Blacked-Out Kitchens are the New Trend

Photo courtesy of Alexander Jospeph

It seemed as if the interior designing industry has exhausted all of the various designs used in kitchens — until the new trend of all-black kitchens became the new fad and shifted the paradigm. Here’s how designers are getting into the trend and making blacked-out kitchens feel warm and inviting at the same time.

Dark cabinets and countertops not only add a beautiful composition to the space, but they actually make the room feel less blank and minimalistic. Ironically, the dark colors add a certain vibrance and texture to the space rather than washing it out. Utilize natural light with large floor-to-ceiling windows to give the black cabinets a hint of blue dark blue for a more colorful style. The sunlight on these cabinets keep they style modern and sleek without making it bland and boring.

Photo courtesy of Original BTC

Photo courtesy of Viva Lagoon

Another perfect way of styling blacked-out kitchens is adding gold accents. Not only do they add the perfect contrast, but they vary the textures used, making a refined and finished look. The reflective material of the gold cabinets create an open and war atmosphere.

Regardless, if a completely blacked-out kitchen isn’t your style, then look toward making a stark contrast between black and white. Not only does it create a striking composition, but it brings a unique flair that’s sure to be a conversation piece. The blacked-out island at the forefront of this otherwise white kitchen is a perfect example, and will make sure to invite people in.

Photo courtesy of PullCast

November 26, 2019 Leave a comment

Designing your Dream Walk-In Closet

with:Camille Furst

For those who are looking to find more storage for their clothes and accessories, or those who simply want to elevate the style of their home, look toward making the dream walk-in closet. Not only can it be practical by offering ample storage, but it can also be a reflection of your style, so don’t forget to make it yours. Here’s how:

1. Sleek, Organized Design

When it’s completely organized, having all your clothes on display can add vibrant color and a beautiful composition to your walk-in closet. But practically, it can be a challenge to keep the storage space that organized all the time. So instead, look toward stained cabinets with a matte finish. Use gold to add a pop of color and a simple design for a sleek finish.

Photo courtesy of LUXXU Home

Photo courtesy of LUXXU Home

Photo courtesy of PullCast

Photo courtesy of Brabbu Designs

2. Not Just a Closet (seating, too!)

When you have the space, add in comfortable seating as well. Not only does it elevate the luxury-end of the design, but it functions well when changing or putting on shoes. Add a comfortable bench or chair for the same effect.

3. Effortless Impact

When designing a walk-in closet, there’s one word that’s a must: effortless. Whether it’s more monochrome or vibrant in color or more spacious or closed off, let the room be yours. Let it reflect your personal taste — both in fashion and design.

Photo courtesy of Chaplins Furniture

November 6, 2019 1 Comment

Picking the Perfect Front Door

with:Camille Furst

As the first impression a visitor receives, the front door is arguably one of the most important pieces of your home. Whenever you’re rushing to get out the door, walking back in from a long day or inviting guests in, the front door should be a reflection of you and your style.

For a bolder style, look toward a deep blue colored door like this. The clean lines and bold colors are sure to turn heads. Add floor-to-ceiling glass panels on the sides to create a sleek and stylish look.

Photo courtesy of Urban Front

Photo courtesy of Urban Front

The glass around this front door also works to bring a modern flair. Both doors are conversation pieces for the home, inviting you and your guests in.

Photo courtesy of John Cullen Lighting

For a more comfortable and warm approach, look toward different materials and textures. This rustic wooden door establishes an inviting atmosphere, and the dramatic lights add a striking feature. The distinctly modern approach paired with the rustic wood creates the perfect balance.

Another way to find a door with a more relaxed style is in its colors and simple design. The recessed doorway draws attention to the simplicity of this home. The light fixtures and the paneling complement each other on their simplicity. Meanwhile, the neutral colors brighten the exterior on a sunny day and complement the hues on a rainy day, too. This stoop is sure to invite you in.

Photo courtesy of Garden Trading

November 4, 2019 Leave a comment

Brick Walls: More Versatile Than You Might Think

with:Camille Furst

Brick walls, although historically having a more industrial style, have become a trend in luxury apartments and homes. The rustic appearance, regardless of the colors, shapes or textures, can add a beautiful backdrop to any room.

