Interior Designers Houston – Design Styles

Interior Designers Houston – Bohemian Design Style – Boho Design Style

A Bohemian style of interior design, also called Boho, is a style for a person that wants an unconventional design.  Bohemian style design is an eclectic aesthetic that has the opposite look to a minimalist or modern décor.  One of the key elements of a Bohemian style design is to mix and match a variety of decorations throughout the space.  A Bohemian design defies rules and will use layering warm colors.  The Bohemian style design will mix different patterns and textures that would not be used together in a conventional design.  It is not unusual to see tie-dyed fabrics mixed with designs and fabrics from different cultures.  The materials in a Bohemian Style design can be worn and not necessarily new.  Crochet pillows and curtains are utilized in this design.  An interior designer will want to maybe mix in canopies over the beds and living areas.  When it comes to furniture, the interior designer will want to add comfortable furniture that is relaxing and will communicate that a person should hang out for a while.  The furniture will have overstuffed floor pillows and throw rugs surrounding it.  A Bohemian style will give the feel of everything being collected over time instead of the feel of everything being collected at once.  The furniture should all be special and each piece of furniture should have a diversity in it.  Typically, a Bohemian style interior design will use table lamps and candles instead of overhead lighting.    It is normal for a Bohemian style interior design to have plants to give it a more natural design.  The plants might be hanging from the ceiling, but they will be placed all over the room.  Each room might have a different style creating a different story of the different stages of the user’s life.  The interior designer will understand that there will be a global element to Bohemian design.  The design pulls from different cultures often showing the various places that the homeowner has visited and lived around the world.  The art and sculptures in the living room will be obtained from different places and cultures and give the feeling of the exotic space.  It is not unusual for much of the material in a Bohemian design to be gained from a flea market or some sort of thrift store.  One of the general rules of the Bohemian style is that every item in the room should have a story that is related to you.

Interior Designers Houston – Bohemian Design Style – Boho Design Style - Living Room

Comfort, intimacy, and warmth are hallmarks of the Boho style living room. It’s your go-to place to curl up in an overstuffed armchair with a soft blanket thrown around your shoulders, a cup of hot tea within reach, and a good book on your lap. It’s also a room that instantly makes visitors feel at home.

The first rule of furnishing a Boho style living room is comfort. Furniture can be mixed in age, style, fabric, color, and pattern. Rattan and wicker furniture are popular in Boho design, but many other types of furniture can be incorporated into it, if every seating surface is comfortable.

Other furniture pieces can be a mélange of modern, retro, vintage and antique. Don’t be afraid to use your antique hope chest as a coffee table, or the wooden feed box from great-grandpa's barn as a television stand or a unique version of a console table. While you’re at it, use your unconventional furniture pieces to display grandma’s Depression era candy dish, grandpa’s favorite pipe, or that unique piece of art your best friend made for you in ceramics class. The Boho room should be filled with things that have meaning to you.

Wall decor should also be personal. Whether it’s old family portraits, paintings and sketches that you, family members, or friends created, prints purchased while traveling, baskets, textile art, plates or other items that you just like and want to display, it can be hung on the wall to delightful effect.

A wooden floor covered with an area rug is preferred in a Boho style space, but not de rigueur. Colorful area rugs can pull together different styles of furniture into a cohesive, pleasant harmony. Window treatments often consist of sheer or lace panels under semi-sheer linen type drapes, giving the room a light, airy ambience.

Two words to remember in the lighting of a Boho style living room are warm and soft. Lamps, fairy lights, and light fixtures made from natural materials (wicker and rattan enter the room again) can all be sources of a warm, soft, diffuse lighting that enhances the relaxed Boho aesthetic.

Interior Designers Houston – Bohemian Design Style – Boho Design Style - Master Bedroom

The Bohemian style bedroom comes alive with vintage furniture. There are spectacular headboards, daybeds, hanging chairs, and other furnishings made of rattan, wicker, bamboo, and wood and cane. Scrolled wicker headboards, petal or peacock tail shaped wicker headboards, bamboo daybeds, rattan hanging chairs, wood and cane headboards and chairs... all from earlier decades and each a beautiful centerpiece in a Boho style bedroom. For a more modern style, a fabric or bookcase headboard can be paired with vintage throw pillows and bedding for a Boho touch. Flowing swaths of sheer fabric can be draped over rods suspended above the bed for a touch of Bohemian elegance.

Poufs are popular in Boho designed bedrooms. Whether used as a seat, a footrest or an occasional table, a multi-hued pouf brings color and character to your space. Add a 1960s era rattan dresser, whimsical wicker animal art, and filmy, flowy curtains, plants and personal art to complete the look.

