Lifestyle

07 Nov 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in Blog, Design, furniture arrangement, Interior Design, Lifestyle, Professional Interior Designer, Trends Permalink

How to Get Your Furniture Arrangement Right

Sticky Post By On November 7, 2023

Like a blank page or canvas, an empty room can be either an opportunity or a challenge. With so many ways to fill it, how do you know where to start? I’ve taken some of the basic rules of furniture arrangement and distilled them into 10 simple tips. They’ll help you work with your interior designer to determine where to put things, where not to put things, and how to prioritize the choices you make.

basic rules of furniture arrangement

Nicole Peter Studio

Basic Rules of Furniture Arrangement

Think About How the Room Will Function
Consider how the room is used and how many people will use it. That will dictate the type of furnishings you’ll need and the amount of seating required.

basic rules of furniture arrangement

Hendel Homes

Decide on a Focal Point
Identify the room’s focal point — a fireplace, view, television — and orient the furniture accordingly. If you plan to watch television in the room, the ideal distance between the set and the seating is three times the size of the screen (measured diagonally). Therefore, if you’ve got a 40-inch set, your chair should be 120 inches away.

basic rules of furniture arrangement

Studio H Design Group

Start With Priority Pieces
Place the largest pieces of furniture first, such as the sofa in the living room or the bed in the bedroom. In most cases, this piece should face the room’s focal point. Chairs should be no more than 8 feet apart to facilitate conversation. Unless your room is especially small, avoid pushing all the furniture against the walls.

basic rules of furniture arrangement

Manlove and Company Interiors

Consider Symmetry
Symmetrical arrangements work best for formal rooms. Asymmetrical arrangements make a room feel more casual.

basic rules of furniture arrangement

Galbraith Carnahan Architects

Create a Traffic Flow
Think about the flow of traffic through the room — generally the path between doorways. Don’t block that path with any large pieces of furniture if you can avoid it. Allow 30 to 48 inches of width for major traffic routes and a minimum of 24 inches of width for minor ones.

Try to direct traffic around a seating group, not through the middle of it. If traffic cuts through the middle of the room, consider creating two small seating areas instead of one large one.

basic rules of furniture arrangement

Moose Tuchus LLC

Aim for Variety
Vary the size of furniture pieces throughout the room, so your eyes move up and down as you scan the space. Balance a large or tall item by placing another piece of similar height across the room from it (or use it to replicate the scale). Avoid putting two tall pieces next to each other.

nest + company

Build in Contrast
Combine straight and curved lines for contrast. If the furniture is modern and linear, throw in a round table for contrast. If the furniture is curvy, mix in an angular piece. Similarly, pair solids with voids: Combine a leggy chair with a solid side table, and a solid chair with a leggy table.

basic rules of furniture arrangement

BDesignD

Design for Ease of Use
Place a table within easy reach of every seat, being sure to combine pieces of similar scale, and make sure every reading chair has an accompanying lamp. Coffee tables should be located 14 to 18 inches from a sofa to provide sufficient legroom.

John McClain Design

Allow for Circulation
In a dining room, make sure there are at least 48 inches between each edge of the table and the nearest wall or piece of furniture. If traffic doesn’t pass behind the chairs on one side of the table, 36 inches should suffice.

In bedrooms, allow at least 24 inches between the side of the bed and a wall, and at least 36 inches between the bed and a swinging door.

basic rules of furniture arrangement

Do Your Planning
Give your back a break. Before you move any furniture, test your design on paper. Measure the room’s dimensions, noting the location of windows, doors, heat registers, and electrical outlets, then draw up a floor plan on graph paper using cutouts to represent the furnishings. Or, better yet, use a digital room planner to draw the space and test various furniture configurations. It’s less work and a lot more fun.

basic rules of furniture arrangement

Crosby and Company

Tell us: What furniture arrangement challenges have you faced in your home?

Article written by Fred Alpert, Houzz Contributor. Fred has written about architecture and design for many Web sites and magazines, including Houzz, Metropolitan Home, House Beautiful, and Style 1900.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

 

07 Sep 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in Blog, Design, Home Improvements, home organization, Lifestyle, Storage Permalink

10 Keys to a Well-Functioning House

Sticky Post By On September 7, 2023

The design of a house can have a profound effect on how we feel, but we often attribute this to aesthetics. In fact, it’s about so much more including creating a well-functioning house. Good design should enhance our experience of a space, and the way a room looks is almost the icing on the cake. Here are 10 key tips for achieving a comfortable, well-thought-out home.

well-functioning house

Craig O’Connell Architecture

TIPS FOR A WELL-FUNCTIONING HOUSE

  1. Get the Layout Right  The starting point for any kind of change in your home should be the layout and the way the space functions. Spend time looking at how you use and move around your home. Try to establish what is and isn’t working to get a clear picture of what you need to alter. If the space doesn’t work well and you’re finding it difficult to move around or be comfortable, the interior decoration isn’t going to make much of an improvement. Rather, you may need to knock down a wall between a kitchen and a family or dining room, for example, or steal space from a bedroom to create an en suite.
  2. Be Practical  A well-designed home is one that makes things easy for you, so it pays to make room for those everyday tasks like laundry. Not all of us have space for a separate utility area, but clever design may enable you to maximize the space you do have. A washer and dryer can be stacked and concealed behind closet doors, making them easy to access when required.
  3. Use the Awkward Space  Do you have an area you don’t know what to do with? Challenging spaces are often left bare, and bare spaces tend to attract clutter. If an unused corner in your home has become messy, it may take away from the enjoyment of the room. Think about how you can transform the space, as there are clever ways of putting these awkward areas to good use. A nook at the top of a staircase can have a window seat that’s both functional and cozy.

well-functioning house

Melanie Stewart Designs

  1. Future-Proof It  Make sure that your design addresses more than just your immediate needs. It’s very easy to focus your attention on how you want to live right now, especially if you have young children. However, your needs will change over time, so it’s vital that you build in some flexibility. For instance, the opportunity to create a separate living space in an open-plan home may be a good idea for when the children get older, since family members may eventually desire a calm room away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the home.

well-functioning house

Barcci Builders

  1. Designate Storage  “A place for everything and everything in its place” really is the mantra for a well-functioning home. When it comes to choosing the right kind of storage, you should let what you need to store dictate the kind of storage that you select. Designated storage is far more efficient and useful than general storage. By having a specific place for each item, you’ll avoid the possibility of everything being thrown in haphazardly.

well-functioning house

Glas Associates

  1. Plan the Lighting  Lighting is one of the most important design aspects of a home and is something many people struggle with. It has such a powerful effect on the ambiance of a room that it is worth taking the time to get it absolutely right. The trick is to get the proper balance of artificial and natural light. Too much artificial light results in a space that feels clinical, but if a room is underlit, everything appears gloomy and uninviting.

well-functioning house

123 Remodeling Inc.

  1. Make Rooms Work Hard  When you’re designing a room, try to see where you can utilize spaces more effectively. Can you give a design feature multiple functions, for example? Can you build in more storage?

well-functioning house

Bilotta Kitchen and Home

  1. Pick Finishes Wisely  Choose finishes that are appropriate for the room. Tiles in a kitchen are a practical, durable choice for flooring. Spend time researching the finishes for your home, and ask about upkeep and suitability for the space where you plan to use them. Even if you love the look of an item, it’s important to think about whether it’s a practical choice for your room.

well-functioning house

Kalaa Chakra Interiors

  1. Layer With Color  Your choice of color isn’t important only for how it looks; it also will have a big impact on how you feel in the space. Get it wrong and the color will shout at you every time you enter the room. Get it right, and you won’t even notice the color — you’ll just love spending time in the space. A good tip is to layer your color palette: Start with a neutral backdrop and build on color carefully by adding bolder shades through accessories and art. However, neutral doesn’t mean painting your walls a bland shade. You can create a neutral version of practically any color by going either very light or very dark. Think grays, caramels, and sandy tones, all of which work in any version from light to dark as a neutral backdrop that you can combine with any other accent color.

well-functioning house

Christopher Patrick Interiors

  1. Let Your Personality Shine  Most importantly, your home should reflect the personality of those who live in it. Choose design elements that you love and that help you feel healthy and happy. This living room features a personal art collection and re-upholstered slipper chairs that have an emotional connection for the homeowner.

