DesignMind

Everyday when I walk through our showroom, I’m constantly amazed at the changeover in inventory.  We spend a lot of time shopping the markets, meeting with new vendors, and looking under every rock in the furniture industry to find new products to bring to our customers.

Every day a mountain of boxes of arrive at the back door.  While we are chiseling away at unpacking, tagging and displaying, just as many items are being carried off to happy homes through the front doors.  Comfortable shoes have become a standard.

I’m often asked by friends and acquaintances “what’s new?”  As soon as I hear those two words, my brain goes into overload and usually the best response I can give is “you should come check it out.”  There is just too much cool stuff that passes through the store on a given day to isolate anything in particular.

So today I decided to take a brisk walk around and spot a few things that I thought were a little more unique.  I think I will try to do this every month or so for those of you who don’t get a chance to visit our store as often as you’d like.  This week, I thought I’d pick out some accessories that make great gifts…especially for yourself.   If you have any interest in any of them, give the store a call and we’ll help you out.

And if you happen to be the lucky winner of my blog contest, you could end up getting them for free.  Just subscribe and then post a comment on any posting.  The month is flying by….

Customers often find it very confusing to try to understand the difference between the two terms.  Some people have their own ideas or interpretations but there is only a hair’s difference between the two.  

Mies Van Der Rohe "Barcelona Chair"

The Modern style came at a time of social reform and change. It was affordable and incorporated low-cost materials and manufacturing techniques never seen before this time.   Unlike its classic predecessors, it was clean and simple and produced a profound and aesthetic effect and brought the world of furniture to a new awareness.  Furniture design would never be the same again.

Naguchi Bamboo Chair

One of the most famous schools of design, the Bauhaus school in Germany, produced many of the great designers that would later develop the “modern movement.”  Designers like Eames, Noguchi, and Mies Van Der Rohe created timeless pieces that even today, are considered masterpieces. One of the advantages of modern is that many of the pieces, carefully designed by designers, architects and engineers, offered function along with form.  Many of the pieces contained built-in storage or adjustable pieces, making it perfect for apartment or city living.  This made it particularly popular among the design and art communities.

Contemporary design did not come into play until the l970’s.  Technically, contemporary refers to a time period, such as the one we live in today.   While not acknowledged in the design world as a period of design, it brought comfort, beauty and simplicity to designs with their roots in the “modern” style.  It represents what is new and prevailing.  This could mean different things for different part of the world.   But like Modern, the lines are simple and clean and the details are uncluttered.  It represents new technology and products, most recently infused by the eco movement to go “green.”

Shopping for a new piece of furniture is always an exciting time for anyone.  It’s a chance to find something new, a way of expressing our personality and giving us something to look forward to in the future.

Many of the pieces of furniture that we buy for our home are covered in fabric to some degree.  Sofas, chairs, pillows, draperies, bedcoverings, etc., to name a few.  But before you plunk down that credit card and finalize your purchase, it’s a good idea to have a little knowledge in hand about just how that fabric is going to hold up or how you’re going to clean it if it’s gets soiled or stained.  After all, the condition of the old fabric is usually the first consideration when deciding to replace a piece and usually the first thing that attracts you to a new piece of furniture.

Here is a brief rundown of the majority of fabrics that you will come across in the home furnishings stores.   While this only serves as a guideline, it could save you from making an expensive mistake.

Cotton

Cotton has been around for about 7,000 years dating back to 5000BC from excavations in Mexico and Pakistan.  It’s almost pure cellulose.  It grows in a boll and is spun into yarn which is then woven into fabric.  The cotton part of the plant is used to help distribute the cotton seeds in the wind because of its light weight.  In older times, it was a fairly expensive fabric but since the invention of the cotton gin, it has become extremely affordable.  It has since become the best-selling fiber in the United States.

Cotton is available in natural cotton and cotton blends.  Cotton blends tend to be stronger and more durable than cotton.  Adding a stain-resistant finish helps cotton hold up well around children.  However, staining and wrinkling can occur.  If soiled, cotton should be professionally cleaned to avoid shrinkage and discoloration.  It’s a perfect fabric for warm climates.