Wall art can be almost anything, from paintings to straw hats. Quirky paintings, framed photographs, vintage posters, macrame hangings, paper cutouts, colorful throw rugs, scarves and straw hats can all be used to enhance a Bohemian bedroom. For lighting, look for vintage rattan fixtures, hanging pendant lights, or vintage style lamps. Fairy lights are also appropriate in any Boho style room. And don’t forget the houseplants! A Boho style home generally has plants in every room.

Flea markets, thrift stores and yard sales are all good places to look for the furniture, lighting and art that will turn your bedroom into a fun and relaxing retreat.

Interior Designers Houston – Bohemian Design Style – Boho Design Style - Bathroom

Any bathroom can achieve a Bohemian vibe with a few accent pieces. Adding wicker or rattan baskets to hold hand towels, bath towels, soaps, or other bathroom accoutrements is a simple way to give a Boho flair to a modern bathroom. This can be taken further with the use of patterned rugs, fun prints on the

walls, and vintage jars to hold small accessories. For small bathrooms, hang floating shelves on a wall and use them to hold those vintage jars, candles, small, framed photos, or small plants.

Plants are as much a desired Boho design feature in bathrooms as in all other rooms of your house. If your bathroom doesn’t have windows to provide natural light, small artificial plants will still give you that Boho feel, if you keep them free of dust and cobwebs. To strengthen the Bohemian aesthetic, put some of those plants in a macrame hanger. Add a pretty wicker basket on the floor to hold clean rolled towels and a small ladder leaning against a wall to hang used towels.

As in other rooms, you can mix and layer colors, fabrics, and textures in your Boho bathroom. Woven, waffle knit, cotton, and sheer fabrics displayed in window treatments, shower curtains, hand towels; leather makeup or shaving kits; and wool rugs add interest to the room while being functional.

A vintage wicker or rattan hanging light fixture is the finishing touch to your bathroom whether your goal is a slight Bohemian vibe, or a full Boho aesthetic.

Interior Designers Houston – Bohemian Design Style – Boho Design Style - Kitchen

Most modern Boho style kitchens are predominantly white or monotone with color added in the accessories; this isn’t a rule, just a modern trend. Painting your kitchen in bold, bright colors and accessorizing with more colors and patterns is the true spirit of Boho design. Boho style pairs nicely with other design styles, such as Industrial style and Farmhouse style.

A Boho style kitchen is an eclectic space that combines old and new. The industrial look of modern appliances can be softened with butcher block countertops, antique utensils, and vintage wall art for a warm, Boho look. The kitchen table, chairs, and open shelving gains Bohemian status with the use of reclaimed, weathered, or rustic wood. Your open shelves made with reclaimed wood can display those antique utensils mentioned above, small vases of dried flowers or freshly picked wildflowers, candles, and vintage mason jars filled with grains, pasta, beans and other dry foods.

Combine a rustic wooden table with leather chairs. Apply wallpaper in a botanic print and fill that area with live plants. Put modern geometric patterned rugs on the floor and hang vintage paintings on a wall. Hang a vintage tea towel on your modern oven door. The combination of old and new features and the use of both complementing and contrasting colors will add excitement to your Bohemian kitchen.

Interior Designers Houston – Traditional Design Style

When interior designers are designing for a traditional design style, they focus their attention on a classic design with home décor that is familiar and rooted in some of the designs of the past but is not focused on any period in a specific way.  In short, a traditional interior design is more timeless in representation and has more of a comfortable style.  Interior Designers will be careful to pick items such as furniture and colors based on familiar furniture and colors and textures rather than setting a cutting edge or trendy style.  A traditional design will often include a neutral color or even carved wood features while also features matching nightstands.  It is not uncommon for a traditional design to have a headboard that might be upholstered.   Traditional interior design has been a popular look for the last 100 years.  A traditional interior design has more of a quiet style without the flash of the trendy or exciting designs.  The traditional design tends to be understated in approach.  White a traditional approach might feel boring and old-fashioned to some, it will feel comfortable to others.  Traditional interior design does evolve with time.  In other words, a traditional design of the 1950s would be very different than a traditional design of 2020s.  The traditional design always evolves to incorporate new styles and looks of various timeframes.  One example of this is that a more modern traditional design might have an island in the kitchen while a traditional design of the 1950s would not have incorporated an island in the kitchen.  A traditional design will still often use open spaces that would not have been around in the 1950s.  Some interior designers will add some bolder colors and even mix in some vintage furniture without breaking from the traditional design.  Interior designers will create a traditional room design and choose specific furniture and blend décor to give a blended style.  A traditional design will make use of subtle neutral colors and may be careful with just a small number of bold colors to highlight certain elements of the design.  The colors involved in a traditional design will feature muted colors and often feature wood furnishings that are darker in nature.  Interior designers will use crown molding throughout the house depending on the desire of the user.  One feature of traditional interior design is soft furnishings.  It is not unusual to see some more subtle tones in the textiles with traditional design.  Traditional design makes use of chandeliers and other matching light features.  You might also see more vintage rugs in a traditional design.  Furniture might also make use of warm and rich tones including walnut wood.  A traditional design might feature window curtains that are layered.  Traditional design might make use of wallpaper that has stripes and patterns.  Traditional design tends to have comfortable furniture that is family friendly.  The family room might feature colors that are earth-toned.  With a traditional design, the look might have a style where the furniture blends together but doesn’t match exactly with matching pieces.  Take for example a kitchen set up for a traditional design.  It is common to see a tablecloth and even feature a set of China somewhere in a traditionally designed kitchen.  In a living room with a traditional design, you might see a brick fireplace in the corner. It is common to see a home office in the den or side room in a traditional design. 