 

Blog by  Denise O’Connor, Houzz Contributor

Denise holds a degree in architecture from Richview School of Architecture at UCD. After graduating in Dublin she moved to London where she worked on residential, healthcare, and office schemes including the award-winning headquarters for Holiday Extras for which she was a project architect at Walker and Martin. In 2005 she returned to Dublin and set up architecture and interior design consultancy Optimize Design. Denise is an architecture and interiors columnist for the Irish Times and a contributor for HOUZZ. She is also a regular contributor to various other publications and also gives lectures on a range of topics. She was a presenter for the first series of the RTE TV show ‘The Design Doctors’ and is the creator and name behind the successful paint collection for Dulux called Signature Collection.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

07 Sep 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in Blog, Design, Home Improvements, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle Permalink

11 Must-Haves in a Designer’s Dream Kitchen

Sticky Post By On September 7, 2023

In interior design, it’s important to think big: After all, in some projects, you can’t get everything you want, but you should set the bar high to achieve a great result. But in your dream kitchen, you can have it all — and more. Here I’ve compiled my top 11 must-have design features for a dream kitchen. Some are extravagant, some are just downright practical, and all are worth considering as designer touches you might want to include in your next kitchen renovation — even if for now it’s only in your dreams.

dream kitchenWINN Design+Build

DESIGNING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN

  1. Quartz Counters Quartz is a designer’s dream to work with for many reasons. It’s made using actual stone, so it echoes the natural appeal of materials such as granite or marble. But it is also processed and manufactured in ways that make it strong, nonporous, and color-customizable to create many different looks with good color predictability (as opposed to a stone slab, which can contain more unexpected surprises compared with the sample). This beauty and durability doesn’t come without a price: It is generally more expensive than stone or total synthetics, although the price will vary depending on composition and manufacturer. While granite counters get overexposed on real estate reality shows, quartz is definitely the new must-have for my dream home. Read more about quartz countertops

dream kitchenStock & Associates, Inc.

  1. Custom Cabinets, of course, those beautiful counters will need something on which to rest, so I might as well toss in some sleek custom cabinetry. The advantage of using true custom cabinets vs. typical stock cabinets that can be configured in different combinations is twofold. First, custom cabinets can be fitted perfectly to your kitchen, filling the space precisely and making the best use of corners, spaces between windows, and any height or length of wall.

dream kitchenBrooke Wagner Design

Second, custom cabinets can achieve looks that stock cabinets can’t, especially when integrated with other features such as a banquette seat or kitchen island. This is especially important when going for a sought-after transitional style, where cabinets are desired to be seamless but not ultraminimalist.

Plus, although white tends to be the most in-demand shade, my dream home’s custom cabinets can be any hue I choose.

post architecture inc

  1. A (True) Counter-Depth FridgeIf you’ve gone to the trouble of getting sharply tailored cabinetry, it would be a shame to ruin the lines with a bulky fridge. (Oversized fridges often end up filled with unnecessary food clutter anyway.)Counter-depth refrigerators follow the line of a typical 24-inch-deep counter for a flush look but beware: Some models sold as “counter depth” still stick out a bit past a typical counter when installed. Check the exact dimensions of a model you’re considering, and compare notes with your installer to make sure the lines will truly match up.

dream kitchen

Philadelphia Design Collective

  1. Deep SinkWhile a fridge can sometimes be too big, I’m not sure the same can be said about a kitchen sink. Typical sinks are often around 8 inches deep, but a sink that is 10 inches deep or more (especially a wide one) makes for luxurious ease of use. Being able to easily fit a large pot fully inside the sink for filling or cleaning is very practical. Plus, if you do leave an item or two in the sink to be cleaned later (sitting on top of a perfectly fitted metal sink grate, of course), they won’t be visible in your seemingly bottomless sink.

dream kitchen

Toronto Interior Design Group

A little extra depth is even helpful for tighter sinks, such as those at a bar, prep counter, or butler’s pantry, as it helps avoid splashback when rinsing vegetables or pouring out liquid.

I can speak on this point from my personal experience. I have a deep stainless steel sink in my own kitchen, shown here, and I love it. It’s an easy and affordable upgrade that’s part of my dream home but also part of my real home.

dream kitchen

Anna Braund

  1. Touch-Activated FaucetsWith a sharp, deep sink, let’s make it even easier to use by adding a touch-activated faucet. These smart devices aren’t just for minimalist tech-head homes. They come in a range of styles to suit even more traditional or transitional kitchens. Inside that stylish faucet is a sensor that activates the faucet just from a tap, so you can turn on the water even with your hands occupied. The next time you’re making dough (or just making a mess) and need to rinse off, you’ll be glad you can turn on the faucet with just a tap from your elbow.

dream kitchenTracey Stephens Interior Design Inc

  1. Drawer Dishwashers  Besides looking smart, a drawer dishwasher opens up new intelligent functions. Running a full-sized dishwasher when only partially full is a waste of water, but a unit like this can wash each individual half, giving you more flexibility for the size of the load to be cleaned. Plus, you can be running one drawer while still filling another, so you can clean your often-used items now while other pieces build up a bit over time. Goodbye to waiting an extra day to wash the dishes in my dream home.

dream kitchen

Leona Mozes Photography

  1. Hidden Range HoodI was tempted to include a bold, show-stopper range hood in my perfect kitchen, but I also love one that disappears into custom cabinets, as shown here. Ultimately, I realized that there is no middle ground: The best hoods are either a commanding focal point or quietly hide away to allow other features to speak uninterrupted.

Haefele Design

  1. Steam-Convection OvenLooking to upgrade your cooking? Convection ovens increase the effectiveness of a typical oven by circulating the hot air inside to cook more evenly, making this a modern cooking essential. But newer technology takes that concept one step further with steam-convection combination ovens that some say result in better texture and nutrition. Foods cooked in steam tend to retain more moisture — and thus more vitamins — than foods that are simply baked or boiled. That makes a steam-convection oven not just a part of my dream kitchen, but a step toward healthier eating.

dream kitchen

Highmark Builders

  1. Pro-Style Gas RangeSteam-convection ovens may be high-tech, but when it comes to the range-top, nothing beats the look and power of chef’s kitchen-style burners. Classic red knobs give a punch of color, and the exposed burners on this style of gas range say “Ready to cook.”

dream kitchen

WoodHart Interiors & Design, LLC

  1. Deep DrawersThis is nothing new, but that doesn’t keep it from being in my dream kitchen. Trading out the usual lower cabinets for deep drawers (one or two per traditional cabinet box) gives you easy reach-in access for anything from a large pot to stacks of dinnerware.

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

To improve organization even further, drawer divider systems can break the interior into perfectly sized compartments so everything has its place. Plus, they can be adjusted later if needs change.

Deep drawers are an affordable upgrade too, because many companies provide deeper drawer units at the same cost as a more typical three-drawer model.

dream kitchen

Kube Constructions

  1. Slab BacksplashI thought I had everything I wanted for my dream kitchen with the deep drawers, but then I realized it had to end right back where it started: with a beautiful statement-making stone. The new must-have kitchen look eschews the everyday tile backsplash for the dramatic, custom look of a slab backsplash in the same material as the counters. After all, if you love your quartz counter so much, it makes sense to put the material on a vertical plane to show it off from all angles.I don’t want to be greedy, so that’s everything for my dream kitchen — for now. Your turn: What must-have did I miss from your dream kitchen?

HOUZZ BLOG:  Toronto Interior Design Group is a trusted one-stop-shop residential interior design concierge boutique-style firm crafting timeless interiors.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

 

03 Aug 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in Blog, Design, Home Improvements, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle, Trends Permalink

7 Stylish New Compact Home Bars

Sticky Post By On August 3, 2023

A compact home bar or beverage station is one of those features that can have an outsize impact on the way a home functions. It’s not on the level of a belly-up-to-the-bar-style Irish pub, but a compact home bar can spark a lively atmosphere in a relatively small footprint. Here, designers share details on modestly sized home bars and beverage stations.

