Kitchen Design: Choosing The Perfect Kitchen Table

Caroline Newman — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:12:00 GMT

A great kitchen table is the linchpin of any beautiful kitchen design and the centerpiece of all at-home entertainment. Choosing the perfect kitchen table will give family and friends a wonderful space to gather around, a comfortable and elegant setting to enjoy delicious food and wonderful fellowship.

When choosing a kitchen table, you should consider the proportions of your space, the overall design of your room, and the setting that you are trying to achieve. To get you started, we have listed three types of kitchen tables and the kitchen designs that they work well with.

Classic Rectangle Kitchen Table

A long wooden table has long been the favored centerpiece of kitchen design, and it's tough to beat the classics. This versatile design works everywhere from a farmhouse kitchen to an elegant dining room, depending on the style of wood that you choose.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

The simple stone top and rough wooden beams lend a rustic elegance to this spacious country kitchen. When using a rectangle table, there is room to get creative with your seating. Cover chairs in leather or plush fabric will give your table a more luxurious feel, while painted picnic benches would promote a more casual atmosphere.

The Round Kitchen Table

Round tables are a great way to make the most of smaller spaces and create comfortable, intimate seating. Once again, the look depends a lot on the material that you use. If you want to inject a note of formality into your dining space, go for dark, rich woods and ornamental bases. If you want to keep your kitchen open and light, consider choosing a glass table top with a simple metal or wrought iron base.

Photo: Austrailian Vogue Living, Richard Powers

Here, the table's rich dark wood complements the formal elegance of antique chairs and provides a strong focal point within the room's white paneling.

Banquette

Banquette seating is a great way to add both storage and seating to your kitchen. Banquettes are best used in more casual kitchen and breakfast nooks, rather than formal dining rooms.

Photo: casugar.com

Banquette seating is a great way to inject a playful note in your kitchen design. Here, fabric and pillows add color and pattern the kitchen's design, while the simple, elegant glass table balances everything out.

3 Tips for Elegant Outdoor Living Areas

Caroline Newman — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:03:00 GMT

Elegant outdoor living areas add a warm and gracious touch to any home, opening up so many possibilities for entertaining and family fun. With some careful planning and a healthy dose of creativity, you can create a comfortable, elegant outdoor living area where your family will enjoy everything from quiet fall evenings to large summer barbecues. Check out our tips and get started on designing your own elegant outdoor living area.

Divide your outdoor living space into smaller areas

Use different groupings of furniture to make a large outdoor space feel more intimate and cozy. Designate one area for dining, one for cooking, and another for casual seating. Position furniture or plants to create subtle divides without entirely blocking off each section.

Photo: Gibson Design Group

Here, bamboo partitions subtly and beautifully divide the dining and seating areas while still allowing the space to feel open and airy.

Anchor your space with fire

A dramatic fireplace is a great way to anchor your outdoor living area while also boosting its capability. A roaring fire will help keep your space warm even during colder months, ensuring that you get as much use out of your outdoor living area as possible.

Photo: Architectural Digest via www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

If a stone fireplace is rather out of your price range, consider adding a large firepit. Open firepits give off a lot of warmth, and they are usually a hit with any smores-loving children.

Dont' Be Afraid of Using Fabric

Pretty fabrics do not have to be confined to the indoors. As outdoor living areas have grown more and more popular, manufacturers are churning out fabric that can stand up to moisture and humidity. Using abundant fabric in your outdoor living area instantly makes the space feel more luxurious and comfortable.

Photo: www.experienceoutdoorliving.com

Kitchen Cabinet Design: 3 Cabinet Stains for Kitchen Design

Caroline Newman — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:21:00 GMT

As we pointed out in last week's post about glass cabinets, the style and texture of your kitchen cabinets can define your kitchen design. Different cabinet stains and colors can give an entirely different feel to your room, transforming your kitchen design with a few coats of paint or stain.

To take your kitchen cabinet design in a different direction, check out these three stains and the kitchen designs that they go well with.

3 Cabinet Stains for Kitchen Design

Kitchen Design: Rustic Elegance

Cabinet Stain: Cherry or darker wood

Richly colored woods such as cherry or mahogany add warmth to a rustic-style kitchen. These woods are best paired with warm, earthy colors, such as deep reds or golden yellows.

Photo: www.cabinets.com

Complete the rustic look with thoughtful details. Wrought iron cabinet pulls, gleaming copper pots, and brick accents are a great way to add small touches of rustic elegance.

Kitchen Design: Streamlined Contemporary

Cabinet Stain: Gray or Black

Dark gray or black cabinets create clean, well-defined lines in your kitchen, making the overall space appear neatly contemporary. For black or gray cabinets, you can choose between a very dark stain or a semi-gloss or gloss paint. Paint creates a smooth, uniform finish, while stain allows some of the wood's original grain to show through.

