Get Your Home Ready for Spring!

We have all been hold our breath waiting for the sunshine to come back, the birds to start singing cheery songs, and blossoms- yes, blossoms galore! But then the sun starts shining, and the seasons start changing, we start to notice that our homes may feel somewhat in need of extra love moving into the new months.

Here is How You Can Get Your Home Ready for Spring!

Bring the Outdoors In! By placing fresh, seasonal flowers throughout your space, you will come to find that your mood is uplifted, your home has an extra pop of color, and things just feel overall a bit more polished in your interior. There's really no such thing as too many fresh flowers! 

Update Your Linens and Bedding.  There is nothing more refreshing than clean white towels, beautiful fresh sheets and bright, airy linens. You will find that putting your winter bedding away and replacing with fabrics reminiscent of Spring, you will be in the spirit!

Set Up Your Outdoor Space. Now that you can enjoy the outdoors and take in the sunshine and fresh air, make your outdoor seating area the best it can be. We love to update old upholstery on outdoor furniture, implement bright colorful pillows, and add fresh potted plants. Viola- an outdoor oasis worthy of your favorite book.

Clean those Closets! It is so easy to acquire extra clutter and unneeded items over the winter months as we are burrowed away from the harsh elements. Put those unused sweaters neatly away and get organized and ready to flaunt your bright, light, clean clothes.

Ultra Violet: 2018 Pantone Color of the Year

Rich and pensive, Ultra Violet is reminiscent of existential energy, the mystery of what the future holds, and the new discoveries of the past and present. It reminds us of the night sky, dark but endless, full of mystery.

Why Pantone Chose this Color

With everything happening in our world at the present moment, Pantone color researchers thought it necessary to remind ourselves of our sheer presence on earth and the vast endlessness of our atmosphere. Ultra Violet is cosmic, rich, and timeless.

Our Favorite Ultra Voilet Uses in Interior Design

1. Using rich purples make a bold statement as an accent. This gorgeous bedding truly brings forth a timeless, rich look to this elegant bedroom. Rich purples tend to pop when placed in an otherwise neutral color scheme. 

2. Even the tiniest purple accents in a space can make a very bold statement. This otherwise very white bathroom stands out with just the pop of color of its hand towel. 

3. Ultra Voilet in Commercial Design. There's no doubt the guests who visit this elegant restaurant will never forget the gorgeous, sophisticated upholstery on the dining chairs. What a statement!

Ultra Violet in Fashion

Reminiscent of the Victorian Era followed by the 1920's rich purples always manage to make a fashion comeback. We are seeing this beautiful hue in every aspect of the runway, from hair color to couture. The beauty of this otherwise considered feminine color is that it truly works for both genders and truly makes a haute statement!

We're Blushing! The Color that's Coming Back...

Pale pinks were very popular in the past and tapered off up until recently. We are seeing beautiful rose colors, blushes and other feminine pink hues throughout the Interior Design world. Here are some of our favorite uses for blush tones.

1. Fabrics. Pale pink fabrics can truly bring elegance into a space. This beautiful blush Chesterfield sofa gives this room a sophisticated, classic look.

2. Decor. There are many ways in which you can incorporate this feminine hue into your décor. Through the use of fabrics or throw pillows, you can give your space an extra pop. Fresh flowers are always a beautiful touch too!

3. Paint. Beautiful pink hued walls bring a sense of warmth and classic feel to any space. This especially pink color creates a soft, welcoming, and elegant look.

4. Window Treatments. Pale pink window treatments can really complete a space. Incorporating beautiful florals and other patterns will give an otherwise basic room an extra focal point. 

Fall Decor Trends 2017

Well, it's officially Fall! We are seeing that some trends that were making their debut last year are now going out of style, and new ones coming in. There are many design trends that we will see this year, starting in the fall and here they are.

1. Dark Paint.  There is nothing richer or more classic than a saturated, darker color palette, specifically when applied to a wall color or furnishings. We are also seeing beautiful dark cabinetry, window treatments and decor that really make a statement!

2. Woven Textures. Wicker, wool, and other woven textures will give your space a warm, welcoming and organic appeal. Baskets and woven decor bring the outdoors in and create a rustic, traditional look.

