Home Offices Archives

Perhaps one of the most important rooms in your is now the home office or study. So much so, we’ve seen an incline of our clients requesting more than one. With so many people working from home post 2020, this is no surprise! To continue our “Must Have List” for each room in your home, we have the addition of a home office design. Take a look and see if you would add anything else. Also, we are interested to hear your thoughts and if you would omit anything from the list below?

A view outside is essential to any home office design! Most do have this automatically, but it’s so important to have the biophilic design right out your window while you’re working for hours on end on your computer. We had to include it, especially as first on the list!
Ample desk surface to spread out and work. There’s nothing worse than being crammed into your work space.
Comfortable seating for a guest or two. You may even want a change of view for yourself and take a break in a comfy club chair.
Soft rug or carpet under feet. This really is essential not only comfort but acoustics. The soft material helps damper those loud zoom calls!
Variety in lighting. A home office or study can be a work horse in your home and used at all hours of the day. You must have a variety of lighting that can be adjusted to sun up and down. That’s why we use overhead lighting, desk and floor lamps, and accents in bookshelves as much as possible.
Fun, inspirational artwork. If you like color here’s your chance! Add something happy or that means something to you. If you’re spending a lot of time in here, or looking at not so fun bills, you need something happy to glance at on your walls!
A door! Because it just makes sense. No one wants to hear that zoom conference call while they’re relaxing across the house.

So there you have it, short and sweet! But, oh so important to include these elements in your home office design. Take a look at a couple more offices we completed for our clients below and click on any of them to see more!

To see more design inspiration & refreshing trends, visit our Instagram at @bgidesigner , our Facebook page here or Pinterest at @BGIDesigner13. We would look forward to you stopping by to say hi in the comments on our social platforms! Let us know how this article helped you revitalize your home. Or, if you want help with your project fill out the short and sweet form HERE and Amy will be in touch. You can also schedule a discovery call with her directly HERE!

I’ll look for you there,

After spending more time at home than ever before during quarantine, clients are yearning for a change from the bland white and grey palettes that dominated interior design trends. The desire for warmth and color has become a prominent theme, and as interior designers, we couldn’t be more thrilled to embrace this shift. In this blog post, we’ll explore how clients are becoming more daring with color, extending beyond just walls to permanent finishes like wallpaper, paint, and furniture. Learn more about The Power of Color!

The Influence of Color

Color plays a pivotal role in shaping the atmosphere of a given space, exerting a profound impact on its mood and ambiance. The tradition of Color of the Year campaigns spans over two decades, initiated by the Pantone Color Institute in 1999. This annual selection process has since become a cultural phenomenon, with paint and design companies actively participating. Analysts, delving into realms such as entertainment, fashion, art, travel, and technology, meticulously choose the color to mirror the broader cultural zeitgeist. These campaigns are a celebration of the boundless creative possibilities that a vibrant coat of paint introduces to a design, breathing new life into your space and infusing it with a distinct touch of personality.

Color of the Year Picks

Peach Fuzz 13-1023 is Pantone's color of the year with Peach Fuzz colored tule in the background

Find out more HERE

1. Pantone’s Color of the Year: Peach Fuzz 13-1023

* Warm and inviting, emphasizing the importance of touch.

* Reflects a tactile aspect, chosen thoughtfully by the Pantone Color Institute.

Find out more HERE

2. Sherwin Williams’ Color of the Year: Upward SW 6239

* Relaxed and carefree, perfect for spaces filled with positive energy.

* Pairs well with various shades, including Snowbound, Drift of Mist, and more.

giant passenger ship floating in the ocean displaying the Benjamin Moore color of the year which is Blue Nova CC-860

Find out more HERE

3. Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year: Blue Nova 825

* Inspiring and extraordinary, balancing depth and intrigue.

* Features an enchanting duality, capturing timeless appeal.

Exploring Color in Every Corner

When it comes to infusing warmth and color into your living space, the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore some exciting applications that go beyond the conventional use of paint.