Compact Home Bar

Copper Sky Design + Remodel

1. Basement Bragging Rights with a Compact Home Bar

Designer: Micaela Quinton of Copper Sky Design + Remodel
Location: Atlanta
Size: This bar is in a media room that’s 500 square feet (46 square meters); 20 by 25 feet

Homeowners’ request. “This bar and media room was an unusable crawl space before we excavated the basement to create a great entertaining space for this family,” says designer Micaela Quinton, who used Houzz idea books to collaborate with the homeowners on design ideas. “The clients wanted to stay in their charming historic Intown Atlanta home, but they needed more space for their family. They couldn’t go back or up with an addition, so we went down. This media room is a nice, large flex space for them and features a bar with all the bells and whistles, including a beverage fridge, freezer, ice maker, trash pullout, sink, storage, and display shelving.”

Special features. “The tile backsplash and paint colors are really what makes this space so special,” Quinton says. “The tile is a geometric pattern of matte marble and brass. The light blue Sherwin-Williams Debonair cabinet color on the bar is a nice accent to the moody paint color that envelops the rest of the room, including the walls, ceiling, and trim.”

The countertop is Calacatta Cielo marble.

Designer tip.“We painted the walls, ceiling, and all the trim in this room the same deep blue color, Sherwin-Williams Rainstorm,” Quinton says. “It gives the space a moody, cozy feeling that works great in a basement media bonus room. A basement is a great place to go bold on color, and don’t be afraid to use dark colors, even in a space with very little or no natural light.”

“Uh-oh,” moment. “This basement build-out started as an excavation project,” Quinton says. “We turned an unusable crawl space below a historic home into a beautiful basement with 9-foot-high ceilings, a bar, media room, guest bedroom and bathroom, storage room, and home gym.

“The basement excavation process is complex and messy, and it involves structural engineering, a big conveyor belt, and a great deal of hand digging. During that excavation process, the clients were surprised by how much dirt we were removing and the extent of what was happening below their home, which they remained living in throughout the project. But they trusted our due diligence, knowledge, and experience and were thrilled with the results, especially with all the space they gained.”

Tile: Lavaliere mosaic in marble and brass, 12 by 14 inches, Daltile

Compact Home Bar

Kate Roos Design LLC

2. Cool Connection

Designer: Kate Roos of Kate Roos Design
Location: Plymouth, Minnesota

Homeowners’ request.“The primary objective for this kitchen remodel was to open it up to the dining room to allow connectivity between the spaces,” designer Kate Roos says. “Once we looked at our options, it became clear that there would be slightly less storage in the new kitchen, so to solve this, we created a wonderful focal point in the dining room with storage that would take the pressure off of the kitchen. Pantry items, overflow serving ware, wine, and other miscellaneous items can easily fit in this area. This approach to the dining room allowed us to incorporate a beverage refrigerator so guests could help themselves. It also became a wonderful featured area for the client’s art piece, an original watercolor tulip.”

Roos used Houzz Pro business software for her billing, purchase orders, and proposals.

Special features. “We used a combination of white cabinetry with a walnut surround at the serving area to further frame the art,” Roos says. “The walnut is repeated inside the glass cabinetry for continuity. A soft tonal wallpaper is applied to the back for interest and a little shimmer. The quartzite countertop adds an elegant feel while providing a hardworking serving space.”

Designer tip. “The wall that this cabinetry is on varies in depth,” Roos says. “For a unified look, the tall cabinetry on the left is only 15 inches deep while all the other cabinetry on the right is full-depth. It feels consistent even though the depth is different. This was a great way to define the dining room from the living room space.”

“Uh-oh,” moment. “In the wall, we were modifying between the kitchen and the dining room was a duct that we needed to relocate,” Roos says. “It turned out that we could not run the duct in any of the remaining stud bays. After some serious problem-solving, we decided to run the duct behind the tall cabinetry on the left, which reduced the depth of that cabinet from 18 inches to 15 inches. This turned out to be a perfect solution. The 15-inch depth is perfect for pantry items and nothing gets lost.”

Compact Home Bar

Kitchen & Bath Gallery

3. Taken for Granite

Designer: Lauren Dworak of Kitchen & Bath Gallery
Location: Douglas, Massachusetts
Size: 39 square feet (3.6 square meters); 6 by 6½ feet

Homeowners’ request. “They needed this space to be really functional as well as beautiful since their guests would see the space,” designer Lauren Dworak says. “We made sure the details flowed and connected back to the kitchen, with the white cabinets and black granite top. The open shelves were a great way to keep the smaller space lighter and show off beautiful glassware and wine bottles.”

Special features.“The rustic but simple wood floating shelves, sourced locally, gave a really beautiful natural element to the space,” Dworak says. “We wanted to call back to the gorgeous woodlands surrounding the home.”

Designer tip. “Adding plants brought a needed pop of color to the neutral space and again calls back to the surrounding woodlands,” Dworak says. “Also, adding a unique vintage-style faucet added an element of whimsy.”

“Uh-oh,” moment. “It was complicated getting the ice maker, fridge, and sink in the smaller area with door swings and still have some hidden storage space,” Dworak says. “We played with several options to get the best layout for the customer. The drawers ended up working really well for all the small bar tools.”

Faucet: Artifacts Gentleman’s bar faucet, Kohler

Compact Home Bar
East Hill

4. Stylish Simplicity in a Compact Home Bar

Designers: Anthony Maucieri and Lisa Stretton of East Hilland Lisa Schwert Pohlschroeder of Innate Studio
Location: Pelham, New York
Size: 65 square feet (6 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “There was wasted space adjacent to the kitchen, so we converted it into a butler’s pantry for easier service to the adjacent dining room,” designer Anthony Maucieri says.

Special features. Walnut interiors inside the upper cabinets. Frameless base cabinets with an inset detail above the counter. Quartzite countertops and backsplash.

Designer tip. “Use the interior of glass cabinets to introduce warmth or interest to a space,” Maucieri says. “The inside doesn’t always have to match the outside.”

“Uh-oh,” moment. “There were concerns regarding the walnut stain, Maucieri says. “When the sample was viewed, it was in our showroom in hand, exposed to all different types of light. When installed, the back panel is inset by 13 inches and in a dark cavity, changing the color and darkening the tone. The moment the lights were installed in the cabinets the finish brightened and looked beautiful.”

Compact Home Bar

Cape Home Kitchen & Bath

5. Gorgeous Green

Designers: Kristin Whalen and Jason Fisher of Cape Home Kitchen & Bath
Location: Pocasset, Massachusetts
Size:48 square feet (4.5 square meters); 6 by 8 feet

Homeowner’s request. “This homeowner is a manager for a local distiller that specializes in canned cocktails,” designer Kristin Whalen says. “She wanted an area off the kitchen that would allow guests to be able to help themselves to a drink. She wanted the area to feel clean, crisp, and transitional in design.”

Special features. “The glass-door beverage fridge allows guests to easily see and select their canned cocktail of choice,” Whalen says.

“The Pine Grove green from Grabill Cabinets really stands out as the focal point, with natural cane webbing added to the wall doors for organic texture. The Calacatta Gold quartz countertops and full-height backsplash provide durability and contrast to the space. Finally, the use of mixed metallics — honey bronze cabinet knobs with a matte black faucet — creates visual interest.”

Designer tip. “Consider paneled appliances,” Whalen says. “By paneling the ice maker, we were able to bring a cohesive look to the space and blend this appliance in seamlessly.”

“Uh-oh,” moment. “When we first unboxed the cabinetry, we noticed that the natural cane material had been painted the same Pine Grove green, eliminating the contrast in texture we worked hard to achieve,” Whalen says. “We were able to have the doors remade with the correct material and keep the project moving along.”

