Using your window space to the best effect

While the structural architecture and design of a room can have an effect on its atmosphere and mood, it is the lighting that truly brings it to life, enhancing the room’s design and décor, as well as creating the mood. Lighting patterns, colors and targeted illumination can create a variety of moods, from cool, restful and relaxing, to warm, active and cheerful. Both artificial and natural lighting can be used creatively to bring out the best features of a room and distract attention away from more negative areas.

Artificial lighting is an part of interior design, but natural lighting, courtesy of windows, is often overlooked or seen as something to work around. Natural lighting, however, is not only better for the eyes; it is also the best light to see accurately, see colors and tones and is a natural mood-enhancer. Choosing the right window coverings and treatments to allow natural light in to the best effect is an important step in truly finishing a room.

Window decorating and natural lighting

There are a variety of different types of window coverings and treatments to choose from. Selecting exactly which to use depends on the room that the windows are in and the lighting effect required.

Window treatments in the bedroom need to be functional in some way, whether it is blinds that can be adjusted or shades that can be easily raised or lowered. Drapes and curtains are also frequently used in bedrooms; many being made from the same fabrics and trims as the bed linens. Room darkening and heat and sound insulating, these types of window coverings have the added benefit of creating a romantic and relaxing mood, particularly when made from luxurious fabrics and materials, such as sheers, brocades or velvet.

In the main living areas of the home, letting in natural light while maintaining a measure of privacy is the key. Covering only a portion of the window is an ideal way of admitting natural sunlight while maintaining privacy. Plantation shutters, along with other styles of window shutter, are a great way to accomplish this lighting effect. Covering only the lower pane or portion of the window, plantation shutters may be opened as desired to let in even more light. Even when closed they allow plenty to come through while keeping the room’s occupants screened from the outside world. Shutters fit in with almost any interior design, in particular country styles and Victorian design, as well as modern and eclectic looks.

Kitchens frequently do not have large windows or have windows with unusual shapes, so finding suitable coverings and treatments that are stylish, yet functional, may prove difficult. In addition to shutters, which also work well here, café curtains are a very popular window covering. Functioning in a similar way to the shutters, café curtains leave the upper part of the window nearly bare, allowing plenty of natural light to come through, while also ensuring a degree of privacy. Café curtains are available in a variety of styles and fabrics.

Bathroom Trends: Glass Mosaic Tile (via)

Bathroom trends to me start with the tile work. In this case, one of my favorite examples is the Copper Color Bisazza Glass Mosaic Tile. It gives you that contemporary look and serene feeling to your bathroom. Other trendy styles of tile you should consider for your bathroom redesign project are natural stone, pebble tile, stone mosaic tile and stainless steel tile. If you’re doing budget-conscious remodeling, use designer tile sparingly in the form of cut-out tile accents, to give you that designer tile design cue.

Turquoise Painted Glass Vessel Sink (via)

Vessel sinks are very much trendy these days. Walk into any high-end restaurant’s bathroom, and you’ll likely see a vessel sink. Depending on the style, they can also be very affordable. Personally, I like the above vessel sink made of glass, and painted turquoise.

Trendy Shower Doors: Neo-Angle Frameless Shower Enclosures and Glass BathTub Screens

If you couldn’t tell from the glass vessel sinks and the glass mosaic tile recommendations, glass is in style when it comes to the bathroom. One of the reasons for that is because glass allows for the passage of light. That means a lot of glass, opens up an otherwise small looking bathroom, and makes it look more spacious. Also, if you have fancy tile work in your bathroom, there’s no better way to show off that tile work than with beautiful low-iron glass (in which the green hue has been reduced by taking out the iron content).

Nothing looks drabber than cheap, toxic, vinyl shower curtains. In these examples, the neo-angle shower enclosure is the trendiest and most expensive shower enclosure on the market. It’s frameless, so the metal hardware is barely visible.

On the other side, is the glass bathtub screen. These are very trendy in Europe, and are starting to make their way over into the United States. In Europe, people aren’t afraid of a little bit of water splashing out of their tubs. At the end of the day, both a full shower enclosure and a glass bathtub screen are great options for a trendy bathroom.

