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Window treatments provide an important piece of the overall decorative scheme often overlooked by homeowners under the burden of making so many other design decisions. They're crucial because they help control privacy and light, and even provide insulation. You should consider the room’s overall function when selecting window treatments. In a bedroom or media room you may want darkness, whereas in a kitchen or living room you'll need window treatments only to suppress the harsh afternoon...

One of my favorite ways to bring life (literally!) to any living space is to add strategically placed plants to the room décor. Not only do they add texture and a pop of color to your home, but they create a healthier living environment for you and your family boosting oxygen and moisture levels and removing toxins from the air. Below are a few popular indoor plants that look great and are easy to care for! 1. Fiddle Leaf Fig: This species of Ficus has large, dark green leaves that vaguely...

A mudroom is usually used as a home’s secondary entrance; often the room adjacent to the garage or back door. Mudrooms aren’t always included in a traditional layout, but they are definitely a room that people desire. Having a mudroom is crucial in helping to keep your house clean and organized, especially in these winter months. Here are 7 elements to include in your mudroom that will maximize its potential and create a much more efficient space for you and your family. 1. Hooks: Coats, hats,...

If you are in the process of remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, fixture finishes will be a big part of your selection process. While Chrome and Brushed Nickel are two of the most popular options, there are many other beautiful finishes out there that can add the element of texture and interest to your home. In the past year or so, we have seen brass make a big comeback, while matte black has gained momentum as well. Oil rubbed bronze has always been an undervalued, yet readily available option,...

You've finally selected a paint color - a difficult decision in itself. You’re at your local hardware store ready to make a purchase and the cashier asks you what finish you would like. Maybe you hadn't considered this or even know the difference from one sheen to the next. Here we break down the 5 different types of paint finishes so you will be fully prepared when asked this question in the future. 1) Flat Flat, or matte, paints are used most commonly on walls or ceilings. Flat finishes have...

You just purchased a new sofa for your home. You have spent a lot of time picking out the ideal fabric to compliment the sofa’s beautiful style and shape. With all that time and money spent on selecting the perfect sofa, keeping it looking like new is of the utmost importance. Here are 3 simple tips on how to do just that: 1) Fluff: Cushions need to be regularly fluffed to maintain their original shape and comfort. The firmness level of your cushion will determine the amount of fluffing...

I recently worked on a project where a client wanted to create a more defined entry way that wasn't totally cut off from the rest of the room. Her front door was smack dab in the middle of the living room. This lead me to do some research on partitions looking for a way to turn what could be an eye sore in to a functional focal point in the space. There are a number of materials that could be used to create unique partitions. Lumber from your local lumber yard could be finished, stained and...

Around the holidays every year, designers of all kinds await the highly anticipated announcement of Pantone’s color of the year, and this year was no exception. When I saw the color Pantone selected for 2015, I was pleasantly surprised. 18-1438 Marsala is noticeably more earthy and muted than the colors that have been selected over the past 8 or 9 years. From Turquoise to Emerald to Tangerine Tango, Marsala is definitely a nice change of pace. Marsala, which is both a fortified wine and an...

Last month, my colleague MacKenzie and I had the opportunity to go to the Merchandise Mart to participate in Sherwin Williams’ presentation on their color forecast for the upcoming year. These events are always fun to go to because we get a little glimpse of what trends we can expect to see in the design world over the next 12 months. The color schemes that Sherwin Williams creates are inspired by what’s happening in the world around us; anything from advances in space travel, to the upcoming...

If you’re looking to add a unique feature to your home, you may want to consider something you rarely see; pocket doors. These types of doors are housed inside of your wall, mounted on a track system. Pocket doors give you more options in how you utilize the space in your home. When open, they are hidden away and seem to be non-existent in the space, portraying a more open feeling. When closed, they appear to look like any traditional door. Pocket doors are a great solution for limited space....