Design R

In Good Company

2015-07-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

I was honored this last week to find out that I was listed as one of the top 15 interior designers in Sacramento! I am close with many of my colleagues listed and know they are worthy competition. Many years of hard work and wonderful clients has made this possible and I truly appreciate it. You can read the article here and vote for yours truly on the poll.

Many Thanks,

Rebecca Ward

Up and Coming Trends

2015-04-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while since last posting on here, but I thought I would start out this blog talking about two new trends that I have been seeing. With spring in full bloom, many new styles and trends have been arising. I want to focus on two trends that have caught my eye which is the color blue and stripes. Many designers are using the color blue in many furniture pieces and accessories it’s perfect because blue goes with a variety of colors such as pink, green, coral, and grey. Blue is such a vibrant color that gives depth to a room and gives it a wow factor.

A combination of the color blue can be made with the boldness of stripes. Stripes are also an up and coming trend in makes a room look bold. It also makes the person who is using such bold stripes in their homes look fearless in their design decisions.

Traditional Family Room by Portland Photographers Tara Bussema - Neat Organization and Design

Stripes can be used in furniture, decorative pieces, or by painting the walls in stripes! Stripes can make a room not only look bold and beautiful but it can also make a seemingly small room look bigger! Stripes can make a space look modern and stylish just by even adding a few stripes to a wall or in furniture selections! Stripes make a space look fresh and vibrant!

Counting Black Sheep

2014-10-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Have you thought about how important the mattress is to your bedroom's design? Take a look at my guest post on Somnium's blog

Check out Somnium's high-end mattress offerings here: http://somniumbeds.com

Small Kitchen, Big Ideas

2014-08-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the small projects can be the most challenging. Take for example this galley kitchen for my clients, the Molleras.

This home was built in the 1950's and is what I would consider a cottage. This kitchen had been updated in the '80's, but now it was ready to come into the 21st century.

With a limited budget, we had to decide priorities. Ideally, we wanted to replace the cabinets. Instead, we went for a fresh coat of paint, new doors and drawers, some rearranging and just a couple new cabinets to make this kitchen more welcoming and functional.

The Silestone countertops were a must and a last minute slush fund afforded the backsplash upgrade from the slated subway tile.

From the beginning, I had a vision for this black and white checkerboard floor. It is fitting to the age of the house and the angled lines really helped to open up the space.

Finish off with some new dining furniture and window treatments and lighting and we've got a happy client!

The Latest and Greatest in Furniture

2014-08-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a wonderful week at the Las Vegas Furniture Market. With 3 buildings of up to 16 floors of showrooms, there is so much to see. I think this was the busiest market I've been to there. Is this a sign of the times? Most vendors and designers I talked to seemed very busy with projects and positive about the economy.

Since pictures are worth a thousand words, I'll show rather than tell all the fabulous things I discovered:

Spike chandelier, almost marquee style

I love these spiky accessories. Not great for Feng Shui, though, I am told
(sigh)

A dining table made from coffee trees

Cog-like mirrors. Would be a classy addition to a steam punk interior

Fun and flashy pendants!

I saw a lot of dark brown with black. Drama drama!
(trend alert!)

What fun whimsy legs

Fish scale mirror

Indigo still going strong in accent colors

Sophisticated dining set

Unique display cabinet

This is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm looking forward to incorporating some of these items in my designs. Which one is your favorite?

Before and After: Lake Greehaven Remodel

2014-02-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

Often, it's hard to truly appreciate an after photo until you see where it all started. Today I'm featuring a few photos from one of my recent kitchen and bath remodels which has easily become one of my favorites.

Kitchen Before

Kitchen after

Kitchen before

Kitchen after

Guest bath before

Guest bath after

Master bath before

Master Bath after

The client and designer are very happy with the results!

Before photos by Rebecca Ward
After photos by Steve Folino of InnerVision Photography

2013 and The Orchid

2013-12-31T16:32:00.002-08:00

It's the last day of the year, a perfect time of reflection. As I look back on all the few posts I have done this year, it is obvious that something, or someone has rearranged my priorities! And I love it. My little girl has brought such joy to my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It has been quite a challenge to balance my business and being a new mom but we are adjusting well and both baby and my career are thriving. I only lack time to document it all!

I will soon be revealing my inspiration board for 2014. I'm excited that Radiant Orchid is the color of the year from Pantone as I feel I have already been incorporating it where I can.

It is close to the color of my daughter's nursery and would love to use it more. (seen here behind Elsie)

I have recently completed and am awaiting photos to come back of RWD's latest kitchen and bath remodel while we work away at two new kitchens, so I know I will have many fun projects to share with you soon!

Wishing you much joy and happiness for 2014!

Luxe Retreat In France

2013-11-25T13:53:00.000-08:00

Whether passing through an a tour of France or planning a destination wedding, Chateau de Varennes is a must see and stay luxury hotel in beautiful Burgundy, southeastern France.

