Color Trends in Indigo

Along the lines of the purples you will be seeing sweeping the interior design market, you will also see more indigo.  Here are some great examples that can create an excellent space for you, or can be used to add accent and interest to an existing space.

This mosaic tile by Hakatai Enterprises Inc. is an environmentally friendly way to add a splash of color.  

The Eleanor Table Lamp by Crate and Barrel
From $179

The Sasha Side Chair by Crate and Barrel
From $399

Kohler Take Wing Indigo Design on Caxton Lavatory
From $1619.95

Westinghouse Indigo Shade
From $7.97

When you should hire a designer.

Many home owners don't know what designers and professional assistance is out there for their projects, much less when to hire such professionals.  With all of these professionals, it is important that you know who they are, what they specialize in, and when to hire them and for what projects.  Sound a little tedious?  Don't worry, it is pretty easy to figure out.  

Firstly, there is my previous post on certifications within the industry.  I always recommend going into hiring a designer or decorator with this basic knowledge.  You can read about these certifications in my previous post, "What are all those letters after your name?" from July, 2011.  This post gives basic information on various certifications in the kitchen and bath industry, as well as green building an interior design.  There are various other certifications available, both elective or required, depending on where you live, so research on your part is always recommended.  If you want to know what is required, talk to your neighbors who have done similar projects, or look online.  You can also speak to companies in the area who specialize in the work done, for example, if you want to remodel your kitchen, talk to some appliance shops, cabinet shops, granite shops, etc.  Chances are, they will know what certifications are required, if any, and may have some designers they can recommend to you.  

Now that that is said, lets get onto who to hire and when.  Sometimes you may have more than one designer, other times a designer may be a bit overkill for the project at hand.  As a home owner, you should know who would be best suited. 

I am going to start with a major project.  Say you are building a new home, or creating an addition.  Of course you are going to have an Architect and Engineer helping you with this task, however, what about that new master suite you want?  It's best to have the assistance of a kitchen and bath designer helping you, and the teaming up with the Architect and Engineer, to get exactly what you want in this new space.  Really, any time a Kitchen and or Bathroom is included, it is best to have the assistance of a Kitchen and Bath Designer.  If you want this new addition to be a Certified Green addition, or want to be sure the materials and products used are environmentally responsible, then enlisting the help of a Green Professional should be used.  While most Kitchen and Bath Designers are more than capable of specifying green products, some home owners want the experience from someone who specialized in these specific products.   

Keep in mind, however, if you are just giving one of these spaces a generic face lift, Painting the cabinets, new counter tops and appliances, perhaps new flooring, etc.  This project can be done with an Interior Designer or Kitchen and Bath Designer, and if it purely is a cosmetic face lift, an Interior Decorator is the best result.  

If you are trying to adapt your home and space to accommodate medical limitations, then not only the help of an Interior Designer, or Aging Specialist, but also an Occupational Therapist.  Most CAPS professionals will want to meet with you and your O.T. to verify they are designing the space to best benefit your condition, as well as adapt the space for the future of your limitations.  For example, you may be showing early signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis, but still able to use everything in your house just fine.  Your O.T. and Designer should be able to design the space accordingly for the more advanced stages of R.A. for ease of use, as well as an aesthetically beautiful design.  

When redesigning a space that doesn't include a Kitchen or Bath, and Interior Designer or Decorator is recommended.  Designers are more skilled with systems, including lighting, electrical, and more.  Designers are also typically educated both formally, in a class room, as well as on the job training.  Decorators are typically trained on the job, and typically don't have as much technical skills when it comes to codes and systems within the house.  While Decorators have their place, (assisting in space planning, colors, textures, finishes, etc,) be sure when hiring them that the project is well within their capabilities.  With Designers, you shouldn't have a problem finding one that can handle the project. 

Please note, this post is my opinion, and there are always exceptions to the rules.  It is always best to do your homework before hiring any professionals, even contractors and skilled tradesmen.  It is up to you whether you choose to use a certified designer or not.  There are plenty of non-certified designers out there who are more than capable than handling any project you throw at them.  The end decision is ultimately up to the home owner.  

Product Spotlight: Noel Finan Waterford Made Chandeliers

We all know Twitter is a great marketing took for companies.  Well, I just found this great company while using Twitter, and I had to share. These chandeliers are made from Waterford Crystal, and are breathtakingly beautiful.  While yes they are mostly more traditional in style, even someone with contemporary tastes can appreciate the delicate and intricate designs that crate these fixtures.

 Saoirse 24 Arm Two Tier (16 plus 8) Chandelier priced from 14,850 (Euro)

Orla Lantern Pendant priced from 930 (Euro)

Irish Emblem 9 Arm Two Tier Chandelier priced from  12,684 Euro

These are just a few of my favorites, please be sure to check out their website, as lighting isn't the only product offering.  They also have sculptures as well as custom pieces that can be commissioned if needed.  They also offer sconces and table lamps.  

