We've Got the Blues! Our Favorite Blue Interiors

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Is it accurate to say that you are searching for another design for your home, and you truly adore the blue color? Fortunately we live in a world with endless options, but here are our favorites! You can integrate Blues into any interior, but the use of blue paint is another story!

If your desire is to have your living room to feel welcoming and full of life, then a highly saturated, vibrant blue would be a great choice for you. It will bring a sense of calmness to your space, while being intense enough to be a conversation piece.

If blue is your absolute favorite, you should go all out.  This type of blue cabinetry gives off a happy, light-hearted vibe. We are seeing a lot of split colored cabinetry in design now- a key piece of advice: keep the darker color on the bottom. This will make your kitchen feel larger!

Here’s another cutting edge kitchen- this one featuring all blue cabinetry.  The use of a warm wood like shown, balances the coolness of the blue, giving this kitchen a welcoming, warm vibe.

This charming restroom is by all accounts intended for a person of sophistication. The clawfoot tub, with its blue color and white legs recreates something reminiscent of the past with a hint of bohemian charm.

Navy blue is as classic as it gets. This rich, sophisticated color will bring a sense of intrigue while evoking a sense of peace and richness. The use of a high gloss paint creates a reflective surface that also makes the room appear larger.

If you are looking to add a blue hue to your space, always consider your environment. Rooms in climates that don’t receive a lot of sunlight can look depressed and unwelcoming if there is too much blue. Stick with blue colors that aren’t too warm, however; these can be over-stimulating and create a sense of anxiety.

It's in the Little Things: Tiny Houses!

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The tiny house movement has taken the world by storm in the past couple of years, and there’s a reason for it. The architects and builders of the modern day tiny house have figured out ways in which to implement all of the bells and whistles of today’s designs while maintaining the charm and efficiency of living small. We have done our research, and here are our favorite tiny houses– both old and new.

It’s in the Little Things: Our Favorite Tiny Houses

1. This gorgeous Southern style tiny house was designed and built by Palm Harbor Homes. Since the beginning of the recent tiny house movement, builders have taken the simple streamlined “boxes,” and turned them into elegant, charming floor plans with upscale and quality features.

2. Who says you can’t have a gorgeous tudor home in a beautiful garden setting? This home has all of the bells and whistles, while maintaining the classic look and feel of a tudor style home. This would make the perfect back yard stay-cation or mother-in-law casita.

3. You are never too old to have a tree house. This beautiful home features an open floor plan, bright and airy color scheme and a beautiful park like setting. The lower patio area is perfect for barbecues, reading a book, and enjoying the fresh air of the outdoors. The interior features a small kitchenette, a living room and a lofted bedroom.

4. Contemporary chic describes this one. This house has the perfect combination of functionality and fun. The main living areas and master bedroom breath in plenty of light with this open space concept. Each and every room and closet is efficient enough to allow for an open, airy, spacious feel.

Metallics- Reflecting Sophistication

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There is something so rich and sophisticated about mixing and matching metallics in your Interior. Beautiful metallic decor has been making its debuts at High Point Market- it’s not only trending, but it truly is a timeless way to bring beauty and sparkle into your space.

Images Source: Pexels

Metallic Decor- Our Favorite Designs

1. Gold Accents.  Mixing and matching various gold accent pieces can really give a sense of cohesivity and eclectic vibes to your space. Creating a photo collage with unique frames, all in gold hues give a rich, smart feel to the wall space. To really emphasize the metallic theme in your decor, implement a metallic pouf, or throw pillows to make the smaller accents really “pop.”

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2. Rustic Meets Organic. Combining natural elements with rustic pieces brings forth a level of nostalgia and eclecticism like no other. Scour your local flea market or antique mall for original, one-of-a-kind rustic metal decor, and pair it with unfinished woods and other organic elements.

3. Reflective Surfaces and Finishes. There is no such thing as too many metallics in a space. Well, maybe– but we have yet to see it. Beautiful mirrored furniture pieces paired with gold and bronze accents will surely bring glamour and sophistication to any space. Geometric patterned metallic throw pillows, and simple metallic poufs can really bring forth a level of beauty to a space.

4.  A Fun Project for You! Put on your boots and get some fresh air. Some of the best decor out there is the kind you find in nature. Have a vase sitting around? Go outside, find some beautiful branches or twigs, and paint away! A metallic centerpiece will give your space a rich, classic, and warm accent.