Owner Aymeric de Truchis inherited the estate in 2009. The chateau has been in his family for 400 years and remains one of the most beautiful destinations in the country. Aymeric and his wife Sonia hired interior designer, Fabrice Bejjani to help turn the estate into a luxury hotel.

I hope to be able to visit this place someday. The classic french interiors coupled with modern amenities and accents are so inspiring and welcoming. In the meantime, I will continue to peruse the photos on their website and Facebook page

Photos courtesy of www.chateaudevarennes.fr and Alexandra Meurant

Summer of Love

2013-08-09T14:09:00.002-07:00

So.... I've obviously been absent for a little while. I've been taking a haitus because of this little bundle of love who arrive June 7th:

Elsie Anna Ward

I have worked on a few projects around my house while I was on "leave" as well. My husband did most of the work in painting our kitchen cabinets after we got our new floors laid.

This is my latest masterpeice: Our gallery wall. Something every family should have!

Family Gallery Wall

Now it's august and I'm easing back into work. So thankful to my clients for being flexible with me!

Color Spot

2013-04-24T13:08:00.004-07:00

One of my latest projects was designing a multi-purpose sunroom. This room functioned as a homework/play room for the kids and a home office. The owner is a big collector of art and loves bright cheery colors. Check out how we were able to include everything on her list of needs and wants:

Custom Bench Cushion to coordinate with custom loveseat

Photos by Rebecca Ward

Spring Colors

2013-02-27T14:47:00.001-08:00

Spring is definitely starting to bud here in California. The warmer temperatures makes everyone start thinking about new projects, change and bringing a little life back to their homes. I was inspired but Yolo Colorhouse Paint's Trend colors they put together.

Turquoise is always a standard favorite but pairing it with some crisp white, warm melon and refreshing green creates a beautiful palette.

What colors are you looking forward to using this spring?

Inspire: 2013

2013-01-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!! As per tradition for four years now, I have created my inspiration board for the year of 2013:

You can take a look at past years here. If you feel so inspired, I would love to see your own inspirations for 2013. Feel free to post a link to yours in the comments or on my facebook page.

2013 Pantone Color of the Year Is...

2012-12-06T17:24:00.002-08:00

And now the moment we've all been waiting for! Pantone has announced that the 2013 color of the year will be Emerald!

via

This beautiful green is easily paired with other jewel tone. It has a hint of blue and Pantone has shown some great color ideas pairing it with periwinkles and ocean blues.

via

I know green is not for everyone. Does it work for you? May this green is a forshadow that there will be more green in our wallets?? Let's hope so! Go green!

Images via Pantone

Biomimicry and Design

2012-11-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

What is Biomimicry? It's the observation of nature's structure and method and implementing it in man made designs and materials. I was sent the link to this interesting video on Biomimicry from my Interface flooring rep. I thought it was worth sharing:

What is Bomimicry? video link

Old With The New

2012-10-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today you will find me over at IAMTHELAB with my guest post on incorporating vintage items with your design. I met Brett Torrey from IAMTHELAB during our #IntDesignerChat on Twitter, which takes place every Tuesday. I was happy to write for his readers and have been enjoying his posts as well all about handmade.

I am also honored to be a part of his style council!

Now, Go read my post here! Here is a peek at one of the images....

How Many Designers Does It Take?

2012-10-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

It is always interesting to get a group of designers in a room to decorate a space for an event. For our ASID Design Excellence Awards Dinner and Annual Social, we all had to brainstorm a little to put our well thought out design in action.

ASID Designers coming together

There are always changes that happen when the installation day arrives and I think we handled it well. We certainly had a great finished product!

ASID Design Excellence Dinner

ASID Design Excellence Dinner tablescape

Photos by Rebecca Ward

Award Winning Design

2012-10-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend, my local chapter of ASID held our Design Excellence Awards. I am so happy to announce that my bathroom submission won second place!

You have seen these before but here are the photos of the winning bathroom:

I was up against some great competition, First place winner, Laura Neuman and Third Place Kerrie Kelly. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful chapter of designers as my colleagues. More to come on the event itself....

Bathroom photos by Steve Folino

Dining In Style

2012-09-25T13:22:00.002-07:00

Dining Rooms and Nooks can be very high impact places in a house's design, depending on their location. I recently completed some refurnishing of a client's Dining Room and Nook. The Dining Room was directly off the entry and turning the corner into the Kitchen you look directly into the Nook, so these are highly visible spaces. It's important that these places are not only functional for everyday eating but also for entertaining. A lot of social gatherings center around food so the eating areas get a lot of exposure.

Here is the dining room with it's stunning long table that comfortably seats 10. One of the design parameters was that 10 placemats could lay nicely on the table without overlapping. Luckily, this room was the perfect size to permanently accommodate the long table (128" long).

Dining Room

Dining Room with custom tablecloth

Adding correctly proportioned art and back cushions to the existing benches made the Nook a more inviting space. Previously, a line of throw pillows were used to cushion the back but they made it difficult to slide in and out. These fixed cushions supply a small pop of blue color on the buttons that is accented throughout the home.

Nook with custom tablecloth, pillows and back cushions

With family or friends, my clients can now dine in style!