3. Velvet. Velvet is a classic as it gets. The easiest way to incorporate this plush upholstery into your interior is through furnishings and window treatments. Velvet has been around for centuries and creates a timeless, sophisticated look.

4. Blush Color.  Soft blush colors are being seen all over the design community and there's a reason why. Soft pinks have a calming effect and create a both feminine and elegant look for an interior space.

5. Brass. Brass is back! We are seeing it presented in more of a bronzed, brushed style as opposed to the shiny golden that was so popular in the 80's and 90's. It seems that this time around, designers have mastered how to incorporate this beautiful finish into their themes.

ELLE Decor: What's Trending for Fall 2017

What we're seeing a lot of for fall design trends consists of organic decor, eclectic old timey products, and vibrant color schemes. 2016's gray palettes are starting to fade away (no pun intended) as more saturated colors are being seen on the forefront.  According to ELLE Decor, warmer color palettes are becoming very popular.

Beautiful bright green and blue color schemes are making their comeback, and we're seeing boldly painted furnishings, wall colors and decor that really make a statement coming to fruition on the design front. One timeless way into which you can implement a timeless look is through collecting old novels and stacking them under your favorite decor pieces to create height and weight.

A fun way to jump into fall trends is by implementing old fashioned pieces into your space. We love scouring antique stores and rummage sales to find the perfect piece for a focal point. This old wall sconce is a gorgeous piece that would look beautiful in any room in the home. 

Warmer colored metallic pieces are all the rage in the design world this year. Bronzes, brass and golds are being seen in both designer commercial and residential spaces. You can implement this look through the use of throw pillows, accessories, and lighting. 

Why Handmade Designs Are the Bee's Knees

There's nothing quite like having company over and receiving compliments on a unique decor item you have in your home. Owning a piece of handmade craftsmanship is like owning someone's true passion and skill. Being the only one in the world with their unique design has its specialness, too. 

It's all the rage at Highpoint this year to own live edge tables and other furnishings reminiscent of their prior organic state, and we can see why. These beautiful unique pieces are not only a conversation piece, they are elegant, timeless, and well, natural.  Finding a local artisan who can design these beautiful products isn't always easy; you can however, find unique pieces that aren't custom made for your space all over online. Gotta thank technology!

There are unique pieces like the ones pictured above that are both elegant and timeless and won't break the bank . You can find crafts like these at your local art fairs and farmers markets. Etsy is a great place to find unique artisan pieces as well.

Living in the Pacific Northwest allows us to find pieces of artisan work reminiscent of our natural surroundings. Driftwood frames like the one pictured above are a beautiful beachy way to bring the outdoors in.

Having a unique piece of handmade craftsmanship is not only a special way to add a focal point to your space, it helps support your local craftsmen as well!

Brass is Back! Where We're Seeing It in the Design World

Remember when brass was considered dated, old and 80's-90's? Well, this is no longer the case. We thought we would never see this shiny metallic make its comeback, we were wrong, and it's made its comeback stronger than ever! We're seeing it applied to all surfaces, large and small in some of the most elegant ways.

Accessorizing with brass and gold colors truly makes an elegant statement against the current color palettes that are trending. While we remember seeing brass hardware against forest green and burgundy backdrops in the 90's, we are now seeing it paired in conjunction with beautiful blues, grays, and even orange hues.

It's not just shiny, polished metallics we are seeing on the forefront. Rustic metals reminiscent of earlier years. Beautiful lighting fixtures, photo frames and accessories with aged finishes make for an elegant timeless look and will never date themselves as time progresses.

Plumbing and cabinet hardware are definitely leaning towards the warmer metallic tones and we can see why. This gorgeous bathroom fixture truly makes a statement that is classic, sophisticated, and elegant.

Color Trends of 2017- What's Haute

Vibrant blues and warm colors are what's trending in the design world, according to ELLE Decor and we can see why. The more saturated a paint color is with white trim or details, the more it seems to pop and the more intense of a focal point it creates.