Photo: Flickr, The Estate of Things

Gleaming silver and white hardware completes the contemporary look. Make sure to enliven the more minimalist design with a few well-chosen accents, such as pretty storage jars, open dish shelving, or distinctive table centerpieces.

Kitchen Design: Light and Airy

Cabinet Stain: Light Oak or Maple

While darker stains risk overwhelming a small kitchen, lighter cabinet stains immediately open up a kitchen design scheme. Light oak or maple stains are extremely versatile and can be paired with a variety of paint colors or counters.

Photo: www.home.howstuffworks.com

Make sure to anchor lighter cabinets with other darker accents, such as black appliances, darker counters, or rich paint colors.

Cabinet Design Tips: Glass Cabinets for Kitchen Design

Caroline Newman — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Glass cabinets are a great way to ensure an organized kitchen design. Transparent glass cabinet doors force you to prioritize neatness on your kitchen shelves, since every item on them will be clearly visible.

In addition to this forced organization, glass cabinets provide a light, airy alternative to traditional wooden cabinet doors, immediately opening up a small place and adding subtle texture and shine.

The style of your glass cabinet doors should be chosen to match the overall design of the room. For example, if you are envisioning a charming country kitchen, you could choose windowpane-style glass cabinets in lighter paint colors.

Photo: bhg.com

Painting the back of your cabinets or covering them with fabric is a great way to tie your cabinet design to your room's color scheme. The painted blue boards in the above cabinets complement the neatly stacked blue and white dishes and enliven the neutral white of the cabinet doors.

If your room's aesthetic is more modern, you might want to consider single panel glass cabinet doors. The uninterrupted stretch of glass would fit right in with a sleek, contemporary design scheme. Here, tinted glass cabinets offer clean lines and a stark black and white color scheme, complementing the room's spare, minimalist design.

Photo: arritalcucine.com

Whether your kitchen is traditional or contemporary, country or whimsical, glass cabinets are a great way to enhance your design scheme while also displaying your favorite dishes. This relatively simple change can transform your room and add the final touch to the design that you have been envisioning.

Unique Gift Wrapping from Our Virginia Interior Design Office

Alexandra Gibson — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:58:00 GMT

Every year for Christmas I try to be a little creative with my gift wrapping. It started a few years ago with investing in nice ribbon and has recently become more outlandish.

Last year, I wrapped everything in the Wall Street Journal as a tongue-n-cheek homage to the financial crisis. I might have thought it was much more clever than my gift receivers judging from their responses. They probably thought I was being cheap!

This year, I wanted to do something creative with the paper again so I ended up using old wallcovering samples from the Gibson Design Group office library. I think that they turned out well, although it was not an easy task.

If you struggle with wrapping using normal wrapping paper, this may give you fits, but if you're okay with corners and edges not being perfect you should try this application.

A few things I learned:

Wallcovering is obviously thick so cut the pieces allowing for very little extra to be on your packages. This reduces bulk in your folds.
Tape does not affix to walllpaper as it does to wrapping paper. You can fix this by using hot glue or, like I did, add some reinforcement to the seams with the ribbons and bows.
Pay attention to the repeat on the wallcovering and center your gift to show the patterned parts of the paper. In a couple of cases, when using paper that had a small pattern on a large amount of field (field is the background color on any paper), I ended up not seeing the design as well.
Don't be a perfectionist. This will be frustrating if you try to make each part perfect. Your gift recipient will be looking more at the creativity of your wrapping and not at every edge so don't sweat it.

You can see more shots of the wallcovering wrapped presents in our Flickr album.

What have you used that was out of the ordinary for wrapping gifts?

9 Spillworthy Drink Tables for Elegant Interiors

Alexandra Gibson — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:27:00 GMT

In any elegant room (and any functional room!), a chair that is a far reach from the cocktail table must have a small drink table or surface. A drink table does not have to be a typical side table but should be somewhere that you can set something small.

In my living room, I even have a wooden step stool from my childhood with books stacked on top that serves as a drink table for one of my side chairs.

This week's design must-have was a piece of jewelry for your living room--a hammered silver finish drink stool--that inspired me to show some beautiful drink tables to make your living room more luxurious.

1. antique brass finish on a twisted metal drink table

2. acrylic "I" accent table

3. metal grid cylinder table with glass top

4. 1920s handpainted hexagonal Moroccan table

5. gold finish "stump" table

6. U-shaped herringbone wood table

7. hammered silver finish drink stool

8. black ceramic garden stool with circular design

9. metal Z design accent table

All information on drink tables is posted on my board on Pinterest.

Cheers!

Virginia Exterior Paint Colors

Hilary Stalder — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Please note that the colors appear on your monitor much different than in the paint deck. Always paint a swatch on the house before embarking on the whole project.