Compact Home Bar

Drury Design

6. In the Navy

Designer: Samantha Schoell of Drury Design
Location: Chicago
Size: 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide

Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners were interested in updating their kitchen into a more modern aesthetic that also accentuates their art-and-crafty personalities,” designer Samantha Schoell says. “They not only wanted to have a place to make drinks, a counter space for serving food when entertaining but also a space to showcase their latest art pieces. The homeowners loved the idea of a bar, so I sought to address these core needs by giving them a separate beverage center, adding glass-lit cabinets for their decor to shine, and giving them a small space that makes a large impact.”

Special features. Marble-look quartz countertop. Navy blue custom cabinets. Colorful backsplash accent tile featuring koi fish. Clear glass cabinets with lighting. Crown molding. Craftsman handles and knobs. Beverage fridge. Microwave drawer.

Designer tip. “Placing the bar by the dining area allows beverages to be just a short reach when eating,” Schoell says. “Also, I believe this makes for a smooth transition between kitchen and dining space. Homeowners who love to entertain find bar areas not only a way to keep people out of the cooking space but also gives more space in the main refrigerator by placing all drinks in a separate beverage refrigerator.”

“Uh-oh,” moment.“This Chicago home is over 100 years old, and sticking with the style of the home was a huge factor,” Schoell says. “The home incorporated massive amounts of wood, and the homeowner was having difficulty determining the appropriate color they wanted. They were concerned with how to update an older house to a modern Craftsman style. I made the suggestion to go with a darker blue as I knew it would pair well with the wood features throughout the home and bring in the fun personality of the clients.”

Backsplash accent tile: Koi Pond in turquoise, 6 by 8 inches, Motawi Tileworks

Compact Home Bar

Norman Building & Design

7. Woodsy Wet Bar

Designer: Norman Building & Design
Location: Terrebonne, Oregon

Homeowners’ request. A functional but beautifully detailed wet bar integrated into an entertaining space.

Special features. Custom wood cabinets with ample storage for glassware, wine, and liquor. Refrigerator drawers. Stone tile backsplash. Quartz countertop. Engineered hardwood flooring.

Mitchell Parker – Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

24 Jul 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in Blog, Home Improvements, Kitchen Island, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle Permalink

10 Kitchen Island Features Pros Always Recommend

Sticky Post By On July 24, 2023

A kitchen island offers many benefits — an extra countertop, more storage, a place where family and guests can sit, and improved circulation. But while the advantages of an island may seem straightforward, designing one isn’t. There are countless considerations that go into how an island looks and functions. To narrow down the options a bit, we asked 50 design and remodeling pros what kitchen island detail they always recommend to homeowners. Here are the 10 features that came up again and again.

kitchen island

JKB Kitchen & Bath

1. Kitchen Island Seating

By far, the most recommended feature for a kitchen island is seating. “If possible, we encourage seating at least at a portion of the Island,” architect Michael Klement of Architectural Resource says. “Given our kitchen-centric lifestyle, whether our clients like it or not, the island will end up becoming the gathering point.”

There are a lot of ways to approach island seating, so be sure to discuss the pros and cons of each with your design or remodeling pro.

If you expect that the seating will be used mostly for doing homework or having a quick snack, you might want all the seats facing the same way. If you like being able to look at the person next to you, you might want seating on two sides of your island, as in the Providence, Rhode Island, kitchen by JKB Kitchen & Bath seen here.

Keep in mind that you’ll want at least 24 inches of space between each seat for people to feel comfortable.

kitchen island

Sea Pointe Design & Remodel

In this Orange County, California, kitchen by Sea Pointe Construction, stools on opposite sides allow two people to face each other when on the narrow island. “Seating on two sides is always better for conversation,” designer Mary Jean Cipro of Thomas Sattler Homes says.

How you intend to use island seating will affect other elements, such as the length of the overhang. “Our minimum depth is 12 inches, but our ideal is around 16 to 18 inches of overhang on the countertop to give enough knee space with bar stools,” builder Al Kelekci of Hask Custom Homes says.

Designer Jason Thompson of J.THOM Residential Design & Materials likes to leave a bit of an overhang on an island countertop for clamping on accessories like pasta cranks.

kitchen islandLDa Architecture & Interiors

While the standard countertop height is 36 inches, you might want to consider adding a bar-height portion that’s 42 inches, as seen in this Boston kitchen by LDa Architecture & Interiors.

“Having at least one portion set up as a sit-to with a 42-inch-high surface is a very comfortable place to be,” Klement says. “It’s a height where one can be half sitting, half standing. It is psychologically and physiologically a welcoming, natural place for guests to perch, relaxed and yet engaged.”

kitchen island seatingAiltire Studio LLC

2. Double-Sided Storage

If planned right, a kitchen island can add tons of storage to your space. And while you want to focus most of your attention on storage on the interior side of the island, don’t forget the back side.

“Whenever possible, we add extra cabinets under the overhang on the back side to maximize storage,” says Chelsea Forse, a design coordinator at King and Society Construction. “It can create a more finished look, and with the latest kitchens moving away from upper cabinets, it helps make up for the storage space that we are now missing.”

Architecture firm Ailtire Studio integrated storage on the back side of the island in the Philadelphia kitchen shown here. See the next photo for a peek at the storage.

To access the storage, the homeowners just move the stools out of the way. “Cabinetry on the back side of the island is a great place to stash the holiday platters and Crock-Pots when you don’t need them,” designer Judith Balis says.

You might also want to consider cabinets, drawers, or shelves at the ends of your island.

New to home remodeling? Learn the basics

kitchen island

H&H Custom Homes, LLC

3. Kitchen Island Outlets

Building code requires at least one outlet for an island, and more depending on the size of the island. So you’ll want to consider the best spot for your outlet or outlets. Be sure to talk with your design or building pro to get their advice and recommendations.

That way you can plug in a blender or mixer right on your prep surface, or you can use the outlets to charge phones and other devices.

An outlet on the back side of an island, as in this Cleveland kitchen by H&H Custom Homes, lets kids charge a laptop while doing homework.

An outlet on the side might be a better spot. Think about where you store your most-used gadgets so you can take them out of a cabinet and plug them in right on the countertop.

You might also want to consider an outlet in a drawer for charging devices so they’re not left out on the countertop.

Another thing to keep in mind is the outlet cover style. “A small detail that makes all the difference is having painted or matching wood outlet covers as opposed to a bright white plastic cover against a dark painted or wood island,” Thompson says.

kitchen island with refrigerator and microwave shelf

Thyme & Place Design

4. Secondary Fridge

Placing a beverage fridge or fridge drawer in your island can be a great way to let people grab a drink or snack without disrupting the main work triangle in your kitchen. A good spot is at or near the island end that’s farthest away from the main action, as in this New York kitchen by Thyme & Place Design.

Another design is to have a beverage fridge on the outer side of the island which lets family members and guests grab drinks without getting in the way of the main traffic area. During parties, the countertop above can serve as a drink-making station while still leaving plenty of work surface on the other side of the island for the cook.

5. Microwave

A microwave in the island serves a similar purpose as the beverage fridge, allowing people to heat up coffee or a snack without getting in the way. If you use your island as the main prep area, having a microwave close by can minimize trips back and forth. Plus, tucking the microwave into the island gets it off the countertop, freeing up more work surfaces, and limiting the visual clutter more than if it were, say, above a range.  A microwave drawer’s placement at the outer end of the island lets people use the appliance without entering the main area of the kitchen.

kitchen island

ProPacific Builders, Inc.

6. Durable Countertop Material

The right countertop material is key to a high-functioning island. An island typically becomes the main prep space, gathering area, homework center, and more. So, you want the surface to be as durable as possible.

Many design and remodeling pros swear by engineered quartz for its heat- and stain-resistant qualities. ProPacific Builders used quartz for the island in the San Diego kitchen seen here.

But Quartz isn’t the only player in town. Your remodeling professional might have other options in mind that will work better for your needs and style preferences, including some you might not have heard of. Designer ​Erica Bryen recommends Neolith, a sintered stone product. “It is one of my all-time favorite materials that can resemble Calacatta marble, any natural stones, and slate,” she says. “It’s highly resilient and can be used outdoors too.”

