Orange & Blue Decor

Colorado is all abuzz about the Denver Broncos heading to Super Bowl 48. In honor of  the big event and my favorite team, I've got to share Orange and Blue decor ideas. Orange & Blue look great together because they are complimentary colors, or colors that are directly opposite each other on the Color wheel. Other complimentary combinations include Red & Green and Yellow & Violet. The opposite nature of the colors creates a pleasing balance to our eyes. The colors are dynamic together, playing off of each other. For more on this, read about Color Theory 101.
 
 Moving forward with orange and blue, we have two great options from the Pantone 2014 color report: Dazzling Blue and Celosia Orange. Don't these colors look lovely together? Imagine adding just a hint of each to a neutral room to really spice it up.
 

Now let's really see orange and blue in action together. The following rooms feature Blue and Orange at deep, full hues. However, some rooms go full color and others add just a splash of the two colors. Both techniques create interesting and energetic rooms.

via House Beautiful

Contemporary Kitchen by Weston Interior Designers & Decorators Katie Rosenfeld Design

via BHG

via Mary McDonald

As often happens with colors opposite on the color wheel, the full hues can be quite intense. Toning down the blue to a softer turquoise and the orange from tangerine to coral, creates softer rooms. The intensity and energy is lowered, but the resulting combinations are still incredibly pleasing and balanced.

Modern Kids by Atlanta Interior Designers & Decorators Erika Ward - Erika Ward Interiors

I often see rooms with just a neutral and blue combination. Adding just a touch of orange could completely change the mood as in the room below.

Traditional Bedroom by Little Rock Interior Designers & Decorators Tobi Fairley Interior Design

via Quadrille Fabrics

What do you think of orange and blue interiors? Do you love it or would you leave it? Do you live with orange and blue interiors now? Share with us on Facebook.

By the way...

Go Broncos!

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Make You Home More Functional With Universal Design Principals

Last week I wrote about Aging in Place and Universal Design Principals. Today I have easy suggestions for you to incorporate these principals in your home. No matter the current state of your home - new, older, recently renovated, in need of renovation, or the dream home that you are planning to build - there are easy changes that you can make to increase functionality and longevity.

Handles Instead of Knobs

This applies to doors, cabinets, and faucets. A handle is much easier for users of all ages and abilities, whether it is a toddler just learning to turn on the faucet, or experienced arthritic hands.

Or, if your budget allows, upgrade to "touch" technology. It's a luxurious upgrade for users of all ages and abilities.
 
On that same thought, light switches can be changed out for easier to use versions. The rocker-style switch is easier on hands than the traditional light switch.



Or upgrade to very cool touch technology light switches.

 If you will be building a new home or renovating an existing home, now is the time to make changes you'll appreciate now and later. These changes will not only help you to age more easily in your own home, they are luxurious upgrades before you "need" them.

In the Bathroom

Comfort height toilets and vanities Blocking in the walls to support the addition of grab bars at a later date Zero-threshold showers/Continuous shower floors

 

In the Kitchen:

Rollouts and pan drawers in base cabinets
 

Task lighting onto countertops and work spaces
 

 Drawer-based appliances such as microwaves and dishwashers

Throughout the Home

Wider hallways and doorways Lower thresholds Minimal flooring transitions For more ideas on increasing the functionality and longevity of your home, talk to an Interior Design expert today.

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Enjoy the Comfort of Your Home for Years to Come with Aging-In-Place and Universal Design

Today’s aging-in-place philosophy and universal design practices work together to enable homeowners to stay safely and comfortably in their own homes throughout their lives. When homes are designed for “all-ages, all-abilities,” the need for expensive moves and remodels due to illness or aging is eliminated. Furthermore, adapting these principles in your home can be done can be done elegantly, without looking institutional.

via Homes for Easy Living

Despite the similarities between aging-in-place and universal design, the two are not interchangeable. A National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) article explains, “Universal design is useful to meet the needs of many, from a multigenerational family to first time home owners. It is also becoming more popular among clients of custom and even some production builders as a way of meeting current and future needs.


An additional tenet of universal design is adaptability. While aging-in-place remodeling may call for grab bar installation in bathrooms based on need, universal design would include blocking inside the walls so that a grab bar can be easily added at a future date.” As a designer, I love to educate my clients on the many benefits of aging-in-place and universal design which I believe has a modern elegance to it that is invisible and non-stigmatizing. I also urge clients to think about and incorporate these principal when undertaking any renovation, and well before they "need" these adaptations.

via Kohler

To give you an idea of what’s involved I’ve outlined the principles of universal design below. It may seem like a lot to consider, but having a home design professional who understands and can use these principles effectively in your home will give you the confidence to face the future and be assured the dignity of an aging-in-place lifestyle. The Principles of Universal Design

1. Equitable use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and intuitive: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low physical effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and space for approach and use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.

While many baby boomers are embracing both concepts and practices, it is often difficult for younger homeowners to realize the immediate value of designing for the future. However, designers and builders are seeing a shift in willingness to consider incorporating aging-in-place concepts and universal design into the overall home plan.

Via Oakwood Custom Homes

It all comes down to one question. Would you rather spend your golden years in a nursing home or the comfort of your own home? Next week I'll have some practical and easy tips to incorporate into any remodel you may be doing in the future.

 Form more information: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=185465&fromGSA=1 http://www.ncsu.edu/project/design-projects/udi/

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Winter Decorating Ideas | Guest Post

The changing of the seasons offers the perfect opportunity to redecorate your home. As winter sets in, our thoughts turn to getting warm and cozy. Check out these quick decorating tips that will help you turn your home into a welcoming winter den.  