Granite Countertop (via)

Granite countertops are a popular décor trend both in the bathroom and the kitchen. They provide the perfect backdrop for the aforementioned glass vessel sinks. And if you’re going to spend the “dough-re-mi” for a solid-slab granite countertop, utilizing clear glass vessel sinks might be a good idea in order to better showcase the granite. If you’re looking to save money, you can also do a DIY project and use a granite tile kit, which is a third of the price of buying the solid slab of granite, as seen above. They both provide that trendy, natural, solid-stone look for one’s bathroom.

About the Author

Shahab Shokouhi is a glass design expert at www.dullesglassandmirror.com, an innovative manufacturer of glass table tops, glass shelves, and all other glass and mirror products. Follow Dulles Glass and Mirror on Pinterest or on YouTube to see how they’re changing the way glass products are manufactured, customized and delivered.

4 Interior and Exterior Home Trends for Summer

2013 has seen a whirlwind of changes in interior design style and this season we are seeing four interior (as well as exterior) trends that we feel truly captures the essence of summer. Some of these trends have been seen in the world of fashion but unlike the latest print dress, these styles are here to stay for the summer and through to your next big home renovation.

1. Stripes and Geometrics Patterns

Last year we saw the implementation of several floral designs over the summer season but now stripes and geometric patterns are taking center stage. Outdoor patios can feel welcoming and stylish with a custom striped patio cover and even windows are seeing a change with fabric awnings featuring geometric or stripped designs.

Inside the home, guest half-bathrooms are dressed up with geometric wall paper, creating the illusion of space and the fact of style. Bedroom accent walls are being painted with vibrant natural chevron patterns and striped ceilings are fun, inviting and lengthening. While stripes and geometric patterns may not be for everyone; their bold designs, inviting nature and vibrant natural colors are reminiscent of a comfortable and fashionable home.

1. Neutrals and Naturals

Stripes and geometric patterns may be bold but they are off-set this season by the trend of neutral colors and natural materials. Eco-friendly designs are proven to be sustainable, resulting in a celebration of organic space and conservative style. More is less with this summer approach as interior designers are creating spaces with light colors, wooden accents and greenery. The more neutral colors and natural elements, the less the home feels stuffy and uncomfortable.

1. Flora and Fauna (decks, interior walls)

To contribute to the natural furniture elements found within the Neutrals and Naturals trend, floral designs are becoming a large part of interior design for 2013. We see full interior walls showcasing fresh herbs, flowers and ferns. The introduction of plants into the home creates a natural atmosphere where guests and family feel truly relaxed. We are also seeing this trend on patios, decks and outdoor living spaces. Large modern pots, elevated gardens and balcony planters each are filled with flora and fauna, creating an outdoor oasis for homeowners.

1. Bold Pops of Color Indoor and Out

Many homeowners are noticing the latest summer designs of bold colors. For the last several years, we’ve seen pops of neon color but as interior style tones down; we see neutrally painted rooms with natural furniture elements and then the sudden pop of natural color. Whether it is in the form of a bright purple orchid, a navy blue accent pillow or a yellow vase, these pops of bold color bring brightness, lightness and color to a simplistic room.

On the exterior of the home, we are also seeing brightly painted doors, planting pots and colorful window awnings, adding personality to what would normally be considered an average home. These splashes of color in conjunction with elaborately floral decks create a unique home look that unparalleled throughout any neighborhood.

Your Home This Summer

The latest changes to interior and exterior design truly capture the essence of summer and we hope that this season you have the option of designing your home with one of our favorite designers, Suzanne Lasky of S Interior Design.

Photo Credits

Chevron Room      Bathroom

Striped Awning   Hanging Greenery

Deck      Neutral Bed Set

Natural Room    Outdoor Color with Blue

 Bright Door      Fabric Awning

Take a look at this video from one of my favorite celebrity designers Candice Olson speaking at Surya Rugs and Textiles.   When stating from ‘scratch’ in a room, beginning with the area rug selection is often a great way to begin the design.

Here is a link to a blog by ‘Design Addict Mom‘ who shows us great images from her time at Market .

