SOPHISTICATED DESIGN IDEAS

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication"

                                     Steve Jobs

sophisticated [səˈfɪstɪˌkeɪtɪd]

adj

1. having refined or cultured tastes and habits

2. appealing to sophisticates

3. unduly refined or cultured

The key to any successful interior design project is knowing where you want to end up before you start out. So, make sure that your interior design plan matches your tastes and ultimately your personality.

There is nothing worse than getting to the end of an interior

design project and realizing that it is not the style you wanted. (Refer to my previous posts on specifics such as color, harmony and balance).

The trades say that the current look in contemporary is: sleek, glamorous and sophisticated. That means, if you want a contemporary sophisticated style, you should trade in those overstuffed upholstered pieces for sleek, streamlined furnishings.  In your living room, the couch in particular will often become the focal point, so if you want a sophisticated look, invest in a couch with clean lines and simple upholstery.
 The same rule applies in the bedroom, a sophisticated room is not a fussy room.

Sophisticated colors tend to be richer and deeper. That doesn’t mean they have to be dark, they can be neutral or white.  Of course, for a more calming effect, try a monochromatic color scheme, different shades of one color for a modern look.  Gray is one of the hottest neutrals around right now, and it’s perfect for modern sophistication. (Refer to my previous posts on neutrals, monochromatics and living in white).

I personally believe “less is more” and as Steve Jobs stated, ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’. So, it’s all about your personal taste and style.

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DESIGN IDEAS FOR A FEMININE BEDROOM

fem·i·nine  <a fem-uh-nin]

adjective

·      pertaining to a woman or girl: feminine beauty; feminine dress.

·      having qualities traditionally ascribed to women, as sensitivity or gentleness.

Today my blog has a different twist, it’s all about a feminine touch. Sometimes, a girl just needs a little fluff to wake up to. A feminine bedroom can be created with curvy, French inspired furnishings, soft color palettes, floral and ruffled fabrics—include all of the above or select a few. Lighting and mirrors that sparkle will also add feminine touches to the bedroom. 

Apply a "less is more" approach to the room but think of it as your haven. 

Fill it with your fantasies. (Refer to my previous posts on bedrooms, lighting, color and more).

 

Lighting is important in the bedroom. Natural sunlight is amazing during the day, 

but dimmed mood lighting is essential at night

. (Refer to my posts on lighting).

Bedrooms should be a place where you linger and relax. Besides a soft spot to lay your head, a bedroom needs to keep you coming back for more.

Even picking the right scent for your bedroom is a matter of taste, but a must. Hands down the most popular essential oil or candle for relaxation is Lavender, my favorite is Jasmine!

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KITCHEN DESIGNS

It might seem like common sense, but the best thing you can do before embarking on a kitchen remodel is step back and decide on your overall style vision. Committing to a clear aesthetic will help you avoid making mistakes. To maintain this vision throughout your project, begin with the end goal in mind: what is the feeling you want to evoke when you enter your kitchen? Write down some words that express your desired look; like sleek, chic, country, industrial, urban, casual, formal, farmhouse, or eclectic. Refer to this list whenever you’re making design decisions or choosing products and materials; this will keep you focused.

Today are some of my random kitchen favorites for you to use as a guide. Lots of different design styles; country, modern and contemporary.

You can also refer to my two previous posts on Kitchens with lots of detailed design ideas and many reference pictures.

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DESIGNING YOUR LOFT SPACE

Loft homes are hubs of artists, professionals and even urban families. They offer a wonderful refuge with liberal breathing space and infinite design possibilities. The wide open space inspires the occupants to think creatively and splurge on design ideas. It is quite critical that these urban havens be designed according to strict preferences and personality-based specifications. 

A typical loft is large and roomy with high ceilings and large glass windows, sometimes full length windows. There are structural columns that divide the space but they do not necessarily suggest the layout of the area. These columns can be utilized as partitions but they can also provide a rhythm of vertical lines that can add to the general theme of the interior.

Most ceilings are tall and exposed, allowing pipes and beams to be visible. In lofts, it is better to incorporate the pipes and beams to the ceiling design than to treat them as separate entities. They can be painted white or even black to create a unique disarray of lines and shapes or wood for a rustic look.

In a two story loft, the stairs leading to the balcony can be the focal point of the space. The balcony rails can be of glass or reflective metal sheets to create an uninterrupted illusion of space.

The bedroom can be exposed or if you do want a separate sleeping area, then low-wall partitions or floor-to-ceiling folding panels can be used. 

Lofts are generally spacious with minimal obstructions in the layout so the furniture pieces to be used should contribute to the openness of the space. They should be in neutral colors to blend with the rustic charm of the interiors or they can create an explosion of colors, surprising the bare white walls and ceiling. Furniture pieces can serve as area dividers for separating interior spaces. 

Refer to my previous posts for interior balance, color palettes, lighting, doors, 

stair railings and much more.

 Got questions? Contact me at andrea.halleywright@gmail.com. 

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