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One of the best things about the holidays is the anticipation of company coming and getting everything prepared for their arrival. At the top of the holiday to-do list is making the guest bedroom ready for visitors.

With all of us shut in our homes this past spring, increasing our outdoor activities this summer, working and schooling from home, being quarantined, having groceries delivered or taking advantage of the curbside pickup, and ALL of the stress of the pandemic, not to mention social unrest and the election, we are READY to have a little family-time and enjoy each other this holiday…..I’m exhausted aren’t you? lol

This merry season, we can follow safety guidelines AND enjoy our company.

Whether you’re on a strict budget or you have a little extra, read on for a comprehensive list to help your guests feel welcome and comfortable.

One Month Before Visitors Arrive

Evaluate carpets.

This applies for all carpet in the house, not only the guest room. Look at your carpet from different angles and decide whether the carpet needs to be cleaned. Ask yourself these questions:

· Has it been 6-12 months since the last professional cleaning?

· Are there spots and traffic lanes creating a not-so-fresh feel?

· Do you have pets that shed their dander, hair, and add more dirt?

· Will you have young children crawling and playing on the floor?

If your carpets are looking ‘less-than’, it’s time to schedule your carpet cleaning. If professional cleaning is not in the budget, consider renting a cleaner from your local home improvement store.

Schedule the cleaning a week and a half to two weeks out from your guest’s arrival.

The Week Before Holiday Guests Arrive

Wash the linens.

Every guest wants to climb into fresh, crisp, good-smelling sheets. Even if they are clean, after many months of not being used, sheets may take on a musty smell. (If your guests are sleeping in one of the children’s rooms, wash the sheets the day of arrival.) Get them washed, dried, and back on the bed. When washing, also clean the pillows, blankets, throws, comforter, and towels.

One recommendation is to have an extra set of freshly washed linens in the closet for accidents. Some guests also like to change the sheets and remake the bed when they leave.

Whether you have a beautifully decorated cozy comforter with an inviting array of pillows, a modest quilt with two pillows, or your son’s spiderman sheets on twin beds, what matters is that it’s fresh and clean for your company.

Deep clean.

It goes without saying that you should vacuum and thoroughly dust your guest room. In addition, you should also clean the windows and mirrors, run the broom through the corners of the room and over the light fixtures to knock down any cobwebs, and wipe down all the light switches, railings, and surface areas with a disinfectant.

Another important room to deep clean when preparing for guests is the bathroom your company will use. If it’s in the budget, hire a professional cleaning company to come in to thoroughly clean. If it’s not in the budget, then use your own elbow-grease to do some serious cleaning. If you have one, evaluate the inner shower curtain to decide whether it needs to be replaced.

In the sink cabinet, make sure there is ample toilet paper and a plunger, so guests don’t have to ask for it.

Declutter.

Guest bedrooms tend to be the room where people dump stuff they don’t know what to do with. If the room where your guests are sleeping is one of the kids’ rooms, it may have piles of toys or clothes. Find a home for and put away any piles that have built up over time. To make room for your guest’s belongings, dressers and end tables should only have a couple items on them. The floor should be void of extra items.

Keep this in mind:

More space, more comfortable, and more welcoming.

Remember to clear some space in the closet too. Leave about two feet of hanging space with 6-8 empty hangers for your visitors.

Childproof.

Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve had a little one in your home. If your guests have small children, enter the guest room with a new set of eyes considering any unsafe areas.

· Childproof the outlets.

· Remove or put up any cords including the blind strings.

· Remove unstable furniture.

· Clear out any small objects that an infant or toddler could put in their mouth.

· Consider moving plants up out of reach or removing them from the room for the duration of the visit.

· Remove unnecessary rugs that they could slip on.

· Secure the TV, dresser, and shelving units to the wall.

Something fun to consider for your child guests is to set up a fun child sleeping area such as a teepee with roll-out foam bed bundle or a tent with pads and sleeping bags. It would be fun for the kids if you gifted them colorful, child-friendly flashlights to use in their special sleeping area. Kids want to feel welcome too.

