214.641.7897

 

Art is very personal, and each piece has a certain power to draw people to itself through its content, color, style, and texture. When choosing art for your home, there are many considerations to be made. Consider the size of the piece you need, which colors you want to compliment the particular room’s decor, and if you want it to be the focal point that draws your focus. OR, do you want the artwork to stand on its own and not necessarily be confined to the color palette in the room?

So which types of artwork are there?

Original – An original piece of art is an authentic example of work created from the artist with their own hand and is usually signed. It is not reproduced or an imitation. There is only one piece exactly like it in the world. When choosing an original piece, first, you need to set your budget. Original pieces can range from inexpensive, for unknown artists, to outrageous, for sought-after or famous pieces and artists. Next, take into consideration the space that you are looking to fill. Many original pieces capture the light in the texture of the medium used. Consider where you will be hanging this original piece and how sunlight coming in a window will affect it. Third, when it comes right down to it, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When The art in your home should be what you are truly attracted to – the look of the piece or the prestige of having an original piece.

PRINTS

There is only one original piece of art. Therefore, once it’s sold, there are no more. Many artists are including reproductions of their original pieces. They are not unique works of art, but can come in a ‘limited series’ which, if they come from a notable artist, could increase in value over time, or mass-produced copies. For the buyer, a print is more affordable, easier to find online, and replaceable. Prints are a great way for new art collectors to start their collection.

GICLEE

A giclee, pronounced zhee’clay, is a superior-quality print. Giclee means ‘to spray’, which is exactly what an ink jet printer does. It’s created using at least 300 dots per inch and an ‘archival’ type of printing paper, canvas, or watercolor paper. The ink used is pigment-based rather than dye-based. Some giclee prints can have limited texture. The way you tell a giclee print compared to an original is to, first, run your hand along the surface of the piece. Consequently, If you can feel the raised paint or color on the canvas, then most likely an original. It is more than likely a print if it looks like the medium is seeped into the canvas and smooth. You can also take the frame off and check the edges. An original will have rough, therefore uneven paint on the edges which would not be evident in a giclee print.

DIMENSIONAL

Three-dimensional art pieces can be seen from all sides and angles. This in comparison to two-dimensional flat artworks. There are two types of three-dimensional art pieces. Free-standing sculptures usually represent people, animals, or abstract shapes. There are carvings, sculptings, castings, weldings, and glass art. Artists typically use wood, stone, clay, glass, or metal to create them. Reliefs is another type of dimensional art. This is where the dimension raises up off of a flat surface or it is sunken or carved out of a flat surface.

LIGHTING

You want to place your art at center stage with proper lighting. Using proper lighting techniques, will allow you to view it safely for years to come. There are three main rules to consider. The first is to avoid direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light and infrared radiation cause fading. The second is to insure adequate distance of the lighting. You need to protect the art from any heat damage. Third, avoid fluorescent lighting. Ultraviolet energy causes color fading and distortion. The lighting highlighting artwork should be three times brighter than the regular room lighting. Use a high CRI (Color Rendering Index) percentage in the lightbulbs. The closer to 100 percent, the more it will bring out the vibrance of colors. If there is adequate spacing between the lighting and the art, it is best to use LED lighting. The angle of the lighting should be 30 degrees to reduce the glare. If you have a larger frame, add 5 degrees to the angle. Subtract 5 degrees if you want to accentuate the texture of a painting. The lighting should draw attention to the art, not the lighting itself….The Art In Your Home.

CONCLUSION

The art of your home stimulates the senses and emotions as well as empowers the soul. Therefore, you should choose pieces that work harmoniously with the style of each room but most importantly that capture your attention and create a reaction. When you find a particular piece that you’ve fallen for, find out a little more about whether it’s an original or a print. Specifically, look into the artist, their values, the background, and learn about what inspired them to create it. See if there are other pieces they’ve created.

We love our local sources for original art and finding those perfect pieces for each project. If you need help finding those perfect pieces, reach out to our team at info@bgidesign.com to start your collection or schedule a consultation to get some feedback on your current space.

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

Best,

It’s true, when I used to think of a wine cellar, I pictured an underground, almost cave-like room full of vats, barrels, and, of course, bottles of wine. And it may have been that way in days past, but now, many homeowners are requesting the wine cellar a focal point in their home design plans. A wine cellar protects your wine from humidity, temperature, and light to provide the perfect atmosphere to age properly. 

In the home, a wine cellar can be as small as an under-the-stairs wine nook to as big as a large basement alcove. If you have, or are thinking of starting, a wine collection, there are many aspects to consider when creating your own personal wine cellar to make your Wine Cellar A Focal Point . 

