Our Blog Archives - Page 4 of 10

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

Painted Ottoman Legs

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

Concealed Outlet

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

Grasscloth & LED Lighting

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

Wood Projection Tiles

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

Swarovski Crystal Knobs

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

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Color – we love it! From the way it makes you feel, to the way it brightens a room, color has the power to transform. And one of our favorite things to do is create color schemes for our clients.
We always feel like kids in a candy store when we enter our in-house resource room.

Resource Room

With countless samples of fabric, wallpaper, tile, rugs and furniture finishes, the design options are endless. Each project is as unique as the beautiful fabrics we use to create one-of-a-kind color schemes and designs.
Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ve been up to lately. We can’t wait to see the designs come to life!

Chic Family Room

Chartreuse, Violet & Blue

Sophisticated Master Bedroom

Chocolate, Pewter & Citron

Multiple Room Color Schemes

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Teal, Apple Green, Sunset Orange, Indigo & Platinum

Intrigued? There’s much more to come, and we’ll reveal more soon!

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

The Interior Design Society (IDS) recently celebrated their fifth annual Designer of the Year Award winners, and awarded Barbara Gilbert Interiors (BGI) first place honors in both the Kitchens and Sustainable Design categories.
BGI received both awards for the Village Park Eco Home project – a contemporary hill country style home built to answer the question, “What’s next in high-performance home construction?” The net zero energy ready home was built with sustainable and recycled materials resulting in high style with minimal impact to the environment.

1st Place – Kitchens $50,000 & Above

The 3,752 square foot home features advanced framing and insulation techniques, LED lighting, a rainwater collection system, custom formaldahyde-free cabinets, “standing dead” Red Oak floors, numerous sustainable and recycled materials such as glass, bamboo and cork, and over 23 paint colors.
Award winners were selected by a panel of notable judges that included Deb Barrett, Mitzi Beach, Leslie Carothers, Patti Carpenter, Tobi Fairley, Susan Inglis, Joe Ruggiero, Barbara Viteri, Jackie Von Tobel, and Amy Wax.

1st Place – Sustainable Design

“IDS is proud to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Designer of the Year Awards, which received a record number of entries this year,” said Snoa Garrigan, IDS Executive Director. IDS is one of the country’s largest design organizations in the residential interior design industry.
A complete listing of all winners and award-winning projects can be viewed on the IDS website.

 Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Curb appeal – that elusive term used to describe an eye-catching exterior. You either have it or you don’t. But the good news is, it’s easier to obtain than you may think! With a little creativity, time and a modest budget, ho-hum can become charming in five steps.

1) Beautify the Front Door

The entry to your home is the focal point of its curb appeal. It deserves special attention. Paint your door a beautiful hue that contrasts with the home’s façade. Vibrant shades of red, blue and yellow are bold choices that work well. Elegant black is another popular choice. Or if your budget allows, install a custom wood or iron door. A festive wreath or swag can also be added for further impact.

2) Create Symmetry

Symmetry is pleasing to the eye and simple to arrange. Symmetrical light fixtures and front-door accents welcome guests and draw attention to entryways. Install light fixtures, place identical planters with trailing ivy or position a rocking chair on either side of the door depending on the space available. The options are nearly endless as long as symmetry is created.

3) Replace Old Hardware

Address numbers, mailboxes, door knobs and knockers add style and interest to your home’s exterior, but not if they’re out of date or dingy. Satin nickel is a popular finish for today’s contemporary homes, while aged bronze remains popular for more traditional styles.

4) Tend Your Garden

Add color to your home with flower beds or create an instant garden with containers. Garden containers add color and texture to your home’s exterior. Ready-made containers are available from garden centers or you create your own with your favorite plants.

5) Add a Decorative Accent

Shutters, window boxes, arbors, garden gates and decorative fence panels all instantly enhance a home’s curb appeal. Choose one or two of these options to add to your home. Cozy accents make a home feel warm and inviting, and set it apart from the norm. These items can be purchased ready to be installed, in easy-to-build kits or prefab sections that require simple assembly.

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

Spa-Inspired Design

We began by creating a color palette of warm grays and cool spa greens for a soothing tone. Materials and finishes in complementary shades were then selected.

To maximize the impact and beauty of the room’s focal point, the bathtub, we installed large artwork and a flat fold Roman shade with picture frame trim in the space above. A frameless vanity mirror, backlit with LED lighting, adds to the room’s ethereal mood.

Glass and stone mosaic accent tile was selected to blend beautifully with the gray granite bath surround, and reflect natural light from the window. Satin nickel fixtures complete the look.

A custom ottoman for the vanity area is covered in a luminescent faux leather and adorned with nickel nailhead trim for practical glamour. White cabinetry and trim brightens the room, while the open layout provides room for playful children and pets.
What’s your dream bathroom?

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Does durable luxury exist? Absolutely! Just because you have kids and pets doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Advances in technology have made many of today’s luxurious fabrics both washable and durable. And glamorous accents have always had the power to transform any space.
We recently worked with a wonderful family of four, plus two lovable golden retrievers, to create a luxurious master bedroom where everyone can relax in style. Our solution for luxurious, but family-friendly: a color palette of warm, soft grays and spa-like greens, washable fabrics and chic accents.

Luxurious Master Bedroom

Warm, soft grays, spa-like greens and crisp whites create a fresh, tranquil retreat. The large bench at the end of the bed provides seating, and is covered in a faux leather for durability. The plush bedding offers the best of both worlds: practical luxury. Made from a washable cotton velvet, the bedding can even be thrown in the wash at home!

A wall covering with textured metallic beads on a light green background provides the perfect backdrop for the room’s stylish furnishings. The king size bed is upholstered in a neutral, woven fabric, and features nailhead trim. Mirrored front nightstands and metallic lamps add glamour.

