For most people, buying property is the biggest investment they will ever make. So how can you maximize the value of your home? Here are some of the most effective ways to increase the value of your property.

1. Landscape design

When someone visits your property, landscaping is one of the first things they’ll see. There are lots of ways you can update your landscape design, from planting trees to choosing new plants or adding a water feature. According to Florida’s Lawn Service, landscaping can increase your property’s value by up to 20%.

2. Check the roof

Realtor Jeramie deBerard says that one of the most common questions buyers ask, is:

“When was the roof replaced?”

Hopefully, you won’t need to splash out on a full replacement. But you can keep your home’s value high by maintaining the roof and guttering, and staying vigilant for any storm damage or wear and tear.

3. Add a home office

In 2020, 44% of workers in the United States spent time working at home. And it looks like remote work is here to stay.

That means home offices are more valuable than ever. They don’t have to be huge, luxurious spaces – but a comfortable, well-lit workroom with plenty of power points can make a big difference to the value of your home. Adding a home office is in the top 10 most valuable home improvement projects. Private fitness centers and home gyms are also very popular for properties in Florida.

4. Update windows and window treatments

Repairing or replacing windows gives your home an instant facelift. And the right set of shades or blinds can make even the simplest room look elegant. Window treatments can even make your property more energy-efficient, adding to its long term value.

5. Create an open-concept kitchen

Research by Redfin shows that adding an open-concept kitchen is the most valuable home upgrade for property in Miami, FL. Open-plan designs are stylish, family-friendly and easy to maintain. What’s not to love?

6. Install a pool or deck

For many people, a home just isn’t home without a pool. And they’re willing to pay for the luxury. According to Beautiful Homes Miami, you can expect to recover 77-80% of the cost of a pool when you sell your property. That’s how much value a pool or deck can add to your home.

7. Fresh new appliances

Built-in appliances might seem like a minor detail – but they can make a big difference to property value! Even the design of your appliances can make a difference to property value. Right now, stainless steel appliances are top of the list.

8. Create a welcoming view

Here’s a tip that really matters when you put your property on the market. First impressions count – so make sure your house looks great on the outside. According to Great Florida Homes, it’s the little details that make all the difference. Updating your doorbell, mailbox or welcome mat is a cheap and easy fix.

9. Change home fixtures and hardware

Details matter inside your home, too. If you want to make your property look up to date – but you don’t want to invest in a big remodel – then focus on the hardware. Replace water faucets, light fixtures and door handles. This is an easy way to change the look of a room without any major work.

When we talk about layering and adding texture in Interior Design, what we’re really talking about it adding additional elements to a room that give it depth, visual interest, and personality.

The key to doing that is to layer in different textural elements.

In Interior Design, texture is the “sense of touch” that an item has, or how something feels.

To create a well-designed, well-layered space, we want to have a variety of items that will offer different feelings or that have different senses of touch to them.

To create a well-designed and complete space, we want to have a variety of layers and textures. This means including items that not only feel different to the touch but have a different visual sense of texture.

Think – a soft carpet under your feet, a smooth leather armchair, and a rough wood coffee table.

What we really want to keep in mind while layering and adding texture to a space, is that texture goes beyond the physical and tactile qualities an item has. We have to remember that items have a “perceived” texture, or visual texture to them. Think of a pillow that may be the same color as a chair, but has an entirely different texture, like a chunky knit pillow against a smooth leather chair. Or even items like tile, while they may be smooth to the touch, can have a beautiful encaustic design that adds visual interest, or visual texture.

Now that we better understand some of the basic ideas behind adding layers and texture to your space, let’s talk about some specific way in which we can achieve that.

(Area Rugs)

One of the easiest and most important ways we layer and add texture to a space are with the use of area rugs. Not only do they perform the very important task of visually defining a room, they quite literally add a layer of comfort and warmth.

Area rugs are a great way to bring texture into a space – you can do so by using materials like natural sisal, or a soft, hand woven Persian rug.

If you take a look at these spaces, you can see how an area rug was incorporated to not only define the space, but to provide the room with a layer of texture and warmth. The use of a natural woven rug contrasts beautifully with the white dining chairs and buffet. And in the second image we can see how this wonderful high-pile rug adds so much softness and texture against the other furniture pieces, and really makes the furniture pieces stand out. And in the last image, we can see there are even two rugs layered on top of one another – with the base as a natural woven sisal, and on top a hide rug. What these images show, is that an area rug is a great base layer in your room to allow the other elements to “pop”.