Accent Walls: Elevate your room’s aesthetic by making a bold statement with a splash of vibrant color on one wall. This simple yet impactful technique can transform the entire mood of the space, creating a focal point that draws the eye.

a fully shelved wall with wallpaper insets behind a modern office with built in desk

See more of this project HERE

Built-Ins: Take your ordinary built-in shelves or cabinets to the next level by introducing lively hues. Use color strategically to turn these functional elements into eye-catching focal points, adding personality to your room.

Trim: Architectural details deserve attention, and contrasting colors on trim can make them stand out. Whether it’s window frames, doorways, or baseboards, incorporating vibrant shades can highlight the beauty of these features.

Ceilings: Break away from traditional norms by bringing color overhead. Consider painting your ceiling with a bold or complementary shade to add an unexpected touch to the entire room.

Furniture: Don’t let old furniture fade into the background. Give it a new lease on life by applying a fresh coat of vibrant paint. This not only revitalizes your pieces but also allows you to express your style through functional elements.

showcasing a gorgeous gold light deep and vibrant green cabinet and white flowers on gray wallpapered ceiling

See more of this project HERE

Cabinetry: Experiment with color in functional spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Introduce lively tones to vanities, contrast kitchen islands, or play with colors on cabinets. This adds a dynamic and personalized touch to these essential areas of your home.

With these creative applications, you can turn every corner of your home into a canvas for self-expression and design innovation. Embrace the freedom to play with color in unexpected places, and watch as your living space comes to life with personality and vibrancy.

Trending Tones Capture the Imagination

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, clients are gravitating towards a diverse array of trending colors that redefine the traditional color palette. The appeal of dark and moody hues has surged, bringing a sense of depth and sophistication to spaces. Warm taupes are gaining popularity for their ability to infuse coziness into any room, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Clients are also embracing bold and unexpected shades, adding a touch of personality and daring creativity to their living spaces.

Blues, greens, and purples are emerging as dominant players, reflecting a desire for serene and nature-inspired vibes. These calming tones bring a sense of tranquility indoors, connecting the home with the soothing elements of the outside world. Moreover, clients are exploring colors seen at marketplaces, drawing inspiration from the latest trends and incorporating them into their design palettes.

In this dynamic landscape of color preferences, the beauty lies in the diversity of choices. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic allure of dark hues, the comforting warmth of taupes, the daring appeal of unexpected shades, or the calming influence of blues, greens, and purples, the options are as varied as individual tastes. Stay inspired by the ever-changing market trends and let your home be a canvas for the colors that resonate with your personal style and aspirations.

Pro Tip for a Modern & Refined Look

For a more contemporary and refined aesthetic, consider using the same paint color on walls, trim, details, and ceilings. Vary the type of paint or sheen for each surface; for example, use eggshell on the walls and satin on the trim. This creates a beautiful, simplistic look, especially ideal for traditional environments.

As the year unfolds, embrace the warmth and color trends that are transforming interior design. Whether you opt for a bold and moody palette or a calming and inviting one, the key is to infuse your space with personality and creativity. Step outside the comfort zone of white and grey, and let the vibrant hues breathe life into your home. After all, your living space should be a reflection of your style and a source of inspiration every day.

Rooms, or spaces, available for a number of different functions are called a considered ‘flex rooms.’ Also called a bonus room or multi-purpose room, they can be an entire room or even just a specified area in another room. Subsequently, many homes are creating a flex area into the floor plan – one that is not designated a bedroom. The adaptability of a flex room can be numerous.

The beauty of a flex room is that it provides the homeowner with a plethora of options and flexibility depending on what is going on at that particular time of their life.

The following are a few ideas for our favorite flex rooms.

1. Home Office

With people still working from home, one spouse monopolizes the office space and the other has to find a place to work. After all, you cannot both be in a Zoom meeting talking at the same time. It gets old fast to finally have everything set up on the dining room table to then have to clean up it all up for dinner. If you have a flex space designated for the second spouse, it can stay out over a period of time, creating a workable option for all.

Check out more of this project HERE!

2. Workout Room

There are many benefits to your own home gym: no drive time, no masks, no gym memberships, no waiting in line for equipment, and… you can blast your favorite tunes! You can customize your own gym space (with free or universal weights, a yoga mat and resistance bands, the tried-and-true treadmill, or the newest Peloton bike), take care of your health, and reach your fitness goals all within the comfort of your own home. A great example of the adaptability of a flex room!

