Making Purple Masculine

There tends to be a love-hate relationship with the color purple and it's sister hues. This is because it has been long associated with being considered a feminine color, unique only to girlish spaces. But we beg to differ. Purple can make an otherwise stark space feel big, bold, and even masculine! 

This gorgeous restaurant space is adorned with antique tufted sofas in place of booths. The purple upholstery gives it a more masculine feel in the way that the space is designed with industrial finishes, patterns and accessories.

When purple is used in clean, contemporary rooms, it definitely exudes a more masculine vibe. The simple purple, velvet throw pillows on the bed still have a streamlined feel, suited for a king!

In history, purple was a well-sought after color, as only royalty were able to get their hands on this pigment. You will often see purple adorning interiors from past times, as well as royalty dressed and accessorized in this color. 

What is your relationship with the color purple? Most people either love it or highly dislike it-- either way; most people are unsure as to why or why not they would use this hue in their space. 

Lamps! How They Truly Make A Difference

One of my favorite accessories of all time is lighting. There is no better way to make a statement than with beautiful, understated, or even ornate lamps! Oftentimes if your space is feeling stark or like it "needs something," the simplest remedy is to add a table lamp or two. Turn off overhead lights, turn on your lamps, and viola- a completely different feel to your space!

You can make your bedroom space feel like its own little paradise at bedtime, simply by placing table lamps on the side tables next to your bed. Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea while reading your favorite novel in the pure coziness of dimmer lighting. Studies show that when you dim your lights an hour before bed, it releases Melatonin, a naturally occurring sleep endorphin, giving you a better night's sleep overall!

You can find some of the most elegant lighting in many places these days. This understated lamp in a rustic brass finish surely gives this unique space a clean, streamlined look, while providing warmth to the otherwise cool color palette.

The lighting in this contemporary space surely makes a statement. The tripod style drum floor lamp is a gorgeous accent piece that adds to 

The lighting in this contemporary space surely makes a statement. The tripod style drum floor lamp is a gorgeous accent piece that adds to the modern style of this living room area. The industrial style pendant lighting makes a beautiful accent, continuing the streamlined, simple look.

Have questions about lighting? I would love to assist you! Contact me today for a consultation!

Gorgeous Outdoor Oasises

We love this time of year, when the sun is shining and we are spending time on our balconies or in our yards, breathing in the fresh summer air! If you're seeking a little outdoor inspiration, we've picked out our favorite little outdoor Oasis's and we will tell you why. 

1. Indoor and Outdoor Perfection! This gorgeous little bungalow has both a sun room to relax in as well as beautiful little outdoor areas for pure bliss! The gorgeous landscaping creates the perfect backdrop for evenings barbecuing and mornings over coffee.

2.  There is nothing more luxurious than having an outdoor living room like set up. Imagine enjoying an iced tea or your favorite wine while gazing at the crackling fire in the comfort of your own outdoor space!

3. We absolutely love the classic style of this beautiful Southern porch. When it comes to decor, it's all about simplicity, allowing for the gorgeous architecture to stand out on this colonial home. Imagine evenings of crickets and fresh dewy breeze.

4. The ultimate set up! Talk about entertaining company! This is an industrial outdoor kitchen, worthy of celebrity guests! As people love to gather in the kitchen, they now can in fresh air and breeze. Complete with beer on draft, this outdoor oasis is at the top of our list!

5. As scenic as it gets. Imagine evenings of fresh breeze coming off of the water while reading a favorite book. The beautiful Doric columns adorning the ornamental railings give this beautiful porch the most classic, traditional feel. 

Which is your favorite outdoor oasis? Comment below!

The Best Interior Design Trends for Spring & Summer 2018

We are always seeing the trends change in the design world, but for this season, we are definitely seeing some timeless, fun, elegant designs worth considering:

Pastels! It seems ironic, but we are seeing bold, saturated pastels make their debut all over the map in both the design and fashion worlds. Bright pops of pastel pinks and blues truly make a statement in your interior- bringing fun and lightness to the space.

Foliage! At one point, houseplants were seen as a dated way to decorate. But they're back! Different from your typical spider plant, you are seeing unique and distinct uses of foliage in interiors that surely make a room pop.

Turquoise! Turquoise is one of those colors that ebbs and flows- one day it's all the rage; the next, it's seen as antiquated. But, there are ways in which you can implement this beautiful hue into your space that are both timeless and classic.

Gold! Remember in the early 2000's when we were all trying to replace our brass knobs and hardware with brushed nickel? Well, gold is back in at full speed. But not the shiny brass we saw everywhere in the 90s- a more rustic look is what is trending. 

Metallic Floors! Such a statement! We are seeing designers all over the world painting concrete floors with metallic paints. We are seeing small flecks of silver and gold in carpet patterns. We are seeing metallics all over the flooring industry and they surely make a statement!