How to Organize Your Cellar –

One big question, after you decide where you will put your wine cellar, is how to organize your wine. You can sort the bottles by region of the country, grape varieties, price, or wine type. You’ll want to keep track of many aspects of your collection. You can keep digital notes, for example, in a wine inventory app, but as your collection grows, you also may want to display a record of limited information with the bottle. So to not handle every bottle every time you’re looking for a particular label, you could attach the name on a display tag. In addition, to help avoid opening bottles too soon or too late, include the consume-by date. Some collectors also include the purchase price and the current value. Organizing your wine in a grid system allows you to easily locate your bottles. Giving each row and column a letter and number, similar to an Excel spreadsheet, will allow you go directly to the bottle you’re searching for within your digital records/app. Although there is no “right way” to organize your wine cellar, it will be a benefit to keep a well-organized cellar. 

Other items you’ll want to consider putting in your cellar are:

  • A built-in wine opener. 
  • An attractive shelf or glass-door display to showcase your opened bottles. 
  • A wine glass caddy or cabinets.
  • A sink for washing glasses and cleaning up.
  • A bar or drinking table, with stools, for serving or armchairs for lounging for you and your guests. 

Pegs vs. Racks –

The optimal position to store wine is on its side. The wine will make contact with the cork and keep it moist. Although there are many free-standing storage solutions, there are two main options for wine cellars. 

Built-in racks –

There is a certain luxury to built-in, permanent racks. There are many material options including wood, clear acrylic, and metal cable materials. Although there are a handful of woods that are used for wine cellars, the two most popular are Redwood and Mahogany. Leaving them unstained can not only be attractive, but also can give off the smell of an old wine cellar. If you choose to stain the wood, be sure to use a water-based stain. Within the racks and shelving, consider installing ambient lighting for an upscale look.

Configurable pegs –

When using the peg system, wine bottles sit on top of “pegs” giving the illusion that the bottles are floating in air. One of the first steps to decide when using peg wine racking system is to decide whether to install the pegs directly into the wall or into a panel. Custom panels can stand off the wall and include backlighting for additional ambiance. Next, you’ll choose the material and style of peg and then determine the wall coverage available and bottle capacity. For example, do you have the space to display your bottles horizontally with the label out, or would you prefer to have them laid “neck forward” with the cork facing you. With tight spacing, using the “neck forward” layout, you can estimate up to 10 bottles per square foot. Many manufacturers have designers that can help with figuring the layout and pegs needed. Here is where you can get creative and design a gorgeous, featured design. 

Room Specifications –

Wine does not do well with temperature fluctuations. The ideal temperature to store and mature wine is between 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is the ideal range where wine ages at the normal pace. When designing your wine cellar, consider investing in a good cooling system with venting. There are many systems that help minimize energy expenditure. Taking it one step further, think about a backup system in case there is a power outage. Humidity also plays an important role, specifically for the cork. If there is not enough humidity, the cork can dry up prematurely. If there is too much humidity, the cork can become moldy as well as damage the labels. Direct light can react with a wine’s phenolic compounds and spoil it. You’ll need to consider the packaging the wine is in and keep them, especially lighter colored bottles, away from strong light sources. Wine also does not like vibration. Sediments are not able to separate from the liquid when they vibrate. This lowers the acid levels which gives wine its specific and deep flavors. 

Adds value to your home –

As of 2015, Americans consume 913 million gallons of wine per year. In a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders, 31% of new-home buyers that earned over $150,000 per year, named a wine cellar as their most desired amenity (first on the list, at 45%, was a media room). Builders consider wine cellars a no-brainer in any home over $800,000 (Realtor.com). Even non-drinkers are attracted to having a wine cellar because it gives the impression of a homeowner with discerning, high-end tastes and good for resale. There is a trend for the wine cellar to be part of the main living space and even a ‘wow’ factor in the design.  

Many homeowners are moving towards making their wine cellar a focal point in their homes. Of course, it’s personal preference and, ultimately, whether your home can accommodate it into the floorplan. As you’re looking forward to wine-o-clock in the evening… CHEERS to you!

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

Best,

 

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.  

Blue kitchens

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,

 

I know, I know, winter is not yet over. In fact, we just had some pretty crazy freezing weather around the nation. Texas got an astronomical amount of it to say the least! I went without electricity in my home for almost 3 days. But there is hope… spring is right around the corner. This too shall pass, right? 😉 This is my mantra as of late!

To keep our minds off all the frigid temperatures, let’s talk about outdoor entertainment areas. 

