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JAMIE BECKWITH CUSTOM WOOD TILE ON VANITY FOCAL WALL. KOHLER VESSEL SINK

We just don’t get it: The Powder Room, also known as the formal restroom for guests, is often an area many overlook. They’re known for being small, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to make a big impact. As designers, we see the space as an opportunity to influence the overall style of the home by incorporating the personality of our clients into the finish out. In fact, it’s our favorite place to add big impact, especially because other than your entry, it’s the place your guests are guaranteed to see!

Let’s start with hardware and fixtures. Whether the project is a complete remodel or just a quick superficial renovation, hardware is like the jewelry that completes the space. We usually try to include pieces that have some personality and are different than the rest of the home because the powder room deserves to have its own moment to shine. The same applies to fixtures. While not quite as easy to change out, upgrading the plumbing fixtures can give the room a well-deserved upgrade, as well as suiting the preferred taste of the client in terms of water pressure and/or handle orientation. While many people think that mixing metals is a design faux pas, we encourage creativity and include mixed metals in our designs, not limited to the powder space. We encourage clients to embrace the creativity in new ideas, but it is important to remember to match the finishes when from different collections. One good example would be brass because not all brass finishes are the same. If you’re using brass finishes from different collections, be sure they are the same color! 

FLOATING CUSTOM CABINET DESIGN WITH WATERFALL COUNTERTOP. WATERJET TILE ON FOCAL WALLL. HANGING PENDANTS LAYERED IN FRONT OF BACKLIT MIRROR.

Because the Powder Room is so small, the impact needs to be bold. We love finding new and creative ways to accessorize the walls with variations of artwork, wallpaper, and tile combinations. We’re seeing more creativity with wall design more than ever, as the possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to options. One of our favorite applications is a unique tile on the vanity wall creating a focal point to anchor the small space. If you don’t want to commit to wallpapering the whole room, the vanity wall is a good option and coordinating the paint on the remaining walls. (We are about to take photos of a current Plano remodel where we used a beautiful geometric wood look tile on the vanity wall and selected a rich, saturated emerald green on the other walls. #projectbanister – keep a look out!)

BACKLIT MIRROR HIGHLIGHTS ACCENT MOSAIC TILE ON VANITY WALL

The mirror above the vanity is also a great place to stand out. We love functional lighting solutions by way of frameless backlit mirrors that give the user perfect task lighting all day long. Lighting, as always, is very important and this space is no exception. We have been loving the modern approach to Powder Rooms by using hanging pendant lighting or one accent ceiling chandelier. The way lighting frames the mirror is so important, and completely elevates a space from dated to dreamy. Subtle, ambient lighting is so important and preferred over harsh bright light in this single function space.

Any experienced designer would tell you to never overlook the power of paint: an economical option. The vanity is a great vessel for paint, particularly to tie into the wall art. There are so many things to consider though the space is so small! This is also a great place to use a vessel sink because it’s a low use space. We do not recommend vessel sinks in high use bathrooms such as your master if our client is concerned with ease of cleaning. But in the powder, pair it with a gorgeous wall mount faucet and you’ve got the makings of a spectacular powder room!

BEADED WALLPAPER ADDS A LUMINOSITY TO THIS ALREADY FABULOUS SPACE. COLORFUL ARTWORK ADD CHARACTER

Though often overlooked, we consider the Powder Room one of our favorite spaces because it gives us a chance to be bold and to let the creative juices flow. We’d love to hear from you and see some of your favorite elements of this small space. We could seriously go on and on talking about the options in this little space (wainscoting, vanity cabinet design, etc)!….

Amy Guess, Allied ASID
BGI Principal Designer
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It’s time to redesign your kitchen or bathroom and you’re stuck: Quartz vs granite countertops? There are so many options and people tend to have very strong opinions about these choices.
Each material offers a beautiful look and durability, but they have their advantages and disadvantages, from color selection to long-term maintenance. Here’s a quick guide to making your decision for quartz vs granite countertops.
Quartz Vs Granite Countertops

Quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are a fabricated composite, made from ground natural quartz, as well as glass or metallic flecks, and about 5 percent of a binding material called polymer resins. Together, they create a nonporous, extremely hard surface that is resistant to bacteria and stains, and never needs to be sealed. Cleanup is quick and easy and you’re not likely to damage your quartz countertops with a spilled glass of red wine or a hot pan.
Quartz offers a wide variety of color choices, from natural stone colors, to bold, saturated choices, like a navy blue. The look is uniform, unlike granite, which offers natural pattern variation. Because this is manufactured stone, you can order it in exactly the size you need and it will be manufactured to your specifications.
The cost of quartz ranges from about $80 to $140 per square foot installed.

