Infloormation

Do you have a room like this?

In its original state, this room was simply a 12-by-14-foot box with beige walls and taupe travertine tile floor. Look and see what is possible with some, paint, carpet and a little imagination.

An overall dreamy aesthetic draws you into this little girl’s bedroom. Horizontal planks of pine were given a lighter appearance by a custom whitewash finish. The walls and ceiling were painted a chic shade of lavender. Basic 1-by-6-foot V-groove pink planks were given a dreamy and elegant update with one coat of a custom-mixed whitewash. To create a whitewash treatment, simply dilute white paint with water until the desired balance is achieved. In order to make wood grain and knots fade away, a less-diluted mix works best; however, if the grain and knots are desired for textural reasons, heavily diluted white paint is key.

Softening the travertine tile floors was a main concern. By simply adding carpet tiles wall to wall, the entire room took on a more elegant appearance packed with softness and durability. Should any damage occur to the carpet tiles, they can simply be picked up, taken to a sink and rinsed. Once dry, the tile can slide back into place and look as good as new. If any tiles should be permanently damaged, a single tile can be ordered online, as opposed to having to replace the carpet throughout the entire room.

This sophisticated toddler bedroom is made up of three zones: a sleeping area to the left, a wide open play space in the center and an activity and learning center on the right.

This basic toddler bed has been customized with a sprayed violet paint finish. To give the bedding a designer update, decorative trim was added to the pillows and a duvet cover. Pendant lights shaped as bouquets of roses were installed in the ceiling above plastic nightstands. Pendant light fixtures permanently affixed to the ceiling are a more durable solution to table lamps that can easily be knocked over. To keep pendants out of a toddler’s reach, make sure they’re installed so that they hang above the center of the nightstand.

And finally check out the closet!

For a quick and cost-effective update, the closet is painted a dark violet tone to coordinate with the overall plum, gray and lavender tones of the bedroom. Organic woven baskets and hanging storage systems maximize the space and add a designated spot for clothes and favorite toys.

Are you blessed with a small kitchen? Fear not, whether you have a galley in a high-rise or a small space in a suburban cape, these decorating ideas will help you visually expand the look of your kitchen.

Tiny kitchens can feel claustrophobic when cabinets are towering overhead. Many cooks can’t reach what’s in them and the overall feeling is boxy and closed in. Get organized and trade the top cupboards for open storage. Consider shelving, pot racks and magnetic knife or spice holders instead. Your kitchen will look more spacious and serve up display space for your favorite dishes, shiny pots and pans, or artwork.

Because your kitchen may be short on interesting architectural details, it’s up to you to add the all-important style via compelling countertop surfaces, cabinetry, fixtures, flooring, lighting and color. One tip: Using the same color and style of fixtures and cabinet pulls can help unify a look.

One of the easiest ways to visually expand a kitchen is to incorporate glass. Try a glass counter or tabletop, tile, door cabinets or kitchen doors that lead to the outside world or to the next room. Mirrors, in a backsplash also lighten up the look.

A small kitchen requires a combination of task and atmospheric lighting. To counteract the bluish cast of fluorescent lighting and add drama, install pendant lights in the eating area, incandescent lighting underneath upper cabinets and incandescent spot lighting above cabinetry.

Flooring in a small kitchen is so important. Linoleum in a checkerboard pattern can be really eye-catching and relatively inexpensive. Since square footage is small, you may be able to afford a beautiful tumbled marble.

The color of walls, appliances, counters, stools — even the dishtowels — can change the atmosphere and perceived size of the kitchen. Pastels or light colors, with good doses of white, reflect light and draw the eye up, making ceilings appear higher. Bold colorations can be very effective in smaller kitchens.

Rather than using tricks to visually enlarge the space, consider embracing your kitchen as-is. Instead of going light or sleek, opt for country cozy.

So you see a small kitchen isn’t a bad thing. Using the appropriate design techniques you can make your small space, efficient, elegant and desirable.