Finding an exterior paint color is no easy task. When you want to deviate from the classic black and white combination it’s hard to know what colors will mesh well. Alexandra took a drive around her neighborhood in Charlottesville and took some pictures of homes that had unexpected, and beautiful, exterior paint color combinations.

Below are several examples of homes in Charlottesville, VA and their color combinations from Benjamin Moore .

This first house uses a classic combination, near black and white but not quite the same. The dark color is actually a dark green mixed with the white that is actually much closer to a pale yellow. The Hunter Green (2041-10) shutters serve as a stark contrast to the Standish White (HC-32) house.

This is another great non-traditional color combination. The light green, minty hue of Jack and the Beanstalk (442) shutters coordinates brilliantly with the cream color of Monterey White (HC-27).

Blues can be tough but this next house is a great example of using the color for vibrancy while remaining classic. The bluish tint to the Wickham Gray (HC-171) serves as a great canvas for the Newburyport Blue (HC-155) shutters to pop.

Also note how the above house has a red door that doesn't match the color of the shutters. This is what we recommend! No matchy-matchy please.

One color from Benjamin Moore to try for this same effect is Umbria Red (1316).

Front door and shutters don’t need to be the same color and, in my opinion, shouldn’t. Complementary colors work best. For example, Fairview Taupe (HC-85) would look great with Umbria Red (1316) as well because they provide a nice contrast.

You could also try a lavender door for something softer (the purple looks much brighter on my screen than on the paint deck so don't be scared away). An unexpected door color that complements the main color and shutters of a house, makes a statement. Try Spring Purple (2070-40) with a Santo Domingo Cream (274) for an impressionable combination.

What exterior color combination have you used? What color is your front door?

Kitchen Design: Closed Cabinets or Open Shelves?

Hilary Stalder — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:39:00 GMT

Are you designing or renovating a kitchen? If so you've probably faced the decision of cabinets: Should you go with the traditional closed cabinet kitchen or opt for the newer/trendier design of open cabinets?

Open Shelved Kitchen

http://dreamhouse.onsugar.com

Pros: Open cabinets can give your kitchen an ultra-chic look. If you have colorful mixing bowls, like the kitchen above, or any display-worthy items you want to show off open shelves may be the cabinet choice for you!

http://meredith-countitalljoy.blogspot.com

Even if color isn't your cup of tea, monotone kitchen supplies of matching styles can give the open-cabinet look the same clean effect you see pictured in magazines.

Cons: If you're like me, your kitchen isn't always spotless and every plate and cup doesn't match exactly. This is a major issue with the open-shelved design, you see everything. Not to mention if you have kids or a sloppy husband to mess up your perfectly arranged shelves:

http://homedesignfind.com

Did little Suzy put back all her dishes perfectly?

The main problem with the open-shelved design is that reality doesn't always mimic ideology. This kitchen design photographs great, the pictures in magazines are inspiring, but for the everyday person it may not be as functional.

Closed Cabinet Kitchen

http://www.southernliving.com

Pros: Closed cabinet kitchen design provides a clean look at minimal effort. You can store your kids' plastic cup they got at a restaurant a week before or the souvenir cup you brought back from your alma mater's big game!

http://interiordesigningblog.com

With closed cabinets you can keep anything you want behind the closed cabinet doors, without sacrificing the cleanliness of your kitchen. It is kind of like cleaning your room by throwing everything in your closet. This type of design is ideal for a family kitchen or anyone with a really busy schedule.

Cons: Closed cabinets are the traditional kitchen design. If you're looking for a more edgy kitchen it would be tempting to turn away from closed cabinets.

http://adamsconstruction.co

Another option would be to combine the open shelf kitchen design with the closed cabinet kitchen design for a both functional and trendy kitchen!

What kinds of cabinets did you decide to use for your new or renovated kitchen?

Design Snapshots: Seattle Architecture and Design

Caroline Newman — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Seattle, along with its many other attractions, offers a wealth of beautifully designed buildings that fit right into the lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest.

Gibson Design Group recently traveled to Seattle, touring the Seattle Design Center, and taking in the Pacific Northwest design culture.

We encountered so many wonderful examples of modern architecture and innovative home design. To get you started, here are just a few of the city's architectural gems:

Modern Architecture

Seattle is a haven for modern architecture, showcasing some of the most futuristic architectural designs in the nation.

The classic example, and the iconic symbol of the city, is the Space Needle.

Developed for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, the structure remains a popular tourist attraction today, boasting stunning 360 degree views from its top floor restaurant.

Photo: seattlearchitecture.org

Many of Seattle's other architectural landmarks continue this futuristic style, combining sleek steel and glass surfaces with innovative shapes and interesting angles.

Designed by Rem Koolhas, the Seattle Public Library stands out from its downtown surroundings, bringing modern glamour to the concept of a public library.