Guest Items.

There are items that you should always have in a guest room and a few simple basics that your guest may have forgotten to include in their suitcase.

· A few travel-sized hand-sanitizers and extra masks.

· A lighted alarm clock near the bed.

· An outlet strip on the end table so they have an easily accessible outlet.

· Bathroom items such as an extra toothbrush, floss, shampoo, soap, body wash, cotton balls, Q-tips, shaving cream, and a disposable razor.

· A washable water bottle for each guest, a pen and notepad, phone charger, tissue, and a wastebasket.

Information Station.

Provide them with an information card on their night table. If your home is wired, share the Wi-Fi password. If not, then provide a cable connection for their computer.

Consider sharing your home’s security system password, gated community information, swimming pool code, parking regulations, other HOA guidelines, the garage code, and add FAQ’s to the information card.

You can also provide an extra set of keys during their stay. Let your company know if you have any special events or plans.

Extra Comfort.

There is nothing worse than being cold at night. Place extra blankets and pillows in the closet and let your guests know where they are. Make sure that they are also recently washed.

Add a freshly cleaned, colorful throw blanket on the bed. It not only adds a pop of color to the room, but it also invites your guest to curl up and get comfortable. With that same pop of color, and in your favorite scent, set one or two favorite candles in the room.

Leave a few of your favorite reading materials in a basket or set on the dresser. Early morning risers may not venture out of the room for fear of waking the household.

Consider adding a place for your guests to place their luggage. This could be a bench, foldable luggage rack, or an ottoman.

Above and Beyond.

For those with a larger budget, you may want to consider luxury items similar to a 5-star hotel service. You can provide a brand-new robe and slippers for each guest. If your family participates in a matching pajama’s photoshoot for Christmas every year, set out each guest’s pajama set. To provide a basket of toys, coloring items, dolls, and books to play with will bring a smile to the faces of your younger guests.

A bit of cheer that will brighten any guest’s day are fresh flowers. Set a colorful vase of flowers on the dresser or end table. Double-check ahead of time to make sure someone is not allergic or sensitive to flowers. Remember to change out the water and add vitamins if your guests stay more than three days.

Guest Bedroom on Day of Company Arriving

Set Out Towels.

Lay out a full set of towels for each guest so they do not have to go searching for them. That includes a washcloth, a hand towel, and a bath towel.

If company is staying for more than a couple days, you may want to wash all of the towels on day three, after they use them in the morning and replace them before they get ready for bed in the evening.

You know your guests better than a local hotel chain knows them, so you have an inside track to knowing what will help make them comfortable. Do the best you can to think of what they might need and create a cozy, oasis that is restful and peaceful.

We’ve tried to provide a comprehensive list of ways to get your guest room ready for company. If you think of one that we’ve missed, please add it to the comments below!

Have fun and enjoy this well-deserved time with your company. Have a happy, healthy holiday season from the BGI Team!

Amy Guess, Allied ASID
BGI Principal Designer
hello sourAV
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
hello sourAV

As Interior Designers, we love what we do. Our favorite part of the job is witnessing the excitement that our clients have when the projects are complete and their home has been transformed. While we pride ourselves in our ability to take our client’s wish list and bring it to life, we understand that every client is different and the necessity for communication is crucial. For those who have never worked one-on-one with an Interior Designer or are looking to gain some insight, we have put together a helpful set of guidelines to follow to ensure a helpful, healthy, and seamless relationship between client and design professional in order to get the best outcome and enjoying a stress free process. 

1: Be Prepared.

When you invest into a relationship with a designer, they are tasked with understanding your wants and needs very quickly. At the onset of a project, we pay close attention to the client’s language to provide key words or phrases of styles that interest them in order to get the ball rolling. Often, we ask our clients to create a visual wishlist of photos that showcase their dream spaces to show us what they would love to see in their home. For example, if we are working with a couple, we always ask them to have photos separately so that we can see any differing styles we need to meld together. This is also a very enlightening exercise for the couple as long as they go about it individually!