 

 

Kathy Turns an Unused Space into A Wine Room

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Kathy’s client had a room at the bottom of their stairwell that was not being used by the household very often. The members of the family were delighted to see her work magic in this tiny space; creating a beautiful wine room, perfect for entertaining and relaxation.

Pictured Here: the bottom of the stairway with the entrance into the space. (BEFORE)

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Beautiful stone flooring, a custom made metal door with ornate detailing, and fresh paint adorn the new space. What a difference it makes! (AFTER)

The interior of the space before was stark and uninspired. It had a cave-like feel and was rarely used by members of the household. (Below)

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The client wanted to create a bistro-like setting, reminiscent of their travels to Europe. Kathy chose a beautiful silver leaf table set that worked perfectly with the color palette of the final design. Gorgeous Cararra marble countertops, a commercial wine refrigerator, and Authentic Home’s Crystal Blue  paint from her Elegant Color Palette add sophistication to the space. The lattice patterned wine racks are reminiscent of old world wine rooms seen in Europe. The bright trim and ceiling give the space a larger feel, while the stone flooring gives a rustic touch to the final design.

This space now has plenty of storage for both wine, but for entertaining guests when they come to visit this gorgeous home.

Seeking design assistance? Contact Kathy Banak today!

Grand Master Bedroom

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The beautifully ornament silver leaf bed makes a dramatic first impression and is the focal point of the master bedroom.  The Authentic Home Dove Grey paint color and the custom wood carpet in a light grey color tone definitely brighten up the room.  The crystal bedside lamps and chandelier are the finishing touches that make this bedroom a truly restful sanctuary for the homeowner.

Master Bedroom Before & After

Master Closet

The new master closet is now bright and spacious with the replacement of the fluorescent lights with  a Swarovski crystal ceiling mount light and several recessed can lights.  The Authentic Home Pink Grapefruit paint color adorns the walls and a new closet organization system by Organized Spaces and custom wool carpet in a light grey color tone make this narrow closet feel much larger and the perfect place to start one’s day.

Before & After

Functional Laundry Room

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The laundry was remodeled to provide more efficiency to the space.  A new stackable washer and dryer and custom cabinets with a Carrara marble countertop transform this space into a functional laundry room.

Before & After

Grand Stairway

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The staircase with new iron balusters is one of the first things one sees upon entering the home. The new scroll style fits perfectly with the lighter feminine feel of the home.  The mission style stairwell pendant was updated with a crystal and glass chandelier that is a beautiful welcome to the homeowner and guests as it is seen through the window outside upon entering the home.

Staircase Before & After

 

Serene Dining Room

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The spectacular one-of-a-kind silver leaf dining table was provided by my client and is perfect in her new dining room.  Both the hardwood floors and hand carved beams were restrained to a warm antique brown finish.  Custom velvet drapes in a soft robin’s egg blue color adorn the large windows and the Swarovski crystal chandelier adds the perfect feminine sparkle to this timeless space.  The walls are painted in the Authentic Home Powder Green color and the ceiling is in the Authentic Home Champagne on Ice color which sets the foundation for a beautiful color palette for this stunning dining room and fireplace lounge.

Dining Room Before

Dining Room After

Classic Lounge

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My client wanted a classic, yet lighter feminine feel to the fireplace lounge and dining room; our first project was to replace the heavy stone fireplace.  The new fireplace was transformed with a concrete mantel and hearth detailed with beveled edging and a curved top by Old World Stoneworks.  The Authentic Home Dove Grey paint color was custom made into a stain to adhere to the concrete surround and hearth and an opal colored metallic finish paint was applied for the final coat to give the fireplace a truly unique look.  The sitting chairs on either side of the fireplace, the love seat and lamps were provided by the homeowner and fit perfectly in the space.  The decorative wool and silk area rug defines the room and makes this sitting area the perfect place for entertaining.

Fireplace Before & After

Timeless Living Room

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The Authentic Home Greystone paint color sets the tone for this pretty living room just off the entrance to the house.  The cherry blossom floral fabric was used for the custom made roman shades and tufted ottoman. A new sectional sofa and chaise, a timeless sitting chair and a metal and glass round end table complete the furnishings of this comfortable living room space.

Living Room Before & After

Timeless Study

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The homeowner’s office was formerly a teenage boy’s bedroom and has since been transformed into a light and airy room with the use of the Authentic Home Pink Grapefruit paint color and custom wool carpet in a grey color tone.  The iron trundle bed and custom bedding coordinates beautifully with the custom roman shades.  The timeless writing desk and dresser were provided by the homeowner and add the perfect feminine touch to this pretty room.