Bigger is not always better!  Read the guest post below for some inspired ideas on how to live big in small spaces.

5 Inspired Small Space Solutions

If home is a tiny urban studio in London or a bijou apartment overlooking the rooftops of Paris, then space might be an issue for you. Just because you compromise on the size of your home, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style – there are a myriad of inspired, multi-tasking solutions perfect for small spaces, that add a little
je ne sais quoi to any apartment, no matter how tiny! Read on for our 5 inspired small space solutions that you can tailor to suit your needs…

#1 Mezzanines

Mezzanines have been around in Parisian studios for the last century, but lately they’re taking off as a top interior design tip in London apartments too. You’re effectively adding another level into your studio – it’s almost like building a shelf for your bed. You don’t have to use your mezzanine as a sleeping space; it could be for dining or as a home study, if you’re a freelancer. Get creative and add glass or Perspex mezzanines with lighting for a cool, contemporary feel, and choose from a traditional ladder or a more permanent inbuilt staircase. This not only adds space to your apartment, but lifts clutter and furniture away from the floor area for a lighter, roomier feel.

#2 Multi-tasking furniture

You’ll remember them from the bedroom of your youth, when they were a single bunk bed with a desk or sofa underneath, but things have moved on since then. Designer, contemporary furniture which serves a variety of purposes can be custom made to suit your studio – imagine a mezzanine bed with inbuilt wardrobe and desk underneath – the perfect work and relaxation combination. Make your furniture work harder by choosing pieces with a dual purpose – a wooden coffee table with storage drawers, a bed with divan storage or a table that doubles as a handy chest for linen. These little space saving ideas mean even the tiniest flat will be free of clutter and look fresh and appealing.

#3 Crate Storage

Take a tip from the commercial interior design experts and use reclaimed crates as storage – this adds a rustic and industrial feel to any apartment, and you can paint or stain crates to match your existing décor. There are even companies who sell crates already refurbished in a range of delectable pastel hues that will look as at home in a Paris apartment as they will in London or New York. Use smaller crates to stash toiletries and knick knacks, while larger crates are ideal for books, DVDs or bedding. Make an interesting feature in your living space by stacking a few different coloured crates.

#4 Drawer Stairs

You might be thinking, ‘What?’ when you hear the next truly inspired design idea – stairs which double up as handy drawers! When you consider the space beneath stairs is usually empty, why not utilise that space to store clothes and other belongings? In a tiny studio apartment, you need to make the most of any available space and this unique idea will certainly be a conversation starter.

# 5 Circular Kitchens

Compact Concepts’ Circular Kitchen is a unique and eye catching kitchen that is, you guessed it, circular! Fitting as much as possible into a tiny space, this bijou yet fully functional little kitchen features electric hobs, a fridge, microwave, sink and dishwasher as well as the usual cabinets and worktops. Available in a range of finishes, the funky red gloss choice peps up any bland and boring studio.

Author Bio

David Bell is a freelance writer and blogs about interior design, food, travel, art and culture. Follow him on Twitter @DavidBellWriter

Making your home remodel as green as possible

When remodelling a home you have to make environmental concerns a priority now, not just because of government regulations and stipulations, but also because we have a duty to build buildings and homes that use as few resources as possible, will operate without depleting natural resources on an ongoing basis, and will stand the test of time and be durable and liveable for many years to come. This might sound like a challenge if you’re remodelling a home, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t mean your remodelled home has to be a complete off-the-grid tepee without electricity or running water, it just means that you should use approved green products and appliances when doing your constructions. Information about green solutions is readily available; just browse design and construction firms like Unique Design. Green design doesn’t have to affect the appearance of your remodel either, just the mechanics of it. Here are some pictures of green remodelled homes:

It is now very easy to power your kitchen or bathroom by using solar energy, so if you are doing works on your plumbing or light fittings you should think about this. Solar energy will also attract generous rebates from the government, meaning that your energy bill will dramatically decrease.