Check out more of this project HERE!

3. Play Room

It’s fun to have a room made to play in while serving duel purposes of keeping all the toys and books corralled. These rooms should be designed to get dirty, have spaces to do different projects, and be organized in a way to clean up easily. A few ideas for spaces within the room are an area with pillows or beanbags to curl up with a good book, a table to spread out a puzzle or project, storage areas with easy to hide organizing bins or drawers, good lighting for reading, designated space for board games, puzzles, crafts and dress up, and even a teepee, tent or fort for using the imagination.

4. Hobby Room

Turn your flex room into a space for your favorite hobby. Let your creativity run wild in this space dedicated to do what you love. Ideas include a craft room, music room, fly tying room, wrapping presents, building projects, recording studio… you name it. One must-have for a hobby room is lots of countertop space to spread your projects out. Consider varying the height of the work surfaces from thirty-six inch counter to work from while standing to thirty inches when sitting down. Therefore, another thought when planning for your hobby room, is to think ahead to allow for adequate cabinetry to store your materials, good lighting, and electric socket placements.

Check out more of this project HERE!

5. Library / Learning Area

With thousands of kids schooling from home, a learning area can be set up with multiple chairs or workstations. Therefore, keeping things organized is important to plan for before you even get started. Plan out where you will keep items for access to all using this space. Therefore, creating a smooth-flowing layout for easy accessibility, and multiple technical aspects your family needs in this space. This is a great place for shelves to display your home book collections nurturing education, discovery, and personal growth.

6. Media Room / Man Cave

Who wouldn’t want their own home theatre? This space can be used for teens inviting their friends over as a game room or to watch a movie. It can also be a music room with a top-notch sound system, or a man cave including a refreshment bar. Particularly, socializing with friends or immediate family is a perfect use for this kind of flex room.

Living Space, Portfolio, Barbara Gilbert

Check out more of this project HERE!

A flex room can be set up in different ways throughout the lifetime of the space. For now, it can be used for working or schooling from home and later a media room for the kids. As the kids leave home, you can transform it to a workout room for you and your spouse. As well as, down the road, a playroom for the grandkids. Any way you look at it, a flex room boosts value to your home and allows you to meet the current needs of your family. Nevertheless, the adaptability of a flex room is endless.

If you’d like to see more of our projects, follow us on Instagram at @bgidesigner.

Best,

Today we are giving you the inside scoop on some of the up-and-coming interior design trends. We are welcoming the new – the latest on home office spaces, wood-grained and touch-open cabinetry, soft cozy fabrics, and touch-less faucets. These design trends range from the oldest material known to man, all the way to the latest in modern technology.

Dedicated home office or multi-use space.
With all that has been going on in the world, many of us have experienced bringing our work home. In doing so, we need a dedicated space to work, which has inspired many of us to create a home office – either upgrading the space we already have or transforming a room into an office.
Things to consider when creating a home office space (or a multi-use space for your kids and husband to also work from home):

* Computer – It may be time for an upgrade. Your laptop needs to meet your daily demands.
* Dedicated desk space – Whether a table or an actual desk, you need a place to spread out. Standing desks are growing in popularity.
* An ergonomic chair – Give your back some love.
* A reliable wireless router – You need a trustworthy Wi-Fi connection, because this is your livelihood.
* Equipment – Good lighting, headset, microphone, a second (or third!) monitor, ergonomic keyboard, wireless mouse, charging accessories, a hyper drive (to plug in all of the extra USB connections), etc.

*Optional: A room with a window for natural lighting, a friendly plant to add color and keep you company, your favorite scented candle, and optional… pants. 😊

Wood grain and natural finish cabinetry.
Natural wood cabinetry in kitchens, bathrooms, and offices have a beauty that adds warmth and luxury. Alder, cherry, hickory, maple, oak, and walnut are the recommended types of wood for high-traffic areas. The trend is still hot to bring a touch of nature inside.
When cabinetry is finished with a natural stain, it highlights the wood’s grain to bring out its unique personality and style. This individual texture can then complement the additional features, decorations, and accessories in the room. In fact, choosing natural cabinetry allows for both a simple and elegant or a more modern and drastic backsplash or flooring.