For a more rustic and historical appeal, look toward bricks with unconventional shapes. The individual stones create a unique composition, while the neutral colors add to the realistic style. Pair it with metal counters like the one in this space, or with more wooden finishes for a softer and less industrial design.

Photo courtesy of LisaSarah

Photo courtesy of Chaplins Furniture

When it comes to the industrial design, however, balance is key. This style can be either perfected or overdone with brick walls. Soft fabrics on the furniture, found in this apartment, create the perfect confluence of style and comfort. If the bricks are only on one wall of the room, pair the other walls with large and industrial-style windows. They not only bring in a flood of natural light, but add the finishing touch to the trendy style.

For a softer look that’s still on-trend, look toward colored brick walls. Paint them white or a color that complements the furniture in the room to achieve the perfect design. The white backdrop behind the strikingly blue couch adds a unique touch that isn’t too overbearing. Meanwhile, the green colored brick walls that perfectly match the couch create a unique and eccentric style sure to turn heads.

Photo courtesy of Woodchip and Magnolia

Photo courtesy of Wallsauce

November 2, 2019 Leave a comment

Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays

with:Camille Furst

With Halloween just around the corner and the holidays coming up as well, households are getting ready to entertain their guests. Whether it be a costume party or a simple dinner with close friends, there’s always room to revamp your home in time for the holidays. Here’s how:

Photo courtesy of Lights4Fun

Photo courtesy of Lights4Fun

1. Spooky Decorations

A Halloween party wouldn’t live up to its name without the classic decorations. Orange and black are the go-to colors, while a pop of purple can be just what the setup needs. Add lanterns, candles and spooky lights for the perfect composition sure to charm your guests. Pumpkin lanterns also add the perfect seasonal decoration. The orange hues bring a warm and inviting light into the space to make your guests feel comfortable.

2. Making Room for Guests

It’s time to make room around the table for the guests that’ll be coming to join in on the celebration. Add a larger table and comfortable chairs to make everyone feel welcomed. A wooden table adds a rustic style while contributing to the seasonal atmosphere. For Halloween and into the holiday season as well, providing enough seating is a must.

Photo courtesy of La Residence Interiors

Photo courtesy of Interflora

Photo coutesy of Interflora

3. Prepping for Thanksgiving

Halloween decorations don’t always have to be spooky, though. Add more seasonal options with a cornucopia and a beautiful arrangement of flowers. This way, the decorations can be up well into November and for Thanksgiving as well. These assortments of flowers, haystacks and pumpkins offer a charming composition sure to turn heads during the holiday season.

October 28, 2019 Leave a comment

Styling the Havana Way

with:Kristen Ordonez

Cuba’s capital, Havana, is celebrating its 500th year anniversary in November this year, a legacy that has led to a delightful cultural atmosphere, one that has drifted into the design sector. The style of Havana decor is a wonderful, bright and fun, as well as easy to replicate with a few simple touches. Here are some key trends that easily bring Cuban decor into your home.

Colors

Cubans love vivid colors, from bright hues faded under the sun to simple pastels. Ocean-inspired blues and greens marry well with terracotta oranges and vibrant yellows. Use these shades on large walls and contrast with different colored trim.

Photo by MindtheGap.

Weathered and Rustic

Cuban homes often feature textured layers of paint and plaster and rustic furnishings. Use a lime wash paint to give the walls a weathered look and, for furnishings, introduce some texture with chunky wood pieces and rustic metal.

Photo by The French Bedroom Co.

Cement Tiles

Colorful, patterned cement tiles are a great way to bring Cuban inspired patterns into your home. On the walls, floors, bathrooms or patio, these tiles add interest and contrast in any room.

Photo by Original Style.

Tropical Plants

Nothing says Cuban style like large leafy, tropical plants. Inside or on the patio, it’s all about volume to create a dramatic lush look.

Photo by Tesalate.

