Paint Sheen's

Ever wonder why there are so many different sheens of paint, what the rules are, and where to put what? While it all depends on the specific brand of paint you are purchasing, here are some general guidelines to get you started.

Flat paint is also called matte, it is a non reflective finish.  It's pro's include excellent touch-up, a dull soft look, and hides any imperfections well, however one con is that it is typically not washable.  It's best uses include Basements, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms, Hallways, and Ceilings.

Eggshell paint is a velvety dull sheen that can be used almost anywhere, including Dining Rooms, Bedrooms, Living and Family Rooms, and even Hallways.  It's pro's include a low sheen is washable, and it looks like flat, however at certain angles has a slight sheen.  It has great touch up, however is still not as washable as a high sheen like a glossy paint.

Satin is the medium sheen paint, which is best suited for Kitchens, Baths, and great trim.  It is very washable and a great utility paint.  Touch up on satin isn't as easy as lower sheen's, and it does magnify imperfections.

Semi Gloss is a great sheen for those high traffic rooms, like the Kitchen and Bath, and even Doors.  It has great washability, however has poor touch up and magnifies imperfections.

Full Gloss is the most shinny finish, which is best for Trim's, Furniture, and Accents.  It is a great sheen for high traffic area's such as commercial applications including schools and offices.  Full gloss can even be used on floors and countertops.  It isn't the best sheen for walls.  

Finding Color

Inspiration is all around us.  It is in everything we do.  Looking for a fun color for your dining room, take a walk outside.  Picking a color is a lot like the Sherwin Williams advertising campaign, where the entire commercial is made up of color swatches.  The whole world is your color pallet.

Because everyone needs a little inspiration, I decided to share with everyone two little apps for your smart phone, that will help you pick the perfect color out of whatever strikes your interest.  Both app's have similar features, and both apps are simple to use, and fun to explore.

Sherwin Williams Color Snap 

Sherwin Williams Color Snap


Color Snap is available on Android, Blackberry, and iPhone's.  Simply take a photo, or select one you already took, and the app will show you the colors in the photo, and even make suggestions of corresponding colors to create a complete color pallet.  Some other fun features of this free app include Explore Color, which allows you to explore the entire Sherwin Williams color catalog.  And just like with taking a picture, when you find a color you like, the app can suggest corresponding colors, or you can go through and create a pallet of your own, save it, and email it to yourself, clients, etc.  This is one app that has come in handy when trying to match a color in a photograph or painting, or even fabrics and tiles.

Benjamin Moore Color Capture

Benjamin Moore Color Capture 


Color Capture is available on Android and iPhone, and works just like the Sherwin Williams Color Snap.  You can share your colors and pallet's with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or via email.  Explore color via the full spectrum color wheel, and find the nearest location.  The simple interface is easy to use no matter what your tech experience may be.

Download, and Enjoy!

Add Definition with 3D Tile

Why settle for a boring flat wall?  Why not add definition and texture with 3D tiles, also called relief tiles.  They create visual interest and a focal point.  Here are some products and images to get you started with this fun and exciting new trend.  Also, be sure to read my previous post on Mosaic Walls, to see even more ways to have fun with 3D tiles and Mosaics.

Vicente Wolf Textures
by: Ann Sacks

Click here to go to the website

This fun tile comes in a wide variety of colors, ranging from whites to blues, reds, and greens.  The collection has several different textures to choose from, all available in a 6x6 installation.  Great on a focal point wall, as a back splash, fireplace, or even a bathroom.




Barbara Barry Frame
by: Ann Sacks

Click here to view the website

This fun mosaic tile is available in a variety of shapes and patterns, and a wide variety of muted colors, like White, Ivory, Parchment, Blush, and sand.  The muted colors range from white, to green, pinks and browns, greens, to chocolate.

I have seen these tiles installed, and they are very fun, and can be installed in a traditional or contemporary space, making them a great choice for any interior space.