Soft, textural cozy fabrics.
Who doesn’t take pleasure in running their palm over an exquisite fabric like velvet, mohair, soft bouclé, or hair on hide. We want design that not only makes us feel good but also feels good to touch.
When choosing material for a couch, try a rich, deep shade of luxurious velvet or the knobby, warm comfort of a soft bouclé. Pillows also are perfect covered in these gorgeous materials. I am dreaming right now of cuddling up with a velvet pillow.
One of the first Interior Design materials ever, continues on in a modern way. It is Hair on Hide. We’ve written more about that here, to share that even side tables can be covered with hide. You have to see the gorgeous pieces!
Touch-open cabinetry to replace hardware.
Cabinet doors without handles use a mechanical opening feature which allows you to simply push the door front to open it. It works with face frame or frameless, overlay, and inset cabinetry to open and close perfectly every time. It provides a unique solution for upper doors in that it opens upward and is out of the way. This application is perfect for drawers too, and you don’t even need any additional space in the cabinetry to install it.
Gaining a lot of traction now for kitchens and remodels is a very handy electronic system that allows users to open bottom cabinetry with a wave of their foot. These are perfect for trash cans, recycling bins, or, really, any bottom cabinetry. There is no need to touch the cabinet door to open.
Some systems have a ‘wave of the foot’ mechanism located in the kick board below the cabinet. This triggers then release and open the cabinet or drawer. There are other systems that have more of a ‘kick-and-go foot pedal’ automatic hands-free opening systems. These devices are perfect when needing to throw items away without getting germs on the cabinet door or for any bottom drawer or cabinet when putting heavy pans or multiple dishes. Pop the mechanism with your foot and watch it open.
Technology touch-less faucets.
Motion sensor faucets are not just for the public restrooms anymore. It’s not only logical and more cleanly, but also elegant and modern. There are two features to look for. The single sensor is at the foot of the faucet that detects your hand or a container to initiate the water. It turns the water on when you place your hands under the faucet and turns the water off when you take your hands out. The double-sensor has one extra wave sensor on the neck of the faucet. You get to control the flow of water with a wave of your hand.

Three main reasons to choose a touchless faucet (when you’re needing replacement) are:

It’s so clean and safe. No touching the handle getting everything under the sun on the handle, washing, rinsing, and then touching the handle again. It’s so much more ‘germ-free’.
It’s very quick and easy. From kids to great grandma, all you have to do is hold your hands under the faucet and it works. Anyone can do it.
It’s so futuristic. You and your guests are going to love how so very modern it is, every time you use it.

Also, not going away in faucet design are the black finishes and brushed gold, but a new shiny updated antique brass is here too.

We are using these design trends daily in our Interior Design, Dallas-based business all while maintaining a classic timeless overall design for our clients. If you’d like to see more, follow us on Instagram at @bgidesigner.

Best,

When it comes to maintaining an active lifestyle, we always put our best foot forward and give 100% to everything we do. So why shouldn’t we expect the same out of our furniture? To start shopping for performance upholstered furniture, there are a few things to keep in mind; the most important being UV Resistance, Durability, and Liquid Repellency. So often we lean towards fabrics that are soft and plush in the moment without considering their wear and tear down the line. As designers we put extra care into selecting both sustainable and beautiful fabrics for our BGI clients that will be provide value for your investment years down the road.

Even fabrics that are not inherently stain resistant can be protected by local treatment companies we work with so that you still have that stress free living. Stay away from fabrics with Rayon content and rugs with Viscose however as they do not work well with treatments!

Whether it be featured in your living room or your back patio, having fabrics that meet the standards for sunlight resistance will prevent fading and sun damage. When choosing a color scheme, take into consideration the layout of your space and choose fabrics with a fiber content that were designed to block the sun’s rays.

Everyone loves the look of a new sofa. It gives the space the “magazine ready” appearance we crave. When selecting fabrics for furniture, inquire about the durability of the fabric. Choose a material that can withstand a minimum of 20,000 double rubs and this will prevent fabric from looking worn and having the “broken in” look. Although we like to say the higher the better!