Silk

Silk is a fragile material for use on pieces that are not used often.  It can be easily damaged or stained and typically not great around children or pets.  The most widely known silk is a natural protein fiber produced by the mulberry silkworm.  The prism-like shape of the silk fiber allows it to capture light and reflect it back in different colors.  The only type of silk used for textiles comes from the moth caterpillar.

Silk is one of the strongest natural fibers but is easily damaged by water, after which, is impossible to repair.  Once available only to Kings and royalty, silk is still considered a luxury fabric.  It can have a smooth texture or be woven into a slub texture.  It holds color and patterns extremely well but can also have a tendency to stretch if used for drapery without the proper inner-liner or backing.  Silks can only be cleaned professionally.

Linen

Linen is woven from fibers of the flax plant.  It is another strong fabric that is popular in warm climates because of its cooling qualities.  Linen is a very labor intensive fabric and this explains why it is more expensive than some of its rivals.

Once used as currency in ancient Egypt, linen has long been considered a luxury fabric due to its purity and fine woven qualities.  However, linen wrinkles more than any other fabric.  While some people may find this troublesome, most people who purchase linen, buy it especially because of this relaxed look.  Being a natural fiber, linen should always be professionally cleaned.  It can also have a tendency to “pill” or gather small balls of fiber on the face of the fabric with wear and tear.

Synthetic

Synthetic fibers are the result of extensive research to improve on natural plant or animal fibers.  They can be produced in quantities with complete control over their qualities.  As a result, synthetic fibers tend to be less expensive but are usually extremely durable and easy to clean.  The majority of synthetic fibers used in furnishings fall into four types:

Nylon: Nylon was developed by DuPont as a replacement for silk.  It’s very strong, easy to clean, resists mildew and insects and great for high traffic items and carpets.

Acrylic: Also developed by DuPont in 1941, acrylic can be woven to mimic soft, luxurious fabrics such as cashmere, wool or chenille.  It can also be made to look like cotton.  The colors are pigmented into the yarn before weaving, making acrylic very color steadfast.  It holds up against chemicals, moths and deterioration from sunlight.  It is also the perfect fabric for patio furniture or areas that are easily soiled.  It can be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Polyester:  Polyester is used extensively in home furnishings due to its stability and strength.  It is very stain-friendly and cleans easily with mild detergent and water.  It may have a tendency to “pill” with wear and tear.  It is an affordable fabric and is available in many different colors, patterns and textures.

Olefin:  Olefin is abrasion, stain, sunlight, fire, and chemical resistant. It does not dye well, but has the advantage of being colorfast.  It provides warmth without weight and is abrasion resistant.  One of the most important advantages is olefin maintains its strength in wet or dry conditions.  In other words, it wears like iron for years and years.  It is non-absorbent so stains usually don’t present a problem unless they are oil based.  Water and mild soap should clean most spots including oil stains.

Rayon

Rayon is actually a semi-synthetic fiber with the same properties of a natural fiber.  It’s a cellulose fiber manufactured from naturally occurring polymers.  It’s in a category of its own.

Rayon can imitate silk, wool, cotton or linen, all with some added advantages.   Rayon is a soft, cool, absorbent fiber but does not insulate body heat, making it a good choice for warmer climates and is relatively affordable to most.   Rayon has a low melting point so it should never be exposed to ironing or dryers.  Only professional cleaning is recommended.

Leather

Leather is a category that is often confused because there are different grades of leather, each representing a different cost.  Since leather furniture is often the most expensive, it’s a good idea to know exactly what grade of leather you are purchasing and what the advantages and drawbacks could be.   It is broken down into four main categories.

Full Grain:  Full grain is the most expensive type of leather available.  It is the hide in its purest form without the epidermis or hair.  It has not been sanded or corrected to remove any imperfections and therefore retains its strength and breathability,  resulting in less moisture from prolonged contact.  This type of leather will, over time, develop a patina based on a wear pattern and is absorbent so it will stain.  It’s natural to find small imperfections in this leather as a result of insect bites, barbed wire or contact with other animals.  This is considered the very best leather you can buy.  Full grain can be aniline or semi-aniline dyed depending on whether you want an extra layer of protection on the finish of the leather.