Designer Meghan De Maria of Moss Design likes Nano Glass, which she used for the island in her own kitchen, paired with a marble backsplash. “It’s great because it is virtually indestructible, and from a design perspective, its sleek, modern finish brings a nice balance to the natural marble,” she says.

Keep in mind that the larger an island countertop is, the harder it will be to clean. “I recommend making the island no larger than one [that a person] can comfortably lean across to wipe it clean,” designer Carrie Hayward says.

kitchen island prep sink

7. Prep Sink

If you choose not to put your main sink in the island, consider adding a prep sink instead. “It allows two people to prep and cook comfortably,” designer Jamie Roddy of Eden LA Furniture and Interiors says. If you use your island surface as your main prep area, it means you can rinse items right next to where you’re working, rather than rinsing items in the main sink and dripping water on the floor as you transfer them to the island.

One suggestion is to position the prep sink off to one edge of the countertop, preferably near the refrigerator so you can quickly transfer vegetables and other foods right to the basin to rinse. Plus, placing it off to the side keeps a large work surface free on the island that you can use for chopping or as buffet space when entertaining.

The prep sink in the Boston kitchen seen here, by Almar Building and Remodeling, is a good example of how placement at the end of the island looks.

8. Pullout Trash and Recycling

As mentioned, your island is likely to become your main work surface. And that makes it a good spot for a pullout trash-and-recycling center, like the one designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn designed for the suburban New York kitchen seen here. This placement allows you to wipe food scraps and crumbs right off the surface into a bin.

9. Targeted Lighting

Of course, you can’t have an adequate work surface without proper lighting. And pros recommend a layered approach. “Great overhead lighting is essential for both tasks and aesthetics,” designer Kimball Starr says. “A combination of accurately placed recessed lighting, undercabinet lighting, and decorative pendants makes for a space people won’t want to leave.”

Sometimes island pendants can obstruct sightlines and views through a kitchen. In this case, strategically placed recessed lights in the ceiling will bring task lighting right to the work surface.

kitchen island

Shelley Morris Interiors

10. Something Special

Don’t forget about style and flair when it comes to your island. “Find a way to make a kitchen island your own with your personality,” says architect and interior designer Robin McCarthy of Arch Studio, “whether it be a shelf for cookbooks or a special drawer for gadgets, a special color or finish, or a wine rack. Kitchen islands are one of the single most requested features for a home by our clients, and we want it to be both functional and fun.”

Many designers recommend adding furniture-style legs or other details to an island to give it a special look. “We’ll add custom leg detailing, or special details on the side panels or underside of the island overhang,” designer Mindy Gayer says.

Designer Megan McKeown of M.S. Design Studio agrees with that approach. “I love it when kitchen islands are designed to look like a free-standing piece of furniture,” she says. “You can get so creative with this type of design. This is a great spot to mix and match different materials to achieve a collected and balanced feel in the space.”

Designer Shelley Morris mixed and matched in the New York kitchen shown here.

Another way to set your island apart is to use a different color or cabinet style. “A kitchen island is like adding icing on a cake,” Sindhu Peruri of Peruri Design says. “Add personality and flair here. Most likely, the footprint of most islands is small, so this is the best place to take a risk. I love making it look different than the rest of the kitchen, either in design, color, texture, or in the materials that are used. My favorite is to introduce a different cabinetry style for the island. If the rest of the kitchen is modern and white, having an antiqued island is fun, or change up the cabinetry style into something really dramatic. This is the place to have fun.”

10 Ways to Dress Up Your Kitchen Island

Even small details can make your island stand out. Designer Thompson always recommends including integrated cutting boards in the island.

Or if you want to pamper yourself and guests, consider a heated island countertop. “If there’s seating at the island, I often recommend a heated pad under the countertop where people sit,” designer Sarah Armstrong of Studio360 says. “Sometimes tops can be very cold and therefore uninviting to sit or eat at. By adding an integral heated electric panel, controlled by a thermostat, it takes the chill out of an often cold and shocking surface when you sit at it.”

hidden dog bowls in kitchen island

Studio Dearborn

And don’t pamper just the humans in your life. The end of an island is a great spot for a dedicated pet feeding station, like the one shown here in a Denver kitchen by Studio Dearborn.

“I often recommend a dog bowl water filler and food [storage] built into a kitchen island,” designer Ray Langhammer says. “Why? I love dogs, and any homeowner that is a dog or animal owner loves this feature. It’s a designated area for your animal that is out of the way and doesn’t get kicked by guests.

Blog shared from HOUZZ. Blog written by Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff.  Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

14 Jul 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in Blog, Flooring, Hardwood Floors, Home Improvements, Lifestyle, Trends Permalink

The Most Popular Flooring Trends of 2023

Sticky Post By On July 14, 2023

Looking for fresh flooring? A finish that wipes up easily and camouflages scratches is a good place to start. But when it comes to flooring trends, above all else, floors need to work for us. If you don’t have a flooring material that can stand up to the wear and tear of your family and lifestyle, it’s time to rethink your flooring goals.

flooring trends

PHOTO: RYAN GARVIN

“People expect more from their flooring in terms of scale, style, and performance,” says Ashley Biscan, senior editorial manager of Floor & Decor. For that reason, she says both performance flooring and wide-plank hardwood have become mainstays for homes across the country. But while resilient surfaces are a must, bringing style to the forefront is another important consideration.

“Personalization is everything and rather than overlooking the floor, homeowners start with a solid foundation so the whole space feels customized,” says Biscan. Whether that means selecting a porcelain tile that is both durable and available in a nearly endless array of styles, opting for an unlikely installation pattern, or even mixing tones and textures, your flooring can tell a lot about your home from the moment guests step inside. So, what do you want it to say? Consider these top flooring trends of 2023 to choose the right fit for your family.

flooring trends

PHOTO: LISA ROMEREIN

  1. Lighter, Brighter Wood Finishes

Wood flooring with character-rich, lighter stains shows no sign of waning in popularity, says Margaret Donaldson, founder of Margaret Donaldson Interiors. “Homeowners are primarily using white oak, but walnut is starting to surface more, especially with lighter finishes,” she says. For those on the coast, engineered wood products are a sound way to get the look, as this material doesn’t see the warping issues one might experience with natural products in a humid climate.

  1. Maximalist Installation

Floors aren’t taking the backseat these days. “More is more, and bigger is better,” says Biscan. “Large-format tile and stone are making a statement with ultra-dramatic natural looks that make your space appear seamless.”

To give your space a high-end finish, Biscan recommends taking large-format floor tile all the way up onto the kitchen backsplash or up a bathroom wall. It provides an unmatched level of luxury that is on trend not only for flooring but overall home design too.

flooring trends

PHOTO: DAVID TSAY

  1. Pattern and Color Play

When it comes to floor colors, muted shades are taking hold. Browns have become a popular alternative to black as they are better suited to play off the tones and materials that are sweeping the design world, like terracotta and shades of green. “Midcentury colors have taken to the West Coast’s sensibility with more sun-washed looks rather than primary palettes,” says Biscan.

While floor colors are taking a softer path, pattern play is still making a splash, particularly checkerboard. “Whether you prefer high contrast looks or a more subtle nod to the trend with lower contrast, the pattern is playful,” Biscan explains.

  1. Neutral Shades

While color trends come and go, neutrals will always have a place in design. But staying neutral doesn’t have to mean playing it safe or skipping character-rich details. Donaldson says the key to making neutrals work now is by utilizing a blend of tones throughout the flooring. “Finishes that are blended with warm and cool tones but also soft satin or matte [finishes] are currently the most popular,” says the designer.

flooring trends

PHOTO: JAMES NATHAN SCHRODER

  1. Textural Interest 

“Designers and dreamers alike crave the texture and uniqueness of natural stone,” says Biscan. “Matte and honed stone finishes and artisanal handmade looks enrich a space and tell a style story.” If you prefer the look of wood, you can still set the tone for an inviting space with mattified wood or hand-scraped wood textures. Donaldson also suggests wire brushing as a more popular wood finish. “[It] creates a unique grain and light texture versus smooth,” she explains. It’s all about layering details, whether it’s color, layout, or finish, to create a unique look for your space.