Technology Spotlight: Shower Valves and Controls

Most people don't see how technology can enter the bathroom, aside from a tv, or fun lighting tricks.  How about that silly lever that controls the water flow and temperature in your shower?  Yes, that too is technology.  While it's a simple lever now, doesn't mean it has to be.  It can be a computer, that with the push of a button can create a custom showering experience for you and anyone else in the home.  Here are some of the options, and the price tags:

Kohler DTV in Portrait, also available in Landscape. 

Meet, the Kohler Digital Interface (DTV) for your showering experience. This little puppy can save up to six custom shower experiences, so one for you, one for your spouse, and so on.  It can remember temperature, pressure, as well as shower head and body spray preferences.  It is also compatible with Kohler's line of  Steam, Audio, lighting, and chromatherapy products. The trim starts at about $1700, however that's just the trim.  You will also need to get the valve, the brains that go behind the wall and hook up to the plumbing, or the media module, should you want to hook it up to some of those other fun and fancy add on's.

Moen ioDigital in Chrome

Next, we have the Moen ioDIGITAL unit, which is a much less expensive option, but doesn't do as much either.  Some of the benefits of this unit, the optional remote control allows you to turn on the shower, or bath, before getting out of bed, while the tub is filling, or the shower is getting to temperature.  For the most part, this will control the shower or tub temperature and pressure, and save settings, it isn't set up to work with chromatherapy, audio, or steam.  So if you aren't looking to get those products, it's a great money saving alternative to the Kohler version.   Another similar option to the Moen ioDigital, is the new ilux shower experience by Aqualisa.

Is this too much technology for you?  And a little deeper into the pocket book than you would like?  Well, your in luck, there are other options that are out there that are less confusing, and a lot less expensive, with less of a remodel as well.  

Digital Fixed Showerhead by LevAqua

The digital shower head by LevAqua comes in a fixed or hand held version, and requires almost no plumbing.  Just take off your existing shower head and replace it with this one.  With this handy shower head, you can easily control different spray types including a water saving spray, which can save about 20%.  There is also a pulsating massage, pause, timer, full body spray, massage and full body spray combination, and preset spa inspired programs, all with the push of a button.  You can get these great shower heads at Home Depot for around $70, and there are three finishes to choose from.  

Hand Held Digital Showerhead by LevAqua

Color Trends 2012: Jump into Spring with Color

With the Spring season just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about those design trends that are welcoming to the warmer weather, and bring the outdoors in.  This years trends include lots of bold colors, prints, and vibrant statements.  Here are some great products available from various nation wide retail shops to give your space a face lift without having to make too many permanent changes.

The Overdyed Terai Chair by Anthropologie  is priced from around $200 each, is a great piece, and there are four great colors to choose from, including Orange, Purple, Turquoise, and Citrine. 

Also from Anthropologie, the Orlina Bedding Set  features bold colors and prints, including some lovely floral print that are perfect for this years trends.  This set starts at $58 to $368

The Zing Green Table Lamp by Crate and Barrell shows a great pop of a bright green color  that will work as a great accent piece.  This lamp is priced from about $80.  

The Iznik Dhurrie are great area rugs available from West Elm feature a Turkish Tile Motif into a modern latticework made of wool and cotton.  There are multiple sizes and colors available, and start at around $50 

These great lanterns and serving ware available from Pier One Imports are great indoor and outdoor products to add some color to your existing space.  

More tableware from Pier One Imports

Color Trends in Purple

I do love me some good purple interiors.  Here are some items to give you inspiration, and get you started with your new purple space.   In it's darker form, this royal color is rich and dramatic, and add's a luxurious feel to any space.   Purple can be an excellent accent color, and can give your color scheme depth.  Lighter shades of purple can bring the same qualities of rest and relaxation as various shades of blue, and won't result in a cold or chilly feel as blue can.  Complimentary color to purple is orange, however analogous colors include Blue and Red. 

The Rosette Quilt by Anthropologie in Purple is a beautifully crafted and a great look for your space.  Priced from $248  This quilt has other available colors and accessories for mixing and matching. 

The Vintage Flock Purple Wallpaper by Graham & Brown starts at $85/roll and features a classic touch and a modern twist.  This product is also available in five other colors.   

BEHR Ultra Exotic Purple #660B-7 is a great dark purple to use as the main color, or an accent color in your space. 

Another color from BEHR Ultra, Purple Cream #670C-3 

Orchids are always a great way to add pop's of color, if your not fully committed to painting the room. 

The DECOLAV Translucense Above-Counter Round Glass Vessel Sink is more than just a vessel lavatory, it's a conversation starter.  Priced from $367

Now we can't forget lighting.  This 1-Light Pendant by Illumine in Brushed Nickle with Purple Swirl Glass is a great accent to a kitchen or any other space.