The building is perhaps most notable for its many different angles. These angles add visual interest while also partitioning the building into variously sized spaces, specifically designed for different aspects of the library.

All of these angles are shrouded in a patterned steel and glass facade.

Photo: seattledreamhomes.com

The Experience Music Project (EMP) building is another renowned example of modern Seattle architecture.

Designed by Frank O. Gehry, the gleaming facade of the building gives the illusion of being fluid and organic, setting the stage for an innovative, creative space.

Photo: lamputan.org

This tendency towards modernism bleeds over into Seattle's residential home design. Along with beautiful homes from other decades, Seattle offers some compelling examples of modern residential architecture.

Many of these homes feature sustainable or eco-friendly designs, dedicated to embracing and preserving the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest

Photos: seattledreamhomes.com

The plentiful windows of these designs allow for abundant natural light, an important feature since natural sunlight can sometimes be scarce in Seattle. The simple, angular designs of the buildings create clean lines that do not detract from the surrounding natural beauty.

In designing and furnishing these sustainable homes, many homeowners choose natural materials such as wood and stone, complemented by spare accessories and well-chosen, artwork. Using a natural color palette of light tans, grayish greens, and other earthy tones ties the design together well.

5 "Rules" for Classic Living Rooms

Alexandra Gibson — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:13:00 GMT

Like the sheath dress, Birkin bag, pearl earrings, and a great pair of black heels, a classic living room has no date.

When figuring out how exactly to describe a “classic living room”, I found myself really breaking it down in to the pieces that compose the room. Beyond that, much like in fashion where a classic wardrobe can be made to look current by integrating one or two pieces, a classic living room can stand up to the test of seeing colors come and go—watching lamp shades flare and barrel, seeing throw pillows mute and rise in their vibrancies.

Much like the timeless pieces in fashion, there are classic living room equivalents that stand the test of time and, especially if purchased with quality in mind, will be pieces that will last a lifetime.

I was always amazed when, growing up, my mom would tell me about when she bought certain pieces that are still in her home. She has a 40” square onyx cocktail table that she bought when she was in her 20s. She’s moved it from DC to Virginia to Idaho to Seattle and back to Virginia and says that the movers were about ready to expire when they brought it up to her third floor walk-up condo in Bethesda (if it didn't have hidden wheels, we could never move it even a few inches!).

Then there are ebony wood arm chairs with ivory decorative inlays that she bought, also in her 20s, in Morocco. These still serve as pull-up chairs in her office (and it was not a happy day when one of the many Scottie puppies that have made their way through the Gibson household managed to chew one of the stretchers at the base).

So when I think about creating classic living rooms, I think of five rules (to be interpreted loosely as many design rules should be).

If it is a big purchase, only buy something that you love and can imagine having for 30+ years (or passing down to your children). There’s no reason to spend $2,500 on a coffee table that you’re just luke warm about. On the other side, a $8,000 wing chair is a drop in the bucket (relatively speaking) if you think you'll have it forever.
Don’t base your room around a trendy color. Upholstery can be expensive and you can easily change things up with accessories, fun side tables, and throw pillows. If you decide to incorporate trend in the paint, remember that it can be repainted, but you probably won't repaint for a couple of years so you need to be married to it (in an Elizabeth Taylor marriage kind of way).
Intersperse different periods of furniture for true classicism. My living room has an art deco side table, a secretary from the 1750s, and a leather Chesterfield sofa from my father’s office from the 1970s.
Invest in a high quality sofa or sofas in a neutral color. When I say neutral, it doesn’t necessarily mean white or taupe, it could be charcoal, dark hunter green, or navy. Just stay away from pop colors or a prominent pattern.
Books are the best accessories. Surround yourself with books that you love, and not just on shelves. Books will never go out of style.
Photo credits: 1stfashions.com (1), Kelly Hoppen (2), Elle Decor (3, 5, 6), House Beautiful (4)

Roxie Daisy, new home décor shop in Charlottesville, VA

Hilary Stalder — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Roxie Daisy is the newest addition in interior home gifts/décor shopping to the downtown mall in Charlottesville, VA.

Roxie Daisy; 101 East Water Street; Charlottesville, VA 22902

Upon walking in I was immediately flooded with warmth: the smell, the greetings, the smiles. Roxie Daisy opened just in time to start Christmas shopping in Charlottesville!

A beautifully decorated Christmas tree invites you in. And then you realize, Christmas has arrived: Magnificent lights, decorations, garlands and wreaths!

One of a kind gift ideas are artfully placed throughout the store amongst comfortably elegant furniture pieces. These creative arrangements lend ideas for decorating your own home or provide gift inspiration.

I personally was coveting the brilliant silver wreaths above a display. Art, wall hangings, candles, topiaries, pillows, lamps, frames, and so much more will catch your eye!