What are the projects that we need to plan for, items to get ordered, and construction to get scheduled NOW… so we are ready for entertaining (and the warmer weather) when it gets here? Because let’s face it, Texas changes to a brutal heat in a hot second so it’s best to be ready!

FIRST

Take an inventory of all of the different spaces or zones in your backyard. What are the different activities your family does back there? Consider the separate hangout zones available in your backyard that provide a variety for guests where multiple groups can gather. For example, if the adults are sitting around the firepit, the kids might be out in the playhouse, in the horseshoe pit, or playing in the pool. Later, everyone can join together in the outdoor movie area to watch a video and snack on popcorn. Perhaps you have a great blank wall that is perfect for projecting a movie on?!

SECOND

Now, make a list of all the outdoor areas – spaces that you already have and ideas for any spaces that you might like to add. Maybe you have multi-functional spaces that can be utilized for different activities. Under each section, make notes of big or small projects you want to add, landscaping jobs, maintenance that needs to be done, and anything else that needs work out of doors. 

The following are top backyard areas to consider. 

1. Greenery

Almost every backyard has some sort of greenery. Unless you have a zero-scape yard, you’ll need to make notes about maintain preparing and fertilizing the grass. The trees need to be cared for and the sprinkler system needs to be serviced. More and more, I have client’s adding turf to their backyards so that maintenance is low and the look has become a lot more natural!

(PROJECT BANISTER COURT)

Most of us add beauty and visual interest through flowers, trees, and shrubbery. 

  • What items do you want to add to your yard this year? 
  • What annual and perineal items need to be purchased? Consider perineal plants that come back year after year.
  • Is there a special feature that you’d like to put in this year such as a stone water feature, a rock garden, tiered flower beds, lighted path, hedge, or shrubbery? 
  • What will go into creating that? Do you need to hire a landscape company or consult your local nursery? Many nurseries provide landscaping services and deliver.

2. A Firepit

A firepit is a popular gathering place when entertaining. Nothing quiet compares to the natural ambience of a real flame. It’s the perfect place to circle around to have a drink or roast marshmallows. You can have one built-in permanently or use a portable firepit to move around the yard. If you don’t care to chop wood or play Russian roulette with that annoying smoke, you can have an underground gas line run to it that will turn the fire on with only the flip of a switch. There is also the option to use a propane connection for your fire pit. 

  • Built-in firepit (or grill) projects take a little planning and construction.
  • If you’re running a gas line in, you’ll need to get your local utility company involved to mark your property’s utilities and hire a company to lay the code compliant piping and connect the gas. 

3. The Grill

Summer BBQ’s revolve around the backyard grill. You might consider the location of your grill compared to your guests, house, and furniture. More than one backyard grill has warped (or worse) the siding of the house. An outdoor kitchen offers convenient prep meals, a built-in sink, and small refrigerator perfect for entertainment. I, personally, have a Kimono Grill and love the taste of food grilled on it year round!

  • Spring is a good time to service your grill components. 
  • At the very least, you may need to check and fill the propane tank. 

4. Lighting

Outdoor lighting sets the mood for backyard entertaining. Light up the night with plenty of different kinds of lighting. You not only need a main light on the side of your home with far reach to find items at night or clean up, but you can also have recessed lighting in canisters built into the soffits or pendants on the side of the house. Other options include hanging lanterns, globe lighting, tiki torches, or string lighting. Uplighting plants and water features gives a dramatic and warm effect.

My son wanted to hang a string of Edison bulbs in the trees to mimic a fairyland. Suspend them from the roof and drape them across the deck to bring a relaxed and twinkling calmness creating memories your family will remember forever. Better yet, they can be solar so that you don’t need to plug them in or pay for the electricity!

5. Covering

There are many blistering hot afternoons and a few dreary rainy days that inspire homeowners to build covered refuge in their backyard. A pavilion, either an extension of your home or a freestanding structure, offers a retreat from the elements. A pergola provides minimal shade and an additional aesthetic to your deck. A charming gazebo is a quiet retreat to read a book, a nook to have an chat with friend, and even a spot for an intimate wedding. An arbor can provide a little shade, a interesting flowering vine feature, and a bench for visiting. 

  • An outdoor covering is a larger project. Building permits will be needed, lumber ordered, a contractor hired (or plans drawn up if you’re doing it yourself), groundwork needed if it requires you to move land or dig foundational support, and much more. 
  • If you already have an outdoor covering, consider what maintenance it needs from the harsh winter.
  • Many of my clients add screens to their back patios to create a bug free area to enjoy when the weather is nice. Many of the screens will be translucent enough so that you don’t lose the view.