Top Grain:  This is the second most expensive leather, having its split layer underneath removed, reducing the thickness of the leather making it thinner and more pliable.  The top has been sanded and a protective finish has been applied sometimes making it more “plastic” looking and cold.  It is less apt to show wear, will not patina with age and will resist stains as long as the finish remains intact.  It is much less expensive than full grain.  Sometimes top grain can be lightly sanded on the grain side raising the fibers to a velvet quality, becoming nu-buck leather.

Corrected Grain:  This is any leather that has had an artificial grain embossed on the face of the hide.  This leather has been sanded and treated and stamped with an leather grain.  These leathers are made from the hides that do not meet the standards for full or top grain because of their scaring or conditions.  Once dyed, these leathers tend to have a uniform pigment dye, allowing them to hide the corrections made.

Split:  Split leather refers to the leather after to the top grain has been removed.  Depending on the thickness of the hide, it can be split several times into thinner layers.  The top is then coated with an artificial material and stamped with a leather embossing.  This is also known as bycast.

Splits are also used to make suede.

So as you can see, it’s a little more involved than just looking pretty.  If you’re working with a designer, they can steer you into the right direction but if you’re shopping on your own, you may want to take a little more time to digest what you are getting into.   In the end, you’ll have a product that you not only love and appreciate but one that will have meaning.

Whenever the economy takes a hit, people tend to react by looking for ways to find comfort and safety in their otherwise uncertain lives.   Recessions tend to make everyone a little more hesitant to venture into unchartered waters.  As a result, a shift in design trends is beginning.

While contemporary remains the driving force of the home furnishings business, those looking to invest large sums to furnish and design an entire home have already begun to once again express their desire for something with a little more permanence.  Based on historical performance, traditional is the one style that has always lasted the test of time.  But this time it’s taking a little twist to the left.

This is not to say that the true traditional interiors are being replaced.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Traditional designs have been around for hundreds of years and will continue to be the backbone for serious-minded clients.   It’s a style that is truly timeless and represents a historical tribute to the periods of design that have brought us to where we are.  A quick tour through some of the most prestigious homes, including the White House, should make this clear.

The “New Traditional” is a much cleaner version of its predecessors.  While the finishes and features represent the true details of traditional styling, the lines are being slightly adapted to appeal to those who might otherwise have considered going with a contemporary or transitional interior.  The result is a more relaxed traditional, much lighter in color and feel and often with personal touches of distressed or painted finishes.  Mixing these with a few classic, rich, and beautifully made wooden pieces gives the interior the feeling of being in the present with a deep respect for the quality of the past.

In the transition, many of the details that were once a staple have been eliminated, such as bullions, fringes, etc.  At best, tapes are applied in geometric accents but the lavish, over-the-top expense of adding layer upon layer of detailing has left us.  Draperies have become simpler and understated, adding the luxury element without competing for attention.  Rugs are becoming more tone-on-tone or textural.  Accessories are bolder, collections are more varied, and lighting adds a little bling.

This is not the stodgy old traditional interior of your grandmother’s house.  This is a new lifestyle look that speaks of relaxed luxury, comfort and pieces that speak about the owner.  It’s a backdrop to compliment the people who live there, not a home that dictates how you live.

This is a style that mixes well with contemporary and can take the cool edge off for those who want a little more personality and user-friendly, as well as eco-friendly, interior.  It’s a style that will let you add to your collection over time without the destroying your present design direction, allowing you to make those one-of-a-kind crazy purchases knowing full well it will be with you for a long time.   And it’s a style that conveys a welcoming good taste.

Photos courtesy of Hickory Chair

Nothing makes us feel better than finding a bargain.  That’s especially true when we are in the process of buying some otherwise high ticket items such as furniture.   Unlike cars or jewelry, furniture shopping for most,  is a fairly rare occurrence.  And having been out of that retail market for some time can cause quite a sticker shop for new consumers.

Part of the problem is that most of the furniture ads that we see are primarily for sale items from mass retailers.   That’s all well and good if you’re looking for the least expensive import piece of furniture to go with your used 2002 Subaru.   But if you’re the type of customer who prefers a little more style and quality, like the BMW parked in your driveway, the reality of today’s furniture prices may catch you a little off-guard.  And if it’s been 10 years since you made any major furniture purchases, the effect could be a little overwhelming.