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!

The Bee's Knees: Tropical Prints

Tropical design has been a timeless look for many years and there is a reason for it. The nostalgia of vacation and happy times can be brought into your interior in a beautiful way that stands out! Here are some ways in which tropical patterns can be implemented into your home's interior in an elegant way.

1. Throw Pillows. Adding throw pillows to an otherwise neutral interior with tropical patterns give your space a fresh, organic and beautiful touch! 

2. Wallpaper. Implementing gorgeous tropical themed wallpaper to your smaller spaces such as your bathroom will provide a focal point and conversation piece.

3. Window Treatments. You can bring a piece of vacation memories into your home with the use of tropical patterns in your window treatments. If you're not a fan of busy patterned drapery, you can implement a tropical look with natural fabrics such as tweed.

4. Upholstery. Add a touch of whimsy to your interior with an arm chair patterned in fun, organic, tropical prints. 

5. Bedding. You can find beautiful bedding in tropical themes, reminiscent of your best days at the resort.

6. Tile. With all of the beautiful options out there, you can make a gorgeous statement with tropical tile in your baths and kitchen.

Christmas Tree Designs

Can you believe the holidays have arrived? Time to put those harvest inspired pieces of decor away, and dive into Christmas spirit! Need a little inspiration for your Christmas tree design? Well, look no more. Your Christmas tree is the centerpiece of your home's holiday decor, so it plays the ultimate role in getting the right festive vibe down in your space. 

Stately and simple or dressed in holiday finery, a tree is an enduring symbol of Christmas. Steal ideas from some of our faves! 

Wrap Lights in Garland. Eliminate a step from your tree decorating routine by combining garland and lights. Simply choose several different fabrics in coordinating patterns and colors, cut them into thin strips, then tie the strips onto a string of Christmas lights until the chord is completely covered. 

If your home is dignified and sophisticated, then a chic tree is a perfect fit for you. An elegant Christmas tree will create a rich, welcoming feeling without overpowering the rest of your home.

Anyone can throw some lights on a tree, but a beautifully decorated Christmas tree can light up the holiday spirit of everyone who sees it. Make sure your tree looks exquisite and classic by decorating with elegance. You'll need some planning time and a budget for ornaments, and then arrange all the decorations in order.

Let's Talk Color: 

• Classic Christmas colors, red and green. Accent the green tree with red ornaments, garlands and ribbons. If you want to add some pizazz with one metallic color, try gold or silver. Red, green or clear lights would work best with this style.

• Wintry colors, like blue, silver and purple. Use your tree to imitate the icy, glittering colors of a snowy Christmas. If you choose this scheme, try to avoid mixing in anything red, yellow, or golden. Pick clear or blue lights to go with it. For a truly minimalist winter look, use only white and silver decorations.

• Metallic colors, such as gold, silver and bronze. The good news is that metallic colors are easy to mix, and you can play with one, two or three. They're best accented with clear lights.

• Cool or warm colors. If you want a tree that's a little more diverse, try sticking to colors that are either cool (with blue undertones) or warm (with red undertones). For instance, a warm tree might feature red, orange and gold decorations; a cool one could have green, purple, blue and silver.

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.

Simple, Elegant Flower Arrangements

There is something about having fresh flowers within our space that makes us feel happy. Psychological studies have shown that having bright foliage within your space reduces stress and brings forth a sense of peace in our minds. Here are some simple flower arrangements that you can create for your space!

Compact and Neutral

Light green and peach hues adorn this arrangement giving the perfect, beautiful cohesiveness to it.

Simple & Timeless

In floral arrangements, we are seeing a theme of less is more. There is something so timeless and elegant about a simple stemmed flower in a tiny vase.

Classic Daffodils

Bring in freshness and cheer with this classic look. A gorgeous mason jar mug gives it a shabby chic appeal.

Rustic Garden

Give off the look of clipping in the garden with an old bucket and just a couple of flowers. So simple, yet so chic.

Hydrangeas Forever

Hydrangeas for forever be seen as one of the most classic flowers in design. There is something so timeless about their appeal and they dry beautifully!

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. 

Medina Manor Gets An Entire Refresh!

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The Psychology Behind Color!

The color of something really never registers to us far beyond the fact we recognize the color, at least not on a surface level. Did you know subconsciously the colors you are exposed to on a daily basis play an important role in your mood and emotions? There are certain colors that are said to invoke certain moods or make you feel certain ways. You wouldn’t believe how powerful color can be, which is why when you are considering painting your home’s interior you want colors that will promote happiness, calmness, and comfort. So, then now that we understand the role colors play in our moods let’s take a look at some colors that could benefit you when you use them.