(PROJECT THREE OAKS DRIVE)

6. Seating

Whether alone with a good book, eating an evening meal with your family, or spending time with special invited guests, everyone needs a place to sit. During mealtime, an outdoor dining set is a must. Read more about material options for patio furniture:

Other seating options include a hammock, lounge chairs, outdoor sofas, deck chairs, and benches. Other decorative ideas to give your backyard seating a cozy feel are throw pillows, cushions, accent storage, and blankets. Backyard furniture can turn an ordinary area into a resort-like paradise. Read more about outdoor living – Beyond The Patio here. 

  • What old pieces are worn and need to be replaced? 
  • What new pieces would you like to add that you can research and purchase? 
  • Are there any seating options that you’d like to build for the upcoming summer?

(PROJECT THREE OAKS DRIVE)

8. Family Game/Entertainment Areas

A family needs space to play. Ideas for this type of space are: horseshoes, a trampoline, a treehouse, a craft station, outdoor bar, pool, hot tub, sand box, or garden. You’ll need grassy areas for bocce ball, cornhole, spike ball, volleyball, a slip-n-slide, or an outdoor theatre. Take a look at your deck area, stone paths, or pavers too, are they needing maintenance or are you wanting to put one of these features in?  

I don’t know about you, but I can endure weeks and weeks of more snow, wind, and cold ONLY IF I can plan and dream about warm, lazy summer days in the beautiful, green backyard with friends and family. 

Get the conversation started with your family now and make a short list of which project you’d like to make happen this year. Call around to hire the right contractor or visit your local home improvement store and set the date to get your project completed – just in time for warm weather. Or, ask us and we can refer some great contractors we’ve worked with to do the job!

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.
  

  1. 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. 😊  

  1. 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. 

pastedGraphic_1.png

  1. 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!

  2. 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. 

  3. 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:

  1. 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’. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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,

 

Amy and the BGI team are so excited to show off our new look for the new year! With 2020 being the tough year that it was, we are welcoming these exciting changes to our website and our branding! 

We would like to show our continued support for our vendors/ partners and our clients for allowing us to do what we love every single day. We owe it all to you. The best part of our job is being able to express our creativity and make beautiful lasting family friendly homes & office spaces. All of these changes come with the same consistent foundation BGI was built on while happily stepping into the future and all that it holds.

The BGI Team is ready to take on the new year, eager to see what kind of adventures and excitement will come our way. Don’t forget to check out our new website and leave us a comment letting us know if you like our new style!

Best,

 

There are lots of reasons we love fall – the changing colors, the holidays and, of course, the cooler weather. But for interior designers, the best thing about fall is a visit to High Point Market.
High Point Market in North Carolina is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world. All the latest furniture lines, accessories and trends in interior design are on display, and the place is a feast for the eyes to say the least!
We took countless pictures and fell in love with so many pieces. It was hard to choose our favorite new developments in design, but there were some trends that were simply too dazzling to forget. Here are a few of our favorite High Point standouts that we hope to use soon!

Metallics

High Point standout

Shimmering Fabrics

High Point standout

Mid-Century Modern

High Point standout

Embellished Furniture Fronts

High Point Standouts

Natural Elements

High Point Standouts

Neutrals with Pops of Color

HIgh Point Standouts

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

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

Orange decor

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?
 

Feeling in the spirit this Halloween and want to create your own haunted manor? Jack-o-lanterns and hanging sheets are great for the kiddos, but they do little for those with more sophisticated tastes.
If you’re hosting guests or simply want an eerie, but elegant atmosphere this All Hallows Eve, take a cue from the masters of horror. From Hitchcock to Bram Stoker, Halloween decor inspired by the classics is sure to enchant and bring imagined bumps in the night.

 The Raven

Via

Think poetry is just for lovesick dreamers? Then you’ve never read Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven. The simple phrase “never more” sends a ghostly message when hung above a mantel and draped with bat garland.

Frankenstein

Via

Welcome to Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory! Snakes and creepy critters become even more menacing when placed inside apothecary jars alongside a few well placed books. Mary Shelley would be proud.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Via

I doubt Washington Irving ever imagined the lasting impact his short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, would have when published in 1820. Recreate the spooky magic of Sleepy Hollow with a tablescape of white pumpkins, candles and rustic linens.

Dracula

Via

With their webbed wings and nocturnal habits, bats were feared even before Bram Stoker wrote Dracula. Greet guests with a flying colony of bats and set the stage for greater frights to come!

The Birds

Via

Black and white framed-images from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic, The Birds, are sure to quicken the pulse of any horror fan. Add a faux version of one of the most terrifying villains in horror history, and let the fun begin. Happy Halloween!

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