Once considered an eyesore, flat-screen TVs are now a focal point in contemporary living rooms. But how do you stylishly hide all those unsightly wires and accessories? See how top designers put TVs on display without sacrificing style.

See how this client customized a 25-foot-wide cabinet to house the flat-screen TV and hide the ugly stuff (cable box, DVD player and gaming console).

A neutral color scheme and luxurious textures — like cashmere, silk and linen — create a cohesive aesthetic, allowing the flat-screen TV to blend in seamlessly above the fireplace. A custom credenza to conceal the wires and provide additional storage finishes off this space beautifully.

Make a stunning setting for the television as opposed to trying to hide the TV behind doors. This custom piece becomes part of the architecture of the room, with ample shelving and cabinets for storage.

To spice up your TV area, create a feature wall with picture frames of various shapes and sizes. Here, the flat-screen blends in with other pieces to create a nice eclectic mix above a modern media storage unit.

More and more flat-screen TVs are being mounted above the fireplace. To keep the space clean purchase a cabinet to conceal all of the necessary wires and media components. This built-in fits neatly within a niche adjacent to the TV, and the custom shelving offers a display for books and accessories.

And there you have it. Lots of great ideas to make technology quite stylish.

The myriad of flooring options available on today’s market means there are many options when it comes to how much or how little texture you want on your floor. Wood floors offer smooth surfaces while carpeting creates more texture on the floor.  Natural carpet materials like jute and sisal add a rougher texture than cotton, wool or synthetic carpets. Tile can also be glassy smooth or be textured. Stone floors offer a range of textures depending on the finish of the stone tiles.

Even wood floors can range from a glassy high gloss finish to the hand-hewn and deliberately marred surface of reclaimed wood floors. Even new wood floors today offer a range of textures with some having a rougher or more textured surface than others.  Stone floors can also be found in a highly polished finish or a tumbled finish that has no shine and more texture.

Using contrasting textures on your floor can give your room more interest. If you have wood floors adding an area rug will create a nice contrast between smooth and soft. You can add a rougher texture with a jute or sisal rug. A silk or wool rug will provide a softer texture.  Flat woven rugs offer less texture but often have bolder patterns.

When adding an area rug to bring more texture to your hard surface flooring pay attention to the textures on your furnishings and upholstery.  Balance out these textures by adding more or less texture with your area rug to create a well balanced design.

For centuries western design has been influenced by the art and culture of China. As China continues to take a bigger role on the world stage, all eyes are turning east to the country sometimes called the “sleeping dragon”.  Both historical and contemporary China is influencing home décor here. Historical Chinese designs, materials and patterns can be found throughout home decorating and décor these days. Chinese manufactured goods are also everywhere throughout the home from building materials to decorative objects.

Everything from carpeting to mattresses is made in China.  Like fashion, it is difficult to find products that are made elsewhere in the world. Products labeled “Made in the USA” can still be found if you look for them. Quality furniture, flooring and home accessories are still being made in the US.

Chinese design inspiration ranges from designs and patterns to materials being used. Porcelain was first invented in China hundreds of years before Europeans were able to master the process. Blue and white patterned porcelain was imported from China to Europe, where it was incredibly popular. Blue and white place settings and serving pieces continue to be popular today.

Dragons, lotus flowers, abstract clouds and insect patterns can be found on items inspired by Chinese designs. Chrysanthemums and peonies are other floral patterns inspired by classic Chinese art and patterns. Bold reds and accents of gold or black are typical of Chinese color palettes. White is a funerary color in China so it is used sparingly in interiors and in fashion.

How many of us have an outdoor haven on our wish list? Here are some brilliant design ideas.

Why do you need a fireplace when you can have a fire pit?

But if you can go with a fireplace, this is a good place to start.

And if you go with a fireplace be sure to add a cubbie for firewood.

Don’t be afraid to be fancy.

Or seamless.

Put a fireplace by the pool. You’ll spend more time outside.

Are you inspired yet? This makes being outside look like so much fun.