Interior Designers Houston – Traditional Design Style Living Room

An interior designer will need to look at the living room when applying a traditional design.  One characteristic of the traditional design is that the living room looks timeless.  The traditional design will also feature a comfortable style that avoids looking stuffy in the living room.  A traditional design will look to the past in the living room but still adapt to the present.  A certain evolution takes place even with a traditional design living room.  For example, in the living room the interior designer might mix old colors with a few bold newer colors on the walls.  An interior designer will also add some contemporary furniture. But another idea is to add worn furniture or even distressed pieces to the room. Many of the traditional designs will in some way focus the living room on the fireplace.  The brick fireplace is traditional in a living room and gives a comfortable family friendly style.  Another great way for the interior designer to add a traditional element is to add wood panels to the living room.  A nice mahogany or cherry wood panel on the wall will give a nice clean but traditional design.  In the living room you also might see some sort of décor at the top of the windows that include some ruffled style.  The adding of ruffled decoration will be used in moderation but gives a traditional flare.  A traditional interior design will make use of softer colors and even grand spaces.  In the living room, the pieces are not required to match.  The pieces simply need to blend in together and relate to each other in some way.  You want the pieces to relate in style and shape.  A traditional design for your living room will often emphasize comfort over a more edgy cutting-edge style.  One way to mix up the living room with a traditional design is to add a bookcase to the living room. The bookcase will add space for storage and yet keep with the traditional design.  The bookcase can be decorated with classic hardware and warm wooden tones to keep the traditional design.  Another element that an interior designer might add to this space is the use of old books in the bookcase.  Older books in the bookcase are common in a traditional style design.  Even with the traditional living room, an interior designer will sometimes mix in a modern piece of furniture.  When looking at the window dressing of a traditional design, it is common to see floor-to-ceiling drapes.  Historical art is a feature in a traditional design living room.  The landscape or historic art will create a classic living room space.  A group of older photos might be used in place of historic art.  Wooden frames around the historic art or around the older photos help freed the traditional design style. The lighting of the living room space will sometimes have a central lighting feature like a chandelier.    Another highlight of a traditional design is the use of natural wood.  The natural wood used is typically darker in nature. Some individuals will use glossed darker wood.  Interior Designers will make use of wooden window casings for the design and that same color might be used for a fireplace mantle. 

Interior Designers Houston – Traditional Design Style Master Bedroom

One reason a homeowner might contact an interior designer requesting a traditional design is that the homeowner has a desire for a design that will stand the test of time.  When it comes to a master bedroom, bedding is one of the first elements of focus.  A traditional design will typically include linen bedding that produces a comfortable place to sleep. Typically, with traditional design, the use of neutral colors in the linen will be used such as light or very pale grey.  The linen bedding will be matched with white sheets.  The traditional master bedroom will usually use classic fabric patterns.  Stripe and plaid and solids all work in a traditional setting.  The art on the wall can include landscaping or maybe a farmhouse.  Photos might include a family photo or even a photo of the family pet.  Just like the living room.  Typically, darker wood for the bed and furniture will match the traditional style.  A traditional bedroom will often feature a carpeted floor and have table lamps.  A king-size bed is usually present in a traditional bedroom with wooden furnishings.  A chandelier might be present in a master bedroom traditional design.  The traditional wooden sleigh bed works with maybe a small sofa close to the bed.  A large area rug might be next to the bed or maybe by the fireplace if one is present.  A chandelier is more likely to be used if the ceilings are tall.  The chandelier might have candlesticks.  A headboard is often cushioned style with maybe a light beige for the cushion.  A sofa might be upholstered, and longer drapes will be draping the windows.  Occasionally the bed might have functional storage drawers built in it.  Wood-style furniture may be used to place the television set on.  It is not uncommon to have wood beams that are visible in the master bedroom of a traditional design. 

