room is decorated in mint green, lavender and light blue—an analogous color scheme.
A complementary color scheme utilizes colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel. This color scheme also appears in nature-- think of a beautiful sunset with blue sky accented by the flaming orange sun, or a purple iris with a yellow center.
Another successful color scheme is the triad-- three colors forming a triangle on the color wheel. A woman I know decorated her living room in vibrant primary colors. Her walls are sunny yellow, her sofa is blue denim, and her two side chairs are upholstered in red chenille. With colorful art prints by artists Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro and a collection of whimsical art glass, this living room reflects her cheerful, energetic personality.
One of my favorite color schemes is the monochromatic scheme. In a monochromatic room, only one basic color is used, but in varying tones. For example an all-white living room can have a white painted armoire, cream-colored upholstery, white sheer draperies, and a shaggy, white area rug. To keep this room from looking boring, the key is to add contrast using different textures. Add a glass and pewter-finish coffee table and throw pillows in a variety of fabrics including tone-on-tone patterns, chenille, raw silk, and linen. Include baskets for more texture, a collection of white pillar candles on a silver tray, and black and white family photos. A single red rose in a crystal vase will provide a stunning punch of color.
So much to think about, and maybe that is why people have so much trouble deciding on colors for their homes. That is why hiring a professional designer can be extremely helpful. For help on choosing colors in your home, please contact me at info@annajacobyinteriors.com.
Stay tuned: My next post will focus on using color to solve decorating dilemmas!
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