Granite countertops

Granite is a natural stone quarried from the earth, cut into slabs, and polished to a shine. This is a very hard stone that is resilient, but not as durable as quartz. You need to seal it at installation, and reseal it every year or so. It also is more susceptible staining than quartz, so be careful with your food and drink. But it is scratch and heat resistant, so no worries there.
One of the things people love about granite is its natural color striations, formed as the molten rock cools in the earth. No two slabs are the same, so your selection for your kitchen or bathroom will be one-of-a-kind. You’ll have dozens if not hundreds of slabs to choose from—just make sure the slab you fall in love with will work with your room’s design.
The cost of granite is about $80 to $175 per square foot installed.

Quartz vs granite countertops

So, how to decide? Both quartz and granite offer durability and strength, with granite needing slightly more maintenance. They cost roughly the same, unless you go with a very high-end granite, which is the most expensive. So it probably boils down to an aesthetic choice. What look do you prefer? Leave us a comment with your thoughts on quartz vs granite countertops!
 

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Can you blend rustic charm with contemporary design? Absolutely! And reflecting this unique union was the guiding principle in our latest project – a rustic contemporary design home built in Celina, Texas.
Our design was inspired by Celina’s own duality. The small city sits at the intersection of a State highway and a farm to market road. Corn-lined roads usher you into town, and high school football is still king. In fact, Celina High School has one of the most successful football programs in the all of Texas, and that’s saying something!
But Celina also sits just north of the bustling Dallas Metroplex and the Dallas North Tollway, adding modern convenience to its rural appeal. The area is known as the “Golden Corridor,” and Celina’s housing market is booming. It was important for our design to reflect this balance, and a rustic contemporary design was the perfect fit!

The Exterior

Rustic Contemporary Design
Natural lighting and elements are prominently featured in the design. Expansive windows make the most of the home’s beautiful surroundings, and create a continuous flow from the outside in. A stone facade, clean lines and light-dark contrast set the tone for interior finishes.

The Kitchen

Rustic Contemporary Design
The heart of the home opens to the living room, creating a spacious area for friends and family to gather. Dekton countertops offer a seamless surface, and beauty that matches function. The sophisticated blend of raw materials is fireproof and non-porous, with virtually zero water absorption.
X-mullion white cabinetry and opulent Duraglass accent tiles bring visual interest and light to the space. A custom-designed, two-part island system offers the ultimate in function and flexibility. The system includes one stationary section and one mobile section mounted on casters, which can serve as a serving or prep area, breakfast bar or craft table.

The Living Room

Rustic Contemporary Design
A floating hearth with dark porcelain tile surround serves as the focal point of the living room which is bathed in natural light. Dark faux ceiling beams and casings match the tone of the porcelain tile, and are in stark contrast to room’s light finishes.

The Staircase

Rustic Contemporary Design
A modern staircase with metal and glass railing greets visitors to the home and can be viewed from the majority of the house. At its pinnacle, a contemporary chandelier descends from a double vaulted ceiling through faux beams illuminated with LED uplighting.

The Master Bathroom

Rustic Contemporary Design
In the master bedroom, an ensuite spa-inspired bathroom features a freestanding tub, frameless glass shower and porcelain flooring in a herringbone pattern. Dekton countertops, polished chrome hardware and glass accent tile complete the look.
Thaddeus Drew Signature Homes builds amazing homes, and we loved working with everyone involved. Great collaboration!
 

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
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A quiet revolution is underway, but this often overlooked revolution is producing big results. In fact, some people are calling it the most exciting change in lighting since Thomas Edison introduced the light bulb over 130 years ago!
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are transforming the lighting industry, and are expected to change the way we light our world. LEDs use at least 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs, last more than 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, contain no mercury and produce very little heat. They also emit virtually no UV or infrared radiation, and they gradually fade out over a long period of time rather than burning out all at once.
Recent advances in technology have also greatly altered LEDs. The diodes’ once cold, bluish light has been replaced by any color and temperature of light desired. A soft yellow light similar to incandescent lighting is achieved with a low Kelvin color temperature. Manufacturing costs are steadily decreasing, and LEDs are now available in countless forms, from bulbs and light tubes to light strings and strips.
Flexible and easy to install, new applications for LEDs are constantly emerging. The end result is safer, more energy efficient and more dramatic designs and interiors. Here are just a few ways we’ve recently used LED lighting and some ideas for your home. Join the revolution!

