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.

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.

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.

Why not do what Mom used to do for you? Fix Mom her favorite warm beverage and whip up a batch of homemade cookies.

If the weather permits, set a pretty table in the back yard and make a light lunch to enjoy on the patio.

You know that Mom loves chocolate. Decorate your table in warm chocolate tones and serve up a chocolate feast.

Pink, pink and more pink. Use Mom’s most delicate china and set a feminine table for a beautiful setting for brunch.

You don’t want to do brunch, no problem. Take her outside for a beautiful cup of tea. But most importantly tell Mom that you love and cherish her, and that will make her day for sure.

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.

That’s why we offer the How I Live quiz on our website. The quiz consists of a few easily answered questions. With just a click of a button you will receive a ton of decorating advice based on your answers. The quiz covers all aspects of your life. Do you have kids, pets or elderly parents living with you? What are your color scheme preferences? Do you entertain? Will you be selling your home anytime soon? Are you buying new furniture or using what you already have? Do you want a formal or a casual atmosphere?

Advice even includes tips on getting your home ready for resale, products that are low maintenance, tips for entertaining and how to decorate with warm and cool colors. We think this quiz is a no brainer before you start a decorating project.

Simply click here to begin. Now you can plan for that perfect room which will also be perfect for your lifestyle.

If you have never used ceramic tile before or if it has been a long time since you have done so, you will be amazed at the wide selection of colors, sizes, shapes and new textures that are now available.

Of course the first step to determining if ceramic tile is right for your home is to carefully consider your lifestyle. If you need a low maintenance and easy to care for floors then read on.

Durable – a properly installed ceramic tile will outperform and outlast nearly any other floor covering product created for the same application.

Easy care – and that’s for you, right? Glazed ceramic tile resists stains, odors, and dirt and can be cleaned up with a damp mop or sponge or common household cleaners.

Ceramic tiles are essentially a low-maintenance material. However, even glazed tiles are somewhat porous, and require care and attention, especially in heavy traffic areas.

Ceramic tile is a practical, functional choice for your floor that offers you a unique opportunity for self-expression because of its beauty, flexibility and design potential.

If you are interested, please feel free to contact us to arrange for an in-home estimate.

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.

Having a play and creative zone that is not in the kids’ rooms can contain the clutter and chaos that comes with crafts and toys.  Depending on the size of your family room or living room, you may be able to set aside part of the room as the play zone.  The key to designing and creating a play zone is storage. Storage, storage and more storage will keep the toys and craft supplies from taking over your room.

If you have little crawlers and toddlers, you’ll want to have a soft surface underfoot for falls and tumbles. This can be colorful rubber mats, carpet squares, or even a few layers of area rugs.  Creating a safe place to play is important.  Poufs are great for the play area since they are easily portable and can be used as seating.

For crafting, a floor cover to protect your carpet or hardwood from glue and paint is a must. This can be a simple drop cloth, tarp or plastic sheet.  You’ll want something that is easy to fold up and wash after the crafts are over.

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.