1950s Nostalgia

Cuba’s 1950’s cars are iconic and still grace the streets today. Use vintage adverts, car photos and licence plates to add this fun look to your Cuban styled home.

Photo by The French Bedroom Co.

Art Deco

Havana is full of beautiful Art Deco buildings at every turn. Introduce a few Art Deco antiques or replicas as key pieces to fill spaces and to add interest and charm to a room.

Photo by Sweetpea.

Cuban decor is nostalgic and charming — a trend that is likely here to stay. With a few easy touches, a room can be transformed into a bright and fun haven to enjoy a mojito in as if you were in Havana!

October 21, 2019 Leave a comment

Tectonic Accessories Inspired By Earth’s Movement

with:Unique Homes Staff

Architects, designers, artists and more often pull inspiration from their surroundings to create unforgettable final products. Tectonic accessories, designed by Rogerseller, were created with the idea of earth’s most enigmatic natural processes — tectonic plate motion — in mind.

A series of floating plates make up the enchanting collection. They can be placed in various planes and axis’ to each other, representative of the plates that make up the Earth’s surface and their dynamic interaction with each other.

An intriguing addition to any bathroom, these elements are undeniably modern, yet pull from an ancient process that began over three billion years ago. The sleek finishes are appealing in both their function and style. These accessories are the perfect detail to finish your space.

The linear design provides a bold signature aesthetic that appears throughout the collection, which is available in a selection of the Rogerseller Natural Elements finishes.

The accessories feature multiple-length towel rails and shelves (with the option of custom tile inserts), a combination shelf and towel rail, angled and straight robe hooks, double or single paper holders with shelves and a vertical heated towel rail that provides greater heating efficiency.

Each rail, shelf and robe hook is of equal height, allowing installation as a continuous linear feature wrapping around the bathroom.
Photos courtesy of Rogerseller

October 19, 2019 Leave a comment

Entertaining through Color

with:Unique Homes Staff

Photo by Alem Sánchez.

With literally millions of shades and hues to play with, color can also be intimidating. In a recent post by Northeast Meetings + Events, a series of experts give their professional advice on how to utilize color to enhance an entertainment venue and decoration. Fulfill the entertainer in yourself with their insight!

Expert advice varies on if there should be a color limit or if there’s a perfect strategy to picking colors. But when you do, internationally recognized color expert Leatrice Eiseman suggests starting with one lead color. “Then build the other colors around it.” And always take into consideration the existing room’s colors and lighting. “Whatever the venue is you’ve got to take into consideration what is already there that is immovable. What could you do to draw attention away from or disguise a presence of color that really is interruptive?”

As Director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training, and the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Eiseman definitely has the know-how on color. She says that early in her career people outside of fashion didn’t pay much attention to color. “When I started out I’d often meet with a bunch of engineers sitting there with crossed arms,” she says. “But people have realized the psychological impact color has. … Color is a very important aspect of any work you do across design industries.”

When using color in decor, for events or otherwise, consider the mood you want to establish.

Photo by Kaboompics.com

“The use of cool colors and hues such as blues can help calm and relax individuals and generate clearer and a more relaxed mind-set, great for business sessions,” says Sarah Kelly, senior event producer with Cantrav Services. She often incorporates color to set a mood. “While the use of warmer colors and hues such as ambers and reds can help stimulate and generate a more active and warm response, great for team-building or brainstorming sessions,” she adds.

Photo by Pixabay.

Photo by Designecologist.

You can even use color to play off of factors such as the season of the event, suggests Dwayne Thomas, owner of Portland lighting company Greenlight Creative.

“There are some perennial things. If I do a fundraiser in the fall, there’s a 50-50 chance it’s going [to show] fall colors. In winter, blues tend to be more popular, and in the summer, reds are more popular.”

“Color adds an additional depth and sparks interest,” says Kelly, who suggests that planners be bold and purposeful — but not too bold. “There are two mistakes people can make, either using too much color and overwhelming guests’ senses or being afraid to use it at all and not fully committing to the event’s theme or identity,” she says. “But, as long as you stick to some basic rules such as making sure you use colors that complement one another … there’s no reason to go wrong.”