Plumbing fixtures are good place to focus your attention as well, as faulty or inadequate fixtures are responsible for huge amounts of leaking and water wastage. A good thing to do when in the midst of a remodel is to get an energy audit, which will show you exactly how and where your energy consumption is going. It might be a revelation to find out exactly how energy is used in your home, and then you’ll know what the big consumers are and how you can save on energy expenses. Most people find that energy is used for a few hours in the evening, across two rooms, the kitchen and the bathroom. As a general rule, good quality products are better for the environment because they use energy more efficiently and last longer, meaning that they stay out of our landfill for longer.

Room Re-design can be just what is needed to give a space an entirely updated, new feel and even functionality.  S Interior Design  offers a specific Room Re-Design service which uses the furnishings, accessories and artwork the client already has, but optimizes their placement and arrangement.  We then offer  recommendations for additional or optional design elements that would take the client’s  room further towards the desired look and feel .

The guest post below shares good advice about how to re-design a room.

Things to Consider Before Redesigning a Room
At some point over time, even the best decorated rooms may need a makeover. Knowing where to start, how much to alter, or even whether the time is right can be tough questions to answer. An unplanned approach can draw out the process and muddle the results. Here are some things to consider before the room makeover bug gets the best of you.

Love/Hate
Redesigning a room does not have to be a matter getting rid of everything or shelling out a lot of money to re-furnish. The first thing you should ask yourself is, “What do I dislike about the room?” While you may have specific pieces in mind to relocate, replace, or dispose of, consider the fundamentals first.
• How are the walls and floors? If you are looking at a reasonably involved redesign, the shifting of pieces may create a good opportunity to repaint or re-floor. You may also just want to target specific problem areas (touching up paint, refinishing wood, etc.).
• How does the room flow? Based on the function of the room, is it easy to get around? Does foot traffic get awkward at certain points? Think about where people walk the most and where opening up space would help most. This will help you identify what needs to change with the furniture.
• Is there enough or too much natural light? Often the lack of appeal to a room has to do with the lighting though this may not be the first thing we consider. Natural light should be considered first and can be controlled by careful consideration of window treatments. Applying window tint is an excellent way of utilizing natural light without fading interior fabrics or letting in too much heat while alleviating the burden of lighting by artificial means.
• Is there enough or too much artificial light? The sun being a light source that comes and goes, artificial light has to pick up the slack. The thing to consider here is whether the room loses appeal as the dark hours set in and whether the things you like about the room are lit well enough. At the same time, too many light fixtures can clutter space and too much light can be uncomfortable.
Now, pick out what you love about the room. Pieces that you love may just need better placement or better lighting to be done justice. Think about repainting or re-finishing wood furniture. For outdated upholstered furniture, you might want to consider a fitted cover if you still find you like it from a structural standpoint. With light fixtures you like, consider whether a different bulb, shade, or diffuser would be a better option. Also, if you like an item but it just doesn’t hurt to try placing it in a different room, space permitting.
Arrangement

S Interior Design Space Plan

Once you have accounted for what can stay and what needs to go, you have to get a picture of how to fill the space with the elements you have. It is a good idea to draw things out on paper to get an idea of how they should look in terms of the spatial arrangement. You don’t necessarily have to be a great artist, but you can also use a computer program if you feel your hand will not help enough to justify the effort.
Bear in mind that if you are planning to install more permanent features into a room, such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, or chandeliers, those should be considered first and by themselves in terms of placement since you will likely want to be able to work around them flexibly for future redecorating. Furniture should be next and considered in order of largest and heaviest to smallest and lightest so you can figure out how to make the best of the available space.

Long Term Viability
It is also important to consider whether the long-term value of what you are doing. If you plan to sell a place, you will have to think about whether your permanent changes will appeal to potential buyers. If the changes are all for your own enjoyment, you have to consider how often your budget will likely allow you to redesign and to what extent. Rearranging what you already have is the best place to start a redesign under a tighter budget. Acquiring and implementing new items over time may be the only option where budget dictates, but try to keep a cohesive picture in mind so that you are less likely to end up with a room full of mismatched elements. The more you intend to do at once, the more planning should go into the project, but a bit of forethought in any circumstances will help you create a room that will be enjoyed for years to come.