Or if practical is more your style, another great gift idea would be the brightly colored notebooks. What a great, original way to add color to your life! Stationary, organizers, and containers were also available and oh-so-chic!

Gifts were only one aspect of this store. Furniture throughout the store served to organize the shop, such as the dark-stained queen bed or oversize cocktail table in their respective vignettes.

Comfortable elegance is the theme throughout this store.

If you are drawn to French or traditional design, Roxie Daisy has a variety of interior and gift options for you in Charlottesville.

Virginia Holiday Decor: The Homestead

Caroline Newman — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and it is time to start thinking about your home's holiday decor. For some classic Virginia holiday decor, we turned to The Homestead Resort, one of Virginia's most acclaimed hotels. This luxury hotel, famed for its grand holiday decorations, is the perfect place to find inspiration for your own holiday decorating.

Many of The Homestead's holiday decorating ideas can be transferred to your home, giving your holiday decor some of the elegance and comfort that The Homestead is famous for. Check out The Homestead's classic take on Virginia holiday decor:

Dining

The table is a key part of the holiday season. It is where family and friends gather, where delicious home cooking is enjoyed, where blessings, laughter, and love are shared. Welcome your loved ones with a beautiful, thoughtful holiday table design.

If weather permits, many families chose to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner outdoors. This light and airy setup on The Homestead patio takes full advantage of nature's beauty.

Photo: The Homestead

The cream-colored table clothes, muted chair coverings, and sparkling glasses add elegance without distracting from the abundant natural beauty of Virginia's mountains. Small flower arrangements in warm colors lend a holiday feel without being too obstructive.

For a more formal, indoor setting, check out one of The Homestead's stunning indoor dining rooms.

Photo: The Homestead

A black and white color scheme is a creative, elegant alternative to traditional holiday colors. If you have a large party, consider using a few smaller round tables, instead of one long table. This creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere that easily facilitates conversations. White tablecloths are always elegant, and small lamps are a great alternative to candles.

Unique Little Touches

The Homestead does hospitality well. Even the smallest aspects of the hotel are specifically designed for comfort and luxury, offering pleasant surprises at every turn. This holiday season, welcome your guests with little details that are guaranteed to delight.

Photo: The Homestead

Surprise your guest with a delicious wine and cheese tray before dinner. Pair local or imported cheeses with several different kinds of wine. Serve alongside grapes or berries, crackers, and a small bowl of mixed nuts.

For a more kid-friendly snack, check out these adorable s'more kits.

Photo: The Homestead

Kids and adults alike will delight in these dessert boxes. The idea could be adapted for many other desserts, such as Christmas cookies with small jars of icing and sprinkles.

Grand Greenery

The Homestead takes full advantage of Virginia's abundant greenery. Fresh evergreen garlands are timelessly elegant, especially when wrapped around the white columns that are so common in Virginia architecture.

Garlands are perfect for indoor and outdoor decoration. When adorning the outside of your house, twine twinkling white lights through the garland for a festive effect.

Photo: The Homestead

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and here's to a wonderful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and beautiful design!

Best Home Decor Shops in Nashville

Hilary Stalder — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT

When you think of Nashville, home decor isn't the first thing that springs to mind. Hidden in the city famous for music, however, are shops for interior design finds you won't want to miss.

B. Wilker & Co. is a Nashville-based residential design group that also has a retail showroom.

Photo: www.bwilker.com

Furniture pieces (such as the mahogany side table seen below), lamps, art, and other design accents are available in their Nashville retail showroom.

Photo: bwilker.com

You can easily see how the above table could be used in a more traditionally designed space, with the classic stain, or in a more modern space, with the curvature of the legs. These designers pride themselves on the diversity of their showroom aesthetic.

Epiphany Design Studio , winner of a Best of Nashville award, offers a studio of great interior additions to any home design.

Photo: yelp.com

Another Nashville designer-turned-studio owner, Julia Goad opened this shop in 2003. An assortment and ever-changing array of interior pieces can be found in this simple space.

Looking for sustainable fixtures and finishes for commercial and residential design? Check out (n)habit which was previously in the 12 South neighborhood and just moved to the Chestnut Hill area (which The Tennessean is now calling Nashville's new 'it' neighborhood).

Photo: www.facebook.com/nhabitnashville

They provide paint, wallpaper, flooring, backsplashes, and other finish materials that are enviornmentally friendly.

Photo: http://marcelleguilbeau.com

Above is an example of a ceiling (n)habit donated made of recycled tile. Even better when green can be beautiful!

Looking for a great gift for an upcoming event? Pangaea in Hillsboro Village is the right stop.

Photo: http://www.pangaeanashville.com/

In addition to home decor, there's a fun assortment of clothing and jewelry (you know, in case you need something for yourself too).