A fireplace can be included in a traditional design for the master bedroom.  The fireplace can be made from brick and there might be a rustic wooden mantel and walnut wood on the windowsills.  French doors might exist leading to the backyard.  The hardwood floors might blend into the mantel of the fireplace. 

Interior Designers Houston – Traditional Design Style Bathroom

The Traditional Style Bathroom is one of the tried-and-true elements combined with personal touches to create a comfortable, functional, individual space. It can combine vintage or retro elements with the most up-to-date contemporary fixtures and eccentric accessories that reflect your personal style.

Tile floors are popular in Traditional Style bathrooms. Tiles can be made of glass, ceramic, porcelain, marble, limestone or terra cotta. Other flooring options include linoleum and vinyl planks. If wood floors are installed in bathrooms, they require meticulous sealing. For tile floors, there are many options to choose from, including mosaic and subway tiles for a retro look, and hand-painted tiles to give your bathroom an artistic flair. Many tiles can also be installed on walls.

The freestanding bathtub has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. From vintage claw-foot bathtubs to modern versions with softly curved lines, there is a bathtub to suit any taste. Choose faucets in gold or copper tones to add warmth. For those who prefer a shower, an overhead rain shower head is a stylish modern choice. Hand-held shower heads are also popular, as well as being an easy way to conserve water.

There are several choices for walls in a Traditional Design Style bathroom. Tile walls are a nod to the past, while today’s modern tile options can bring your bathroom up to date. Painted or papered walls above wainscoting painted in a complementary color is a classic look that doesn’t go out of style. Painted walls are usually white or pale neutral. Windows framed in wood are a call back to simpler times. Glass block or stained-glass windows enhance your bathroom while ensuring privacy.

Bathroom furniture in a Traditional Design Style bathroom is typically a warm, dark wood like mahogany or walnut. If your bathroom is large enough, add a mahogany armoire to store towels, paper goods and other supplies out of sight, but easily accessible, and install a pedestal sink. A walnut dresser style vanity also adds storage space and can be paired with a modern bowl style sink to evoke a washstand with pitcher and bowl from more than a century ago.

Always remember to add personal touches to your Traditional Design Style bathroom; your favorite vase filled with lavender or eucalyptus, personal artwork or framed photos, a whimsical trashcan... something that puts your personality in the room and makes it unique.

Interior Designers Houston – Traditional Design Style Kitchen

The Traditional Design Style kitchen is the heart of your home with its comforting and familiar atmosphere. This design will feature ample storage, classic lines, and a welcoming vibe that invites visitors to settle in for a cup of tea, a snack, and a good visit.

Cabinetry is probably the first thing most people notice on entering a kitchen. In a Traditional Design kitchen, the cupboards are generally unpainted with natural wood, often with a raised panel design. If you prefer painted cupboards, white and pale neutral shades are popular. There is no specific color palette for Traditional style kitchens, but bear in mind that darker colors often make a space feel darker and smaller, while white and pale colors tend to make a space seem larger and give it a light, airy

feel. There are modern options for cupboards that can be used in a kitchen without sacrificing the traditional design style. One option is to use large drawers instead of cupboards for the lower cabinetry. A wall-to-wall counter with large drawers below can hold all of your dishes, cookware, and kitchen linens with the advantage of being easier to access and keep organized than cupboards. No more kneeling on the floor and groping in dark corners of a cupboard to find something by touch!

The kitchen island is a staple of several different design styles, including Traditional Design. A kitchen island provides a centralized workspace for meal preparation while also offering extra storage space, as well as extra seating space. Many are also equipped with electrical outlets and a sink.

Another space-saving feature that has made a comeback in the past couple of decades is the pantry. It has evolved from an alcove with a few shelves for storing foodstuffs, to a walk-in closet consisting of floors to ceiling shelves and pull-outs, with options in between these two extremes. A pantry fits right in with Traditional Design, and is, in fact, a time-honored tradition in the kitchen.

Countertops in a Traditional Design kitchen are most often marble or granite. A white countertop will complement dark natural woods and dark paint; a darker hued countertop will complement light natural woods and white or light paint. Butcher block countertops also fit well into the traditional design.

The floor can be wood or tile. Both are traditional styles and goes well in a Traditional Design kitchen. An interior designer will be able to help you choose the style that will look best with the overall design of your kitchen.

A Traditional Design Style kitchen is a callback to a simpler era, utilizing modern conveniences and design elements, and offering a timeless charm.

A few common questions about traditional design are as follows:

Is the traditional interior design being used today?