Photos by Rebecca Ward

Color Seasons

2012-09-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

Each December, Pantone publishes its color of the year, which I usually am prompt to report. They also release each season's colors. Pantone mostly dictates to the fashion industry but there is usually a quick trickle down into interior and home fashions. The colors we see in our fashion magazines we also want to see in our shelter magazines and on the shelves of our stores.

I recently took a look at the Fall colors to see an overview of what is currently showing now that we are already in to September and then a look at the Spring projections. I found them to be very similar, naturally but the subtle differences do reflect the change in the season:

Fall 2012 via Pantone

Spring 2013 via Pantone

Spring has left out the browns and greys and has a more crisp yellow and blue tones.

Do you pay close attention to the seasons' colors or do you stick to your favorites?

White Hot

2012-08-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have been very attracted lately to "white hot" interiors and photos. Bright Whites with saturated indigo and fuchsias. The contrast of hot and cold colors is very refreshing, bright and cheerful. A cool splash in the pool on a scorching day.

I remembered that I had this book by Tricia Guild. While this book is over 10 years old, I think her color principals in here are still pertinent. White is timeless and never out of fashion. Such beautiful, exotic imagery and text throughout the book. The photography is captivating. I find myself drawn to them often for inspiration or just to refresh my eyes - like sorbet cleanses the palate.

How do you feel about "white hot" interiors?

Photos by Rebecca Ward

Looking Good

2012-08-24T12:41:00.001-07:00

I have been reviewing my finds from my trip to Las Vegas Market and still am finding a lot of inspiration from these great items. Let me share some of the good looking pieces I am loving:

Which is your favorite?

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Photos by Rebecca Ward

Design: Sacramento

2012-08-18T08:48:00.002-07:00

I haven't done an installment in this column for a while but I found something worthy of noting for Design: Sacramento - I only wish I had noted it earlier! Listen up my Sacramento readers!

via

If you love design and are looking for something fun to do tomorrow, Sunday the19th, head to midtown and join the Design Rides on their bike ride around midtown's design hot spots! They will be stopping in one of my favorites, Scout Living.

via

If you can't make it this weekend, like me, they have another on planned for October 14th.

via

What a great idea!

Photos via Facebook and Scout

New Ravenna Mosaics

2012-08-07T15:06:00.002-07:00

I have been drooling the past few minutes over these fabulous tile mosaics. They were too good to keep to myself. After checking my inbox for new product emails I casually clicked through to this one and am glad I did! The photos speak for themselves but be sure to visit New Ravenna Mosaics to see all the great inspiration!

Via New Ravenna Mosaics

Went To Market

2012-08-03T01:01:00.001-07:00

I made a whirlwind trip down to Las Vegas to see what's new from my vendors and then find some new vendors. Success on both accounts! I just wish I had more time to spend there, but alas, with all my client projects I could only afford to spend two days out of my busy week down there.
Besides visiting showrooms and taking a few CEUs, the market kept us designers well fed and entertained. Monday night had a circus in the breezeway complete with carnival food.
I will go into more detail about my great finds at market in the posts to come. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

Back to Business with a DIY Guest Post

2012-07-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back and have already been busy working away on all my fabulous clients' projects. The vacation was perfect for allowing me to clear my head and come back focused and energized. While I am still catching up on emails and such, I thought this is a perfect time for a guest post from my wonderful designer friends, DeAnna Mackensen of REDesign Interiors. She is definitely a DIY designer - always working on a project!

Here is her post which features her latest DIY project:

Inspired by Target and Missoni

Hello, I’m DeAnna Mackensen, interior designer and owner of REDesign Interiors. I have been a do-it-yourselfer since before that term became popular! Last week I was inspired by Missoni and Target to DIY this chevron chair.

I have a very small porch and I wanted to sit outside and drink my coffee every morning. I needed a small chair and some inspiration. The chair came from Target and the inspiration from my Missoni coffee mug.

Cost of Project: Approx. $40

Materials Needed:

Target Chair (1)

Spray Paint Primer (1)

Spray Paint in white (1)

Spray Paint in Green (1)

Painter’s Tape

1. Create your Chevron design

2. Block off the Chevron design with Blue Painter’s tape. Be sure to cover the back side of the chair also. I used painter’s tape and a sheet to cover most of the chair. You want to be sure to cover the back so no spray paint flecks go where you don’t want them.

3. Begin with painting the large white block of Chevron with primer. This is a fast process however be sure to allow for adequate drying time. Follow the directions on the paint can. The more time spent on prep means your paint job will last longer. Be patient.

4. Spray on the white coat of paint. Allow to dry. Spray another coat.

5. Tape off the green Chevron pattern.

6. Spray on the green coat of paint. Allow to dry. Spray another coat.

Time spent prepping: 30 minutes

Time spent painting: 10 minutes

Time spent waiting for paint to dry: Priceless. . .

Every morning I enjoy my coffee and I put my mug on that stump of firewood!

Cheers, DeAnna

Photos by DeAnna Mackensen