Like everything else, prices have gone up.  To combat that, many retailers and manufacturers are “out sourcing” their products to overseas, primarily China and Asia.  The result has become the great divide between quality and low prices.   Some companies, however, have held steadfast to their integrity of delivering high quality goods from around the world.

A bargain is only a bargain when you are buying the same item that would normally sell for a much higher price.  It’s not a bargain when it’s a mere look-alike.   Everyone tries to knock off the best style of the quality companies but the real bargain lies hidden beneath the surface of the quality items.

A good example is the purchase of a sofa which most people buy every 7-10 years.  Ads on TV lead us to believe that we can purchase a beautiful sofa for $399.  Hard to believe, isn’t it?  After all, it takes about 20 yards of fabric just to cover it.  And remember, at $399, the retailer is still making a profit.  So just how much quality do you think is in that sofa when you deduct their profit, the cost of the fabric and the cost of shipping?  Not much at all. It merely becomes temporary, disposable furniture that is great for a college student or new grad on a budget.  But it is certainly not going to hold up under normal wear and tear conditions, especially if you have a family or entertain very often.

The result?  You’re going to end up buying a new sofa in a couple years, and then in another couple years, etc.  Or you may end up buying the better quality sofa only after replacing the sofa a couple of times first.  This is definitely an expensive lesson to learn.  On the other hand, a good quality sofa will easily last the 10 years or more before you’ll want to replace it and chances are the only reason you will replace it is to find a newer style.   Or perhaps you’ll keep it and just reupholster it.  Either way, it is less expensive in the long run to opt for the better quality from the beginning, even if it means buying one piece at a time.

Most companies have established their reputations in the home furnishings field and if you’re working with an experienced designer, they should be able to guide you through the maze.  There are areas where you can save and areas where it will become a mistake.  If you’re not familiar with the brand, ask questions about the history of the company, the warranty, and the construction.

If you’re really looking to save money you need to ask yourself whether you are looking for short term savings or long term savings.  And if long term is the direction you choose, then consider selecting items that are the real McCoy’s.   Take your time making your choices.  Find the things that make you happy and that you know you’ll enjoy for the rest of your life.  Then give yourself a pat on the back knowing you just saved yourself some serious money down the road.

Photos courtesy of Hickory Chair

For those of us in the interior design business, nothing makes more of an overall impact than the use of color.  Of course it’s always important to understand style, scale, proportion, relationship and product, but nothing catches the eyes of an end consumer more than the perfect use of color.  It’s one of the simplest tools but still one of the most important when trying to capture the personality of a design.

Thankfully, Sherwin Williams works diligently to watch trends in the world of color.  They constantly monitor fashions, home décor, and design trends and study consumer behaviors to find the underlying influences behind our purchases and then provide us with a forecast for the upcoming year based on their findings.  It’s no small task and their results often affect the future color trends on a global scale.

From couture fashions to dinner plates, Sherwin Williams strives to stay one step ahead of consumers, providing manufacturers and designers with a glimpse of what is to come.

While other companies such as Pantone and Benjamin Moore also make their own predictions, Sherwin Williams seems to capture more of the consumer mood.  With the release of their 2012 Color Collections, prepared in partnership with HGTV, they have provided the consumer with a hands-on tool in selecting a palette that is not only current but will also reflect the individual tastes of the homeowner.

They have broken down their findings into eight categories.  Their colors are based on our obsession with “going green” and take hues commonly found in nature, along with varying shades and compliments, to define different lifestyles.  Colors have become more sophisticated and blended, not bold and pure.  Never has anyone been so on target and made this process as easy as they have.

Here are few of their highlight images showcasing each color family.  If you would like to see the actual colors for each collection or to read more about their products, go to:

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/hgtvhome/color_collections/

“Coastal Cool”

“Global Spice”

“Livable Luxe”

“Neutral Nuance”

“Color Pizazz”

“Traditional Twist”

“Urban Organic”

“Rustic Refined”

This doesn’t suggest that you should repaint or change your interiors every year to follow the current trend.  Rather, it’s just a helping hand should you be at those crossroads where change is in your future or if you’re looking to change things up a bit.  Choosing from the color palettes above, it’s easy to enhance and give your existing home a fresh look without breaking the bank.