Photo: www.pangaeanashville.com

Shoppers can be assured they'll find something unique and ecclectic, but that still agrees with their specific tastes. Friendly workers and a shop dog (our favorite!) make the enviornment warm and welcoming. A must-see in Nashville!

Alexandra recently had a big birthday dinner that Andrea hosted at Two Moon Gallery in Nashville. After a few years away from her alma mater (Vanderbilt), Alexandra had to make a grand return to the Music City.

The artist/co-owner of Two Moon Gallery, Hal Pickel, and his wife Rachel could not have been more accommodating and hospitable. It was the perfect space for the party, but more importantly, the art was the perfect backdrop of pastoral impressionist landscapes. They also show some beautiful sculpture and pottery that ranges from $150- $500.

photo: http://twomoongallery.com/

Photo: Randi Solin, http://twomoongallery.com/

The double front doors are testament to the interesting finds ahead at Nest Interiors in Edgehill Village by Vanderbilt University.

Photo: yelp.com

Stephanie, the owner of the shop and an interior designer herself, is extremely helpful and willing to assist any customer with selecting the right piece.

What is your favorite home decor stop in Nashville?

Design Must-Haves Are Back: Get a 1930s-Inspired Amber Vase

Amanda Butterworth — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:01:00 GMT

Today marks the relaunch of our popular design must-haves! Our must-haves feature the trendiest interior design items that are both fashionable and affordable.

This 1930s-inspired glass vase in amber and brown has beautiful hand-etched branches and would look great holding tall willows on either side of your mantel.

Learn more great ways you can use these vases. Read about this Amber Vase for our suggestions and to purchase one for your home or office!

View the Must-Have

Additionally, you can subscribe to receive updates when we post new items.

Modern Virginia Architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright

Caroline Newman — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT

We've already told you a little bit about classic Virginia interior design and architecture, with examples ranging from the stateliness of Monticello and the University of Virginia to the beautiful simplicity of a traditional Virginia farmhouse. However, Virginia architecture is not all red brick and white columns. Virginia is also home to many great examples of modernist architecture.

Many modern architects have brought their talents to the state of Virginia, but perhaps the most famous is Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright lived from 1867-1959 and is considered by many to be the preeminent architect of the 20th century.

Wright designed three homes in Virginia: the Pope Leighey House in Alexandria, Virginia; the Marden House in McLean, Virginia; and the Cooke House in Virginia Beach. Each of these homes showcases Wright's clean, minimalist style and consistent use of natural materials.

The Pope Leighey House

The Pope Leighey House, begun in 1939, exemplifies Wright's vision for affordable middle class homes. The L-shaped home focuses on only four natural materials: wood, glass, concrete, and brick.

Photo: National Historic Trust

The Marden House

The Marden House, built in 1952 in McLean, VA, also exemplifies the clean lines and minimalist structure that Wright was so famous for.

Photo: Jim Kimsey, washingtonlife.com

Marden House blends seamlessly into its landscape, with walls of windows taking full advantage of the gorgeous views of the Potomac River.

Photo: Jim Kimsey, washingtonlife.com

Marden House is also a great example of modern Virginia interior design. The house uses simple, natural materials to create a clean, contemporary space that is in complete harmony with its surroundings.

The Cooke House

Frank Lloyd Wright's Cooke House, completed in 1960, provides one last example of Wright's impact on modern Virginia architecture and interior design. In the Virginia Beach home, Wright once again uses natural materials to design a building that blends in with its surroundings.

Photo: HamptonRoads.com

Like the rest of Wright's Virginia designs, the Cooke House is beautiful in its simplicity and modesty, a wonderful reminder that, sometimes, less is more.

Washington D.C. Interior Design: Luxury Hotels

Hilary Stalder — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT

In a major tourist area, such as Washington DC, there are many luxury hotel choices to fit your traveling style. Where quality and location may be similar, interior design certainly is not. The following is just a sample of the variety of luxury interior design you will find in DC hotels.

The Four Seasons Hotel was beautifully designed by a collection of luxury commercial designer groups and is located in famed Georgetown; this hotel has a distinct modern elegance which is exemplified by the lobby seen below. In many ways, the lobby feels more like an elegant living room than a commercial space.

Photo: www.fourseasons.com

A similar, but more modern interior aesthetic can be seen in The W Hotel. Retro modern design describes the communal areas of this hotel neighboring the White House. (The hotel actually used to be the Hotel Washington and has an incredible view from the rooftop bar).

Photo: www.fivestaralliance.com

The "Jewel Box Bar" particularly shows the contemporary interior design while paying homage to the 1950s.

The Omni Hotel has a much more traditional design that reminds me something you would find in Charlottesville.