As you can see in the above interior, a vibrant complementary color scheme really makes a statement that is both elegant, sophisticated and timeless.  We're seeing brass and gold as accessories make their return to the design front, and they pair beautifully with the color schemes that are trending.

Warmer color palettes consisting of reds, browns and oranges are making their comeback as well. While the common gray interior is still very popular, we are seeing the design world take a turn into warmer schematics and colors.

Vibrant blues and greens reminiscent of color palettes in the 1930s are debuting on the design front. Peacock color schemes are trending and make a gorgeous statement in all types of interiors. 

Decorating with Fresh Florals!

Florals!

Interior Design is one way of making the house look amazing by any standards, so it is important that we understand  how best to incorporate floral additions in the house and there are various strategies for doing so in an elegant and beautiful way! Spring is one season when the addition of flowers can easily freshen your space and bring the outdoors in.

Here Are Some of Our Favorite Uses of Flowers in Design:

Simple Daisies. Placing a variety of colored daisies in an understated vase will bring you joy!

Green Hydrangeas. There is no more elegant a look than fresh green hydrangeas placed in an organic vase like the one pictured here. 

Shabby Chic. By placing your favorite flowers in a rustic vase like this one, you are sure to make a statement reminiscent of old farm houses.

Tailored Elegance. One trick to getting the perfect floral arrangement is to consider the shape of it as a whole. I like to trim the stems down and full the vase fully. Place in a silver plated vase, and viola!

Bright and Off Centered. A look that is trending in floral arrangements today is the off-centered look- placing the flowers in a non symmetrical way.

It’s Finally Spring!

 Images Source: Pexels

I love this time of year when there is a freshness in the air, flowers are blooming and the birds are singing.  Spring has that way to bring a smile to your face and a lightness to our every step. 

I especially love the ritual of spring cleaning. Whether it is your home or your spirit, it is a perfect time of year to start a new.  Growing up on the east coast it was always in March when I would change out my closests from the dark, heavy clothes to the light and bright spring and summer ones.  It is a ritual that I still do living on the west coast. 

I also encourage clients and friends to lighten up their homes. 

Is it time to bring color to your window coverings?  I love the use of multiple fabrics in various colors that definitely set the tone for this living room.

Or is it time to “get out of the box” and reupholester your sofa in a soft pink color?  Pink is hot color this year and it is the color a compassion and love. So if that is what you are feeling, go for it!!

Whether it is new window coverings, upholestery in a bold new colored fabric or just fresh new sofa pillows in a coral, pink color or crisp green,  a hint of springtime in your home will brighten up any room.

And of course to really bring a touch of spring into your home, why not paint. Paint is an instant color gratification that will transform your room and your life! I love the crsip fresh look of a bathroom that is painted in a cool blue tone such as Authentic Home COLOR Paint in Sky and set off by the white color of all of the fixtures.  The black and white floor brings the traditional feel into a more modern look just by adding the blue paint color to the walls and updating the fixtures.

Are you tired of your old “beige” outdoor cushions? Consider reupholestering them this season in a fresh spring green color.  It is an easy and inexpensive way to update your outdoor look this season!  There are a tremendous amount of outdoor fabrics whether you want a fun contemporary or elegant transistional fabric and color.  Sunbrella is the leading outdoor fabric manufacterer and nowadays many fabric manufacturers have their own line of indoor/outdoor fabrics suitable for upholestery and even outdoor drapery use.  

May you enjoy all that spring has to offer you!

White Christmas: Our Favorite Holiday Destinations

 

There is nothing more nostalgic and heart warming than seeing a beautiful white panorama out your window during the holidays. The way in which the snow lights up the sky will remind you that you’re  safe and put you in the holiday spirit like nothing else. This is why at Authentic Home, we have scoured the globe for:

Our Five Favorite North American Holiday Destinations

1. Quebec, Canada.

This beautiful and historical city features intricate architecture, an amazing dining scene, and beautiful winter landscapes. To really enjoy a winter wonderland, check out their Ice Hotel, where you can rent a room and sleep on a hand-sculpted ice bed, with plush linens. Enjoy a scratch cocktail or a glass of wine in their ice bar. You can definitely check that one off your bucket list!