And if you’re still feeling a little uncertain, our design staff is always willing to assist you.

It’s time for a little vacation from work and writing.  No cell phones, no computers, no deadlines.  This year I’m off to one of my favorite spots, Door County.  It’s the large peninsula on Wisconsin’s eastern shore that jets out into Lake Michigan.  We all have to recharge our batteries once in a while and I like to choose a place where nature rules.

Rated by Money Magazine as “One of the Top Ten Destinations in North America”, Door County, often referred to as the “Cape Cod of The Midwest”, has over 300 miles of rugged shoreline, five state parks and eleven lighthouses (more than any other county in the US) not to mention acclaimed performing arts, more than 80 galleries and museums, incredible one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops and some of the friendliest people on earth.  National chains are not even allowed north of Sturgeon Bay.  Outdoor concerts, farmer’s markets, fishing, boating, hiking, golf, etc.  There’s always something to do or you can do nothing at all.

It offers breathtaking views perched above the water or overlooking any of the more than 30 islands that dot the shoreline.  Driving along the peninsula,  you travel from one village to another, each situated along the water with many featuring their marinas and their love of the water.  Buildings date back to the early 1800’s and most of the historical charm is maintained in the architecture.  It’s no wonder Conde’ Nast and Travel & Leisure magazines have written quite a few articles about it.

The scenery is nothing short of amazing.  It’s the perfect string of small coastal villages without the influence of the corporate world.  The air is crisp, even in the summer, with little need for air conditioning most of the time.  Traffic can be a little hectic since over 2 million visitors come here each year and just like the vacations you took 30 years ago, everything is still two lanes wide.

But don’t let the small town charm fool you. If you’re planning a trip there, you’d best be advised to make reservations at least 6 months in advance if you want some of the best accommodations.  There are some great inns and B&B’s, but no big hotel chains.  My choice is to find a great home on the water for rent and use it as a home base during my time spent there.  Summer is by far the busiest time and traffic can often come to a standstill especially in Sister Bay or Fish Creek or if there is a local weekend festival or fair…which there are a lot of.

If you want to enjoy the area with fewer crowds in the streets and restaurants, you might want to consider going after Labor Day.  And if you’re wanting to enjoy the fall foliage, I’ve found that the second or third week in October is usually peak color.  Here’s a few pictures from my last trip.  I’ll try to take more pictures this year of the small towns and local flavor.

So I’m off to enjoy fried cheese curds, cherry pie and fish boils. Afternoon naps and picnics in the park. Time for homemade ice cream and outdoor concerts.  I’m taking a time warp to the past so I can endure the future.

One of the best and least expensive ways to pull a home’s design scheme together is by coordinating the colors.  While that sounds like an understatement, most people tend to panic after they’ve picked the first one or two colors and have no idea what to do next.  To those people I say relax.  It’s only paint.

Actually, there is a simple method to it.  First, you need to have some idea of the overall feeling that you are looking to accomplish.  Do you want something serious and formal or something with a coastal feeling? Maybe you want it to be bold and contemporary to highlight your art or collections.  Or maybe you want an eclectic feeling so you can reuse some family heirlooms.  Whichever concept you have in mind, there are colors that will compliment it.

If your design plan is going to include area rugs, I suggest you start there.  It’s much easier to find fabrics to go with rugs than the other way around.  It’s also a good idea to have the rug in your possession when you are choosing fabrics and colors so you can be sure to get the perfect colors.  Once you’ve selected the rug, which for most people will be in the main living area, it’s time to start working on your color palette.

Select one color from the rug that seems most appropriate for your design plan.  This should be your main living area color.  This color will tie the rest of the home together as you move from room to room.  Unless you have an extremely large room, you should probably stick to colors that are not too saturated or dark.  Strong colors are best saved for areas where you need a more dramatic effect.

Next, select three or four other colors that might work in adjoining rooms.  Don’t make a final decision and start painting just yet.  There is still more planning to do to make sure it all comes together in the end.   The next step is to decide on a trim color and ceiling color.  While some people disagree with me, I like to make sure all the trim inside the house is all the same color.  One of my pet peeves is having the living room trim color on the outside of a bathroom or bedroom door and the inside of the door is another color.  When the door is open, the two colors fight each other.  I tend to keep the trim in the white family.  Whites looks best when they are truly white or a slightly warmer white such as Benjamin Moore Dove White.