Color Psychology:

·         Red – said to stimulate your body and mind and helps increase circulation

·         Yellow – said to stimulate your nerves and even help purify the body

·         Orange – has been used to heal the lungs and help boost energy levels

·         Blue – helps soothe illnesses and even help alleviate pain

·         Indigo – has been known to help alleviate skin issues

Now, let’s take a look at a few examples of which colors would be best where in your home. As with anything you have the choice to pain your home however you like, please simply know this can be used as a guide.

The color Green at times can signify money or finances which is why the color itself helps you become more productive. Green also produces the least amount of eyestrain which makes this color a wonderful choice for a computer desk. Give your eyes a break from the computer screen ever so often and gaze upon the lovely green shade of your desk.

The work out room could benefit you more if it was painted orange. Orange is said to help increase stimulation as well as enthusiasm. Orange is also said to help increase oxygen supply to the brain and stimulate the brain activity. If you can’t paint a whole room orange then try opting for orange work out attire instead.

Avoid overusing the color grey if you can or if you prefer grey, pair it with a more upbeat color because grey by itself can inspire people to be more passive, have a lack of energy and become uninvolved, but if you pair it with a bolder, brighter more upbeat color you can counteract the psychological effects make a gorgeous statement!

Colors may seem like such a small aspect when you are thinking about your home and how aspects of your home effect you but truth be told color is one of the largest influences on us and when we spent so much time in our home don’t we owe it to ourselves to used colors that will promote health and happiness rather than dulling and sad colors?

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.

Unclutter! The First Step to Welcoming Spring

Unclutter! The First Step To Welcoming Spring

Many homes around the world do spring cleaning because this is the perfect time to clean from top to bottom. However, nothing will ever feel clean if it is still cluttered because it is difficult to get all the dirt out if there is clutter in your way. So to unclutter is the first step to truly clean your home and is environmentally friendly at the same time. 
To start with, focus on the small space and organize it before you go to the larger space. Start by removing items in this space and create four piles of the clutter, the ones you want to: keep, donate, recycle and toss. Consider to:

Compost
When you start to unclutter, you will find that there are many items you can compose. Items like cardboard and shredded papers can be composted. If you don’t have a bin in your home, you can take them to your local compost centers.

Donate
Your used items can be of much help to others than throwing them. Donating them help in keeping them out of landfills and they can be of value to another person. Consider things like furniture, linen, clothes, electronics and more when sorting out your clutter.

Scan Files
Instead of storing too many files, clutter them scan and store the important one digitally. Use tools like Neatdesk for organizing your files. It eliminates clutter, saves time and eco-friendly.

Repurpose
As you are cluttering, can you repurpose some items? Can you use them for other needs in your home? This saves you some few dollars you would spend on new items that will add more clutter to your home later. Old cans can make a great pen holder or paper clip storage, you can use a cardboard box as a file storage or shoe box to organize your pantry.

Recycle
Just having a good look at your clutter, you might be surprised by how much you can recycle. Use your local recycling center for things like batteries, scrap metal, electronics, papers or plastics.

Once you have uncluttered your clutter in an environmentally friendly way, it’s time to get down and do the dirty work. There are chemical you can use for this work, but it's good if you use natural cleaners for safety and stay healthy. With clutter gone, clean your home from top to bottom to have a refreshed, renewed home and be ready for the warmer months.

Our Predictions 2017: What's Next in the Design World

We never thought that the oh-so-popular burgundy walls of the 90's would ever see the end of their popularity. We sometimes forget when we design our spaces to consider whether or not designs will be timeless- visions that will not seem dated later on. 

On that note, we thought it would be fun to try and predict what will become in style this year in the world of Interior Design... here are the six things we believe will make their debut this year!

1. Pale Color Palettes. While we have seen pastels in Interiors since the beginning of time, we are already seeing them make a major comeback in both modern and traditional spaces. Pale pinks paired with grays and blues are seen all over the design world right now!

2. Green is the New Gray. Considering "Greenery" has been chosen as Pantone's Color of the Year, it only makes sense that their marketing campaigns will be flashing this gorgeous hue all over the design world!

3. Streamlined molding not painted white. We are already seeing this new trend. Baseboards and molding that are simple in style, not ornate. Painting these details a light gray color, or any other color than the traditional white is already becoming very popular in the design scene.

4. Navy Blue! Beautiful variations of dark blue are being used in newly designed spaces. This timeless hue gives your space a classic, rich, bold and sophisticated look. 

5. Bold Accent Pieces. We love scouring through Pinterest to see what the latest is when it comes to decor. There is nothing more beautiful than a non-traditional color being showcased in a neutral space.

6. Eclectic Wallpaper. There is nothing more visually fun than a room adorning an eclectic wall pattern. We are seeing gorgeous wall coverings reminiscent of past times all over the design market, and we can see why!