Creating beautiful window treatments is one of my favorite elements of any design project. Not only do they function for practical purposes, but they also add the finishing touch to any room.
Here are some of my favorite styles:
DRAPERY PANELS:
For formal spaces, drapery panels can add some drama and will soften the spaces where there are tall ceilings.
I will incorporate a solid dupioni silk, crisp linen or a print.
Adding a tape trim down the leading edge of a solid panel creates a more finished look with a solid fabric and creates a more tailored feel.
Using a bold colored fabric or heavy texture in a formal space such as velvet is a great way to add some color and drama.
Don’t forget the hardware! Gone are the days of super stylized rods and finials. I opt for simple clean lines with smooth metal rods and acrylic hardware works well for formal spaces to create a clean but glamorous look.
For bedrooms I recommend a simple solid linen with black out to create a soothing palette and allows you to sleep in!
ROMAN SHADES:
Roman shades are a great option for bathrooms and bedrooms if you are wanting a crisp, clean look.
For bedrooms you can use a black out lining and for bathrooms you can opt for a privacy or light filtering shade
Roman shades are the perfect option to frame a window in a kitchen by adding some color and pattern
Adding a colorful tape trim or geometric trim can give a simple shade some style
WOVEN SHADES:
Woven shades are the perfect option for light filtering spaces that can have a more natural look
Unlined woven shades are great for kitchen and bathrooms to create some privacy but not have total black out or heavy fabric.
In Living Rooms woven shades can add another layer to a large window and they add privacy at night.
In bedrooms a black out woven shade can create some texture but is also practical if there is black out
Your home is a reflection of your personality and preferences. Each space is a balancing act between many different elements that fulfill the function and unique form. These pieces can call attention to complementary features glimmered in your personal vision. A crucial piece to this design puzzle is the careful selection of floor coverings. Here are some ideas on how to tactfully utilize floor coverings in five key areas within the home.
FORMAL ROOMS
For formal rooms like the dining and living areas, many clients seek a sense of elegance and formality. A hand-woven Oushak or Persian rug can create the perfect backdrop for these spaces. Careful attention should be dedicated to selecting the right pattern, color scheme, and sizes. Pieces like these are often one-of-a-kind and should be handled with care as a long-term investment for your home. Some tips to keep in mind during your search for the perfect floor covering are:
Make sure you do not buy based on the trend of the moment
Know the proper material content to ensure your rug will last
The most desirable option is wool
INFORMAL ROOMS
For informal rooms, a broadloom woven carpet is a great option. These selections are available in specific sizes that range in widths from 12’-15’. Because of the breadth of these floor coverings, it is important to make sure the size of the room is large enough to accommodate the scale. The balancing act here can be paired in a few different combinations. You can use a neutral color if you want a more soothing palette so that the carpet does not compete with the furniture. You can also choose a saturated color with an interesting pattern to create an energetic, and dynamic look. When it comes to the weave, a loop is a great option for a crisp, clean look while a cut pile is ideal if you want something super soft. I often recommend using a wool option that can have hints of nylon or poly-silk, but I always advise against Viscose.
STAIRCASES
Don’t forget about your staircase! Staircases are a great place to add a design element that enhances the look of a space as well as its function. For a formal staircase, incorporating a pattern adds a feeling of luxury and can soften the structure of those steps. A geometric pattern is versatile but should also be envisioned as it would overlay on the stairs. For example, if you have a curved stairway you will need to consider how the pattern will be altered on each step. For high traffic areas such as a family’s back stairs using a tight material, the weave can ensure durability to withstand the wear and tear of daily life.
OUTDOORS
There are some creative options for performance outdoor rugs that can be used inside. Gone are the days when a performance rug looked like plastic or felt too thin. These rugs are best used in breakfast areas to warm up spaces but can be easily cleaned.
HALLWAYS
Lastly, adding texture with a rug has never been more fun! Using an animal hide can activate a sense of interest and is very easy to clean. I like to incorporate custom hide runners to spice up a hallway or add an asymmetrical element to an open space, such as a vestibule or entry.
In one of our previous discussions, we talked about researching and evaluating builders and contractors for your home remodel project. You can catch the recap by reading my article, 3 Things to do Before Beginning a Home Renovation or Home Remodel Project. Similarly, you will want to complete the same level of due diligence when it comes to hiring an interior designer.
So how do you choose an interior designer to work with on your home renovation or remodel project? Below is a short list of the top 4 things to consider when selecting an interior designer to work with.
Qualifications
A coveted interior designer will have a long list of qualifications and accolades you can turn to for validation purposes. When hiring an interior designer, a good place to begin is simply by reading the prospective designer’s bio or about page on their website. This is where you will gain access to all of the basic information you need to know. By reviewing a designer’s about page and online presences, you will learn:
How they began their career
Where they went to design school
Any unique qualifications or specializations the designer has obtained
Awards received
Any other pertinent information that will help highlight their style and approach to design as a whole
Take a look at my about page for a good example of how this information is presented. Many designers will also have more in-depth information on their qualifications if you look a little further. For example, to read more about me and my experience beyond what is provided on the about page of my website, read more about how I landed on a career in interior design.
