Favorite Things - Mini Mod furniture

The trend of ever increasing home sizes and the McMansions has been waning over the past several years, particularly in the Western US.  The focus is no longer that bigger must be better and we have shifted to focus on quality and lifestyle.  As a result, many of my clients are downsizing and we quickly find that the huge funriture of their past doesn't fit into the downsized home of their future.  Some manufactures are catching on to this trend and are scaling down their furniture.  One of my favorites in this area is the Mini Mod line by Rowe Fine Furniture. The sofas are 80" or shorter in length. The chairs are scaled down and easily movable. There are even modulars included in the collection. So cozy up in your smaller space and enjoy every square inch!

Value of an Interior Designer

I am often asked how much a design project will cost. Price seems to be the first thing that people think of when they think of Interior Design; "it must cost a lot, certainly it is too expensive for me". However, I have realized over and over during these conversations that the inquirers don't know what they are purchasing when they choose to work with a design professional. So I wrote a quick educational piece to help those that may be on the bubble, considering hiring a Designer. Let's call it a "product description" for Interior Design Services.

Benefits of Working with an Interior Designer

The thought of hiring an Interior Designer can be intimidating and seems “expensive”. The truth is that a trained design professional can save you time, money and help you create the room of your dreams.

A designer will

• save you money by avoiding costly mistakes and bad purchases
  
• save you time by doing the legwork for you
  
• find innovative and unique solutions to your specific problems and needs
  
• spend time focusing on the details, which is the difference between a room that is OK and a room that makes you feel alive
  
• make you aware of other choices available and give you the confidence to try something new
  
• make the most of what you already have
  
• have access to products beyond the chain retail stores, and tried and tested contractors and craftspeople
  
• manage & coordinate the work, contractors, and stress of a design project

A well designed space looks like you spent more money than you did; it is pulled together with thought and coherence, and comfortable for your family and lifestyle. This is your home and the design, good or bad, will live there with you for many years.

Working with an Interior Designer

Working with a designer is a collaborative relationship, not one of superior and subordinate. It is important that you have trust and confidence in the designer that you choose for your project. A successful project relies on open communication between client and designer. You should feel free to voice your opinion on all decisions.

Before meeting with your designer, take time to define your likes, dislikes, and ideas. Communicate your ideas with your designer, but keep an open mind; remember your designer is there to help you enhance your style and take it to a new level.

Favorite Things - Berman Rosetti Tables

Berman Rosetti has beautiful tables. It's just that simple. Dining, coffee, console... all beautifully handcrafted with wonderful materials. Here is a small sampling of the options. For more visit Bermanrosetti.com. All Berman Rosetti products can be purchased locally through the John Brooks showroom.

Inspiring Images - Istanbul

Istanbul is a wonderfully colorful and vibrant city. From the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sofia, to the ships and sea or local bakery and night life, loads of inspiration can be found there.

Favorite Things - Effervescence Mosaic Tile

You already know my attraction to polka dots and luxury items. Here is a tile that blends them beautifully - the Effervescence tile from Artistic Tile.
"Glass and marble blend beautifully in a contemporary and sophisticated yet whimsical mosaic with an interlocking random bubble pattern that provides for a seamless installation on an interior wall or floor. Custom colorways are available on a special order basis."
I love it!

Favorite Things - Art Glass

I love art glass. The way the colors change with the light, or intertwine with the design is stunning. Whether in a bowl, glassware or objet d' art, art glass is a great addition to any design scheme. Here are some extra colorful pieces from The Artful Home. Enjoy!

Sunrise Dish by Robert Woldow

Candy Paperweight by Paul D. Harrie

Shimmy Autumn Glass Basket by Jim Vollmer

Italian Line Boat by Kathleen Ash

Spotted Bottles by Ken Hanson

Round Stepping Stone by Ed Edwards

Tutti Frutti Wine Powder Twist Goblets by Robert Dane

The most common design "mistake"...

...pushing all the furniture against walls, regardless of the shape of the room.
I see this all the time and I'm often called in on these rooms because my clients are unhappy with the feel and flow of the space. My number one tip: arrange the furniture in comfortable seating configurations and not against the walls.

Below are several before and after photos from a few clients. You will see the before images with furniture forced against walls and lacking comfortable conversation areas or even proper views to the television. The after rearrangements focus on comfortable rooms and logical seating arrangements, which pulls the furniture away from the walls.

Before:
After:
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After:

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After:

Try moving your furniture away from the walls. Does it revive your space; make you want to spend more time there? If you are worried about the furniture feeling like it's "floating", add an area rug to anchor the space. Try it for at least 48 hours to know how you truly feel about it.

Favorite Things - Van Zipper Lighting Collection

Van Zipper is a unique lighting collection from Claassen-Partners in Germany. The creators behind the product describe it as a "low-tech dimming system" through the raising and lowering of zippers. The collection includes a floor lamp, ceiling pendant and a 3 pendant cluster. I love a brilliant use of everyday materials!

Favorite Things - Romo Grandis Wallcoverings

I have always loved the bold designs of Romo's Fabrics and Wallcoverings. Their collection of Grandis Wall coverings is no exception. Described as "Grand scale classical damasks fuse with bold, contemporary geometrics in this exciting wallcovering selection. Soft, velvety flocks and shimmering metallics give sumptuous texture and a spectacular finish to these oppulent designs". Check them out at Romo Fabrics.