One you’ve picked your trim color, you’ve also picked your ceiling color as the two always work well when they are the same shade.  For those with architecturally interesting ceilings or a need to be more daring, consider ceiling colors that match or coordinate with the walls.

I like to use semi-gloss on all the trim and a flat finish on the ceiling and walls.  Flat finish paints tend to hide imperfections and won’t give a reflective quality, which softens the light in the room.  Semi-gloss on the trim hides a few sins but still gives a nice sheen to highlight the trim details.

Now it’s time to have a little fun.  Start putting together your fabrics and use your rug and paint colors for reference.

The main living area color should follow the architecture of the home.  If you have hallways to bedrooms or other rooms, keeping it the same color will make your home feel larger and more cohesive.  Color changes are best accomplished when changing rooms and you have trim or doorways to separate the colors.  Also keep in mind that colors should complement each other.  Again, refer to your fabrics.  Chances are that the fabric designer has already done your homework and if you stick to their choices, the colors will flow pretty nicely.

For the closely adjoining rooms, select colors from the main area instead of introducing a new color.  Some people like to keep all the walls the same neutral color which gives a lighter feeling.  However, if you want a little more interest, subtle color changes can make a big difference.  The secondary areas such as a dining room or family room could use one of the secondary colors from the living room that didn’t play a large role.  This helps tie the two rooms together.  Once the rooms are related by color, move on to finding fabrics for that room.  Also keep an open mind to using wallpaper in a room or two such as the powder room, master bath or dining room.  See my article “Wallpaper, Wallpaper, Where Art Thou” for some suggestions.

If you home is based on using a palette of 4 colors, try to stick to these colors or shades of them throughout the house.  Let different rooms highlight each of the different colors.  Of course there are little tricks you can do along the way like painting the ceiling of the bathroom a shade darker than the walls or intensifying one of the colors for one of the bedrooms.  It will still feel like part of the same design thread.

If you already have existing furnishings, try to find colors that will tie the rooms together.  You don’t need to match a color exactly… it could be a shade of that color.  I always suggest getting sample colors mixed and put on the wall to look at for a day or two and see how they look in the room.  Sometimes the light in the room can make a color look quite a bit different than a paint sample in the store.   When looking at colors, try to look for nuances in the color that might add a little interest.  Grey colors can be tinted brown, blue or green if you look closely.  All colors have varying tints in the background, so have a critical eye.  Whites can be especially tricky with shades of yellow, blue or pink.

The colors you pick should reflect your lifestyle.  The are an extension of your personality.   They should create a backdrop for the type of interior and furnishings that you are most comfortable with.   By picking the right color you can cool the room or add warmth, make a bold statement, increase or decrease the perceived size of the room, or add depth.   When you’re done, you’ll be amazed how something so simple can make such a dramatic difference in your home.

In a world where bigger usually means better, smaller spaces have one major advantage.  Intimacy.  More and more clients are deliberately choosing to live in smaller spaces for a variety of reasons.  For some, it’s simple economics but for others, the choices represent a shift in lifestyle, especially for the baby boomers.

For many, smaller homes represent a time when life was good and there was more to life than having a 5-car garage.  The trick, however, is to create a space that will still indulge us with all the amenities that we’ve grown accustomed to.

The financial upside is that smaller spaces are usually less expensive than their counterparts and therefore allow us to move up the real estate scale in terms of location.   Living in the suburbs in order to get a larger house may, to some, not be as desirable as living in a smaller space that is closer to downtown and a more active lifestyle.

But designing that small space so it doesn’t feel like a cracker box can be a bit a design challenge.  There are several ideas you can employ to make your small space feel like a designer’s dwelling.

First, consider what areas are a must and which can be consolidated.  Dual usage of space not only gives you extra room, it shows creativity which people find interesting.  A good example of this is converting a guest bedroom closet into your home office.   Or maybe using a desk behind the sofa instead of a console table and replacing your PC with a laptop.  Using wireless printers/faxes allow you to store your devices anywhere out of sight.