Welcoming From the Outside In
 Set the tone of your home by decorating everything, even your exterior doors. If you’re feeling festive, hang a home-made holly wreath on your front door to spread your cheer to the rest of the world. If you don’t have the time to make your own wreath, consider purchasing a synthetic wreath which you can re-use every year.

 

Via Pinterest

 

via Joanna Fabric

 

via Matt & Becky 

 Relaxing By the Fire
 There’s something special about relaxing in front of an open fire; the look of the flames makes you feel warmer, and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you don’t have a fireplace in your living room, why not invest in a wall-hanging, flu less fireplace to brighten up your room.

 

via Pinterest

Metallic Luxury
Natural colors are cozy and comfortable, but it’s easy to go too far with the rustic feel. Add a touch of modern glamor to your home by opting for some shiny, shimmering metallic colors as an accent. Consider painting your oak skirting boards in a sedate silver, and pairing that up with silver trim on your cushions and throws. Or, use subtle accents to bring out the warmth in a more traditional room.

 

via Pinterest

Easy Accents
Redecorating for the winter doesn’t have to mean completely re-doing the look of your living room. If you prefer clean and simple styled rooms, why not add a touch of winter fashion with decals which can easily be removed when it’s time for a change of scenery.

 

via Pinterest

Accessorize 
  During the winter, it’s natural to want to curl up in front of the fireplace with a good book. Why not make that spot as comfortable as possible. This time of year is the perfect time to bring out those stylish blankets, comfy cushions, and plush pillows. Pick the right color scheme, and they’ll be as fashionable as they are cozy.
 One side effect of spending so much time indoors with the heating running full blast and the windows closed, is that the air in your home can get a little musty. You can keep your home smelling fresh by making use of scented candles, or, even better, great home cooking. Mulled wine, cinnamon bread, festive fruitcake, and winter broths will warm your body, and spread beautiful smells around the house!

 

via Pinterest

Clean Up for Christmas
 If there’s one thing that will detract from the atmosphere of your home, it’s clutter. During the festive season, there’s a good chance your home will fill up with stuff. A preemptive decluttering session will make life a lot easier for you. Consider donating old books and clothes to charity, encouraging your kids to take some toys to charity, and spending a weekend cleaning out that stash of paperwork. It won’t take as long as you’d think, and the improvement will be amazing. This post was written by James Harper on behalf of UK Oak Doors who supply a great range of oak products from doors through to skirting boards.

 For more related post by Beautiful Habitat:
 Dreaded Decluttering
 Clearing Clutter in the New Year
 Easy Holiday Decor - Ribbons

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

I've said it before: ceilings are the most neglected surfaces in any room and in the realm of Interior Design and Decorating. Think about it - have you ever painted a ceiling? If so, did you paint it anything other than white? Hove you ever even thought about your ceilings from a decorative aspect? You should - and I'm going to help you! There are several benefits to treating your ceiling in part of your interior design plan. If you've got a shorter room or low ceilings, adding ceiling interest can draw the eye up and make the room feel taller. (Find an example in this post: Designer Tips: Using Bold Wall Color). Conversely, if you've got a very high ceiling, a darker paint or more dramatic treatment can help to bring the ceiling down and add a cozier feeling to the space. And simply by adding interest to your ceilings, you just add something special and unique to your rooms and your home.

Painted ceilings

I've blogged before about the most simple ceiling treatment: a coat of paint that is anything but white: Painted Ceilings

Here are some additional inspiring paint options.





Papered Ceilings

Wallpaper and metal leafing are great options for adding interest and texture to ceilings.






Special Treatments

Whether with paint, paper, other materials, or a combination, here's where we get really creative with ceilings. I'm so inspired!





And, my personal favorite of this particular collection, with both coffers and a special design treatment:



If you'd like to see even more of these great ceilings, or to get additional information on those ceilings featured here, check out my Pinterest board appropriately titled Ceilings Need Love Too.

If you'd like advice on where to start with your own ceiling project, read these previous posts with Interior Design Tips: To Paint or Not to Paint... The Ceiling. Before & After: Choosing Wall Color, Designer Tips: Using Bold Wall Color.

And if you do add some interest to your own ceiling, please do share it with us! You can email me directly, share here, or share on Facebook!

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Happy Colors | Purple

I recently asked the Beautiful Habitat Facebook friends “what color make you happiest?” It was meant to be a Friday brain-break, but the answers inspired me to include their happy colors in a few blog posts. My philosophy has always been to follow what you love to inspire your interiors. If a color makes you happy, use it in your home. This can be intimidating, but I hope these Happy Color posts will inspire you to find ways to incorporate your own happy color into your home decor.
Today we’ll take a look at purple in interior design and decorating.
A Little Purple
Purple is a great accent color. Try purple in throw pillows, vases and accessories, artwork, window treatments, or perhaps a small table or accent chair. Use it to spice up neutrals, or in combination with another bold color.

Both above via Belle Maison

 via Colour Me Happy

A Lot of Purple
Purple works equally well in large doses. These rooms take purple all the way. Here think wall color, bedding, and larger furniture… or all of the above.

 via Afflatus

Via House Beautiful and also featured in the previous post An Ode to Banquettes

 via Afflatus

via We Heart It

 via Design Sponge

 In reality, you may be living with someone that doesn’t love your happy color as much as you do.  But there are still ways to bring in that happiness with out a huge commitment. Try some purple flowers in any room.

 What color makes you happiest? Do you use it in your home? Share with us on Facebook and look for more Happy Colors posts coming soon.

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com