(Window Treatments)

Another way in which you can add both layers and texture to a space is through the use of window treatments.

Window treatments are an essential element to a space, as they add softness to your windows and walls.

As a soft element that we bring into a space, they are a beautiful and visually interesting way to add texture to your walls.

We can achieve this by including draperies, and shades or blinds.

Draperies and shades add a layer of texture to you walls and windows, and also help to make a room feel more complete.

As you can see in these images, the draperies and shades add a layer of dimension to the space and make it feel finished. Even in ultra-modern design, draperies and shades can be a much needed element to soften and complete the look of a room.

(Smaller furniture pieces)

One of the ways we can layer and add texture to a space is through some of our smaller furniture items.

Smaller pieces like end tables, ottomans, armchairs and coffee tables are great ways to bring in a variety of textures and materials. When thinking about some of these smaller furniture pieces, we want to be mindful that too much of one texture or material doesn’t give us much visual interest because too many elements in the room look the same.

How we can achieve a successfully layered space is to select pieces that are made of different materials and have different physical and visual textures. Think of mixing pieces like a leather ottoman with a wood upholstered armchair. Mixing materials keeps the space from feeling stale and allows for a beautifully dynamic room.

(Textiles and Comfort Items)

Here, we’re talking about soft and comfortable items that we can layer into a space. These are things like pillows, throws, blankets and duvets.

These types of items are one of the easiest and quickest ways we can add layers of texture and especially comfort into a space.

Think about adding pillows of a contrasting color or material to sofas, lounge chairs, and beds.

Adding a soft cashmere or chunky knit throw to a sofa or bed is a great way to add a comfortable layer to sofas and beds.

In some of these examples, you can see how a wide variety of color, patterns and textures are used on these sofas to add visual interest. You can see examples in the photos where some of the pillows and throws are similar in color and tone to the bedding or sofa, but with the use of a contrasting texture or pattern, we see a cohesive, yet dynamic and visually interesting space.

(Accessories)

Adding meaningful, curated accessories is one of the most important steps in created a layered and complete space.

Accessories add color, texture, warmth, and personality to a room.

Here we should think about bringing in things like baskets to hold magazines or pillows, ceramic bowls and dishes, beautiful books, trays, and your favorite framed photos.

All of these things are small, but effective ways of layering in different colors and materials.

When thinking about accessories, don’t forget about your walls! Think about including things like mirrors, and art or wall décor.

(Walls)

When we think about layering and adding texture to a room, we aren’t limited to furniture and accent pieces. A great way to add depth, texture and visual interest into a space is by incorporating things like wall coverings, tiles, and paint.

Wallcoverings can add simple texture to a space, or a bold statement as we can see in this bathroom.

We should think about incorporating tiles and paint in the same way. Here we can see this simple gray tile creates a visually stunning focal point to the room without the use of bright colors or busy patterns.

We can also make a statement and add serious depth to a room with paint. Take this dining room as an example. The emerald green focal wall adds depth and makes the other elements in the room pop.

(Lighting and plants)

And finally, two of the most important things we add to space: lighting and plants. Keeping these two things in mind when designing a space is crucial – as they literally bring light and life into a space.

We think these two topics are so important that we will actually feature a separate class for each – so stay tuned for that!

A well-designed lighting plan allows not only for your space to function as necessary, but will actually highlight all of the colors, textures, and patterns that we have brought into the space.

Brining plants into a room adds a natural element and makes your room pop. Plants add a natural layer of added dimension to a space. Often plants are the missing element in a space. They can be used a decorative centerpiece on coffee tables, or brought in as full sized potted plants. Sometimes just adding a small plant to a table makes a big difference.

Today we’re going to talk about some of the benefits of adding plants to your space, what places we can add plants for the biggest impact, and some of the plants we can use that will actually help to purify the air.

As we talked about in our class “Designer Secrets: Layering and Texture”, adding plants is one of the most important final steps in making a space feel complete.

But today we’re going to go beyond that and talk about why it is truly so important to add these literal pops of life to your home.

A variety of studies have shown that there are certain houseplants that can actually purify the air of VOCs, bacteria, and other air pollutants. Not only can these plants improve the air quality in your home, but they can help regulate humidity. And – as we all know they produce oxygen and will absorb the carbon dioxide we breathe.