LED Lighting Projects

LED lighting in interior design
LEDs highlight reclaimed timber beams on the ceiling in this family room, and cast a soft light from above. The modern and rustic elements blend beautifully, adding warmth and visual depth to the space.
LED Lighting in Interior Design
A built-in bookcase becomes anything but ordinary with the installation of a metallic grasscloth wallcovering and LED accent lighting. The LED lighting gleams off the grasscloth and showcases a variety of personal treasures.
LED Lighting in Interior Design
LED lighting, placed under the cabinets at the toe kick, provides a nightlight effect in this serene master bath. An additional LED at the height of the architectural arch adds impact and further task lighting.
LED Lighting in Interior Design
A dark cork wallcovering is illuminated by LED accent lights, creating the perfect backdrop for white accessories and built-in shelves.
LED Lighting in Interior Design
LED lighting in all the right places gives this contemporary kitchen a light and airy atmosphere. The lights illuminate the glass uppers and accent tile over the cooktop for a dramatic effect. The cabinets and toe kick are also lighted, but from beneath, to add safety and task lighting to improve function.
 

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
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What’s the difference between good design and great design? Details! From trims and finishes, to accents and accessories, it’s the details that bring designs to life and make interiors unique. And thanks to custom design options, the only limit to design details is your imagination.
We love thinking outside the box and putting our own unique spin on projects – that little something extra that takes a design from good, to great! Here are a few of our favorite projects and the details that bring the wow factor.

Painted Ottoman Legs

Design Details
A custom upholstered ottoman gets a pop of color with red-painted legs, and unifies the room’s color scheme. Complementary shades of red are repeated in the art work and client’s existing armchairs to create a warm and family-friendly library.

Concealed Outlet

Design Details
An electrical outlet goes undercover to prevent any interruption in the pattern of this beautiful wallcovering. All eyes remain on the coral trellis pattern, adding chic energy to a sophisticated home study.

Grasscloth & LED Lighting

Design Details
A built-in bookcase becomes a showpiece when painted an elegant shade of blue-grey and backed with a metallic grasscloth wallcovering. LED accent lighting gleams off the grasscloth, adding to the effect, and showcases personal treasures acquired from our client’s travels.

Wood Projection Tiles

design details
Wood projection tiles transform a fireplace mantle into anything but typical. Sitting center stage, the family room television offers optimal views from all directions, but virtually disappears against the tile backdrop due to shared dark hues.

Swarovski Crystal Knobs

Design Details
Swarovski crystal knobs adorn glazed cabinetry in a master bathroom to reflect our client’s personal style. The glamorous accents match the room’s chandelier (not pictured), adding further feminine panache.
 

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
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Although missing a masseuse and an esthetician, you can still have that spa feeling at home!
We recently designed a spa-inspired master bathroom for a family of four, plus two lovable golden retrievers. Our clients desired a tranquil and easily maintained master bathroom, where they could refresh from all the day’s stressors. Durability was essential, but so was style. An open layout, serene hues and resilient materials made every wish for the space come true!

Spa-Inspired Design

We began by creating a color palette of warm grays and cool spa greens for a soothing tone. Materials and finishes in complementary shades were then selected.
Spa-inspired Master Bathroom
To maximize the impact and beauty of the room’s focal point, the bathtub, we installed large artwork and a flat fold Roman shade with picture frame trim in the space above. A frameless vanity mirror, backlit with LED lighting, adds to the room’s ethereal mood.
spa-inspired master bathroom
Glass and stone mosaic accent tile was selected to blend beautifully with the gray granite bath surround, and reflect natural light from the window. Satin nickel fixtures complete the look.
spa-inspired master bathroom
A custom ottoman for the vanity area is covered in a luminescent faux leather and adorned with nickel nailhead trim for practical glamour. White cabinetry and trim brightens the room, while the open layout provides room for playful children and pets.
What’s your dream bathroom?