The reality is that traditional style is one of the most popular approaches for people that are looking for a familiar style and interior.  Traditional style has a warm touch that appeals to people raising a family.  The traditional style can be updated with time to incorporate some of the modern updates that make the style convenient. 

How can I make my traditional design more modern?

An interior designer can make a traditional living room more modern by adding updating furniture including one modern piece like a contemporary chair.  The interior designer can also add more contemporary art or photography on the wall.  Switching out lighting to something a little more contemporary can also modernize the style.

Interior Designers Houston – Contemporary Design Style

Interior designers need to understand the latest design trends when it comes to contemporary design for your home.  Contemporary design is a diverse style and will change as each new innovation and trend develops.  Contemporary designs will have many diverse traits.  Contemporary design will allow for so much room for innovation as those trends change.  In general, contemporary design tends to be more sophisticated and sleeker.  A contemporary style will usually feature a certain minimal touch and a clean look. A contemporary design will often feature mid-century furniture.  The art in a contemporary design home will often feature higher end art and contemporary art.  A contemporary style design will have art display much in the same way you would expect the art to be featured in an art museum.  It is not uncommon to see art with an eastern touch. Another feature of art in contemporary design is oversized artwork.  One very large piece of artwork may be enough to cover a whole wall or the larger part of a wall.  Contemporary style may also have a studio style.  In the bedroom, you might observe a padded oversized bed frame in a contemporary design.  Contemporary designs will feature bath and shower combos that have an actual bathtub in the glass shower enclosure.  The paint and colors will tend to make use of more natural colors such as light wheat or olive.  Contemporary interior design will sometimes mix different eras in design to create a whole new look.  For example, a contemporary design can feature both a Victorian and modern look to create the contemporary style.  When we move to the dining room, we can see mixed seating in a contemporary design.  One feature of a contemporary style is the use of environmentally friendly elements.  Wood and stone tend to be frequently used in contemporary styles.  When it comes to furniture, high-fashioned and high-end chairs can be a central feature.  Coffee tables in the living room can be wood that is unfinished with a sleek surface on top of the table.  Black and grey colors are featured in many contemporary homes.  A mix of grey and black blend together.  The grey and black walls may also blend into grey and black furniture.  The furniture may be grey with black pillows.  Contemporary style lighting can be very diverse.  Chandeliers can be decorative and have a very modern flare. Green is another color that can be featured in many contemporary homes.  Green can be on the walls in different tones but also mix into the furniture and even the rugs. Contemporary does not make for a total minimalist approach.  Instead, contemporary tends to draw for a minimalist approach but then have more of a less is more style.  It is good to think of contemporary design as being clutter free as opposed to strictly minimalist. As stated before, a contemporary style can blend two different styles.  For example, a blend of a minimalist and one of the other styles such as Bohemian design can add up to a contemporary design.

Interior Designers Houston – Contemporary Design Style Living Room

When designing a living room with a contemporary design style, the design will embrace the idea of constant change. It is best to think of the living room as evolving so parts of the living room may be subtracted to include a new design each year.  Colors may change over time and a contemporary design will add the new color to the walls as the color trends change.  It is said that a contemporary design is a style chameleon that is designed for constant change.  A few pieces may remain neutral in order that they can go with the design changes over time.  A contemporary style will be uncluttered and that will translate into a wall with nothing other than an art piece, television set or mirror.  A contemporary style has minimalistic elements such as lighting, furniture and keeping what is functional but not the absolute minimalism style.  In other words, it tends to be an approach that is high on function and yet simple.  A contemporary living room will tend to an open floor plan.  A typical contemporary design uses less rugs and carpets.  Another feature of a contemporary style is to have no draping or very little draping on the windows. 

Interior Designers Houston – Contemporary Design Style Bathroom

Although Contemporary Design Style is all about being trendy, the Contemporary Design bathroom also has a timeless look. Organic textures are a good starting point in designing a timeless contemporary bathroom. A natural wood vanity, and stone flooring and/or shower space are a great foundation to build on and will always support current trends in colors and accessories. Add live plants for an organic accent that will always be on trend. The Contemporary Design Style bathroom should have a spacious look and an airy feel. White or pale neutral walls in conjunction with substantial natural light help to achieve a roomy, airy effect. If there are not enough windows for a flood of natural light, consider installing skylights. Enclosing the walk-in shower on a frameless floor to clear ceiling glass will make even a small bathroom seem spacious.

