Category Archives: decorating

7 Practical tips to consider when designing a kitchen

Posted on May 18, 2016 | Leave a comment

1. A breakfast bar overhang
Kitchen islands with bar stools are must-have commodities in modern kitchens. These breakfast bars are the perfect way to separate the living area from the kitchen, while maintaining an open living environment. Parents can cook dinner and keep one eye on their kids as they do homework, and friends can sit and have a glass of wine while their hosts cook. If you are planning to include a breakfast bar in your kitchen, ensure you include an overhang on your island. This will provide legroom for those sitting on the bar stools. Anywhere between 30 – 48 centimeters overhang on the back side of the island will ensure the sitters are comfortable

2. Close dishwasher and sink placement
If you wish to avoid dripping food and grease on the floor, place the dishwasher within arms reach of the sink. That way, when you rinse the excess food off plates, you can place them straight in the dishwasher. Otherwise you will have to travel across the kitchen dripping dirty water as you go, and I am yet to meet anyone who enjoys mopping the kitchen floor! It is also important to place the dishwasher by the sink in order to connect the dishwasher plumbing to the drain and taps.

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12 questions to ask before investing in furniture

Posted on May 13, 2016 | Leave a comment

1. Will you still love this item in 10 years?

James Wheeler of J. Wheeler Designs says, “It’s important to ask yourself this question, because it can help to align money in your budget with the pieces that count.” While some pieces that are made to fit a specific space in your house might warrant less of an investment, it’s usually better to buy fewer, more versatile pieces of higher quality so they can move with you from house to house. Interior designer Ken Kehoe suggests assessing its trendiness. Ask yourself, Is it a timeless piece, and can I live with it for the long haul?

2. Can you use this for multiple purposes?

Whether a piece is multifunctional or can easily transition from one home to the next has a huge impact on decision-making, especially when deciding to save or splurge. “Naturally not all pieces will pass this test,” says Wheeler, “but where possible, try to find big pieces that can serve double-duty, as it will lengthen the life of the item and save you money in the long run.”

3. Is this piece proportional to the room?

It’s easy to fall in love with a piece that you desperately want to squeeze into your home at any cost, but Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design says to “ensure that there is enough space between items to walk around.” Sound advice. She says that means leaving three feet (just under one metre) around every piece of furniture, especially in high-traffic areas (think living rooms and dining rooms). Also, make sure that the pieces feel proportional to each other. You don’t want your coffee table dwarfed by a too-large sofa.

Nine designer’s tips for upping your decorating game

Posted on May 9, 2016 | Leave a comment

1. Look to your travels for texture

“My design aesthetic has always been intensely personal. As you look to update a room you’ve lived in for years, or if you’re starting fresh in a new home, begin by curating what you have. I like to bring together groupings of well-traveled objects, textiles, decorative accessories and furniture . . . things that represent the people who live there. Think hand-woven elements, thick textiles, objects that have patina and mix in with beautiful, neutral upholstery and furniture. A well-designed room is one that is layered and feels assembled over time.”-Nate Berkus, New York

2. Choose a big mirror for big impact

“Whenever presented with a narrow, unadorned space or merely a blank wall, remember that a large mirror acts like adding a window to a room. This simple trick works because the reflection gives the perception of another space beyond, and as you move around, so does the view.”-Patrick Sutton, Baltimore

3. Think beyond recessed lights

“One of my go-to design techniques that I find adds a timeless touch to modern interiors is the use of flush-mounted lighting and wall-mounted sconces in lieu of a sea of recessed ceiling lights, which can often feel impersonal.”-Thom Filicia, New York

Category Archives: decorating

7 Practical tips to consider when designing a kitchen

12 questions to ask before investing in furniture

Nine designer’s tips for upping your decorating game

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