Next, consider the furniture layout.  Here’s where it can get a little unnerving since most people think smaller spaces should have less furniture.  This is not necessarily true.  A good trick is to simply select smaller scale pieces, allowing you to introduce more accent pieces which are typically only found in larger rooms.  If your room only allows for a sofa and two chairs, don’t use matching pieces.  Adding variety gives the eye more to look at and again, fools the brain into thinking there is more to the room.  The same holds true for tables.  Different shapes and sizes give you more opportunity to create small visual vignettes rather than a big grouping of furniture.

Another factor in the layout is to avoid the straight line effect.  Break up the space into smaller areas so that you walk around the areas rather than through them.  Also keep in mind the view that guests will have when they are seated.  Arrange furnishings so that they direct the view to the largest area rather than facing into a wall.

Keep in mind a few points when designing your layout.  The point of view that people see when they first enter should be a focal point.  In some cases, it may be nothing more than a short wall in a foyer.  If so, think of ways to make a statement without taking up any space such as mounting large moldings to the wall and inserting vintage mirror into it.  Then hang a large oil painting over the mirror and feature it with special lighting.  This could also work in a small dining area to make it feel larger and brighter.  By hanging something over the mirror, the mirror becomes secondary and layered, and it keeps people from seeing their own reflection.

Planning ahead before you move in can allow you to make some minor construction changes that could change the appearance of your home entirely.  Door swings can be changed or eliminated with pocket doors, long blank walls can be broken up with partial columns or detail moldings, and ceilings and soffits can changed to incorporate accent lighting and different living areas.  Once you know your furniture layout, these are things that can be planned to make the presentation look much more impressive.

Certain items are a must, but keep your thinking cap on while thinking about each item.  While a bed is going to take up a certain amount of space no matter what you do, think about how to get more use out of it or make it more interesting to the eye.  Some beds have drawers in the base while others can be lifted to access a full storage area.  Wall sections can be built to extrude from the wall to make the bed appear to be recessed which then allows for bookcases, lighting and bedside storage.  By having the bed appear recessed, the room will actually feel larger since the bed won’t look as long.

Consider having multiple sources of lighting.  Recessed, picture lights, buffet lamps, chandelier, sconces, etc. can give the room featured areas at night rather than lighting it up like a gymnasium.  Lighting can make or break or room as most people think only in terms of having a couple matching lamps.  Yawn.

If you’re lucky enough, or have the means to install it, hard surface flooring such as wood or stone will give you the added advantage of using area rugs.  Rugs can define large or small areas and the combining of them adds another layer of interest to what would otherwise be a solid color floor.

When making design decisions about specific items, remember that in small spaces it’s all about the details.  If you only have one chair, make it something to remember.  Pick colors that can have an impact on the space and go for shades that seem a little less mainstream, whether dark or light.  Avoid buying matching pieces of furniture at all costs.  Avoid patterns or excessive draping on window treatments.  If possible, use glass tops for cocktail and dining tables to minimize the visual weight and allow the eye to see through them.  And when you’re just about done, accessorize.  Arrange small, tight collections in areas to catch the eye leaving open areas next to them so the overall effect doesn’t appear crowded.  Place artwork in prominent positions and use larger paintings to act as backdrops or fill large blank walls instead of multiple pieces.

And by all means, if you have any outdoor space such as a balcony or patio, make the most of it. Bring your sense of design outside and make it an extension of your interior.  It’s like adding a free room to your home.

In the end, your home will feel intimate, personal and dramatic.  It’s not about size, it’s about style.

Some of the topics I write about work well mixed with a little humor or sarcasm.  Some, like the one I’m writing about today, are best left as they are.  This is written for people who are feeling a little discouraged with the economy.  There is hope.

And one of the best sources of hope comes from designers.  Whether they work as auto designers, graphic designers, product designers, etc., they can make a huge impact on your life and the way you see the world around you.  They make a living out of turning nothing into something.  And then, without you even realizing it, that “something” becomes part of your everyday life. Maybe it’s your iPad, or your hybrid car.  Or maybe it’s your new sunglasses or that favorite new pair of jeans that you just paid a small fortune for.  Every product, every piece of clothing, everything you see on TV or print, has all passed the scrutiny of a designer before you were allowed to see it.  One good look around your home and you’ll see just how much influence designers have on your life.