Quebec’s quaint alleyways and buildings truly embrace the beauty of the winter cold.

The Ice Hotel is an unforgettable attraction for people all over the world.

2. Leavenworth, Washington.

This picturesque Bavarian-inspired town is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to dine, relax, ski, and enjoy the many festivals during the winter months. Enjoy their annual Christmas lighting festival, taste local wines, or dine in a cozy cafe overlooking the beautiful snowy mountains while enjoying a local band. You will feel as if you are so far away, yet so at home.

Leavenworth’s Downtown district is so picturesque, you feel as though you are in an impressionistic painting of an old Bavarian village.

The Pine River Bed and Breakfast truly captures the coziness of being snowed in, with rustic cabin-like features and beautiful snowy views. Looking for cabin-like Interior inspiration? Check out our Pinterest Board.

3. Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods New Hampshire.

Bretton Woods was built in 1772 by Royal Governor John Wentworth. This grand, elegant palace features excellent cuisine, Alpine skiing, and snow swept carriage rides. Cozy up in your elegant room by the fire, or partake in one of their many seasonal events.

Ever wondered what a “one-horse open sleigh” looks like? At Omni, not only can you see one, but you can experience one in all of it’s glory.

Take a ride behind a team of sled dogs through the snow! This is one of Omni Mount Washington’s most famous attractions. You can see the sheer size of the resort in the backdrop of the above image.

4. Whistler, British Columbia.

This beautiful mountain ski village has everything you could possibly need to experience a winter vacation at its best. Located in the heart of the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains of Canada, Whistler has one of the longest running ski seasons in North America.

The beauty of Whistler, B.C., is that the restaurants, shopping, and entertainment are all within walking distance of your hotel or resort when you stay within the village. Bundle up after a long day on the mountain and take in the glistening holiday lights, excellent cuisine, and beautiful scenery.

5. Berkshires, Massachussettes

With open roads, quaint towns, and classic red barns, the Berkshires deliver all the dreamlike wintry romance of New England. Snowshoe through open trails, explore  the Norman Rockwell- esque town of Stockbridge, and enjoy candle lit dinners in one of  the many cozy restaurants, while taking in the beautiful snowy surroundings.

Beautiful historic buildings, like the Wayside Inn Grist Mill pictured above, truly capture the beauty of a New England winter.

The Red Lion Inn, in Stockbridge, MA is a beautiful old colonial hotel perfect for truly capturing the historic elegance of winter in the Berkshires.

Are you getting into the Holiday spirit? Looking for some inspiration? Authentic Home’s Kathy Banak has shared her family cookie recipes, here. Looking to switch up your decor? Bronze holiday interiors are making their debut for 2014- see our inspirations, here.

‘Tis the Season! Beautiful Metallic Holiday Interiors

 Images Source: Pexels

This time of year is always cathartic and cozy. It’s when we spend more time indoors, relishing in the coziness of our homes, getting crafty, and making extra time for friends and family. Each year, we think about our holiday decor and which theme best fits our present vibe.

At Authentic Home, our favorite style of festive design is through the use of various metallic finishes and bright, clean palettes. We are sharing our favorite tips and tricks to achieve a beautiful metallic holiday decor theme!

‘Tis the Season! Beautiful Metallic Holiday Interiors- Our Inspiration!

When decorating your home for the holidays, the easiest way to bring a festive sparkle into your space is through the use of reflective decor and accents. Beautiful metallic ornaments in many different colors works wonderfully together. Don’t over-think it. All silvers, golds, and coppers are complements of each other in the design world!

Remember, it’s all in the small things! Starting a collection of beautiful metallic pieces is easy. Scour your favorite home goods store, local antique market, and boxes in the attic. Pull in elements of non-traditional holiday items such as rustic woods and candles. This beautiful shelf display showcases the perfect arrangement of metallics, whites, and organic elements. The beauty of metallic holiday decorating is that it has a timeless aesthetic- it will never date itself! You can use your decor for years to come, adding pops of color that may be trending at that time. To learn how to make an ornament wreath, see a tutorial, here.