For more color tips, visit Northeast Meetings + Events post!

October 16, 2019 Leave a comment

Designing for Small Spaces

with:Jessica Ganga

Whether you live in a modest studio or a trendy loft, it can prove challenging to design and organize a small living space. Luckily, there are simple and creative ways to make a tiny apartment feel [almost] like a penthouse.

Photo courtesy of Original Style.

In the kitchen, a large, rectangular dining table takes up most of the space. Opt for a small, round table so you can maximize the space to move around in when cooking or entertaining guests. Cabinetry tends to have extra space at the top and bottom. Go for cabinets that go all the way up and down, making the room feel higher. Mirrors create an allusion that a room is larger than it seems. The oldest trick in the design book, mirrors expand the space and add dimension.

Photo courtesy of Oak Furnitureland.

Photo courtesy of Essential Home.

Day-beds double the size of a bedroom. Try and find a day-bed that is multi-functional, providing storage space or an extra bed when a guest stays over for a night. Don’t have a spot for a desk? Install a wall desk, which takes up less room compared to a regular one. Mount shelves about it for extra storage.

For studio apartments with less area and no defined rooms, create zones by using dividers or other furniture. This design strategy helps designate where people can go when they visit and what is more private.

Photo courtesy of Noa and Nani.

Photo courtesy of Einrichten-design.de.

Photo courtesy of Go Modern Furniture.

Utilize pieces of furniture for more than one use. A coffee table can be used as a dinner table, an extra chair means a nightstand. Sofa beds are a great way to take advantage of a location for people to sit and become a place to sleep at night. Murphy beds keep where you sleep hidden and some come with shelving for storage.

Cheerful, bright colors open up space and liven it up. Pick out colors such as turquoise or pink hues. Cool, even tones make the room feel as if it’s larger than it is. If bright colors aren’t your thing, try neutral, even tones such as tans or grays. This color scheme tricks the eye into thinking the room is bigger than it is.

Photo courtesy of PLACE TO BE.

October 14, 2019 Leave a comment

Perfecting Your Home Office Style

with:Unique Homes Staff

For many industries, working from home has become the norm and the need to create a productive work environment is at the forefront of the minds of young professionals.

What better way to increase productivity than to outfit the perfect office space! Design professionals at Home Design Ideas have found some of the best and easiest ways to help you find your office style, so that the real work can follow. Whether you’ve got an entire room or just a tiny corner, this list should help spark the imagination!

Minimalism

Minimalism has been a consistent trend that works its way into many highly sourced styles, from Hygge to Transitional. For offices in particular, minimalism is key as it wards against clutter and helps promote a clear mind.

To keep your desk clutter-free, add in simple furniture and some shelving. Embrace a neutral color palette to really showcase the minimalist in yourself, and if you need to warm things up to avoid getting too stale, incorporate a touch of green with a plant or pieces of art.

This is the better way to keep it simple, clean, and perfectly in order.

Photo courtesy Pixabay.

Black Goes with Everything

Much like its effect on wearable fashion, black happens to go with almost anything, from brass accents on black furniture to gray-black paint as an accent wall.

Using black is an easy, yet stylish method of design for those who want their office style to look effortless (because it was!). There are tons of ways you implement black color, including the utilization of fun prints.

“To totally transport yourself somewhere way more exciting than your work, try an exotic pattern, like the black-and-white zebra motif. A rattan chandelier adds texture and personality to the space,” according to Home Design Ideas.

Photo courtesy Pixabay.

Boho a Go-Go

Bohemian, like other classic styles, is one that is timeless and free spirited in nature — a perfect setting to give your mind a rest after the work is done.

Embrace your inner free spirit and decorate your office with anything that tells a story, has sentimental value to you, or that you picked up on your travels.

Often times these pieces are little motivational tokens, a reminder of what success and productivity lead to.

Add in a bold, patterned rug, color on color, and some plants to add to this overall energy.

For other tips, visit Home Design Ideas post here!

Photo courtesy Daria Shevtsova.

October 12, 2019 Leave a comment

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