2: Be Aware.

Though it’s important to know what you, as a client, do like, it’s just as important to be aware of what you do not like. Some Designers like to give their clients quick color questionnaires to eliminate colors their client is uncomfortable with or would prefer to stay away from. Additionally, be aware of any artwork or furniture that is going to be utilized in the final design. Designers have a talent of transforming the treasures of their clients into something special so communicate with your designer your needs and desires for your home/work space. 

3: Communicate

As with any relationship, professional or personal, communication is key. Design Professionals love to hear the opinions and style preferences of their clients in order to ensure the best quality results. Clients also depend on Interior Designers to bring their vision to life. It’s important to trust one another and always have an honest open line of communication.

4: Have an Idea of Your Investment

This is a big one! Most of the time, client’s really do not know how much a project should cost. For a designer to be able to do their job and present a client with a solution that is a viable option, they need to have some idea of what the budget will be for the project. There is a stigma that designers will spend every penny you give them, but in reality most good designers just need a direction so that we will know how to source for the project. A good designer will be honest with you if the investment is realistic based on experience.

3: Timeline

Another big one! Full time designers have several projects that they are working on at any given time. When starting another project, the anticipated timeline is very important so that we can make sure and give the proper amount of attention to each individual project. We usually try to get a timeline from builders when starting a new build project so that we can stay on top of the selections before needed. This is not always possible to attain from the builder, but when it is, the process is so much smoother!

We love our job and we love our clients so when we enter into a relationship with a new project, we strive to create the low maintenance stress-free experience our clients deserve. Depending on what type of project you may be looking at starting, the relationship you have with a designer could last a very long time, so it’s important that there is a great dynamic and open communication between you and the designer. If you are interested in working with a design professional, keep some of these tips in mind and leave us a comment letting us know how your experiences have been in the past.

Amy Guess, Allied ASID
BGI Principal Designer
hello sourAV

If you were to ask us what our favorite stage of the design process would be, it would most likely be the selection of artwork. It is such a broad topic and has an endless range of materials and colors from which inspiration can strike. We have been known to design entire spaces around a piece of art or a client’s personal treasure. Most importantly, we believe that when it comes to finalizing a space, artwork and accessories tie everything together. 

Many people think of art as a two dimensional canvas. We go out of our way to source creative alternatives to traditional pieces, finding various mediums to keep it interesting!

Selenite in Ombre Color Palette

This piece, for example, is made of selenite. Selenite is a gypsum mineral designed to resemble a crystal. They can be found with the entire spectrum of natural organic colors depending on their age and construction. They are a great way to add some bling to an entryway while also keeping within a price conscious budget.  We LOVE its translucency and texture!

When we are working with larger spaces we love to think BIG. This entryway has been brought to life by this arrangement of perfectly coordinating colors. This piece was customized by the Dallas artist for our client, but we are no strangers to high quality prints or Giclées to hit price points – especially in secondary rooms. (Giclées are constructed through high-quality inked printers that replicate individual copies to look original.  Many will have a texture to give them more depth.)

One thing that is important to keep in mind is appropriate sizing. When measuring an artwork wall, we like to try to fill 2/3 of the space if we can. The artwork is meant to highlight the space without taking over completely. When working with furniture, such as placing artwork over a sofa, keep in mind these proportions and center the artwork over the furniture. You never want the artwork wider than the furniture its going over. A Pro tip is to use painting tape to measure out on the wall what size of artwork you’re considering before committing!

The height of a piece is just as important. When installing, try to keep the center of the piece at around eye level. Use the midpoint of the piece as a guide to reference for both vertical and horizontal pieces. 