This kid’s hang out doubles as a homework room and full of highly durable performance fabrics that the parents do not have to worry about for a room that may be out of their site most of the time.

Nothing sounds better than curling up on the sofa with family after a long day. It’s very important to select fabrics that have a strong repellency that can withstand spills and potential stains. When buying furniture, research the care and maintenance of the fabric and stay away from fabrics that have a loose weave that is not treatable.

There are many reliable brands that feature these performance ready qualities that we expect out of our furniture. Fabrics with Crypton, Sunbrella, and Inside Out labels were designed to meet these standards and provide homeowners with quality pieces that are sure to last. But know that not all of these brands/labels provide the same protection and it’s important to know the difference. Using these tips will save time and money when redecorating, and this is where a designer can come in and make a space beautiful AND functional. A designer is familiar with what qualities each brand provide and match them up with the way the fabric will be used in a space.

We used a highly durable faux leather vinyl for this ottoman to give this family ease of mind when they gather around their living room. It can simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth and followed up with a dry cloth.

If you are wanting to update a space in your home or office that needs performance fabrics and materials, reach out to the BGI team to help you navigate and put together a grouping of selections that will not only be beautiful and comfortable but also functional and stress free!

Who puts much thought into a home office? A library or den with a grand fireplace calls for furniture and fine art. But that extra bedroom you decided would make a great craft room or work space often gets little more than the essentials of a desk, a chair, and maybe some art pieces that didn’t fit anywhere else in the house. These are the catch all rooms where things from wrapping paper to family documents go. But how do you make these spaces functional and enjoyable to be in? Because let’s face it, that desk often turns into another shelf.

Storage is the key. But throwing a bunch of drawers into a room won’t do any more than add to the stuff already taking up space. Take into account the kinds of things you’ll be storing. A variety of sizes and shapes is essential. Alongside traditional file cabinets, add in larger storage or spaces that can hold less common items such as sewing machines or half-finished crafts. This can be achieved with closed storage cabinets or tall bins for things that don’t need to be accessed regularly but need to be out of the way. Choose storage that is tasteful, too! Form doesn’t always have to be over function! You may find you like organizing or working if it’s a pleasant place to be.

Next, take into account that the collection will likely grow. Storage that perfectly fits everything you currently own will seem marvelous in the moment but will do little good when new things have nowhere to go and the problem starts all over again. If storage space is maxed out and no more can be added to the room, it’s either time to move some things out of the room and find them a new home, or spring cleaning is upon you no matter what season it may be!

Consider the fact that this room should be a place you want to be. Make it comfortable. Add a piece of art you really love. Put more thought into the chair. Comfortable seating is important. Picking a chair that you truly like to be in can be all the motivation it takes to sit and get things done. Create an environment that’s calming or motivating. Start a routine that involves the room. Make tea, grab that special blanket that you always take in with you, have your favorite notebook and pen handy, or listen to your favorite music. Make it a place you like to go to. A place that holds the purpose of productivity.

Before you know it that extra room has become a place of function, comfort, and motivation!

If you find that you could use a professional hand in redesigning your office space, or any space in your home, contact us!

From pumpkins to autumn leaves, orange is all around us this time of year. But why is a color that brings fall foliage tours and smiles to so many faces seldom used in interior design?
Simply put, while most people love color, they’re afraid of choosing the wrong color. So they choose colors they think are “safe.” And while understandable, they’re missing out on the power of color!
Orange is a powerful color, and orange decor can be dazzling. Orange is considered the color of joy, adventure and creativity. It combines the warmth and happiness of yellow with the energy and stimulation of red, and it’s also thought to invoke feelings of optimism.
Here are some of our favorite rooms with orange décor that embrace the power of color.

Home Office

Via Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Home offices don’t have to be all work and no play! Liven up the space with fun patterns and vibrant hues. Orange and fuchsia make for one fun, festive color combination in this family-friendly home office we designed for a busy family that loved cheerful rooms.

Nursery

Via

Forget pink or blue! An orange and white color palette mixed with cheerful yellow and blue accents creates the perfect nursery for a boy or a girl. In this room, it would be hard not to smile evening during those late night feedings!