Another really important thing to consider when talking about plants in homes, or in any space for that matter, is the idea of Biophilia – which is the idea that human beings need to feel connected to nature to enjoy a sense of psychological, physical, and social well-being. Keeping this in mind when thinking about bringing plants into our homes is essential! It should be something everyone strives to incorporate into their home, as it offers us a chance to bring nature – indoors, and to reap all of the benefits that plants have to offer.

When talking about some of the places we can incorporate plants in our homes – think of adding them to places like corners that are too small for a piece of furniture, but otherwise feel empty. Or think of empty spaces in your home that feel like they are missing something.

A great way to do this is to walk around in your space and look at it from different angles. Are there spaces that feel empty or like they’re missing something? A plant might be the answer.

Some other great places to for larger plants are at the edges of windows, and at the end of furniture like hutches and buffets – pieces that have a large flat surface that will benefit from having some plants to soften those surfaces with a natural element.

Bathrooms and kitchens are great places to consider adding some plants as they are typically spaces with lots of large, hard surfaces. Adding a small potted plant to a bathroom or kitchen counter is a great way to soften up those spaces and add a pop of color.

An important thing to remember here when thinking about bringing in plants to our homes – is that they really go with any design style and are an easy way to add color without competing with your existing color scheme.

Now before we get started – we know what some of you are thinking – “I can’t keep any plants alive!” But we’ve thought about you and some of the plants we’ll talk about here are the easiest plants to care for – and better yet – the hardest to kill!

Let’s take a look at a few great examples of spaces that have incorporated plants into their design:

In this image, we can see how the addition of plants brings much needed color into the space. It adds depth to the room that would otherwise be missing. Here we can see how the use of the trees at the back of the space visually softens the edges of the windows and balances the space.

When thinking about what plants to bring into your space, remember – they don’t all have to be a rich and tropical green. Sometimes the softer green of a plant like a small olive or eucalyptus tree are just what a space needs!

Here we can see how they have used plants to fill in corners and open spaces of wall. Thoughtfully placing plants around your space is an important way to add a level of completion without adding unnecessary clutter.

Here is another great example of a plant being used to liven up a corner and soften the windows at the same time! We can also see how they have brought in a beautiful arrangement to use as a centerpiece on the coffee table. Using plants in a few spots in your room is a great way to evenly distribute pops of green throughout your space.

Here are two great examples of how just adding one plant make a big difference. Both of these spaces greatly benefit from this small pop of color and softening of the space.

Now let’s talk about some of the plants we can use that will help to make the air in our home even better!

All of these plants remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, and xylene – to name a few!

Here are a few of the larger plants on our list. These will work well in those bigger spaces that we’ve talked about.

The snake plant and dragon tree or dracaena tree are two are particularly easy to care for and a great start for any beginner plant enthusiasts.

Some other large plants that are air purifying include:

Broad lady palm

Weeping fig

And bamboo palm

Here are a few air purifying plants that are on the smaller side and are great additions to countertops and tables:

Spider plant

Aloe

Chinese evergreen

And Pothos – and the great thing about pothos is it’s one of the easiest to care for on our list! It can adapt to both high and low light environments and is very hardy. This is a great one if you’re just starting out with plants!

And as a bonus – while these are not technically houseplants, these flowering plants are not only a beautiful and colorful addition to your home – these too will help to purify the air! These can be great additions to coffee tables and in centerpieces.

Barberton Daisy

Chrysanthemum

These are just a few to get you started – there are plenty more out there! If you take a quick look online for air purifying plants you’ll find a wide variety and surely one that will work perfectly with your design style!

Hi, I’m Cherie Arscott with Architectural Design Studios!  Today I’m going to share some great design tips to better educate you on how to make each space in your home not only functional but inviting as well.

~Entryway

I’ll start with the entryway, as it is the most important part of your home.  The first steps through the doorway set the tone.  While this space is about utility, it doesn’t have to lack personality.  You want your entryway to be a beautiful and welcoming place to you and your guests.  It is a small space, often forgotten, but it’s also a space that can change your mood and mind-set.  Before you decide on how to fill this space, take a moment and think about how much space you have and how it will function.  If you have a smaller space to work with, that doesn’t mean your furniture and décor need to be on the small side too.  It is a good idea to add larger pieces, such as a long console table or bench and an oversized mirror.  This will give the illusion that the space is bigger than it really is.  It is also a great way to incorporate details that add the welcoming factor.  Maybe add some books, a simple picture frame, or plants to soften up the space.   Add a table lamp for additional lighting and possibly a basket or two for storage since entryways are where we tend to dump all our “stuff” when we get home.  Consider adding a patterned area rug to highlight the space.  One last factor to consider is the paint color.  Try to keep your color palette neutral because it can help to provide more of a clean foundation to design around that other colors can’t.  This gives you more freedom to get creative with your décor.

~Living Room

The next space I’m going to discuss is the living room.  This space is one of the most multipurpose areas of your home, so defining the space is essential.  From the furniture to the décor, it needs to reflect your style and be functional.  You want to create a space that encourages interaction while also allowing you to unwind.

Creating the perfect living room does take some planning.  First, define the mood and vibe you would like in the space and identify the energy that makes you feel best.  Think about specific places, feelings, and moments in time that can guide you.  The living room should be about your interests on the broadest level, making them understandable for those who visit and adaptable enough to change with time.  Study the objects you own and love.  Figure out what theme you can build around them.  Once you’ve identified the base mood, it’s time to add pattern, color and texture through textiles and accessories.  Pattern adds movement and emotion in the room.  Using the same print in different areas of the room help to unify the space.   Choose a pattern that resonates with the mood of the activities you plan to do in the space.  Add color to create brightness and interest.  Focus on texture by using woven pieces of furniture, baskets, woven fabrics, wood or stone.  Also, try to choose more neutral colors for your main pieces of furniture to keep the focus on the foundation.

~Kitchen

The kitchen is just as important as the living room and can go a long way to reflect the beauty and appeal of the home.  Take cues from other rooms in your home to make this space more personal.  For example, use your floors, ceiling and walls to become expressive components by using pattern, texture and color.  This can be done by using decorative tiles on your walls, a fresh coat of paint, or maybe wood paneling on your ceiling.   This is a great way to give your kitchen a sense of character.  Add low-maintenance plants, herbs and flowers to the right spots to bring in a sense of soul and extra decorative flair to the kitchen.  Bringing in nature from the outside is a great way to make your kitchen feel alive.  Also, always look for ways to make your kitchen look more organized and clutter-free.  Getting a stylish kitchen faucet or an elegant coffee maker will not only make your kitchen more functional but will give it a more appealing and modern look.  This helps to free up more usable space as well and create a calmer atmosphere.  It also a good idea to bring in warm and natural-looking bright lighting because it can help add more life to the kitchen.  This can be in the form of overhead pendants or even under cabinet lighting.

~Dining Room

Ultimately the heart of any home is the dining space.  It’s embodied with daily memories, love, and joy.  Gathering around a table reinforces the importance of family.  Whether it’s an eat-in kitchen or a formal dining room, this is the place where we gather to celebrate the everyday as well as the special events.  Setting the table gives you flexibility and opportunity to try new things and change the mood.  A great way to warm up this space is to consider using open shelving or a credenza to display objects of meaning.  It could be plates and dishes, or they don’t have to relate to dining at all.  Let collections and small groupings shine by keeping the backdrop soft.  Look to bring pieces with history into your space.  A table or chairs made from reclaimed wood is so much more personal and exciting than something picked up at a furniture store.  If you want to have a brighter, more cheerful vibe, consider bringing in color through artwork or a textured rug and make it a focal point.  These important pieces can also provide clues for how to compose the room.  You could also paint the walls a bold color or even a use a patterned wallpaper.  A printed fabric can tie together an abstract patterning concept, such as the arrangement of your dining room chairs.  Look for interesting shapes and materials to create patterning with your lighting, accessories, and furniture.  When setting the table for an occasion, change the mood or refine it with the use of accessories.  Let nature be a part of your meals, from where you’re seated and the food you’re eating to flowers on the table and china patterns that reference it.  No matter what space you have, and how you’ve built the foundation, the plates and pieces you bring to the table will shape the story and lead and encourage celebration.

~Bedroom

The most important element of the bedroom should be a place to recharge and rest.  Of course, this means different things for different people.  Think about the places and things that make you feel recharged.  Dark and cozy or light and airy?  A peaceful and serene space may be what lets you unwind, or conversely, a space filled with visual inspiration could provide you comfort.  Investigate this on a personal level and make this place your retreat.  Use color and accessories as tools to make the room feel unique.  A little continuity can be as simple as reintroducing or reinterpreting elements used in other rooms.  Consider bigger items like furniture as a way to provide unity throughout the home by making sure they have an aesthetic connection on a broad level such as the design period, materials, and color.

~Bathroom

The bathroom is often a neglected space when it comes to decorating, but as one of the most personal rooms in any house, it deserves attention.  Approach the bathroom as you would any other room.  Think about unique places you’ve seen that use tile, glass, mirrors, porcelain, stone, marble, and other materials found in the bathroom that exude a vibe you love.  Your inspiration could be a visit to the spa that left you blissfully relaxed, an elegant hotel bathroom, a restaurant with an open kitchen, or even the simplicity of an outdoor shower in the summer.   Consider the big picture first and set an overarching vision for the space.  Remember that a bathroom can be personal and homey even if it’s simple.  Start by paying attention to the finishes.  Consider mixing natural elements, such as linen and different wood textures, to warm up the space and keep white from feeling stark.  You can even find tiles that look like wood.  White subway tiles are also a great option for shower walls and always give off a classic look.  Next, look to the floor.  Possibly use a decorative tile to enhance the feeling of calm and relaxation.   Try to think outside the box when it comes to accessories and textiles.  Just a few pieces can completely transform the space.  Bringing nature into the bathroom is also a way to renew, which is ultimately what this space is all about.

~Conclusion

So, as you can see, there are many ways to create the spaces in your home to be not only functional but inviting as well.  I hope you enjoyed today’s topic and look forward to seeing you all next time.  Thanks for watching!

There are many places and objects where you can be inspired to turn inspiration into design. What do you really love? Are you inspired by nature, travel, art, or fashion? Being fortunate to live by the ocean, I know I am inspired by my walks on the beach. I love finding treasures and being surprised by a piece of coral, for instance, that has washed up along the shore. I collect these gifts as they remind me that mother Earth has so much to offer our curiosity. For instance, the colors and beach scenes are enough to capture any imagination. The marine life, sand, seashells, ocean, and palm trees provide many treasures that can be a helpful setting for your decor.

Do you find yourself taking photos and notes of your favorite hotel or restaurant when traveling? We often want to take a slice of our holiday back home with us, and it is a good idea to incorporate those ideas into your home interiors. I recommend that you go back through your old photos and look for the picture that captures that sense of awe.  Maybe adding a distressed wood table that could be reminiscent of the barns you admired in the English countryside could be your inspiration. Or a piece of a patina in your room as a reminder of a beloved city. A marble statue to remind you, Michelangelo’ David. These finds will double as a conversation starter when you have friends over. However, we suggest that you keep it simple. It is possible to integrate multiple influences in a space but stick to two or three. Otherwise, the room looks unintentional and too confusing.

Bringing nature into the home can be an element that creates the same wonders we encounter our environment. I have a passion for collecting raw crystals and stones. To me, collecting is an adventure and journey. It reminds me of a time, place, or moment. One of my favorite places on earth is in Colorado. There, I love to connect with nature while hiking, biking, or skiing. I am in awe and marvel at all the vibrant colors. The wildflowers, against the rugged snow-covered Mountain peaks, speaks to me about contrast. I often incorporate this contrast into design. I also love to see how the textures of a rough stone turn smooth thru washed by the river over 100 years. I use different materials in my design to a story about a person or couple; this is what brings magic into your interior space.

There are many forms of art from painting, sculptures, sketching, and collages that can evoke emotion and inspiration for a room. A visit to your local gallery or museum, you might discover that one piece of art that can be a focal point to a room.

Fashion and interior design are intertwined. You may not realize it, but much of the interior design trends initially originated from fashion. Usually, what you see on the runway trickles into the home. People use their clothes to express themselves thru fashion and use their home to express themselves in their interiors. Both allow the opportunity to stand apart freely from others and portray how he or she feels about who they are. Fashion designers often are the first in line to spot trends. For example, when there are social movements, such as green living, fashion designers see the evolution and include these elements into their styles. They may source organic fabrics, and choose clean and light styles to create a more natural look. Shortly after that, you will see this same trend in interiors. So if you are trying to understand the next trend in interior design, we suggest looking to the runways to your favorite designers.

Also, we recommend looking through the internet to find pictures of rooms that you love.  There are many websites, forums, blogs, and social media sites dedicated to home improvements and interior design such as our website at ArchitecturalDeisgnStudios.com.  These online resources have countless web pages that include articles, images, and videos about every interior design project imaginable. In most cases, this information is free or costs very little, but it can be extremely valuable to you, especially if the ideas you get, eventually will improve the appearance of your home.  Looking through these websites can provide inspiration and thoughts you never imagined.

So if you are thinking about changing the layout or décor of your home and looking for ideas from other sources, we encourage you to get inspired by nature, art, fashion, or travel.   There has never been more opportunities to find ideas that you may never have even probably considered.

Who doesn’t like displaying memories with photos in your home?   As designers, we are all about making your home have a warm feeling and honoring the people you love most in a beautiful picture frame.  However,  I often  get the question, “ How do I group or display photos so that they look really good?”

So let’s start with what NOT  to do.  One of the most common mistakes I find when coming into a client’s home is that they have every inch of space on a table, nightstand, or dresser littered with photos in frames that usually don’t even coordinate.  Not only does it lose the functionality of the furniture piece but even worse is that the mismatched frames often look crowded, unbalanced, and poorly spaced.  It becomes so clustered that you can’t even focus on any of the photos.  It makes the area look confusing and does not feature the interior design or distracts on other beautiful things you may want to highlight in the room.

         Rule of Three

So if you want to create a space to highlight an area or display a grouping of photos,  keep the arrangement to a minimum of three.  A few frames together are okay.  Try to match either the color and textures of the frames so that they coordinate together.  Also,  the frames should not be the same height.

Remember the Triangle Principle we discussed in Creating a Focal Point that Makes a Statement.    Too many photos just end up looking junky and not purposeful.

Gallery Wall

There are tons of visual interest when you use a wall to highlight personal photos.  By grouping these photos with matching color frames and creating a vertical space for these photos it makes the area more interesting and personalized.  Black and white photos look great too for gallery walls as the monotone colors coordinate well with each other.

So I know that some of you wonder what to do with that photograph that someone gave you and you might feel obligated to display it in your home but just lack the furniture space or place to display it.

Here is where  I recommend digital frames.

Digital Frames

One of the latest innovations and a perfect way to display photos is a digital frame.   What is so unique about these frames is that you can share by easily uploading your photos straight from your phone, computer, memory cards, etc. The digital frame can be set to automatically rotate your pictures automatically so you don’t walk into the room and see the same photo twice in a short time period.    You can even share the access code with your family or friends.  It is a fun way to connect and surprise the receiver.  Funny pictures from that clown in your family could be limited to a certain area of your home for instance.     I love to walk into a room and be surprised by a memory that I shared with a loved one and it totally gets me into positive a mindset.

And when that one family member who always is analyzing and counting how many photos you are displaying of them,  a digital frame can easily be set on the settings to rotate only pictures of them in the frame.  They will leave happily leave your home thinking they are your favorite family member since your home is filled with photos of them.

Since most of the digital frames on the market are limited in style,  so we solved that problem by custom designing our digital frame for our customer..   Thus, we can be assured that our client’s frames coordinate with the style of their home.

The other benefit of using a digital frame is that you can eliminate some of your current photos and add them to the rotating digital frame. This could clear the space for a beautiful flower arrangement  for instance that will add more appeal and give your home a more well designed look.

So there you have it.  Three different ways to add personal photos to your home without overwhelming the space.  Remembering the rule of three,  creating a Gallary wall, or investing in a digital frame can be all excellent ways to create the look of well designed home while displaying pictures of your loved ones and friends.

Hi, I’m Cherie Arscott with Architectural Design Studios!  Today I’m going to share some helpful design tips with you on how to accessorize a bookshelf to make it a focal point in your home.  We all know that bookshelves are great for books, but they don’t need to be filled with just books.  Bookshelves also act as a place to show off personal gifts, family photos, and your favorite décor.  Think about how you can make this feature in your home more interesting and beautiful for you and your guests to enjoy.  Whether it is in your living room, home office, reading nook, or bedroom, having a display of the things that inspire you the most is a key component to showing off your unique personality and style.

~Create Balance through a Chosen Color Scheme

The key to transforming your bookshelf into a stylized design feature really lies in the balance.  Without a sense of balance, a bookshelf can appear overloaded or even spare.  Bookshelves are of course a great way to create a mini library in your home, but they also give you the opportunity to add some character to your space.  One of the main ways to do this is to create balance through color.  Think about your color palette and what accessories will work best with your décor.  Choose a color scheme to use for all of the shelves you are decorating.  Pops of color added evenly throughout can add so much fun to the space.   The easiest combination is to keep everything neutral with the addition of one or two colors that tie in with your whole room.  If you prefer not to use color, use pops of white, or gold and play with textures like baskets, wood, or metal accents.  Once the balance is achieved, your stylized bookshelf may be on its way to be the true focal point of the room.  Don’t forget to decorate around a design concept that moves you, such as nature, history, or even a specific location.