  1. Functionality at the Forefront

Floor trends aren’t all about looks. With so many material and finish options, floors can now meet our durability needs without sacrificing a bit of style. According to Biscan, these aren’t your grandmother’s vinyl and laminate floors. “Performance flooring has paved a new frontier with the most cutting-edge innovation,” she says. “Authentic textures, prints, and enhanced features like sound reduction, waterproof tech, and more keep homeowners coming back to performance flooring to withstand their busy households and lifestyles.”

By Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Garden Blog; posted April 2023

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

15 Jun 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in Blog, Design, Home Improvements, Lifestyle, Trends Permalink

Common Decorating Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Sticky Post By On June 15, 2023

If you’re scratching your head over why the decor in your home leaves you feeling slightly underwhelmed, a remedy — or at least an improvement — may be just a few moves away. Whether it’s a bland room, a paint color you’re not quite sure about, or throw pillows that refuse to sit right, here are some tweaks that can help turn common decorating mistakes into resounding wins, along with examples of rooms that do it right. And remember that a good interior designer can help you pinpoint issues and come up with creative solutions as well.

Common Decorating Mistakes

Rose’s Drapery Designs

Common Decorating Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Your Dark Walls Need a Lift

If you’ve been tempted by the elegance and drama of inky indigos, gunmetal grays, and midnight blacks but they’re making your room feel a little closed-in, here’s how to dump the dungeon feeling.

What to do: Good lighting is essential to reveal the tonal complexities in deep, saturated darks. Multiple light sources allow you to control the ambiance and light direction. Combine uplights and downlights as in this bedroom and don’t let the ceiling disappear into gloom.

Also, bear in mind that an over-furnished room will seem more cave-like than one that’s simply furnished. Clear out clutter and nonessential furniture.

Common Decorating Mistakes

Chandos Interiors

“The darker the night, the brighter the stars,” Dostoyevsky wrote. Your bold move gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in rich, theatrical color contrasts. Play up dark walls with jewel tones, natural wood, reflective metallics, greenery, and dramatic artwork.

Far from restricting a color palette, dark walls come to life when used with shades such as pale aqua and mint, silver-gray, teal, mustard, dusky pink, and pumpkin yellow. And you can never go wrong with white.

Another approach is to simply surrender to your dark side and go moody and monochrome. Texture and layering are key to nailing this look. Think dusky velvets, slubby linens, and sensuous silks.

Common Decorating Mistakes

LU Design Build

Your Shelves Are Bursting at the Seams

Putting every ornament you own on open shelves often leads to a distracting mishmash of nondescript items. Serious sorting is needed to create some focus.

What to do: I recommend organizing expert Marie Kondo’s life-changing advice of honoring items, then letting them go. Another motto may be “Beautiful, interesting, or out.” Empty your shelves and create “yes” and “no” piles. You don’t have to throw items away, but this is a good chance to do the Kondo. Use shelf space in a way that enhances every object.

10 Times to Hire an Interior Designer

Common Decorating Mistakes

Klopper and Davis Architects

Once you’ve reduced your candidates to the beautiful and meaningful, let them shine. You might want to paint the back of the shelves to emphasize lovely shapes and colors among your chosen collection; white items against a dark shade really stand out. Avoid highly patterned or textured backgrounds since they can be confusing to the eye.

Rather than lining books up soldier-style, stack some to form bookends and mini shelves, choosing intriguing titles and spines that coordinate with your display.

Common Decorating Mistakes

CRx – The Cure for the Common Build

Your Sofa Is Pale and Interesting but Impractical

You somehow forgot that a dog, a cat, two toddlers, sticky fingers, raspberry cordial, and pet hair doesn’t go with light sofas.

What to do: Have the fabric professionally cleaned and treated. Be aware that no stain-proofing is infallible and that its effectiveness depends on the fabric. Modern formulas penetrate fibers and enable most liquid and other residues to be removed. DIY aerosol sprays are a short-term solution, but they only coat the surface and wear away after one cleaning.

Drape sofa throws casually, and pile on big pillows to deflect the worst of spills and grime. Another solution is to opt for slipcovers that can go in the washing machine when dirty. If you want to leave sofas bare, vacuum often with a spotlessly clean brush attachment. In the event of a spill, blot carefully and never rub.

Common Decorating Mistakes
Madison Nicole Design

Your Vignettes Look Like Bargain Tables

Vignettes are a lovely way to show off treasures and create character. They’re pocket-sized portraits of your personality, so if you haven’t mastered the knack, read on.

What to do: Start with an anchor piece and build from it. Asymmetry avoids a stiff, formal look. Contrast shapes and textures. Connect with a theme, color, or mood.

Decorating 101: The ABCs of Arranging Vignettes

Common Decorating Mistakes

Bria Hammel Interiors

Your Living Room Doesn’t Feel Friendly

We want guests to be impressed by our home’s public spaces, but often style takes precedence over comfort and we end up with a dressy living room that feels stiff and unwelcoming.

What to do: The problem may simply be in how the furniture is positioned. Seating should be arranged in a way that encourages social interaction. When deciding where to put sofas and armchairs, imagine how sitters will communicate with one another. Put seating close enough to encourage conversation rather than back against the walls, which can leave you with no man’s land in the center of the room.

Common Decorating Mistakes

Domus Nova

There’s nothing like humor to put guests at ease, so add some whimsical touches to your living spaces. You may not want a giant bowler-hatted giraffe stealing the show, but he’s sure to break the ice.

See the latest living rooms

Common Decorating Mistakes

Susan Yeley Homes

You Can’t Get the Hang of Hanging Art

Whether art to you means canvas or framed prints, blown-up photographs, a priceless original, a treasured heirloom, or your child’s finger painting, its impact depends on the way it’s displayed. Are you getting the best out of yours?

What to do: If art is a defining feature in your home, calling upon the services of a professional hanger is a good investment. A common mistake is hanging art too high. Consider the human scale and hang artwork with the center point at eye level in spaces where people stand, and lower where it’s viewed from a seated position.

Common Decorating Mistakes

CDC Designs

Your White Kitchen Is Practical but Lacks Warmth

Kitchens are in the limelight more than ever — and often open to other living areas. While all-white is common, clinical coldness can creep in.

What to do: Kitchenware has moved beyond functional to become something worthy of display. Appliances come in a rainbow of colors and styles, and cookware is designed to be seen. Don’t hide all this beauty away in cupboards: Hang great-looking saucepans from wall hooks, leave a stack of pretty dishes out on display, or set a bowl filled with fruits or veggies on the counter.

Kitchen designer Anne Ellard believes a white kitchen is the perfect blank canvas. “Add bold flourishes of color with accessories such as books, flowers, or small appliances, all of which can easily be changed,” Ellard says. “Or make your pop of color even grander with a colorful backsplash.”

Bright artwork, wood accessories, potted plants, and mini herb gardens help relieve sterility and make a sleek kitchen feel more like home.

Common Decorating Mistakes

Laura Nathan Design

Your Focal Points Are All Over the Place

If you walk into a room and nothing — or everything — catches your eye, then it has no focal point. This much-used designer’s term simply means a primary place for the eye to rest before taking in the whole space. A room without one lacks life, balance, and harmony.

What to do: A focal point could be an architectural feature, a view, a piece of art, a fireplace (as in this space by 50 Degrees North) a statement furniture piece, a mirror, a textural surface, or a stunning rug. It’s easier to start with a focus and plan the rest of the room’s decor around it. If you prefer to work with what you already have, decide what the focal feature will be and then arrange existing furniture to direct attention toward it.

Imperfect Interiors

You Can’t Control Your Pillow Habit

We all know one: a pillow addict who doesn’t know when to stop. Perhaps it’s you? Get help here.