You may also be interested in learning about the experience level of the designer. This could include not only how long the designer has been in business, but also what types of projects the designer likes to take on. When it comes to home remodel projects specifically, be sure to ask any prospective designer about their experience in this area. It’s also appropriate (and common) to ask for a few referrals. This will help you gain a well-rounded understanding of the designer’s capabilities and previous clients’ satisfaction. You can also check out any reviews or testimonials on the designer’s website.
Style-fit
What is your preferred design style? Are you looking for traditional interiors or a more modern approach? Do you lean towards bright and bold colors or prefer a more subdued pallet? These are all questions to consider when looking to hire an interior designer. You want to be sure there is a strong style-fit for what you’re looking to accomplish in your home design.
For example, some designers have a very specific design style, while others boast the ability to create and implement designs of greater variety. There are some designers that claim to specialize in designing for all styles and preferences. Either way, a great resource for reviewing the style and work of an interior designer is by reviewing their project portfolio on their website. For more inspiration photos, head over to Instagram to review their profile. Many designers will also share photos and videos to their Instagram stories and highlight buttons which will help you get to know them a little bit better. This can help contribute to the last and final thing to consider, the personality-fit between you and your designer.
Lastly, when hiring an interior designer, you want to make sure there is a strong level of personality-fit. To put it in laymen’s terms, you want to see how well you will gel with your designer as you will be working closely with them throughout the entire home remodel project. A strong personality fit can also ensure your designer is well equipped for working on the renovation project on your behalf and collaborating with the builder, contractor and vendors. Plus, by building a strong relationship with your interior designer, you will have someone in your corner for years to come who can help with seasonal updates, refreshing interiors after a move, designing and furnishing your vacation home and any other home design needs that arise in the future.
Are you interested in remodeling your home or dabbling in other home renovation projects, but not sure where to begin? Does the idea of remodeling your home seem overwhelming and intimidating? Unsure of how to plan for the unexpected? This article is for you!
In my current video series on home remodels, I am covering all of the basic information you need to know for a successful renovation project. This series will discuss everything from the initial planning to the design phase to the full execution of the project. To tune into the video series, follow me on Instagram, @rozmurphydesign. You can also find a host of other useful information on a successful home remodel project right here on my blog.
Be sure to subscribe in order to stay updated on all the new information being released! Now, let’s dive into the very basic things you need to know before beginning your home renovation project. Here is a shortlist of 3 things to do before you begin.
Determine exactly what it is you want to do.
If you are considering a home remodel project, the first thing you need to do is clearly define what exactly it is you want to do. For example, do you want to completely remodel an outdated bathroom starting with a fully clean slate? Do you want to update your kitchen or implement a simple refresh? Or perhaps you are looking to renovate multiple rooms within your home, or even the entire house. This step is helpful for clearly outlining and articulating your goals for the remodel project. This step will prepare you to speak with builders, contractors and your interior designer, who will help you plan and implement the entire project.
In the case of a bathroom remodel, it may require a full tear-out of existing bathroom appliances and finishes such as the cabinets, bathtub, shower and sink, and starting over with the bathroom design from scratch. When updating your kitchen, you may be happy with the overall layout and its functionality for everyday living, and only interested in updating the paint, finishes and backsplash for an elevated look. However, you may want an entirely new structure to your kitchen, increasing functionality of the space. This type of project will be much more involved than a refresh of your existing design.
There are even some situations in which you’re looking for a full home remodel to bring a more modernized and elevated look to the entire home. Regardless of the size and scope of your project, having a clear understanding of everything you want to do in each room is imperative. This will help you effectively communicate with builders, contractors and your interior designer during the planning phases of your project. This step is also critical for prioritizing and understanding the budget required for your project.
Research information on builders and contractors in your area and look for reviews and rates.
For anyone considering a home remodel project, it is imperative to conduct due diligence by researching and reviewing information on local builders and contractors. If you are someone who already has an interior designer, chances are your designer will have a list of preferred contractors he or she has worked with in the past. This provides an existing basis of trust and reliability with all major players on the design team.
If not, it’s possible you already have a trustworthy builder or contractor you’re familiar with and in this case, lucky you! Carry on and proceed to the next item on this checklist. For those of you who do not already have a trusted resource for builders and contractors, and also do not already have an interior designer, you have a few options available to you. For starters, you may want to review my article on what to look for when hiring an interior designer.
Find a professional interior designer to work with.
This step is arguably one of the most important steps in the pre-planning phases of a potential home renovation project. If conducting a home remodel is new to you, you may not be aware of the significant level of value a qualified interior designer can provide. Interior designers are on the cutting edge of the latest styles and trends available for the home. Additionally, designers have access to the most coveted information in the industry. They have intimate relationships and connections with furniture manufacturers, art suppliers and other vendors of home appliances, finishes and products.
Lastly, designers have the expertise required to pull all of these elements together and match them with your individual taste and needs within the home. This helps to produce a design that is both beautiful and supportive to the needs of you and your family.