Floating vanities are a current trend in Contemporary Design. Lines should be clean and curved, or a mix of angles and curves. The natural color wood will add warmth, but the vanity can be painted to complement your color palette. Gold colored taps are on trend for the sink (as well as the bathtub and shower). The countertop on the vanity will usually be granite or marble, with a white or light-colored countertop over a dark or bold painted vanity, and a dark colored countertop over a white or light-colored vanity. If your bathroom is configured to accommodate it, a wall-to-wall vanity is desirable. The unofficial motto of Contemporary Design Style is “Everything in its place.” A wide vanity that stretches from wall to wall will have more storage space, as well as making the room look spacious. The wall above the vanity can be painted or tiled in a bold color to make an accent wall. A large, backlit mirror hanging above the vanity makes a statement.

Walls in the Contemporary Design Style bathroom can be painted or tiled. There are many types of tiles that can be used with Contemporary Style. Small mosaic tiles are on trend and have a timeless appeal. Subway tile is also popular. A tiled wall or floor can be livened up by installing the tile in an unusual configuration, such as placing rectangular tiles in a vertical position, or a herringbone design. You can also use a non-traditional shape of tile, like hexagonal.

Flooring should be some sort of tile; vinyl, porcelain, limestone, ceramic... find what works best with your design. Windows should be uncovered, if possible, to allow more natural light into the room.

Interior Designers Houston – Contemporary Design Style Kitchen

Some hallmarks of a Contemporary Design Style Kitchen include stainless steel appliances, clean lines, flat panel cabinetry, minimalism, and functionality. Colors can range from all white, to neutral shades, to bold shades, to all black. Long, uninterrupted expanses of space in the form of walls and countertops give a sleek, roomy appearance and soothing aesthetic.

The color palette for a Contemporary Design Style kitchen is generally the same as other rooms in the Contemporary style; white, black, black and white, pale neutrals. However, in the kitchen a bold color accent is often employed. For instance, an all-black kitchen with the exception of a bright yellow accent wall.

The upper cabinetry is trending toward open shelving instead of cupboards, with glass fronted cupboards as a second option, and flat panel cupboards as a third choice. The lower cabinets may be flat panel cupboards or, a trend that is on the rise, wide, deep drawers. Cabinet hardware should follow the minimalist style, with either small, unobtrusive knobs or handles, or a sleek and stylish bar style that is so comfortably attuned to the cabinetry as to nearly be unnoticed. Wall-to-wall cabinets with an uninterrupted, uncluttered countertop will give the illusion of almost limitless space in any kitchen size. Cabinets are natural wood colors, or painted white, black, or a pale neutral shade in most cases, while countertops are marble, granite, quartz, or butcher block. Sticking to black, white, or neutral hues allows you to use current trending colors in your accessories, making it easier and more cost efficient to update to new color trends in the future. Contemporary style always looks to the future!

A kitchen island with barstool seating is desirable in a Contemporary Design kitchen. It can be an intimate space to eat family breakfast, serve as a place to play cards or board games, provide extra storage space for small kitchen appliances, and is a convenient workspace for cooking and baking. Barstools should be a contemporary, elegant design. Waterfall-style countertops on kitchen islands is a rising trend. A waterfall countertop is generally marble or granite and, instead of stopping at the edge of the top surface, it plunges down the side to the floor. It’s an elegant, dramatic style that, due to its clean lines and seamless effect, marries well with Contemporary Design.

Appliances in a Contemporary Design Style kitchen tend toward stainless steel, as the matte silver color is neutral that doesn’t take center stage in the design and evolves with the kitchen as it’s updated. Flat panel cupboards (mentioned above) also make it possible to hide your appliances, giving your kitchen a streamlined appearance.

Kitchen flooring should be durable, easy to clean, water resistant, and resilient. Options in flooring for a Contemporary Design kitchen include:

· Hardwood – a timeless, design-friendly choice

· Sheet Vinyl – comfortable to stand on for long periods, budget-friendly

· Tile – offering versatility in material, size, shape and color. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are durable and give a clean look. Natural stone tiles such as travertine and marble afford a warm and unique look, as no two stones are identical.

· Engineered vinyl plank (EVP) - a newer product that is currently trending, EVP gives the appearance of a hardwood floor with the comfort of vinyl underfoot. It’s waterproof and easy to install.

Walls in a Contemporary Design Style kitchen are often painted solid white or a solid light neutral shade. In more dramatic Contemporary kitchens, the walls may be painted solid black. A wall can also be brick, stone, or tile depending on your personal preference. In keeping with the clutter-free aesthetic of Contemporary Design, artwork on the wall should be kept to a minimum. Backsplash can be marble, granite, mosaic, or subway tile. The backsplash should complement other elements of the kitchen.