We know that artwork can be very personal for our clients, which is why we love using their artworks and treasures to bring new life into their favorite memories and selections. As designers, we see the beauty in all forms of art! Leave us a comment letting us know what kind of artwork you love to see. Or, let us know if you have a question about sourcing the perfect piece of artwork! 

Amy Guess, Allied ASID
BGI Principal Designer
hello sourAV
Hair on Hide Console Table – Current Plano Project

Great Design can be created from every material- from conventional to unconventional. We’re going to be examining one of these conventional materials that is a staple in classic genres of design: Hair on Hide. 

Having our Design Firm based in Texas, we absolutely appreciate and embrace the Country aesthetic. Hair on Hide is known for being a material that showcases the beauty of an animal in many forms. In our case, it is commonly seen in floor rugs, ottomans, and even tables.

During production, this material is preserved, dried, and dyed to create that perfect long-lasting effect for clients to enjoy. Some other examples of Designer favorites include Shagreen, and Leather.  (Which we will save for a later date!)

Greek Key Modern Rug – Highland Village Project

Something important that designer’s keep in mind is moderation. Depending on the intensity of the hide, we try to avoid creating “themes” in our client’s homes. We believe in utilizing the entire spectrum of materials to our advantage, but the key term is balance.  One of its best qualities is that it’s inherently durable! All that’s needed for maintenance is vacuuming or shaking out the dust. And like ALL rugs, we recommend to skip the beater brush with your vacuum cleaner! Use suction only. Because of the natural oils in the hide, it is naturally repellent of liquids. (i.e. perfect with kids!).

While this material may be controversial, we choose to view design as an endless stream of artistic opportunities in which every material has their chance to shine. We love that hide, which is arguably one of the first Interior Design materials, is still finding new and creative ways to be modern. 

Diamond Geometric Rug – Fairview Project

Would you consider using hair on hide in your project? In what form do you prefer it in? Let us know!


hello sourAV
New Construction Residence in Fairview, Texas

Every designer loves watching their project come to life- from the preliminary drawings to the final installation of the very last details. To make it to the finish line, designers must not only consider the physical functions of a space, but the principles and stages of design that every artist practices. We wrote a while back about these principles in a past blog found here and expanding on these guidelines today!

Image courtesy of Codersera.com

The Fundamental Principles of Art and Design utilizes the entire space at hand and allows for a designer to use every square inch to its fullest potential. The design principles are as follows: Balance, Emphasis, Contrast, Rhythm/Pattern, Scale/Proportion, Hierarchy, and Harmony. Without these guidelines, the space is left feeling unbalanced and incomplete. Every good design will take these principals into consideration.

Balance is about creating a visual equilibrium within a space. When we space plan a room, we take into consideration the materials being used and disperse them with care and precision. There is an art to “Display” that every designer understands. Balance can be symmetrical OR asymmetrical. It’s all about the weight of the elements. Similarly, Designers use Emphasis to create a visual focal point within the balance of the room. Just like in any great piece of art, there is a section that draws your eye to it first- and it is our job to make sure the right piece stands out.  Contrast can work treat an emphasis of an element in a space such as the change in color, size, or depth.

New Construction Dental Office in Rockwall, Texas

One of the most important principles to a Designer is the use of Scale and Proportion. When we take a cocktail table, for example, and ensure that it fits within the area of a rug, we use proportion to make sure there is enough room to move about the space. We then use the overall scale of the room to ensure our table and rug fit comfortably into the confines of the room and do not appear dwarfed compared to the dimensions of the space. 

For those that enjoy art in any form, whether it be music or visual media, everyone can agree on the importance of Rhythm, perhaps my personal favorite principle because of its array of options with repetition and the impact it can make! Within Interior Design, Rhythm creates a visual repetition of important features through color, texture, and sight-lines. Working hand-in-hand with Harmony, a Designer must make sure that everything they place into a room has been thought out carefully. Without this, there would always be “something missing” within a space and it would never feel fully completed. With that said, we often utilize Hierarchy with different elements to create a focal point or layered interest in a space. This principle can work with varying the size or location of details to accomplish a particular order of attention. This is used often in kitchen designs with the hierarchy of the vent hood being the focal point of the space.