A club chair and ottoman, upholstered in a pale shade of platinum, pair for the perfect spot for reading or watching television. Chic accents, like a champagne metallic floor lamp and gray shagreen side table, offer function and flair to the luxurious master bedroom.

A detailed image shows the elegant crackle finish of the floor lamp and the contemporary lattice pattern of the faux silk drapery.
Everyone in the family is thrilled with their new luxurious master bedroom, even the golden retrievers! And we couldn’t be happier for them.

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Last, but never least, in our series on outdoor furniture is iron. Iron furniture has a long history, dating back to ancient times. The strong, durable metal lends a look of luxury, and comes in designs ranging from contemporary to traditional to suit many tastes.

Iron Outdoor Furniture

Cast iron is the most popular form of iron furniture today. Cast iron is produced by pouring molten iron into molds and then allowing it to cool. Cast iron weighs three times more than an identical piece in cast aluminum, making it a popular choice for public areas to prevent theft or regions exposed to high winds.
Pros: Iron is a timeless favorite that is sturdy and heavy, making it unlikely to tip over or be easily thrown by high winds. It’s also available in many colors to fit any setting and is moderately priced. With powder coated finishes applied, the metal is also weather resistant and highly durable.
Cons: Iron outdoor furniture requires routine maintenance to prevent rusting. A sealant or wax should be applied yearly. Painted iron can also chip. Iron furniture is heavy and difficult to move. It’s also becoming more difficult to find due to the invention of lighter weight options that require less maintenance.
Considering wood, wicker or aluminum outdoor furniture? Look back in our blogstream. We’ve got you covered there, too!

Image source: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

What makes aluminum amazing? It doesn’t rust! This makes it an ideal material for outdoor furniture, but it gets even better. Aluminum is also a green material, making the metal especially appealing in today’s marketplace.
Discovered in 1825, Aluminum is the third most abundant element on Earth. Its use has a low impact on the environment, plus it’s both recyclable and sustainable. Those seeking a green product can even purchase patio sets made from recycled aluminum.

Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

Aluminum outdoor furniture is typically found in two forms: tubular or cast. Tubular aluminum is made from hollow tubing and offers a contemporary, streamlined look. Cast aluminum is produced by pouring molten aluminum into molds and then allowing it to cool. The casting mold is hand carved, permitting elaborate detailing and classic designs.

Pros: Aluminum will not rust. It’s also easy to clean and has the best weight to strength ratio of all metals used in patio furniture. In short, it’s highly durable while being lightweight (although cast aluminum weighs more). The metal also strongly resists fading, especially if a powder-coat finish has been applied.
Cons: As with all metal, aluminum conducts temperature, making it hot during the summer and cold during the winter. The metal’s lightweight can be considered a con in high wind and storm-prone climates, although this typically only applies to tubular aluminum. Cast aluminum outdoor furniture sets can usually withstand the wind.
Up next and ending our series on outdoor furniture: Traditional Iron!

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Talk about lasting popularity! Wonderful wicker is the first known natural material to be used for furniture with documentation dating as far back as ancient Egypt.
In ancient times, wicker was used to construct baskets, furniture and even shields for battle. The use of wicker is thought to have spread from Egypt to Rome and then throughout Europe as the Roman Empire expanded.

Outdoor Wicker Furniture

Today, the popularity of wicker continues, but modern technology has expanded our options. There are now two types of wicker furniture available – natural and synthetic. Wicker made from many natural materials, such as bamboo, rattan and cane, is known for its strength and durability, although maintenance is required. Synthetic wicker, also known as resin wicker, is made from woven synthetics and offers all-weather durability. Synthetic wicker is best for outdoor use.

Pros: Synthetic wicker comes in a variety of shades and styles to suit many tastes. It’s also highly durable, resistant against the sun’s UV radiation and requires minimal maintenance; it can simply be hosed down. It’s also lightweight, making the pieces easy to move around.
Cons: The furniture’s light weight can be a con depending on the climate where used. The furniture can be easily swept away or damaged in areas prone to high winds or storms.
Up next in our series on outdoor furniture: Amazing Aluminum!

Image Source: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

It happens every year. Summer approaches and eager homeowners go shopping for new patio furniture, only to be stopped two feet inside the store by the sea of furniture before them. Options are great! But the questions and decisions they require? Not so much.

Shopping for outdoor furniture can be just as daunting as buying indoor furniture. That’s why we’re doing a blog series on the most popular options in outdoor furniture. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option, and help you decide which option is best for you. Of course, we’re always just a phone call away to personally help you decide! First up – timeless wood.

Wood Outdoor Furniture

Wood furniture offers a casual warmth that blends effortlessly with natural surroundings. Wood outdoor furniture is always in style and designs range from classic to contemporary to suit all tastes. It’s also strong, sturdy and can stand the test of time. Popular choices include teak, eucalyptus, cedar and oak.

Pros: Wood is durable, beautiful and does not hold the sun’s heat like metal or plastic. It also accepts paint beautifully and can be painted any color desired. Maintenance needs vary depending on the desired look of the furniture. Maintenance can take almost no effort if the wood is allowed to develop a natural patina, a grayish hue, acquired over time from exposure to the elements. Wood also won’t flake (unless painted), break or corrode like many metals.

Cons: Quality wood furniture is expensive, although it is an investment that will last for many years. If you wish to preserve the furniture’s original color and sheen, be prepared to re-oil, re-stain, or repaint the pieces as needed. Furniture covers or storing the furniture away from the elements during the winter can lessen maintenance needs.

Up next – Wonderful Wicker!