If there’s one trend that I’ve noticed over the past few years it’s the concept that the good times are gone.   People are complaining about jobs, taxes, gas prices, loss of home values, etc.  It’s become a national pastime to find something wrong with everything.  Just listening to people who complain all the time can put otherwise optimistic people into a tailspin and it just propagates the whole situation.  It’s contagious.  We need to change our view.

Those things do exist and of course, it’s a concern to everyone.  What most of us forget when things get rough are the opportunities that present themselves.  It’s during these times when creative minds have a little more time to think, they think harder than ever  and as a result, we usually end up better in the long run. Remember the late 70’s and early 80’s?  A global recession was going on, mortgage rates were at 18%, but it was also a great time of inventions.  MS-DOS(Microsoft Software), Cell phones, the Hepatitis B vaccine, the IBM-PC computer, CD-ROM, Apple Mac, Sony Walkman, MRI’s, and of course, Prozac to name just a few.  Apparently, not everyone was sitting around relishing in their misery.

In the past, most designers in my area relied heavily on new home sales.  South Florida was in a building boom for many years and designers rode that gravy train to the last station.  Clients were spending like there was no tomorrow, some of them as if they were posting their W-2 forms on their front door.   It was a great time for everyone.   Unfortunately, things do change and we need to change with them.

The late designer, Jay Spectre, always had a positive outlook on life and business.  He used to say “The time to take the cookies is when they pass the plate.”  In other words, when opportunity comes your way, grab it.  And while the economy appears to be in the toilet for most people, it is creating opportunities for those who have the ability to see them.

A good example of one of the opportunities in the home industry is that while new sales are at a standstill, more and more people are deciding to stay in their current home for the next several years.  In doing so, many of them will be doing renovations and additions to make their homes more comfortable.  They are saving money by doing this instead of buying a new home and paying the higher property taxes or selling their home at a substantial loss.  They are making their homes worth more in the future.  These are opportunities for both designers and clients.  These projects may be a little more work, but it’s new way for people to consider upgrading their lifestyle without incurring more debt.   It’s also a great time for people to save money as many vendors and workrooms have lowered their pricing in order to survive.

Another opportunity that we are seeing as a result of the economy is that many people need to sell their homes and the competition is brutal.  The market for staging firms is increasing dramatically.  It may only cost a small amount to stage your home professionally but for most homes, it will increase its marketability and value.  This may be especially true for the condo market where several identical units may be competing for the same buyer.  Don’t kid yourself into thinking that all buyers are just looking for the cheapest price.  That is just not so.  If they are from out of town, they may want something that is already done rather than deal with the headaches of construction or decorating a new home via long distance.

The economy has misplaced a lot of homeowners into rental properties.  Some of them will stay in the rental market for some time while they are rebuilding their credit and savings accounts.  For investors, this creates a new market for investment.  For renters, it presents a more affordable cost of living allowing them to save money for their future.   For those with families and careers, a rental home does not mean living like a college student.  They still want the same comforts of a home to raise their family.  Some of these new clients are renting luxury properties. These customers may not be looking to make lifetime investments so for those designers who have well-priced resources and ideas, this is a whole new market.

The economy has had an effect on everyone and hopefully we will now see the rebuilding of it in a stronger, healthier environment.  For many, the process has changed our values.  I strongly suspect that it’s one of the driving factors why contemporary furnishings have had a strong influence over the past few years.  People may be wanting something fresh, something less complicated and fussy.  It’s not unlike during the Depression, the most glamorous decade of the American century.  The Depression was the zenith of an era of unbridled, unapologetic and authentic luxury.  While our economy was at it’s worst, people were finding comfort by throwing the most lavish parties our country had ever seen.  It’s how they found balance in an world that otherwise seemed overwhelming.

While things seem a little rough right now, it might look a little more tolerable if we change our perspective.  Thankfully, my job as a designer gives me the chance to work on creating something for the future.  I  spend my days looking out the windshield instead of the rear view mirror.  And the view ahead is encouraging.