With that being said, Designers like to think outside the box. Once the basic needs are met, there is an opportunity to bring some character and fun into the design. Using Contrast opens the door to vibrant color combinations and mixings of materials while keeping the visual integrity of the room intact. While every principle is different, they are equally as important and depend on one another to mold that ideal finished space. 

Client’s put their trust in a designer to use these principles to create the perfect space for them to enjoy with their families for years to come. We take that to heart as our greatest joy is seeing the look of excitement in our client’s eyes as we deliver on their dream home or office space. 

hello sourAV
A master bathroom shade that not only softens the space but is highly functional for privacy.

When designing a home, it can be a mistake to neglect the windows, as they play a key role in both the function and style of the house. For a long time, having treatments on a window was misconstrued to be an outdated style, but we are here to tell you that window fashion is back in style. Of course naked windows have their place, such as large overside modern windows with a view, but even those will normally get some sort of shade for function.

When deciding which treatment would work best for the space, consider the space between and above the windows as well as privacy. For windows with very little space in between, consider one of our favorites: a manual (motorized options are a whole other subject!) flat fold roman shade. This option will fit within the area of the window and is often easily operated with a silver roll ease chain. 

Inside mount flat fold roman shades

For larger windows deserving of more dramatic flair, consider flowing drapery panels that make a statement. It is important to take into consideration the appropriate light allowance, the drape-ability of the fabric, and clean-ability for the space in which the panels will be occupying. In the case for a Dining Room, it would be wise to have more oil and dust repellent qualities that can handle being surrounded by food as opposed to a bedroom where there is more freedom in fabric fiber content. 

For drapery panels with a rod, it is important not to block the view through the window with the fabric. To measure for drapery rod size, measure the width of the window and add 5-10 inches of space depending on wall for the excess fabric to rest comfortably. For treatments that are floor length it’s a good idea to hang the rod high enough above the window that the drapes don’t pool together al the floor thus limiting the likeliness of dust bunnies to accumulate.  We prefer to have the panels stop just right at the floor, shy of touching.

A bedroom that has shades for privacy and stationary sheer panels to soften the space.

One of the best things about mounting a window treatment outside of the window, whether it be a drapery panels or an outside mount shade, is the ability to make a small window appear larger! This is a trick we love to use on small windows as well as off center windows —- tricking the eye.

Finally, as mentioned before, the characteristics of the fabric are very important. Refrain from using a heavy upholstery fabric that will be not only difficult to construct but also have difficulty folding for a shade or draping for panels. One of our favorite fabrics for a light and airy drapery panel is a sheer but we have to be careful the fabric will not have a mind of its own…..Unless that’s the look you’re going for. 😉

The most exciting thing to a designer is combining function with style. Once the primary focus for the space is highlighted and met, the possibilities to play with color and texture are endless. These window treatments can be the element that elevates a room from nice to extraordinary. 

Reach out to us with any additional questions or comments to find out how to give your windows the love they deserve. 

hello sourAV
Recent BGI project with The Frame from Samsung

After a long day at work, everyone looks forward to coming home and relaxing with their family. The home is a place for relaxation and self expression, so designers take that into consideration when selecting the perfect art pieces for their clients. An age old design faux pas is having to settle for the television for the focal point- which is often absent in most design catalogues. Because the world of design is ever evolving, new technologies have allowed us to incorporate both function and style with this versatile piece. 

This TV, known as “The Frame”, is designed by Samsung to look like a high definition screen when it’s on and a show stopping art accent when it’s off. The screen is inlaid into the frame to give the illusion of a professional mounted piece when it is hung. Sizes range from 32” to 75”; perfect for any family room setting where TV downtime is a must.  The guts of the TV are placed in the wall to allow a seamless aesthetic showing none of the ugly wires or mounting.

This technology accounts for effortless optimization by providing artwork that is effortless to change and suits everyone’s tastes in style. The customization tools are not limited to the artwork being shown on screen, but the Bezel itself. There are minimal black and white monochromatic options as well as modern pops of colors available to create an endless array of art combinations that fit your current tastes. 

Designers find solutions like this to create the perfect combination of function and style in their client’s spaces. During our consultations, we strive to get to know our clients and their day-to-day family lifestyle in order to provide them with the personalized design they deserve. For those families that spend their evenings bonding over their favorite shows after a long day, this one is for you! Reach out to us to find out how you can create your perfect family space mixing in personal style and modern living. 

hello sourAV

When choosing a rug for your space, it is important to consider more than just color and placement. Construction and content are key aspects to selecting a rug that is timeless and will last through busy family life for years to come. Here are a few home friendly fiber materials to look for as well as materials to avoid when choosing that perfect family friendly rug. 

Polyester/Polypropylene- GOOD

Polyester and Polypropylene rugs are made from synthetic materials that are quick to dry and most resistant to liquids and sunlight. Being created from recycled plastic, they are designed to give you that look of designer rugs on a various range of budget friendly price tags. Cleanup is simple and can be achieved by spot cleaning or running the vacuum overtop for lasting durability and color preservation. Machine Made Polyester/Polypropylene rugs are made by operated power looms that wrap the fibers more quickly than a hand loom and are easily recognizable by the latex padding underneath. Machine made rugs are some of the least expensive options and because of their durability are a great go to choice for heavy traffic areas and homes with kids and pets!

Viscose- AVOID

Viscose, also known as Rayon, is a variant of silk that often draws attention due to its shininess and appealing softness. It is not a natural fiber ideal for families that have high traffic in their living space due it its inability to maintain its appealing aesthetic when given access to direct sunlight or liquids. Viscose rugs are not known for their easily clean-ability and can be easily damaged by way of unprofessional machinery or store bought cleansers.  We really try to stay away from viscose rugs and it’s getting easier as manufacturers are realizing the consumers frustration with this material. Plus, there are several great new alternatives that will give you the same look like Olefin but with durability.

Wool- GOOD

You can never go wrong with wool! Wool rugs have an appealing advantage over synthetic rugs in that they’re often handmade from natural materials and contain no traces of chemicals or unnatural dyes. Their patterns and designs are made as simple or as intricate as their knots allow and their quality often directly impacts their price tag. Wool rugs, depending on the height of their weave, are vacuum friendly and a great option for cozy game nights around the coffee table. Wool rugs are commonly constructed by either hand tufted or hand knotted methods. Rugs that are hand knotted have a frequency to bring the price of the piece up due to the time spent inserting every individual knot. Hand tufted methods require the assistance of machinery that combines the wool onto its canvas underside padding without sacrificing the color of the piece thus allowing it to be a more budget friendly option.  One downside of hand tufted construction is if you have your rug cleaned and you’re not sure about the quality prior to running it through the process. A lot of the less expensive hand tufted rugs are shipped without allowing the glue for the edge banding to dry completely and when they are run through the professional cleaning process can start coming apart and even damage the machines used to clean them!

Cotton- AVOID

Like Viscose, Cotton rugs are not practical for high trafficked areas due to their infamous absorbency to liquids and stain-ability. They are known for being a soft look-a-like to wool or outdoor Jute materials, but should be limited to indoor use only. They are spot and vacuum cleanable and a good option for small bedrooms or other lesser used spaces. 

These are just some of the most common materials you see when deciding on a rug. At BGI, we take your family life into consideration and select materials best suited for family living while ensuring their beauty and quality does not come second. We have a go to local dealer to treat rugs with a stain resistant protectant that helps resist stains and gives our clients a peace of mind. Ask us how you can achieve a magazine ready space in your dream home without sacrificing the comfort of livability! 

hello sourAV

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!

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