Study Before & After

Restful Guest Bedroom

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The wrought iron bed and bedside tables moved with the homeowner and are the perfect size for the guest bedroom.  The Authentic Home Ocean Mist paint color was applied to the walls and sets the foundation for this restful bedroom.

Guest Bedroom Before & After

Elegant Bathroom

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This master bathroom was small, dark and a bit outdated. The client wanted the new design to remain consistent with the light, beachy feel throughout the rest of the home, while also conveying a touch of elegance. Because the client rarely used the bathtub, we replaced it with a large walk-in steam/shower combination, along with a two-sink vanity and heated floors. There was ample room in an adjoining closet, so we moved the sinks to an adjacent wall, which offered additional space for a double shower. The Authentic Home COLOR Paint™ in Glacier was selected for the wall color and a crystal chandelier put the finishing touch on the room, adding a whimsical and elegant feel.

Classic Kitchen

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The spectacular and classic Calcutta Gold marble is the highlight of this kitchen and makes a definite statement on the 12 foot long island due to size and beautiful veining and colors.  Due to the uniqueness and expense of such a beautiful marble we worked the color palette around it and lighten up the cabinetry using the Authentic Home Champagne on Ice paint color.

A new stainless sink and faucet and glass bell jar lantern pendent lights brighten up the entire kitchen space.  The upholstered two tone bar stools, an under counter microwave, the Calcutta Gold subway tile back splash and decorative cabinet brushed steel hardware are the finishing touches that transformed this tired kitchen into a beautiful kitchen that everyone wants to linger in all day long.

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

High Rise Makeover

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The female owners of this court reporting business wanted their new office space to be warm, inviting and to have a modern twist. I partnered with both the owners in their homes recently to select paint colors so I had an idea of their personal styles. It was fun to have a blank canvas to create this comfortable and contemporary feel for their work space. The white walls, outdated carpet and trim were the first items that needed to be updated in order to achieve our desired look and feel. Authentic Home COLOR Paint™ Greystone was used for the majority of the walls and Authentic Home COLOR Paint™ Glacier was used for accent walls in the main conference room and in the copy room. Authentic Home COLOR Paint™ River Rock was applied to two accent walls in the main entry space as well as for the trim throughout. The modern carpet throughout the space and the new marmoleum flooring in the copy room highlighted all of the colors in our new color palette. The two entry chairs were upholstered with a textured grey/brown fabric and the design along with the fabric amplified the more modern feel to the space. Plants, artwork and an entry fountain, for a soothing touch, are forthcoming for this new up to date office space.

Before & After

Office Waiting Room

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This busy financial office was due for a fresh new look for their sitting area. The purple leather sofa and love seat were dated and not in scale for the size of the actual sitting area. Their clients visit the office as a single or couple so I thought it best to have two larger scale chairs to provide the sitting. Authentic Home COLOR Paint in the Lentil color was used and is the foundation for a warm, Northwest color palette for the chair fabric, the lamp and accessories.

Before & After

Summer Cabin

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This 1930’s summer cabin holds very fond memories for this adult family as it has been in the same family for generations.  Due to the beautiful north Puget Sound location, the home receives considerable amounts of weather and this year it was time to tackle the exterior painting. Kathy partnered with All Pro Painting to provide their expertise in repairing and painting a home located on the sea.  The home had not been painted in over 15 years so there was considerable amount of caulking and repair work needed on the original wood siding and deck. Authentic Home COLOR Paint was used on the exterior of the home.  Authentic Home COLOR Paint in Sable was applied to the body, Authentic Home COLOR Paint in Dark Glacier was applied on all the window trim, sills and soffits and Authentic Home COLOR Paint in Prosecco was applied on all window panes. The home looks fresh and new and ready for a lifetime of enjoyment.

Before & After

Art Deco Condo Transformation

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While receiving a new stucco facade, the tenants of this landmark West Seattle condo building decided it was also time for a color change. The coral and turquoise was outdated and they wanted a fresh, up-to-date look that reflected the Art Deco architecture and style while keeping with the beach location. Authentic Home COLOR Paint™ in Parisian Blue and Sky were selected for the front exterior colors, while Pewter paint was selected as a muted color for the building’s sides. To accent it all in lively style, Lime paint was used as a bright balcony accent.

Before & After