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
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Christmas is almost here, which means house guests will soon be arriving as well. If you’re hosting family or friends this year, make the most of their stay and alleviate your stress by being prepared. Here are tips for designing a guest room that makes guests comfortable and welcomes them in style!
Guest Room DressserClear the Clutter. Your guests will need room to place their things, from clothing and shoes to jewelry and toiletries. Clear countertops and floor space, empty dresser drawers if possible or provide a luggage rack if space is available.
Remember the Essentials. A lamp to read by, a motion-sensing night light, a hand mirror and an alarm clock are all nice touches. Not everyone needs them, but guests will appreciate the thought and courtesy.
Stay a Spell. The best way to find out what a room needs is to spend time in it. Read a book, watch TV and lie down on the bed to view the room from the same vantage point your guests will experience. You’ll quickly discover anything needed, from further cleaning to new light bulbs or batteries.
Guest Room LinensFreshen Your Linens. Clean sheets, extra blankets, pillows and towels are the most basic needs of any house guest. Launder them close to your guest’s arrival and you’ll also freshen your home without using allergy-causing air fresheners, candles or potpourri.
Don’t Leave Them Hanging. Purchase an inexpensive over-the-door hook and hangers that can provide storage for hanging clothes. An extra hook in the bathroom is also appreciated for guest towels and robes.
Provide Toiletries. Few things are more appreciated by guests in a hotel room than complimentary toiletries and the same is true for guests in your home. Items are often forgotten in the rush of holiday packing and your guests will be extremely grateful to find you’ve provided for them. A small basket filled with sample-sized shampoo, conditioner, lotion and similar items is a welcomed gift by any house guest.

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What’s your dream? Think of your home as a blank canvas. Now imagine it filled with all the things you love!
We can transform individual rooms, or infuse energy and light, with an entirely new theme that breathes life, love, peace and happiness into your space!
Blue Kitchen

Chances are your life is filled with activities, work obligations and family needs. Everyone’s busy with technology filled days and jam packed calendars! Now more than ever, today’s homeowner wants to come home to a space that’s calming and clean. We want soothing rooms and spa-like bathrooms – that luxury hotel feeling we had on a dream vacation. We want to feel as if we can escape in our own homes. Is your home a comforting enclave?

Modern Vanity

We design to your tastes and needs, not ours. Let us design that perfect, compelling getaway within your own home. When you enter your doors after a long, hectic day, you should feel a sigh of relief. Even in a house full of children, pets, activity, noise and life, we can create an oasis of solitude, whether it’s a simple reading space, spa room, man cave, library, music studio or even a bowling alley!

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We will create and implement a design plan from concept to completion to include budgeting, furniture layout plans, color selection, furniture, rugs, accessories, window treatment procurement and installation. We also manage new home selections, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, collaborate with builders, contractors and architects working from blueprints to final move-in design.

Call us for a consultation! 214-641-7897

Source of images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
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logoWe are honored and thrilled to announce Barbara Gilbert Interiors has received a Designer of the Year Award from the national Interior Design Society!
We received the first place award for Bath Designs under $30,000 for a glamorous master bathroom remodel. The design of the room was based on our client’s desire for a fresh, updated space with a subtle and feminine palette to reflect her personal style. She was beginning a new phase in her life and wanted her home to reflect her fresh start and new outlook.
We couldn’t be happier with the final result and the fact the design has won not one, but two awards is icing on the cake! The room’s design also won first place in the 2013 American Society of Interior Designers (AISD)  Legacy of Design Awards for Bathroom Design last year. Here are all the details of the design and the room’s transformation! [Read more…]

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What’s even more distinctive than custom furniture? Custom artwork!
Once only attainable by royals, rulers and the elite, commissioned art can now be a reality for any art lover.  And creating a one-of-kind work of art, inspired by your imagination and made exclusively for you, is an amazing experience that continues every time you view the piece.
We recently worked with clients that desired unique works of art for their home and introduced them to one of our favorite galleries – La Montage Fine Art.  La Montage, a to the trade gallery, houses an extensive collection of hand painted and custom art in every genre. Their eclectic selection also includes painted tapestries, hand blown glass, custom mirror and wood assemblages. Basically, any item you could want to adorn your walls!

IMG_0317

Our clients were taken by the works of artist Blakely Bering, a noted colorist that intricately layers oil on canvas and uses powdered pigments and crushed metals to achieve frozen movement. We commissioned a collection of hand painted oils from Ms. Bering to be displayed in our clients’ powder bath. [Read more…]

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We had so much fun creating this office space for We had so much fun creating this office space for our Plano clients. The blues and pops of brass create a soothing atmosphere perfect for getting work done!
We’re starting off our week with pops of bold co We’re starting off our week with pops of bold color. We love how much fun these bright pinks and oranges bring to this study space
There is always room to add color! Even in the mos There is always room to add color! Even in the most unlikely of places!
Happy Friday from BGI! We hope you enjoy your week Happy Friday from BGI! We hope you enjoy your weekend!
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