Photo: www.fivestaralliance.com

Mahogany furniture, along with the Victorian-influenced window treatments and soft colors makes this guest room feel warm and inviting.

The Presidential Suite at the St. Regis in DC has quite the entrance. I suppose it's appropriately named!

Photo: Starwood Hotels

Dramatic gold and black, Asian-inspired wallpaper makes this entry truly stunning. A large arrangement on the center table is called for in this application as the chandelier hugs the ceiling.

The guest rooms and suites at the Hay Adams in DC are a treat. Complete with beautiful linens, soft toile valences and draped headboards, it's often hard to leave the hotel and go see the rest of the beautiful city.

Photo: FiveStarAlliance.com

While much of the Willard Intercontinental is too traditional for my taste, I do love the design of the Round Robin & Scotch Bar. Tremendously masculine and clubby, it's what a traditional scotch bar should look like with the use of dark paneling, hunter greens, comfortable swiveling bar stools, and Chesterfield leather banquettes.

Photo: The Willard

What's your favorite hotel interior in DC?

Classic Virginia Architecture

Caroline Newman — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Any Charlottesville interior designer or homeowner should be well-versed in Virginia's impressive architectural history.

Virginia has been blessed with a rich architectural heritage, a living history that continues to influence what we do as Virginia interior designers today.

The state of Virginia offers a huge variety of architectural styles, but there are a few that stand out as particularly important to Virginia's heritage.

The classic farmhouse is an iconic style that hearkens back to Virginia's days as a thriving British colony and an early American state. This style typically features simple, rectangular structures of clapboard wood, framed by twin brick chimneys.

One beautiful example of this style is Bassett Hall in Colonial Williamsburg:

Photo: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

This lovely white farmhouse was once the Williamsburg residence of John D. Rockefellar Jr. and his wife Abby. The soaring brick chimneys and regularly spaced, large windows are very characteristic of the historical farmhouse style.

Virginia architectural history also features an abundance of homes designed in the Classical Revival style. The most famous of these is, of course, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, located right here in Charlottesville. Monticello, as we see it today, was completed in 1806.

Photo: The Jefferson Monticello

The white column facade and beautiful symmetry of Monticello echoes ancient Greek architecture, while the classic red brick exterior gives it more of an American feel. The house has many notable architectural features, including richly detailed crown molding, octagonal rooms, white-railed porches, and extensive gardens. Like most homes of that time period, the kitchen is separate from the rest of the house, safeguarding the building in the event of unexpected kitchen fires.

Jefferson, aside from giving us Monticello, is the founding father of another beautiful example of Virginia architecture. The Academical Village at the University of Virginia is a textbook example of classical revival architecture. Jefferson's iconic Rotunda building anchors the Academical Village, a term that refers to the Pavilion houses and student rooms surrounding the Lawn at UVa. The design reflects Jefferson's vision of professors and students living and learning together in true academic community.

Photo: The University of Virginia

The white columns and brick of the Academical Village echo the classical revival style of Monticello. Each of the ten Pavilions are individually designed to mimic a specific architectural style, including several different iterations of Greek architecture.

From Colonial Williamsburg to Monticello and the Academical Village, and everywhere in between, Virginia offers a plethora of excellent architecture. Throughout the state, there are beautiful historical designs that hold the dual power of recalling the glory of the past and inspiring the beauty of the future.

Go out and explore your local treasures, and let us know what you find!

Charlottesville Design House 2011: Designing a Nursery

Caroline Newman — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Gibson Design Group was delighted to decorate the nursery for the 2011 Charlottesville Design House.

The project benefited Charlottesville's Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE), a foundation dedicated to helping domestic violence victims and educating the community about domestic violence. This year's design house was Mint Springs Farm, a brick colonial farmhouse beautifully situated in the rolling hills of Crozet.

For the nursery, we used neutral colors to create a welcoming environment that would work perfectly for either a boy or a girl. The soft tan paint color and the rich stain on the hardwood floors make the room warm and welcoming, while the white paneling, trim, and furniture create clean, classic lines.

*Photo credit: Robert Radifera Photography

We incorporated lots of natural materials in the room, including a dramatic mobile made of sticks and branches with dangling animals, several woven straw baskets, and a mirror frame designed to mimic the texture of bark.

The various animal-themed elements make the space kid-friendly while also giving it a cohesive design theme. The animal print rug warms up the hardwood floors while the large giraffe creates a unique and fun focal point. The rabbit cutout silhouettes on the valences bring fun to the elegant color palette.

This is our modern take on nursery design, which resulted in a kid-friendly room that still maintains a sophisticated design aesthetic.

We were so happy to participate for a second year with SHE on this wonderful design house. It is a truly wonderful charity that provides a sadly needed service for women in our area.