~Personalize

A great way to add warmth and personality to your bookshelf is to add personalized décor such as photo collages and unique and quality frames.  Small photo frames can also be easily layered in front of books to create depth and add a personal touch.  Try to avoid using too many small frames though as it could look a little cluttered when several are clumped together.  It’s a good rule of thumb to choose close up shots for your photos and keep them at eye level because they will stand out better at a distance.  Also, displaying meaningful souvenirs from your vacations and other travels can help to tell a story of where you’ve been that can easily be translated to your guests.

~Less is More

Make sure you pay attention to empty space because sometimes that is exactly what you need to find balance.  Even though it is a bookshelf, you don’t want it to be overcrowded with too many books and knick-knacks.  You still want to be able to accessorize, and by that you will want to add only a few display items.  Keep the accessories simple and only display objects of curiosity on shelves, keeping them clean and calm.  It’s a good idea to have a few different pieces that vary in color, shape, and size and try to stick with bigger items, but less of them.  A lot of small items can make a shelf look cluttered.  Art and framed photos are great items to have because they generally take up a large amount of space of your shelves.  Then you can choose your favorite pieces and make them the focal point to build around. 

~Vary Your Height

Even if the objects your using don’t necessarily carry a theme amongst themselves, you can still create a thoughtful, balanced display by concentrating on the size and height of the items.  Using décor pieces of varying heights helps to create a more dynamic look on your shelves and can fill in empty spaces.  First, think about how much height you have in between your shelves and look for pieces that will fit well into that space.  Consider layering a few items in front of each other to keep the displays from all being one-dimensional.  Put the tallest items in the back and the smallest ones in the front.  This could mean layering some small decorative objects in front of books or placing books in front of a piece of art.  If you’re using a lot of books, it’s a good idea to vary the way you display them.  Try not only stacking books vertically but also horizontally.  This will add an extra layer of texture and interest to your space.  Gather them together in ways you find pleasing and inspiring.  Plants are also a great way to add height and depth to your display.  Consider using a variety of stylish pots and containers to put them in from bowls to pitchers or even baskets to help add character and detail to your bookshelf.  Plants will not only add life to the shelves, but they also help to purify the air, making them great for your home environment.

~Add Stylish Storage

Search for beautiful boxes, vessels or bowls to store things that will help to keep the shelves free of clutter and add some style.  These items are all great for filling in any empty spaces.  They come in a variety of colors and materials, so no matter what your style is, you can easily find something to suit your shelves.  These pieces are great for stacking or layering other items on top.  Smaller pieces are great for setting on top of a stack of books, while larger pieces can make a statement and simplify an area with a lot of smaller items.  Baskets are also great for bookshelves because they fill a lot of space empty.  They can also hold a lot of your personal items that would otherwise be seen and look cluttered if they were sitting out alone on the shelf.  They are also a great way to add texture to help break up the linear look of stacked books or rigid picture frames.

~Conclusion

So, if you aren’t happy with the look of your bookshelf at home, take everything down and start fresh.  It may be time to rotate some items out and introduce some new ones.  Then start with these important design tips I reviewed with you today and turn that boring bookshelf into a beautiful display that you and your guests can enjoy daily.

I look forward to seeing you all next time!  Thanks for watching!

In today’s blog post, we’re taking a look at Transitional design. This style is a favorite with one of our own interior designers, Kris Havens. It’s timeless, practical, and always in vogue.

How Transitional Style began

Transitional Style is a modern movement in interior design. It takes the best of classical and modern designs, weaving them together to create something unique.

What does that look like in practice? Designers try to combine old-fashioned comfort with modern minimalism. Soft, comfortable furnishings are very important in Transitional design – but they are placed alongside the geometric shapes, clean lines and neutral colors of modern design.

Because Transitional Style moves between different time periods, it never gets old. A home or office decorated in Transitional Style will never really go out of fashion.

Transitional Style in 2020

Transitional Style works very well with the big design trends this year. In 2020, texture has become very important to designers. Look out for furniture with highly textured fabrics and natural materials.

We’re also seeing home and office designs which are open-plan and full of natural light. Transitional design aims to create spaces where people can live, work and play with comfort.

