Color Basics

Color is a major part in designing your space. Cool colors are calming and relaxing and may be a good choice for your bedroom while warm colors make a room feel cozy and inviting.

Try yellow as your primary color in the kitchen and it will make your space seem more welcoming for family and friends. Adding a complimentary color such as violet as an accent will give the design excitement and interest. This can easily be achieved in the kitchen with flowers or fruit on the counter. Increasing the amount of violet in the room, will create a more dramatic effect.

If you are not a visual person, look through design magazines for room scenes that appeal to you. Don't be afraid to try something new, but follow your instincts. If you dislike blue , stay away from it even if it is the "in" color. Remember color trends go in and out and keeping up with them can be exhausting and expensive.

Having trouble choosing a color? Look for inspiration in your closet. Often clients come into our showroom wearing the color they are looking for in carpet or draperies. 

 It's All in the Details

Good design is common, while great design is all in the details. Begin your project with classic pieces and then step back and look for opportunities to inject your personal style.

Jen's kitchen began with traditional cherry cabinets, black pearl granite counter tops and a neutral ceramic tile floor. Laying the tile flooring on a diagonal opened up the space and gave the room a unique look. Although Jen is conservative, she wanted to add some color in the kitchen. The perfect solution was an iridescent glass mosaic tile for the back splash, which provided the richness and color Jen was looking for. Paint and custom window treatments finished off the space beautifully.

Ben and Melissa purchased a contemporary brown Italian leather sofa for their family room. Melissa decided she would like to change the plush carpet to a hard surface flooring that would be easier to clean and help alleviate her son's allergies. Bamboo was practical as well as stylish. Ben chose a large piece of art from their travels to be the main focal point of the room. The single painting created a more dramatic feel than if they had decided to use several smaller paintings spread throughout the space. Woven silk throw pillows and a sisal area rug added texture to Ben and Melissa's condo. Plants and additional lighting was necessary to warm and brighten the family room.

When trying to personalize your design, think of colors or items you are passionate about and bring them into your design plan. Make it a focal point or just a splash of color. Just remember to make it about you.

Blot Don't Rub! 

Unfortunately accidents happen, but too often carpet fiber is damaged from over zealous rubbing. The best way to take care of a spill is cold water and blotting with a clean white cloth. Most of our carpets have an 800 number to call and get help with spills and stains. Please don't hesitate to call us, we are here to help.

 Tips for being Green and Energy Efficient

Invest in low-flow water fixtures for shower, faucets and toilets and reduce water consumption and electricity costs as much as 50 percent.

Turn down your thermostat by just one degree and reduce costs by about 4%. Using a ceiling fan in summer and winter can also help lower heating and A/C consumption.

For household cleaning, use inexpensive natural cleaning products such as white vinegar with lemon juice, baking soda and borax.

Replace conventional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs(CFLs). They cost a little more, but last up to 10 times longer, use two-thirds less energy and give off 70 percent less heat.

Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room!