Eurasia Mosaic Factory

Moon Glacier Metallic Black by Porcelanosa, USA

Using Florals in Your Design

I love flowers.  They are like a breath of fresh air.  They bring light and life to any interior.  I like to use flowers in every room that I do.  Whether it is in art, or a bouquet, they are in there.  Even my small bathroom has two large photographs printed on canvas of Calla Lillie's.  Here are some great artistic pieces that use flowers and natural elements, by LDF Silk.  

#FL2074 Hanging Birch Branches with Hanging Globes with Orchids in Resin
38" x 72" x 13" $799

#FL1370 Purple Orchid with Anthroium Leaf in Handcrafted Honduran Pot
10" x 18" x 9" $175

#FL2008 White Orchids, Calla Lillies, and Dasies with Anthroium Leaves in  a Curved Glass Vase with Resin
33" x 27" x 20" $765

More products by LDF Silk

LDF Silk Showroom

What a Chandelier! [Part 2]

I used this in one of my mood boards, and I love this chandelier.  If it wasn't $2,000 I might actually have it hanging in my dining room, but it does, so I don't.  It has just the right amount of traditional with the crystals and just the right amount of contemporary with the stainless steel.  

Fredrick Raymond 6-Light Xanadu Chandelier in Polished Stainless Steel 

A Mood Board created by Sarah G. featuring the Xanadu Chandelier
Shop this Board Here

Solid Surface Shower Surrounds

Tired of all that grout in your shower?  Want something other than a "cheap acrylic liner," but not sure what products are out there?  Here are some alternatives that are sure to catch your attention.

Marlique by Cosentino

Marlique is a very affordable options, that is an enhanced marble, which is created with a special process for an enhanced surface that is more durable than traditional marble.  It has a smooth surface and is perfect for all area's of the bathroom, including shower and tub surrounds, vanity tops, and even flooring.  Because Marlique doesn't absorb liquids as much as traditional marble, has little maintenance (that's right, no polishing, no special cleaning!), and is scratch and stain resistant, it is a top choice.  Marlique is simply cleaned with a damp cloth.  If you are interested in this cutting edge material, be sure to check out their website.

Corian by DuPont
Did you think Corian was just for your kitchen counter, or doctors offices?  You couldn't be more wrong.  This durable, low maintenance surface is available in many different installations, including shower surrounds.  With over 100 color options, the only problem you will have with selecting a Corian shower surround will be trying to figure out which color fits the decor of the space perfectly.   Be sure to take a look at their site and explore the possibilities.  Some comparable products can include other acrylic surfaces like LG Hi Macs, Samsung Staron, and more.

Swanstone
Looking for something a little more D-I-Y friendly?  Take a look at Swanstone Products.  These products are simple to install, and pretty much maintenance free.  This line of products includes shower pans and tubs, and they come in easy to customize, but standard sizes.  There are different textures available, ranging from tile, geometric, bead board, or smooth.  Get a traditional shower pan, or even a barrier free, barrier free design.  Swanstone, like Corian, is an acrylic product line that offers a full array of products including benches, seats, niche's, and window's.  They even offer kitchen sinks, vanity tops and sinks, and commercial products.  Their website has all the information, so be sure to check it out.

So, where do you go from here?  I would suggest visiting a bath showroom, and see what they have to offer, and see what other products are available.  Just because I covered these three products, doesn't mean there aren't a lot more options available.

Mosaic Walls

L'Antic Colonial, Baccarat White

Looking for something fun and unique to do to that focal point wall?  Sure you can paint it a fun color, be it a faux finish, or some fun design or mural.  Wall paper is always an option, and is making a come back.  However, you are wanting something different in this space.  Something you haven't done before in either this home, or a previous home.  Why not cover that wall from ceiling to floor with a fun tile mosaic.

This is one trend I am fascinated with, and you will see a lot of posts about tile coming in the next few weeks. Tile isn't necessarily the trend, it's the textures, metallics, mosaic, and flexibility.  Not only is this wall covering easy for any home owner to install, the look has so many options, manufacturers, textures, designs, colors, and styles, your sure to not have the same wall as your neighbor.  Like paint, the possibilities are endless.