Implement all holiday decor into your tablescape! Take extra tree-toppers, ornaments, ribbon, and candles to give your table a glimmering, glowing, warm design. The beauty of metallic finishes is their reflective quality. Your decor is sure to sparkle with beautiful ambiance. A simple addition to your holiday tablescape is through the use of organic elements such as jute runners (which you can find already metallicised, or do yourself), crystal stemware, mirrored place mats and antiqued silver utensils. If you have extra tree clippings lying around, place a sprig of fresh pine into your napkin rings for an added festive touch (to see inspiration, click here.)

For  beautiful holiday decor and  tablescape ideas, visit Authentic Home’s Pinterest board, here.

Reminiscent of past trends, frosted trees are back in style. And they go beautifully with a metallic design theme! Use of a pale color palette in combination with metallic accents creates an elegant, sophisticated, warm, and welcoming touch. Through the use of silver, gold, and bronze ribbon you can replace tired garland, and white lights are always a classic look.One of our favorite crafty design ideas is the creation of Rudoulf! Bundle up and enjoy the crisp air while finding the perfect twigs to create your beautiful table piece. Paint in metallic shades, and viola- a conversation piece sure to delight!

 Seeking a Design Consultation? Contact Kathy Banak at Authentic Home, here.

Beachy Keen: 6 Beautiful Coastal Interiors

 

This time of year is the best, isn’t it? There is something so refreshing about the sunshine coming into our windows early in the morning, and  still having sunsets until late in the evening. This time of year inspires us to seek out surroundings reminiscent of days at the beach, family vacations, and true serene calmness. Which is why we are posting our design theme nostalgic to these times.

Beachy Keen: Our Six Favorite Coastal Interiors

1. Tailored, Bright and Airy. This beautiful living room brings a touch of the outdoors inside with gorgeous wicker accents, coral decor and coastal inspired paint. Authentic Home’s Powder Greenpaint color from the Fresh Paint Palette is the perfect choice to get this look.

2. Elegant, Calming. The perfect first impression! It’s all in the details when it comes to implementing a coastal look in your interior. The straw hat and woven beach bag are the perfect added touch. Authentic Home’s London Fog Paint Color from the Elegant Paint Palette brings a rich, saturated feel to any space while inspiring the perfect beach look.

3. Cape Cod Comfort. The use of a woven natural fiber flooring paired with a bright, sunny color palette and palm leaves bring the beach inside. The comfortable chairs and extra upholstered accents make it feel like home.

Image Source: Pexels

4. Colorful Eclectic. Mixing and matching patterns and bright colors works best in climates with more sunlight. This beautiful room is a mix of fun and colorful paired with sophistication and comfort. 

5. Sophisticated Chic. This beautiful room is as chic as it gets. The subtle beach accents and cool color palette are softened by the natural fiber rug and upholstered chairs. The use of decorative coffee table candles always adds extra class.

6. Martha’s Vineyard Nautical. The use of navy blue and white is as nautical as it gets. This beautiful vignette shows us how it’s in the small things when it comes to beachy decor. The beautiful coral artwork and calm color palette make you feel like you’re truly on vacation.

Curb Appeal- Get Summer Ready!

 

You have probably been preparing for the summer since January. Summer brings a lot of goodness. Things change when summers approach and the change should be incorporated in your home too!

If you are looking to change things up in summer, here are some ideas that can help:

Add A Touch of Color

Summer means bright, sunny days, which means your house can appear dull in contrast.  To revamp your home’s curb appeal, plant seasonal plants in colorful pots, or line your entryway with fresh flowers. Adding a touch of color really can make a difference!

Spruce Up the Front Door
Try to probe the summer by sprucing up the front door. Chalk out any post winter gaps if there are and let things loose. Focus on the front door and keep the temperatures in check before the summer approaches. A unique color always makes a statement!

Re-Do The Driveway
On the other hand, you should also try to re-do the drive away. Try to get rid of the debris or any patch cracks. Try to use a squeegee in order to apply to a decent sealer. You can try many different products in order to re-do the driveway.  Generally, the idea is to clean the drive way and this can be done with different options in mind.