Lighting can be a little more flamboyant or whimsical than the rest of a Contemporary Design Style kitchen. This is where you can have a statement piece that brings a personal touch to the design. A geometric LED chandelier, cluster lighting in sphere or cube shapes, a linear metal chandelier with a space age look, an eight-bulb open metallic fixture with Edison bulbs; the possibilities are almost endless. All of these examples have the clean lines of Contemporary Design. A growing trend in kitchen lighting is underlighting the cabinetry and kitchen island.

Don’t be afraid to install statement lighting in your contemporary bathroom. An unexpected choice is a chandelier. Dramatic pendant lights and trendy wall sconces are also good choices. If statement lighting does not fit your aesthetic, recessed lighting may be the right fit for you.

Bath linens should be good quality and have a simple, classic design. Colors can be neutral, subdued, or bold; design can be solid or patterned. Choose a color and design that complements or contrasts your bathroom colors. Trending accent colors for Contemporary Design bathrooms are botanical shades of blue, green, white and brown.

Finally, if you have the space, consider building a wet room in the bathroom. The wet room will be a walk-in shower big enough to include a bathtub and still be roomy. It will be the size of a small room, with built-in seating, multiple shower heads, and enough space for more than one occupant. Floor to ceiling glass walls separate the wet room from the rest of the bathroom.

Your Contemporary Design Style Bathroom should be timeless, with tried-and-true elements from the past that have never gone out of style. It should be current, embracing today’s trends in colors, materials, and lighting. It should look to the future, with classic elements that can integrate seamlessly with updates featuring future trends.

Interior Designers Houston – Modern Design Style

A modern interior design emerged is a design that has at its roots the early to middle twentieth century but is still used today in design.  Modern design uses clean lines, minimalism and natural materials and natural light.  Modern design was inspired by an idea of functionality and simple forms.  Modern design rejected certain aspects of Renaissance and Victorian design and replaced those styles with clean, straight lines and uncluttered spaces.

Interior Designers Houston – Modern Design Style Living Room

A living room in the Modern Design Style is an airy, minimalistic space with clean lines, a neutral, often monochromatic palette that leans toward earth tones, and furniture that can be used in multiple ways. Nature is present in Modern Design, not only in the color palette, but also in natural materials and natural lighting. Modern Design Style pairs nicely with an open floorplan where rooms flow into each other without barriers. Modern Design embraces the premise that “form follows function.” While that was originally the credo behind industrial architectural design, it has come to be interpreted as minimalism when applied to home interior design.

The Modern Design living room is a comfortable space. In general, furniture is a solid color, either in neutral or earthy shades. Earth tones and neutrals can both be present in the Modern Design Style living room, with a rich green, blue, mustard or rust piece of furniture during an otherwise monochromatic color scheme. Non-upholstered furnishings should include wood and natural fibers.

Hardwood floors are favored in most living room design styles, including Modern Design. A floor of natural wood can be partially covered with a woven area rug in earth tones for a homey look or left bare to enhance the minimalist aesthetic. Although wall to wall carpeting has largely gone out of fashion, it works well with a Modern Design Style interior. When patterns are present in upholstery or floor coverings, a geometric design is often selected.

Walls tend to be painted in solid, pale neutral shades. Try wallpaper in an airy botanical print to shake things up a bit. Wall art can be classic, abstract, or whimsical, as long as it’s not fussy. One wall-size piece of art, or one wall covered with multiple pieces of art, can be the focal point of your living room.

Natural light is desired in a Modern Design interior. Large windows, clear glass doors, and skylights can bring the sun into your living room. If windows and doors look out onto the privacy of your backyard, consider leaving them uncovered. If you must cover them, use curtains or shades in fabrics that let in light such as gauzy sheer or linen.

Knick-knacks should be kept to a minimum; use functional items like vases, potted plants, and candles in place of souvenir trinkets and tchotchkes.

Interior Designers Houston – Mid-Century Modern Design Style

Mid-century design style started in the mid-20th century.  Mid-century is design made simple and functional and includes wooden furniture. The middle of the 20th century produced mass production of material, and it led to the capability to produce curved and geometric shapes in wooden pieces.  The mid-century modern design also focused on the connection with nature. 

Interior Designers Houston – Mid-Century Modern Design Style – Bathroom

The clean lines, sleek profiles, minimalist aesthetic, and focus on function of Mid-Century Modern Design Style are features that are particularly suited to the bathroom. There are small changes you can make to your existing bathroom design to give it a Mid-Century Modern flair. Replacing knobs and handles with curved brass hardware, adding bold geometric or botanical print wallpaper on one wall, and replacing chrome fittings with warm brass or gold tone fittings are all steps in the right direction.  