L'Antic Colonial, Noohn Moon Glacier Glass Mosaic

Some of the tile materials that are available on the market today include:

  - Ceramic
  - Porcelain
  - Glass
  - Marble
  - Slate
  - Travertine
  - Onyx
  - Metal
  - and so many more.

So what is a mosaic?  Simply put, mosaic's are smaller tiles put together on a mesh mat backer.  They are installed very simply, because that mesh is often designed to fit together, seamlessly, on your surface. Sometimes the mesh is shaped like the product to the right, and other times, they are rectangular in shape, that fit together using spacers just like any other traditional tile.  

Mosaic tiles are great when used as walls in any room in the house.  They look great on fireplaces, back splashes, shower and bathroom walls, dining rooms, living rooms, and so much more.  They even are great in commercial applications, such as around bar's, column's and pillars, bathroom walls, reception desks, etc.  So next time you are looking at something to do for a wall, don't just think about how to paint that surface, think about tile.  Tile isn't just the white 4x4 anymore.  Have fun with your tile, have fun with your space!  

Paradox Collection by Hakatai Enterprises, Inc. 

Stacked Pebble by Island Stone

A Bright Bright Red

A co-worker of mine just purchased a house, and she wants to paint one of the walls in her bedroom bright bright red.  A very difficult color for most people, which is probably why she came to me looking for help in pairing other colors, that aren't overly beige.  So this is for her, a bright bright red accent wall, and a little something extra.

Room Visualizer

The Pallet

Soothing Shades

I wanted to come up with something out of the ordinary, but still not so bright as to turn people off.  Here is a pallet I have dubbed Soothing Shades.  It's fun and looks great in my opinion, and great for high ceilings.

Room Visualizer 

The Pallet 

Red Accent Remix

A follow up to my Red Accent Wall post, is my Red Accent Remix.  If you don't want to put red on your walls, but you want to have some variation of red in your room, try it as just an accent, like in bedding, window coverings, etc.  This allows you to also change it up a bit, should you get bored, or want to try something new.  This pallet features a very dark apple red.

Room Visualizer 

Color Pallet 

The Red Accent Wall

So many of my clients want to see a red accent wall, but don't know how to accomplish the task, and don't know what colors to pair with it.  This is a color pallet I created to go well with the brick red accent wall, as well as a fun green accent for accessories.

Color Visualizer

The Pallet 

My Favorite Show on Television

I must say, I have a long list of Guilty Pleasures when it comes to TV, and I often call them my Trashy Daytime TV, because I watch them when my other half is off working.  Since this is an Interior Design Blog, maybe I will keep these guilty pleasures on topic, and none of these shows can be found on HGTV.

Personally, I am not an obsessive compulsive, overly clean type, however my house is a far cry from a horders.  I will say, however, I do love the shows about clutter, like Horders, and number one on that list, is Clean House.  Aside from the goofiness of the cast, I enjoy mostly the before and afters, and Mark Burnetz has some ideas that I do enjoy seeing.  It's fun to see how a leaning tower of pizza boxes clothes and trash can turn into a boutique hotel style living room or a master retreat anyone would love to retreat to.

Some of my other "Guilty Pleasures" include The Real Housewives of [insert city here].  And your probably thinking, how does that have anything to do with design?  Hello, have you seen their houses?  They all are women with large well designed houses, or apartments.  The kitchens in Orange County and Beverly Hills are amazing, as well as the rest of the interiors of these large homes.   Any designer would dream of having these 'sets' in our portfolio.

Not one of my guilty pleasures, but I will watch some of the fashion shows also, to see what is hot on the runways, because as we all know, what's on the runway today is going to end up in the living room tomorrow.

Fun Accessories for Any Space

Are you looking for some fun accessories for you space, but not sure where to start?  Here are some ideas that are sure to please yourself, your pocket book, and make a statement!

Alessi - Lilliput Salt and Pepper Shaker 

These two fun little guys are sure to put a smile on your guests face, and yours, every time you need salt and pepper.  Their magnetic feet stick to the base, and the center pole.  Who ever said a Salt and Pepper shaker had to be bland?  There are a several colors available, just be sure not to keep this fun accessory hidden away in a cabinet. 