However, Transitional Style is very different from modern design in some ways. If you don’t like the current fashion for big, bold colors, then Transitional designs are more neutral. Look for gentle shades of beige, rose pink, gray or cream.

Have you ever walked into a room and felt that it lacked that something special? If you look twice, you will most likely discover that the room lacked a focal point. Creating a focal point to a room is like creating “the star of the show” in the room and is one of the fundamental elements to make a place feel intentional, balanced, and unique. By creating a striking statement in a room is the starting point to design and the beginning of a well-designed room.

First, I recommend that when you walk into a room, naturally notice if your eye is drawn to a particular area. If you are lucky, you already have a place to begin…. a gorgeous view, a vaulted ceiling, or a stunning fireplace. If your eye does not immediately draw you to an area, you can create a focal point. By creating an accent wall, finding that particular piece of artwork that you love, finding a unique backsplash, adding unique piece furniture, or add a dramatic chandelier that creates a surprising element.

Another reason to create a focal point is that it makes designing and building a layout so much easier. It points to the area around where you would like to develop. Once you identify the area you want to highlight, then the furniture layout, color, and finding textures will come more quickly. Also, you will find the room more aesthetically appealing and comfortable.

There are many ideas to creating focal points in a room: Living room- Chandelier, Artwork, Fireplace

A fireplace can be a perfect focal point to a living room, but if it lacks flair, think outside the box. In this picture, we created a big splash to the fireplace by adding layers of coral where you usually would find wooden logs. Since this home, we designed is located in South Florida, we wanted to make a lasting impression and shocked the eye by doing something completely

 different. We also created symmetry with the two built-in bookshelves on either side to frame this highlight.

Kitchen- Unusual Hood or Backsplash

Kitchen hoods are a popular way to highlight the most used space in your home. Zinc hoods are growing in popularity because of their aesthetic appeal, and compatibly Zinc has a silvery matte finish that creates a crisp look. Because of the soft finish, it goes well with other silver metals found in the kitchen like stainless steel, nickel, and aluminum.

In this photo, you will see that they highlighted the kitchen hood area with the tile. The damask pattern in the tile backsplash creates visual interest against the white cabinets and hood. This kitchen is timeless and a real show stopper!

Bathroom- Freestanding Tub

This freestanding silver metallic tub is beyond luxurious and creates the wow factor in this bathroom. This bathroom speaks you… “let me take your cares away.” Between the polished nickel tub, chandelier, and the two vanities on the sides…. this room is stunning and super chic!

Office- Unique desk

Innovated desk designs for your office can be a unique way for your office to have style. Why not? Think about the hours you spend working from your office. Maybe having that unique space will inspire you to spend more time at your desk. This aeronautical desk from RH sure captures your attention with the metallic undertones and unique shape.

It is a conversation starter for sure!

  Entryway or Foyer

A Chandelier or Mirror over a unique foyer table is the ideal focal point for a foyer. It can serve as a dual purpose of a place to drop things as you are walking in the door, And a mirror can add as a place to check yourself one last time before leaving home.

In this foyer, we designed the chandelier as another feature to highlight. This custom-designed oyster chandelier makes a statement in the house located on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

After finding the focal point to your room, you will want to consider the Triangle Principle. You should consider thinking about arranging your room so that when you look at your space head on it creates a triangle. As you are designing a room, set up 3 points of interest to focus. One main focal point and two others to complement the main attraction. This triangle makes a frame that captures the image of a room. It is visual trickery. As designers, we typically have an eye to pick up this dimension quickly. Although today, I am going to teach you how you, too, can train your eye to do the same. Unconsciously, our perception is always to pick up order, and the triangle in the room creates vignettes without us even realizing it. Sometimes you may find yourself moving things around, not even knowing why until something in you says “yes”. It’s why when you accessorize a space, something feels balanced and just right and why sometimes it feels disjointed. Hopefully, with intention, you will highlight what you intended to focal point. In this photo, can you see the triangle in the room ( it may surprise you.) I am sure the intention was not to highlight the mess on the floor or the robe in the corner.

Alternatively, in this triangle, the highlight is the mirrors on the wall that balance the chandelier over the tub.

In conclusion, creating the focal point in your room either in a living, kitchen, foyer, bedroom, or office can take the space from average to spectacular. After creating the focal point, remember the Triangle Principle. I hope you enjoyed this class, and it inspired you to look around your home and create something that makes you genuinely proud.