Charlottesville Interior Design: Creative Fall Arrangements

Caroline Newman — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Fall is one of central Virginia's most beautiful seasons. While it's hard to beat those colorful mountain vistas, you can bring a little bit of that beauty into your home with some clever fall arrangements.

For tips and inspiration, check out these photos of our recent Charlottesville interior design project:

Pumpkins are great for fall decorating. Grouping them according to size and color will give your arrangement more impact.

You can buy combinations of dried flowers, plants, and silk leaves, and silk flowers at places like Michaels or Pottery Barn. These make for beautiful arrangements that are also durable and inexpensive.

The large burnt orange magnolia flowers in these arrangements came from Michaels. You only need a few to make a large impact. Even with only three, these flowers really became a centerpiece of the arrangement.

When making arrangements, try to use vases and containers that you already have. To mask the stems of your arrangements, fill your vases with real leaves coated in glycerin.

These arrangements are a quick way to bring the beauty of fall into your home. For the most impact, place fall arrangements throughout your house. Vases of leaves or flowers add interest to side tables; tall, bold arrangements make dramatic centerpieces; and fall wreathes create a lovely welcome on any door.

Four Steps For Creating A Furnishing Budget

Caroline Newman — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

In an ideal world, we could update and replace our furniture on a whim, never worrying about mundane details liking pricing and budgeting.

Unfortunately, this ideal world does not yet exist, and most of us still have balance our desire for new furniture with our worry about how much it will cost.

Fortunately, we have compiled a four-step process to guide you through creating a furniture budget for your home. Follow this process and you will be well on your way to refurbishing your home without busting your budget.

STEP ONE: Inventory What You Have

Go through each room in your house, pen and paper in hand. Write down every piece of furniture and what you want to do with it.

Assign each piece one of the following labels:

Keep
Repurpose (Use in a different room or in a new way)
Repair/Replace
Don't Keep

These clear labels will allow you to quickly identify what you have and what you need. This will help you to avoid spending money on furniture that you might not need and to focus instead on a few very important pieces.

STEP TWO: Determine What You Need To Buy

Look back at your list and focus on the furniture in the Repair/Replace category.

Think carefully about which of these pieces can be reused with a few adjustments. Keep in mind quick and low-cost fixes like slipcovers, tableclothes, or a fresh coat of paint or stain.

Note which pieces can be repaired and make a list of what you will need to repair them. Also note which pieces you need to replace and add these to your next list: your "Need to Buy" list.

Make a complete list of the pieces that you need to buy. As you are making this list, keep your step one inventory in mind and make sure to avoid any repetition.

STEP THREE: Pricing

Once you have your buying list, you can turn your attention to estimating the prices of each piece of furniture on it.

You could surf the web to find some average prices for each piece, or, better yet, you could use our FREE FURNISHING BUDGET WORKSHEET.

Enter the pieces and quantity that you want to purchase and our worksheet will estimate the cost for each room in your house. This easy fix will allow you to quickly determine some figures for your furnishing budget, so make sure to check it out.

STEP FOUR: Map Out A Budget Plan

Compare your price estimates with your home's monthly budget and map out how much money you can spend on furniture each month.

Armed with these numbers, decide when you will make your more expensive furniture purchases. You might want to spread out your spending over a few months or even a year, or you might decide to get it over with in one or two months. This is entirely up to you and your personal budget.

If you have followed all of these steps, you should have a practical and comprehensive plan for furnishing or refurbishing your home. Congratulations and good luck!

Elegant Outdoor Living Areas

Caroline Newman — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

As the days grow shorter in Central Virginia, it is still temperate enough to enjoy elegant outdoor living areas either for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

Cocktails can be enjoyed on the Janus et Cie sofa and bamboo chairs and then move to the table for a long feast of the end of season tomatoes made into a luscious peach and tomato cold soup along with fresh grilled vegetables and marinated and grilled chicken. Finishing with homemade ice cream and Shenandoah apple tart makes the meal complete along with wines from local vineyards.

As the evening wears on, you will want to light the votive candles and dim the hanging lanterns. The table can be set with simple white china and lovely crystal and the centerpiece can be orchid plants from a local grower. The orchids are sparse enough to see through for the diners but interesting enough to be a centerpiece.

If you wanted to use the space in the much cooler months, you could add curtains that would close up the space and put in a heater. When it is warmer the curtains could tie back at the columns and you would again be open to the elements.

Outdor living in areas in Virginia can be very useable spaces, given the temperate climate most of the year. You will want to make these spaces as comfortable and functional as possible so that you can extend your home and hospitality into the great outdoors.

Creating a separateness of the dining and “living” space makes it more like a living room too.

Make certain you have plenty of comfortable seating and landing places for glasses nearby
Have multiple light levels for interest and intimacy
Be sure your flowers or centerpiece doesn’t block the view to diners across the table
Always plan a varied and interesting menu paired with appropriate wines