Guest Room

Via

As complementary colors, orange and blue always bring out the best in one another. Add a bold detail like these large-scale suzani headboards, and you’ve got one showstopper of a room.

Kitchen

Via

Yellow isn’t the only happy color to paint a kitchen. Break with tradition and wow with orange! The color alone sets the mood regardless of the decorating style you choose.

Dining Room

Via

There’s a reason people flock to see fall foliage. The warm, dusky hues naturally soothe the soul. So what better shade to choose than a deep earthy orange for the dining room – a frequent gathering place for friends and family?

School is almost back in session, and soon gym shoes and backpacks will replace flip-flops and sunscreen. But don’t let the hectic pace of the school year take the fun out of this exciting time! An organized home helps cut the stress and provides more time for the activities your family enjoys. Here are three back to school organization tips to help you tackle the school year and get the most out of each day.

Create a Homework Station

Via

Homework is easier to start and do if everything needed is close at hand. Decide on the best location in your home for a homework station and maximize the space for efficiency. Choose a table or desk with sufficient work space, clear the area and add adequate lighting. Organize homework essentials, like pens, pencils, erasers and other tools into nearby bins. Remember, if your kids can see the supplies, they’re less likely to ask you to help them find them! Visible bins work better than drawers.

Create a Command Central

Via

Create a family communication center to keep track of each family member’s activities. A family bulletin board that includes a family calendar, space for school handouts, phone messages and invitations works great. Consider color coding your family calendar by assigning each family member a color. Mount the board over a console table or bench, add baskets or bins for each person’s belongings, and you’ve got a family command center.

Create an Exit Station

Via

It’s hard to forget things when they’re routinely organized and displayed. And a full-size mudroom is not required. Create a simple system by the door to help you remember special items you and your kids need to take with you each day: homework, keys, lunches, backpacks, jackets, etc. You can also hang or place a bin or basket by the door to hold the items each person needs to remember that day.
Happy organizing!

Source of Images: Houzz.com

Design inspiration can come from anywhere, but it often comes from what we see. And now that spring has arrived, we see color everywhere! From the lush green of new growth to the vibrant hues of flowers and delicate blossoms on flowering trees, nature is putting on a spectacular show!
So let’s have a little fun and look at some of our favorite, most colorful designs. These colorful rooms are in full bloom and they always put a smile on our faces. We hope they do the same for you!

Modern Moroccan

A mosaic fireplace surround and hand-blown rondels in shades of blue, orange and gold conjure images of blue skies and sunshine. Colorful accents, distinctive lighting and a plush shag rug add to the room’s cheerful, but exotic mood.

Inviting Entry

A custom hand-tufted wool rug, with a pattern that mimics the shape of the rising sun, is a welcoming sight in this entrance hall. Landscape paintings in bold, vibrant colors bring further warmth to the space.

Traditional Living

Gold armchairs in a large floral print bring instant cheer to this family-friendly room. Drapery and throw pillows in a mixture of patterns add texture, and accessories in the shape of large game pieces create a fun vibe.

Colorful Home Office

Leaf motifs, floral patterns and geometric shapes mix beautifully in this colorful and feminine home office. A vase of tulips and framed artwork by the clients’ children complete the space.

Contemporary Cabana

A cool color palette of grays and blues with pops of yellow creates an airy, fresh room. Sheer draperies provide privacy without blocking light, while flower-shaped wall plates say it’s time for fun!
Happy spring!

We had an amazing night recently at the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) 2014 Legacy of DesignAwards Celebration. Over 200 designers and industry professionals throughout the Texas Chapter attended the event and both the company and projects were inspiring!
From contemporary to traditional design, the projects were stunning and Legacy of Design Awards were given from a variety categories. We were thrilled to receive four of the prestigious awards! Not only were we honored to be recognized, but we loved calling our clients to tell them they had award-winning homes!
One of the designs also received a 2014 ARC Award from the Dallas Builders Association at a separate event three nights later. Sterling Brook Custom Homes received the ARC Award for Best Kitchen under $1 million for our kitchen design.
Here are the award-winning projects: