We recently revealed how we brought fresh life to a somewhat dark and somber kitchen and dining room in Modern Meets Moroccan. Now it’s time to showcase the home’s masculine Moroccan study – one of our favorite rooms. And like the rest of the home, it’s full of enchantments!
Before, an excessive amount of dark stained wood overshadowed the room’s details. Heavy drapes and window treatments darkened the room further, blocking light.
Paint alone brightened the room and visually increased the size of the space. Pale blue-grey walls contrast beautifully with the rich warmth of the hard wood floors and provide the perfect backdrop for darker furnishings. A simple orb pendant light, crafted of iron and mirrors, reflects light and echoes the room’s circular shape.
A custom club chair with a geometric pattern and silver nailhead trim adds a modern element to the home office. A hexagon side table continues the room’s geometric design, while a custom-made, circular wool rug in dove grey offers soft footing.
A built-in bookcase, once lost in the room’s monochromatic color scheme, is accentuated when painted a dark blue-grey and backed with a metallic grasscloth wallcovering. LED accent lighting gleams off the grasscloth and showcases personal treasures acquired from our client’s travels. And grey and cream-colored window shades with a subtle geometric pattern provide privacy and lightness to the space.
The room’s crown jewel, the exquisite Moroccan desk formerly lost in a sea of brown, is now properly showcased. The dark, stately piece sits in stark contrast to its fresh and airy surroundings. Custom art panels with a metallic finish were crafted to complement the room’s color scheme and further the otherworldly ambiance.
Want more? We still have much to reveal! Check back soon for Moroccan Nights – the master bedroom.
Few, if any, design styles whisk you away to another time and place more than Moroccan decor. Taking its roots from Moorish architecture, the style is rich, mysterious and exotic, conjuring a romance all its own.
But while arches, domes and mosaics are a feast for the senses, they also carry a weight that needs to be countered to embrace today’s lifestyle. And we were recently asked to do just that – bring fresh life to a Moroccan-styled home. Here’s what happens when modern meets Moroccan!
To provide a dramatic entrance into the home, a stunning slab of quartzite was chosen as wall art for the breakfast area which is viewed from the front door. A fluted glass chandelier illuminates the quartzite, while adding glamour to the room. And a sideboard inlaid with mother of pearl completes the space.
Formerly outfitted with dark stained wood cabinetry and a metal vent hood, the kitchen is now bright and vibrant with simple white shaker cabinets and glass uppers to allow for accent lighting. The walls and ceiling were painted a lighter shade to create the perfect backdrop for colorful accents and a custom ceiling panel previously overlooked due to its dark surroundings.
Custom hand-blown glass pendant lights were crafted in shades of amber and blue to match the room’s color scheme and further draw the eye to the exquisite ceiling panel above. The undulating pattern of the glass provides a sense of movement and varies the light diffused.
Dining room chairs with a unique geometric design were chosen and upholstered in a shade of blue similar to the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Morocco. A floral arrangement serves as the table’s centerpiece and green hurricanes with a circular pattern continue the geometric design of the space.
A frequently used nook located between the kitchen and the breakfast room was made more functional and appealing by adding custom seat and back cushions. The area’s wall art, a captivating piece painted by our client’s uncle, inspired the color scheme. Throw pillows were added in shades to complement the painting, further highlighting the treasured piece. The nook is now the perfect spot for reading or browsing the Internet.
Can’t get enough Moroccan style? Check back soon as we reveal more of the house’s transformation!
They don’t call them magic carpets for nothing! When it comes to transforming a room, rugs pack one powerful punch. Area rugs anchor a room, define a space, add visual interest with color and texture, absorb noise and protect flooring. But how do you go about selecting rugs for your home?
Consider Existing Décor
When selecting rugs, try to coordinate with existing paint, furniture, bedding or window treatments. Or if you are starting from scratch, choose a rug first and build the room’s color scheme and style around the new rug.
Consider Lifestyle and Budget
Rugs are made from a variety of materials. If you like to change your decor frequently or have a small budget, synthetic rugs, made from polypropylene or nylon, are a good choice. Synthetic rugs provide water and UV-resistance at low prices and are good at hiding dirt. Nylon is the higher quality of the two because of its greater bulk and ability to hold color well. Cotton rugs are even more affordable, but they can stain and wear out quickly.
Looking for great texture and something eco-friendly? Plant-based fibers such as sisal, jute and bamboo are biodegradable and made from renewable sources. They are also relatively inexpensive, but they are difficult to clean and may only last a few years with heavy use. They are a good choice for short-term use, outdoor rooms or light-traffic areas.
Looking for high-quality and durability? Wool rugs are naturally stain-resistant, don’t flatten easily, are soft to the touch and can last for decades with good care. They are stylish, family friendly and excellent for high-traffic areas. But, of course, their quality is reflected in their price. Wool rugs are more costly than other options, but are worth the extra cost if maintained and enjoyed for many years.
Select the Right Size
Area rugs create a focal point. If the rug is too large, this benefit is lost and the rug simply looks like wall-to-wall carpeting. If the rug is too small, it fails to draw the eye and provide the desired impact. But what is too large or too small? Here are some general guidelines.
In the family room, select a size that covers at least the length and width of your furniture. A 5′ x 8′ or 6′ x 9′ rug is a good size to cluster furniture around for an intimate area; or select a larger size that outlines the furniture to expand the space. Furniture with the front feet only on the rug creates a casual look, while furniture entirely on or off is more formal.
In the dining room, the rug should be large enough to allow space for chairs even when pulled away from the table. Measure your table and add approximately two feet. Any surrounding furniture, such as a china cabinet or serving pieces, should be on the floor, not on the rug.
In the bedroom, the rug may serve as an accent at the foot of the bed (with the footboard on the rug) or next to the bed. Or, the bed may rest entirely on top of the rug to provide both style and comfort. Allow at least 18 inches from the edge of the bed if the bed will rest on top of the rug.
In all cases, try to have at least 18 to 24 inches of uncovered flooring around the perimeter of the room. And when in doubt, use painter’s tape to outline the size rug you are considering. This will help you visualize the rug better and determine if you like the look.
Up next: The Power of Accessories!
Image Source: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
You’re about to ring in the New Year and make a resolution or two. Then what? How about giving your home a fresh start, too? It’s not as difficult or expensive as you may think. There are several quick, easy and inexpensive ways to transform a room.
Today’s blog is the first in a series called New Year, New Home, and we hope you find the ideas inspiring. First up is one of the best ways to clean and brighten a space: paint. Painting is easy, relatively inexpensive and a perfect do-it-yourself project. But selecting paint colors can be difficult. What color do you choose to transform your space?
Avoid bright colors, neon shades or colors that are very dark. Gray is currently the hottest neutral, while shades of blue and green are also trending. Neutrals have universal appeal and are best when trying to sell a home. But if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, you’re free to experiment and find the colors that make YOU happy.
Consider the mood of the room. If you’d like the room to have a soothing mood, choose soft, cool colors and neutrals. Looking for a little drama? Use stronger colors. Want a social space that stimulates conversation? Warmer, contrasting colors create a social atmosphere. And while you might be drawn to bright colors for a child’s room, avoid intense hues. Some brighter colors can over stimulate and lead to unrest and irritability.
Look for inspiration and sample colors. If you’re not sure where to start, select a favorite color from a piece of art, a rug, throw pillow or accessory in the room as the wall color. Sample variations of the color by painting a white poster board and propping it against the wall. Observe the paint during morning and evening hours to see how the colors change with the light throughout the day; and live with the colors for a few days before selecting one. This will help you determine if you truly like the color in the space before painting the entire room.
Consider the color from an adjacent room. How will the color you’ve chosen interact with adjoining rooms? You will see portions of the room from other areas of your home and an easy flow from room to room is desirable. Clashing colors will create a startling and tense mood, while colors than transition smoothly will create a serene and inviting home.
Ready to start painting? No? No problem. There are other simple ways to transform your home! Next up: how to reinvent and revitalize with rugs.
Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
Every once in a while, you get the chance to check off an item on your bucket list and this summer was my chance. Having Italian roots, I’ve always wanted to tour the Amalfi Coast and the Mediterranean. So my husband and I took the term “carpe diem” to heart and made it happen aboard a cruise ship.
Envisioning the trip, I knew I’d be stepping back in time – touring ancient relics and seeing amazing works of art. But I didn’t know I’d have the opportunity to witness history in action. In this case, the ancient art of silk rug production.
As an interior designer, I don’t know how many times I’ve brushed my hand across the fibers of a silk rug or admired its sheen, but I had no idea the silk production process is even more intricate than the rugs themselves!
The History of Silk Production
While in Turkey, I got to witness first-hand the harvesting of silk from the cocoons of silk worms.
I was intrigued to learn silk production began in China and the Chinese kept the secret of silk to themselves for over 2,000 years. Evidence of silk production dates back as far as 3000 BC, but the practice is believed to be far older.
Sericulture (silk farming) reached Korea around 200 BC when waves of Chinese immigrants arrived there. It was then only a matter of time before the practice spread westward.
Silk Production
To produce silk, the cocoons of silk worms are heated and then dipped into hot water to loosen the tightly woven filaments.
The cocoons are then unwound into single fibers, which are spun into thread. The threads can then be dyed and have an elegant luster.
But don’t confuse elegance for weakness. It’s estimated that if a fiber of silk could be produced with the diameter of a pencil, the fiber could lift a 747 aircraft!
Once the threads are dyed, skilled artisans weave the threads by hand into intricate designs and patterns. The end result is nothing short of stunning!
Characteristics of Silk Rugs
Rugs crafted from silk are valued for their durability, rich colors and distinctive luster. They’re also soft with a sheer velvet feel. But silk is expensive, difficult to clean and can show footprints, so it’s often mixed with other fibers, like wool, when creating a rug to increase durability and lower cost.
A silk blend rug can offer the best of both worlds: beauty and durability. And when decorating, they can transform any living space!
By the way, we absolutely loved our trip. We both love to travel and experience different cultures, we’re dreaming of our next adventure!
Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
When we design a living space or a corporate work place, we’re always mindful of the clients’ goals. Do they want a peaceful environment? A respite from the hectic pace of life? Or do they desire a vibrant, energetic work place that inspires leadership and creativity?
There are seven principles of design. And all seven have to be incorporated into a room to make it flow. And guess what? Chances are your most comforting space – the place you feel most at ease – flows well and has colors that fit your personality. We all tend to shy away from harsh fluorescent lighting. It hurts the eyes and inhibits your mind. Yet some office spaces still use it!
Using the seven principles of design, we can create a warm and inviting space that fits your needs and personality. We can repurpose existing furniture or buy new pieces and implement a functional design flow.
But what exactly are the seven principles of design? They are rhythm, harmony, scale, proportion, balance, color and flow. Do you have all seven working together in your space?
Call us today at (214) 641-7897 for a consultation and we’ll design the space of your dreams!
Whether you’re interested in home improvements, in the market for a new home or just love touring designer houses, the Village Park Eco Home is THE place to be this weekend!
The contemporary hill country style home was built to answer the question, “What’s next in high-performance home construction?” And the answers are cutting edge! [Read more…]
It’s not hard to imagine how the name for Wow! PlaySpaces was decided. One look at any of their jaw-dropping projects and the word “wow” is involuntarily uttered! And we are so excited to be working with them to design the innovative Village Park Eco Home, a home being built to answer the question, “What’s next in high-performance home construction?”
Together and in partnership with Make-A-Wish North Texas, we will be designing and installing a custom play area in the home based on one very deserving child’s dreams. If you’re unfamiliar with Wow! PlaySpaces, they design, fabricate and install custom themed play attractions and outlandish décor, both indoors and out. And they are generously donating their time, talents and materials to this exciting project to make one child’s wish come true.
From pirates, castles and barnyards, to sport courts, climbing walls and life-size games, Wow! PlaySpaces does it all. And with a catch phrase like “we create ridiculously cool, fun play spaces,” we’re in for a quite a ride! We can’t wait to start brainstorming and designing with them.
We’ll keep you posted on the design progress, but in the meantime, here are a few of the amazing play spaces they’ve already created. Oh, and you’ll be able to see the home in person once it’s completed in March/April 2014 and opened for tours!
All aboard! A train station-themed room puts a smile on anyone’s face. [Read more…]
From runways to interiors, geometric shapes and patterns are everywhere! What’s so great about them? Geometric designs are energizing, playful and elegant – the perfect combination to invigorate interior spaces. The go-to shapes include hexagons, diamonds, stripes and the Greek key pattern, but the options are almost endless. And as an added bonus, geometric patterns excel at hiding wear and tear on upholstery and rugs.
Looking to add a pop of geometric design to your space? Check out these fabulous finds!
Geometric Storage Ottoman, Emerald and White. Priced at $249.00; www.zgallerie.com. [Read more…]
Summer may still be in full force, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start dreaming of fall days and the beautiful, rich hues that come with them.
I love fall hues. Fall colors typically possess a depth and sophistication absent from summer’s pastels and brighter shades, and this year should be no different!
Pantone, the global authority on color, has forecasted a palette of 10 luscious colors from New York Fashion Week that will be fall’s hottest hues. According to Pantone, “the colors come together to create moods that range from sophisticated and structured to lively and vivid” and reflect the many moods of fall.
And you won’t just be seeing these colors on the runways and in clothing aisles. Popular fashion colors almost always crossover into the world of interior design. The colors are all beautiful, but here’s my forecast of the three you’ll be seeing the most in interior design. [Read more…]