What to do: Pillows heaped high on sofas, chairs, and beds don’t always add much to a room. If you can’t sit on a sofa or lie on a bed without putting pillows on the floor, they lose their purpose. As in this living room, try to restrict pillows to two at each end of a sofa, one (or none) on an armchair, and three on a bed.

Street Monkey Architects

You Haven’t Changed Anything in Years

Has decor ennui crept in? You could just be tired of the same old, same old. We all have favorite styles, but it’s easy to get stuck in a groove.

What to do: Shake things up. Reignite your passion and inject new energy and interest into your home by mixing up what you already have or adding some inexpensive new accessories. Change bedding and pillows and move houseplants, chairs, lamps, and rugs around. Reposition furniture for a fresh perspective — it’s cheap as well as fun. This bedroom shows how a few well-chosen accessories can make for a pretty and inviting space.

 

This blog is written by Janet Dunn, Houzz Australia Contributor.  Former NZ House&Garden writer and stylist, and avid interior design enthusiast. Ex-restaurateur and caterer, with a Professional Certificate in Gastronomy, University of Adelaide.

 Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

 

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04 Jun 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in Blog, Design, Family, Home Improvements, Lifestyle, Trends Permalink

10 Tips for a More Peaceful Home

Sticky Post By On June 4, 2023

Maintaining a Zen-like space is about much more than style. It’s about cultivating a more peaceful home where each object has a reason for being present, whether for its beauty, utility, or both.

Here Are 10 Ways to a More Peaceful Home

1. Clear Surfaces Daily

Clutter is a visual distraction. Every time your eyes land on a stack of papers, a tangle of jewelry, or a pile of laundry, some small part of your mind is at work thinking about dealing with said items. If you want a calmer experience at home, a good way to begin is by making it routine to clear all the surfaces in your house daily. When your eye can skim across clean, clear surfaces throughout your home, it also becomes easier to stay focused on the present moment.

Kelly Deck Design

2. Declutter and Get Organized

It’s one thing to clear surfaces; it’s quite another to completely declutter your home. But when you have taken the time to go through every closet, drawer, and cupboard and whittle down your belongings to the ones you truly need, love, or both, a weight lifts. Daily tasks that used to take forever are streamlined; lost items are quickly found; important dates are no longer missed.

A More Peaceful Home

Tosti Design

3. Get Some Help if You Need It

Sometimes it’s best to admit you need help and let the pros do what they do best. Hire a professional organizer to help clear that clutter, a decorator to help you tap into your style and get your home looking and feeling just the way you want, or an architect to redesign your space.

A More Peaceful Home

Landed Interiors & Homes

4. Incorporate the Five Elements

Don’t stop with potted plants — to really embrace nature in your home, make sure all five elements are represented. They are water (images of water, a fountain, flowers in a bowl of water), earth (stone, plants), fire (candles, incense, fireplace), metal (furniture, tools), and wood (furniture, beams).

Why Slow Living is Good for You and Your Home Environment

A More Peaceful Home

The Sitting Room

5. Keep Floors as Clear as Possible

Similar to keeping surfaces clear (see item No. 1), having clean, clear floors is a way to streamline your life and keep your attention on the here and now. If piles of things tend to accumulate on your floors, perhaps it’s because there isn’t a better place for them — if that’s the case, make a home for these items so you won’t be tripping over them anymore. As for the floors themselves, keeping them fresh, clean, and dust free makes for a more pleasant space and helps improve indoor air quality.

Geoff Chick & Associates

6. Use Fewer But More Meaningful Decorations

Instead of binging on inexpensive finds, aim to reduce your decor items to include only the ones that you truly love and that hold meaning for you. A few beautiful objects carefully displayed can be so inspiring — reducing allows you to appreciate what you have even more.

7. Soften Your Lighting

Learn to appreciate natural light and use it more. Even when the light starts to fade in the evening, consider sometimes lighting candles instead of flicking on the overheads. And speaking of overheads, if you haven’t done so yet, swap out all of your regular light switches for dimmers — it makes a world of difference to be able to control the glow.

A More Peaceful Home

Nanette Wong

8. Pay Attention to Texture

Do the objects in your home thrill your senses? Consider this as you declutter and whenever you are considering a new purchase. Think of how lovely a chunky, hand-thrown pottery mug feels in the hand versus a machine-made version. Natural materials have some of the best textures — bring more rough jute, nubby linen, cracked old leather, pure silk, and raw wood into your home.

A More Peaceful Home

Signature Designs Kitchen | Bath | Interiors

9. Use Natural Scents

Have you ever noticed that some of the most beautiful, inspiring shops usually also smell amazing? Or how just the first whiff of aromatherapy oils in a massage therapist’s office instantly puts you at ease? What you smell can have a surprisingly strong effect on how you feel. Create a purifying, calming atmosphere in your home by eschewing artificial fragrances and choosing natural scents like those from beeswax candles, essential oils, natural cleaning products, and fresh garden flowers instead.

A More Peaceful Home

Cohesively Curated

10. Use Everyday Reminders

In meditation practice sometimes a bell is used as a reminder to refocus your attention on the here and now. Create a list of some things you do multiple times each day and pick one of them to use as your own version of a meditation bell. It could be anything, as long as it’s something you do often — adjust the window shades, wash your hands, pour a glass of water, check your email. Whenever you find yourself about to do that thing, take a moment to stop, breathe and simply be present.

Blog is written by Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor. About Gaskill: I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life’s simple pleasures.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

21 May 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in Blog, Design, Home Remodel, Lifestyle, living room, Trends Permalink

10 Living Room Features Pros Always Recommend

Sticky Post By On May 21, 2023

Kitchens and bathrooms get a lot of remodeling attention. But there’s been a surge of interest in living room updates in recent years. Many updates to living rooms are typically less expensive than the major changes often involved in kitchen and bathroom renovations. And the pandemic has changed the way many people want to live in their homes. That often starts with updating the living room.

With that in mind, we reached out to more than 50 home design and remodeling professionals and asked them which living room features they always recommend to homeowners. Here are the must-have living room features that came up again and again.

Living Room Features

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

LIVING ROOM FEATURES THE PROS RECOMMEND

Connection to the Outdoors

By far, the living room feature pros most often recommend is a connection to outdoor spaces. This helps virtually and physically expand the living space and maximizes natural light and views. “Of all the spaces in a home, the living room is the one for which we strive the hardest to create continuity between the interior and exterior,” says Coby Linton of Linton Architects.

This approach can take on many forms. At the top of the list would be sliding doors that completely open the indoors to the outdoors, as shown in this San Diego living room by Jackson Design & Remodeling.

But large windows that offer a view to an outdoor space also get the job done. “Large fixed windows are inexpensive and can really open up your home to views and light,” says designer Justin Cipriani of Cipriani Studios.

Living Room Features

Pure Salt Interiors

Performance Fabric

The next-most-recommended feature is performance fabric. This durable upholstery is stain-resistant and easy to clean, which also allows homeowners to feel a little more confident in choosing white and creamy colors for things like sofas and sectionals. “In living rooms, especially for clients with families or pets, I always recommend performance fabrics where possible,” says designer Natalie Meyer of CNC Home & Design. “Whether on sofas, chairs, or upholstered ottomans, a performance fabric will stand up to your family’s lifestyle and help protect against stains or spills so you can actually enjoy and live in your space.”

Living Room Features

Omnia Construction

Comfortable Furniture

This is an obvious one but it’s worth emphasizing: Comfortable furniture is a must-have in a living room. That means using more soft fabrics, deep cushions, and rounded edges rather than solid, hard-backed pieces and sharp corners. “I always tell my clients that the most important living room feature is comfort,” says designer Lindsey Machado of Designed With Grace & Joy. “We will always make any space look beautiful, so it’s more important to me that they’re also happy with the way it feels. That not only includes actual materials — think plush rugs, soft pillows and throw blankets, a nice-feeling sofa — but also ambiance.”

Designer Krista McGrath of McGrath Interiors tells homeowners to get the best-quality seating they can afford. “They will spend hours sitting on their furniture,” McGrath says, “so it should be very comfortable and hold up well.”