$40 at Lumens.com
Other Fun Salt and Pepper Shakers at Lumens.com

White Piano Wall Clock 

I love these clocks, they are unique, and fun.  They take up little wall space, but still spark conversation.  This wall accessory takes a second look when trying to tell time, and you will love it.  Great for a narrow wall, or a tight fitting space.  This particular model, I enjoy because the numbers are in no particular order, and it really does take a second look.  

$70 at CrateAndBarrel.com

Fun and Unique Teapots

A fun teapot is always a must, in every kitchen.  My personal teapot looks like something out of Alice in Wonderland.  These fun accessories make a statement, and come in all shapes and sizes.  Next time your at the store, take a look at all the fun colors, materials, and styles of teapots you can find.  I guarantee you, the difficulty in finding this product won't be in where to look, it will be in what one to get.  (And you'll experience that through the links below!)

Novica Turtle Ceramic Teapot  $37.00 at WorldMarket.com

More Teapots at WorldMarket.com

Teapots at CrateAndBarrel.com

Teapots at PierOne.com

Modern Teapots at Lumens.com

Time for Some Cocktail Glasses 

I am one who collects Martini glasses, the weirder the better, and I don't have a single one that matches,  I buy them one at a time at places like Pier One, Cost Plus, Home Goods, etc.  By doing this, who needs a glass identifier?  (Though those are fun too!)  When buying cocktail glasses, be sure to change it up with style, color, cut, size, etc.  Mix it up and have some fun. 

Impulse! Vienna Martini Glasses at O.Co

Designing for Gen Y

There is a new home owner on the block, and it's not who you might have expected.  If you saw them in your showroom, you may think they are just looking, but that is not the case.  I see them all the time, and when I offer to help them, they look shocked, because this is the fifth showroom they have gone to, and I am the first person to address them.  Meet the new home owner, Generation Y.  This blog post is going to give you a brief description of who they are, and how you can market to them, and help them with their projects.

Who is Generation Y?

Generation Y, or the Millennial Generation, were born between the late 1970's and the late 1980's or early 1990's.  Many of them are the children of the Baby Boomer generation, and so they are also sometimes referred to as Echo Boomers.  This generation is connected, meaning they are big on media, communication, and digital age and technologies.  This generation doesn't follow their parents same steps into adulthood.  (College, Marriage, Home Ownership, Children, etc.)  This generation does typically live with their parents longer than past generations, and they are buying houses before finding a spouse.  This generation celebrates diversity, optimistic, self inventive, writes their own rules, are multi-taskers, and their friends are their family.

As your client

So, now that you know a little about this Generation as a whole, how do you help them when designing their new dream kitchen, bath, or just as an Interior Design client as a whole.  This group of clients is savvy, and typically knows exactly what they want.  These clients are downloading drafting tools and spec guides intending on designing for themselves.  They do need help, and they do need guidance, they just may not realize it yet.  Sometimes, they know exactly what they want, but sometimes they need help coordinating the perfect pallet of colors, fabrics, and finishes.  They know what they like, they just may need a trained eye, or someone familiar with products, to help them find it.

Keep in mind, every client that walks into your showroom is a client, even if you don't think they are there to spend money.  Don't overlook that young couple keeping to themselves.  They may not ask any questions, but they do need answers.

So Where Do You Start? 

Keep your marketing strategy fun and inventive.  Embrace outlets like social media and the Internet.  Like I said previously, interact with them both in the showroom, and online.  If they get the attention they need, they are going to share it with their friends, and the world, through those same social media outlets.  It's been suggested that business owners use separate means of advertising specifically to Generation Y.  Create a separate ad campaign that is directed specifically to this technology savvy client base, or even a specific ad campaign using social media outlets.

Looking for more information on Generation Y?  There is a lot of information out there, including the Gen Y Journal.  Twitter is also a great resource, here are some suggested searches: #GenY, #GenerationY, #Millennials,