Fill The Grass
Another common summer preparation is to fill the grass. Try to get rid of the leaves and twigs and de-thatch the dead grass using a metal rake. Try to ask for help if you want the right seed. You should try to hire a gardener if you want some extra work to be done. Moreover, you can even apply bald patches on your lawn to fill grass. Grass looks beautiful in the summer and should be taken care of if you want to improve the look of your home. The idea is to improve the look of your home and the first step towards doing this is to fill the grass. It also keeps your house green which is another huge benefit.

Fix  Your Sprinklers
It seems almost yearly that your sprinkler may not have lasted through the winter chill! Check for any winter damage if there is any including cracked pipes and broken heads. You should try to run the sprinkler one zone at a time. Moreover, if anything needs repair, get it repaired.

Unclutter Your Patio or Deck
Lastly, you should try to clean and clear the deck & patio areas. Use a deck brush or a decent deck cleaning solution to remove the dirt or mold. Reseal it if you need some smoothness on there.

There are many other things you can do to prepare your house in the summer, but these are just a few of our favorites!

Brashenomics Talks to Kathy About Bringing Spring into Your Home

 

Kathy Banak of Authentic Home joins host Ben Brashen on Brashenomics to talk about easy and affordable ways to bring spring into your home.

Bringing the Outdoors In: Organic Touches

 

I am sure you have experienced a time when you walked into a space and thought to yourself, “I am not sure what it is, but this space just feels fresh and organic.” Well, maybe not in those words, but you get my drift. Sometimes it is just the little things that make a world of difference in a space; the small touches that pull it all together. Many times, these details can be found on your evening walk, or better yet, visit to a local beach or park.

Bringing the Outdoors In: 6 Small Organic Touches that Make a Difference

1.Eucalyptus. This beautifully scented plant grows naturally in most regions. Many people use it for its aromatherapy healing properties, but it also is a beautiful soft green color that doesn’t fade as it dries. The beauty of this plant is that its versatility. Because it grows in long, bendable stalks, you can make wreaths, table runners, and candle holders (pictured below) easily for an elegant touch.

2. Branches. You see branches used in designer showrooms all the time. Reminiscent of a simpler time, branches can really bring a touch of sophistication to any space. I often find myself walking through my neighborhood, thinking, “wow, those branches would make the perfect accent piece!”

3.Wheat. Neutral in color, wheat adds a bit of texture and country to an interior space. It is plentiful- you can find it on a farm road growing abundantly. Perfectly groomed wheat arrangements are all the rage in the design world. Simply bunch together the perfect wheat stalks, tie with twine, and cut the bottom off in one clean swipe. The arrangement should be able to stand on its own.

4. Rocks & Stones. We all enjoy a day at the beach or the mountains. We tend to collect shells, or stones only to find ourselves with a pocket full of them when we get home, and no where to put them. Next time you’re out in the sunshine, seek out treasures that you can use in your decor. Large white stones work beautifully as bookends as pictured here.

5.Rustic Pieces of Wood. Oftentimes you will come across old, worn out pieces of painted or not painted wood. You may think nothing of it, but these finds are so unique, they are sure to make a stunning conversation piece within your home.  Pictured here, simple hooks and mason jars complete the look for beautiful candle wall sconces.

6.Hydrangeas. These beautiful flowers have been popular since the beginning of time. The pale pastel colors they take on as they dry out add a softness and femininity to a space like no other flower. Hydrangeas grow abundantly in the Pacific Northwest. You can enjoy them while they’re fresh and vibrant in color, then hang them up to dry and enjoy them for years to come..

Thanksgiving Jewel Color Tablescape

 

Jewel colors are still very trendy this fall. An easy way to incorporate this into your holiday season is to design your Thanksgiving table with the rich colors of emerald, topaz, ruby, sapphire and amethyst.

Adding cloth napkins is the easiest way to incorporate jewel colors like emerald on your table.

Blue glasses add a bright and interesting color to a traditional table.

This fun table incorporates several jewel colors. Mix and match colors to create a beautiful atmosphere your guest will enjoy.

Flowers are always a nice touch to a dining table. These bright bouquets bring lots of color to the table!

Do you need help decorating your table for Thanksgiving? Email Kathy for color advise and for your consultation today!