Do you just drool with desire when you view the walk in closet that big one built for Carrie in Sex and The City II? She has enough room for all her fabulous shoes, dresses and coats. Is a dreamy master closet on the top of your home improvement projects this year?

Here are a few ideas for you as you start to determine what features and options will work in your home.

Slanted Shoe Shelves – keep your manolos and louboutins on display.

Try a center cabinet to store shoes you were often, plus drawers for fine linens or lingerie.

Get the most out of your space. Use rounded rods and shelves.

Make your closet look like a high-end boutique. It will be a pleasure to get dressed in there each day!

Make sure to add shelves for sweaters and other items of folded clothing.

Have we given you some good ideas? Go forth and make that closet, as Carrie would say – fabulous!

The kitchen and the bathroom get so much attention. What about the living room? Have you thought about rearranging your furniture, adding some color, a new rug, or some new flooring? Here are some things to keep in mind.

Before you do anything new in your living room you must measure. Use a tape measure or measure your foot and then walk the room heel to toe. Make sure you also check the dimensions of any hallways, stairways and door widths. There is nothing more annoying than buying a piece of furniture and not being able to get it into the room.

Buy furniture in a variety of sizes and different characteristics. Adding different objects will add more interest, depth and visual appeal to a room.

Symmetry versus asymmetry. If you use symmetry, two of the same thing, you will create a peaceful atmosphere. If you choose to use asymmetry, like two candles of differing heights next to one another, you will create more visual motion and excitement.

Comfortable seating areas are a must. Add an oversized sofa in a durable fabric that is kid friendly. Use lots of throw pillows for extra comfort. If your room isn’t large enough for a large sofa use lounge chairs arranged in a conversational grouping. A glass coffee table will keep even a cozy space looking airy and open.

A built-in wall unit can be the perfect addition to a living room. Add mirrors to a few of the shelves to visually expand the space while adding extra dimension.

Do you have a fireplace? Why not cover it in glass mosaic fireplace tiles for a dramatic centerpiece to your room? Yep, tile is not just for the kitchen and bathroom.

No room is complete without striking accent pieces. A contemporary area rug or an eye-catching piece of art will make your living room look complete.

Do you have a beige bedroom? One of those neutral rooms that is guaranteed to sell your house but so boring you want to cry? Let’s spice things up by adding some color.

Use a pillow as an inspiration for a vibrant wall.

Hang curtains behind your bed for some drama.

Dark chocolate walls and stripes? Yes, this one is a DO.

An unexpected pop of color on the ceiling takes this bedroom from traditional to modern.

Choose a deep red color and add accessories in the same shade.

Yes you can have gray walls, but be sure to add some great accent pieces and make this color combination pop!

Now you have some inspiration to take that bedroom from drab to fabulous!

There is no easier way to change a room quickly than by putting down an area rug. While some designers actually suggest picking your rug first and then choosing your furniture, not all of us have that option.

Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind while shopping for your carpet. If you have a family and pets, be sure to choose your color and material carefully. Wool rugs with a pattern are best to hide the signs of your active household. Area rugs should not cover an entire room. Be sure you keep at least a 12-inch border. Likewise all furniture does not need to be placed directly on the rug. Position just the front legs of your chairs and sofas to help anchor the carpet. Be daring and unexpected.

If you have a monochromatic room use a rug with a vibrant pattern or color as a visual surprise. Area rugs come in all sizes and shapes. Use the shape of the room as well as the shape of your furniture to help choose which rug would look best. Use round rugs under round tables, rectangular rugs for long tables and hexagonal rugs with square tables.

If you have a long narrow room, choose a long, narrow rug. Area rugs define space. If you have a very large room don’t be afraid to use two rugs. Just be sure that they complement each other.

If you have a very colorful or busy room (think patterns) a neutral area rug is best as it can tone down and bring unity to the space. Always use a non-skid pad under your area rugs. Pads should measure 2 inches smaller than the rug so that it won’t peek out but still allow your rug ends to lay flat. Excited to go rug shopping now? We have rugs to fit every decor.