Designer ​Sabrina Lowe agrees. “The sofa is the one item in the living room that clients should put resources toward,” she says. “Most people who invest in a good couch have it for decades.”

Living Room Features

Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors

Multiple Seating Options

In addition to choosing comfortable furniture in durable fabrics, you should strive for plenty of seating options to accommodate family members and guests. Consider sofas, loveseats, ottomans, and armchairs.

Pros also recommend pieces that can be moved around, like accent chairs and footstools. Swivel chairs are another pro favorite. These allow the user to rotate to face a conversation area, a view, or a nearby room such as the kitchen.

And think about how window seats or a fireplace hearth might add to your seating arrangement.

Living Room Features

Ryan Street Architects

Large Area Rug

One element you’re almost guaranteed to find in a professionally designed and decorated living room is an area rug. This helps anchor the room and provides a jumping-off point for building a cohesive color palette. “It adds warmth and coziness to a space and is a great way to tie furniture and decor together while also providing a way to add detail and texture to the space,” designer Anna Butler says.

Designer Allison Crawford always recommends an oversize custom or vintage rug. “When all four feet of a living room’s furniture can sit on the rug, the entire space is elevated,” she says. “It creates a sense of elegance and really pulls the room together.”

Living Room Features

ORIJIN STONE, LLC

Fireplace

Many design and remodeling pros feel a fireplace should be a standard feature in a living room. It gives the space ambiance and provides a captivating focal point to arrange furniture around. “It allows for gathering and instinctually brings people together for conversation and creates memories,” says John Annis of Galbraith Carnahan Architects.

How to Decorate a Living Room

Living Room Features

Cuppett Kilpatrick Architects

Layered Lighting

Pros can’t say enough about the importance of a layered lighting scheme in a living room. “We always recommend layers of lighting, such as overhead lighting like a chandelier and then sconces,” says Alexandra Ford of Cummings Architecture + Interiors. “Living rooms can be used for so many activities — socially for entertaining, reading, watching a movie — you want to be able to have a variation of the lighting based on the task.”

Layered lighting is the go-to living room feature for designer Virginia Betty of Betty + Co Design and Consulting. “It’s nice to have a combination of small can lights on dimmers, sconce lights on the wall, reading lamps, and art lighting,” she says. “You can have it bright for cleaning time, task lighting for reading, and dim, cozy lighting for evening relaxing.”

To create flexibility with lighting, designer Wendy Black Rodgers recommends that homeowners install floor outlets so lamps can be positioned next to seating pieces without worrying about tripping over cords.

Christie Sobran Designs

Built-Ins

Built-in cabinets give homeowners customized storage and display space while creating a finished look. “One of our top living room features that we recommend is built-in shelving or custom woodwork — cabinetry, built-ins, room dividers,” says designer Ivana Stojanovska of Arete Renovators.

Designer Christie Sobran added these custom built-ins flanking a porcelain fireplace surround in a Bridgeport, Connecticut, living room. A bar sits to the left, with additional storage on the right.

Living Room Features

The Sitting Room

Open Floor Plan

Many family members and guests spend the bulk of their time at home in the kitchen or living room, so creating a connection between the two spaces makes sense. That’s why many pros recommend an open floor plan when it comes to living spaces.

Keep in mind that you can still have some delineation of space within an open plan. Furniture arrangement, ceiling treatments, and partial walls can give the feeling of separation between spaces while maintaining openness.

Beth Haley Design

Ceiling Treatment

A lot of living room design centers around elements close to the ground. But pros urge homeowners to consider what’s above too. Attractive ceiling features like coffered millwork, beams, or even statement light fixtures will make a room feel complete. “We always try to incorporate a generous ceiling height in a living space and include a special ceiling feature tailored to the homeowner’s style and design aesthetic,” says designer Jennifer Whisenant of Noble Johnson Architects. “This may include a wood ceiling, coffered beams, accent paint color, or heavy timber beams.”

The article was written by Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff.  Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor.

New to home remodeling? Learn the basics

 

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

24 Apr 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in Blog, client collaboration, Home Remodel, Lifestyle, NARI Certified, Professional Interior Designer Permalink

How to Work With an Interior Designer

Sticky Post By On April 24, 2023

When most people think about hiring an interior designer, they zero in on aesthetics: wall colors, window treatments, and pillow patterns. But that’s just scratching the surface of what a designer can add to a home. These pros go beyond cosmetic concerns to ensure that a space feels harmonious through and through, from its floor plan and architectural envelope to the last nailhead, tassel, and tuft. Many states have a certification process for interior designers.

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

A designer envisions, plans, and outfits spaces in a way that makes them both beautiful and functional. He or she balances aesthetic considerations with structural planning to reflect each client’s lifestyle, set the desired mood, complement the home’s architectural features and ensure that less glamorous details (such as electrical outlets and air vents) fit into the scheme. An interior designer also cultivates relationships with trusted contractors, artisans, vendors, and others who execute the design.

You may have a clear vision for your home, but an interior designer can help you bring it to life while making sure it satisfies nitty-gritty considerations such as space planning and functionality. A trained eye and a creative mindset allow for devising solutions that you might never have imagined, and attention to the tiniest details will transform your space into a haven that looks polished and pulled together.

Hiring an Interior Designer

Studio Dearborn

8 Tips for Working with an Interior Designer

1. Be sure the designer is a good match for your style. No two clients are alike, and good interior designers are nimble enough to hop from urban pied-à-terre to rustic farmhouse to beachside getaway without missing a beat.

Most do have a fundamental aesthetic that remains consistent throughout their work. When interviewing designers, ask them about their design approach, and look for parallels between their previous work and the design you want. Above all, look for someone you feel comfortable communicating with.

Hiring an Interior Designer

Finch London

2. Collect samples. Even if you have trouble articulating your desired look, pictures of rooms you love can instantly give the designer a sense of what you crave. He or she will ask you about specific points of the design that resonate with you and use those as guidelines. Fabric swatches, paint chips, furniture catalogs, and your own Houzz ideabooks are other good sources for showing items you like. On the flip side, pull examples of colors, motifs, and furniture styles that turn you off, which can be equally helpful.

Hiring an Interior Designer

Leah Ward Interiors

3. Decide in advance which pieces must stay. Not willing to get rid of your Biedermeier sideboard or your Majolica collection? The process will go more smoothly if you share that information with your designer during the initial site visit and consultation. That way, he or she can plan around the items that you don’t want to give up.

4. Involve the designer as early as possible in the building process. If you’re remodeling or building from scratch, include the designer in the planning stages with your architect, building designer, and contractor. This way, the pros involved will all be on the same page and can iron out any potential discrepancies — particularly those that involve the bones of a home, such as doorways, ceiling beams, or interior columns. It’s one thing to reorient a window on paper; it’s another entirely to move it after installation.

5. Try to have key household members present at the outset. Having all the adults’ input from the get-go helps to avoid potential conflicts down the road. If a spouse or loved one objects to a certain color or reveals that he or she just can’t part with Grandmother’s antique dining table, it’s easiest to work out those issues right away.

6. Ask the designer to clarify billing procedures. Find out at the beginning when you’ll be charged and what for. In addition to the design itself, you may be billed for travel time, site visits, shopping, phone conversations, and more. Also, ask how you’ll be billed for furnishings, accents, materials, or other items. This way, you’ll be able to anticipate fairly closely what and when to pay.

Hiring an Interior Designer

Christina Byers Design

7. Keep an open mind. It’s a rare client who loves 100 percent of a designer’s suggestions right off the bat. Your designer might recommend a piece of furniture or a wallpaper pattern you’re iffy about but don’t say no without giving the idea some time to sink in. Chances are that when you ask your designer why he or she chose it, and when you take a little time to live with it, you’ll appreciate the reason it works.

8. Look toward refreshing down the road. Even the best design doesn’t stay current forever. Ask your designer if tune-up visits in the future are an option, whether they involve simply swapping out a few accessories, reupholstering the furniture, or choosing new paint colors.

Blog written by Lisa Frederick, Houzz Contributor.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

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