For a complete plunge into a Mid-Century Modern Design bathroom, vanity is a good place to start. If space is at a premium, install a warm toned wood floating vanity to create the illusion of more space. For a larger bathroom, look for a vintage Mid-Century Modern sideboard with the distinctive round tapered legs or hairpin legs and repurpose it for use as a vanity by adding a marble top and a modern vessel sink that sits on top of the counter.  

There are several options for the walls in a Mid-Century Design Style bathroom. For a small room, white or pale neutral walls give the room an airy ambience that makes it seem bigger than it really is. In a more spacious room, you can create an accent wall by painting it a bold, bright color or applying wallpaper in a botanical, geometric, or vintage print. Tile walls can also become accent walls with the use of colorful grout, whimsically shaped tiles, geometric shaped tiles, bold tile designs, or mixing shapes or colors of tile. 

Terrazzo flooring was the favored choice in authentic Mid-Century bathrooms and is enjoying an explosion of popularity today. Terrazzo is not confined to use on the floor only but can also be used as a countertop or backsplash. Tile is also a go-to flooring choice. If your bathroom is too small for a bold accent wall, consider creating an accent floor with a bold patterned tile.  

Not all Mid-Century Modern bathrooms used a neutral palette. Soft pastels were popular then and are now. Pale pastel peach, mint, pink or creamy yellow can make your bathroom a soothing space while endowing an authentic Mid-Century vibe. 

Finish off your Mid-Century Modern bathroom with warm brass or gold fixtures. Hang a frameless round, oval, teardrop, geometric, or asymmetrical mirror so it reflects the view and natural light from a window. This will give the illusion of more space in a small bathroom and double the natural light in any size of room. Instead of curtains, use glass blocks for windows, or cover traditional windows with a frosted window film for privacy. Install a skylight for even more natural light. For manmade light, look for globe lights, a saucer pendant light, a Sputnik light, or flowerpot lights. Install Mid-Century Modern style wall sconces. Place a wicker trashcan and bring nature indoors with a potted plant. 

Interior Designers Houston – Mid-Century Modern Design Style – Kitchen

 A Mid-Century Modern Design Style kitchen does not mean giving up the modern conveniences of the 21st century that make cooking and cleaning so much easier; this design style is easy to incorporate into a 21st century home. Hallmarks of a Mid-Century Design kitchen include clean lines, natural accents, streamlined silhouettes, geometric shapes and uncluttered countertops. 

Functionality is highly valued in Mid-Century Modern Design. Natural wood cabinets with distinctive wood grain serve as functional art. Popular choices of wood include walnuts, teak, oak and beechwood. Flat panel cabinets provide the sleek silhouette and sense of simplicity this style strives to achieve. Cabinets can be painted without losing their Mid-Century Modern look. The color palette of the era is quite diverse, ranging from neutral tones to natural earthy shades, to bold hues. The mid-century, after all, included the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s with its influences continuing into the early 1970s. Thus, there are several cultural eras within the Mid-Century Modern Design era. Some designers choose to eliminate upper cabinetry in favor of hidden storage spaces, open shelving, or an uninterrupted expanse of wall for a clean, airy look. 

You can choose retro style Formica laminate countertops, or opt for contemporary quartz, granite or marble without losing the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. You can even embrace the exciting experimentation of the space-age era with concrete, stainless steel, or wooden countertops. Your backsplash can be a continuation of the countertop, or install a simple tile, glass mosaic, or geometric pattern tile backsplash. 

There are two schools of thought for appliances in a Mid-Century Design Style kitchen. One is to install modern appliances with the colorful, curved, retro look of the 1950s. The other is to install modern stainless-steel appliances, built-in where possible for a seamless look to counters and cabinets. It comes down to whether your personal concept of visual harmony leans more toward a retro five-burner, dual oven range, or a cooktop integrated into the countertop and one or two wall ovens. 

Terrazzo was the go-to flooring during the mid-century modern era and is currently enjoying a resurgence of popularity. Terrazzo is a mosaic style flooring composed of bits of broken marble, quartz, and/or glass set in concrete or resin. It’s an authentic, fun, unique, colorful, durable, easy to clean choice for your Mid-Century Modern Design Style kitchen. Other authentic flooring choices are linoleum and hardwood. Each has its own advantages. Linoleum comes in a variety of colors and patterns, while hardwood is a classic that can be enhanced with colorful throw rugs and never goes out of style.  

Geometric shapes are one of the hallmarks of Mid-Century Modern Design and can be incorporated in lighting, art, cabinetry and accessories. Seek out retro fixtures and wall sconces in atomic, Sputnik, globe, and/or pendant styles. These can supply circular and triangular shapes to complement the rectangular cabinets. Wall decor in your Mid-Century Modern kitchen can range from purely decorative posters and prints to functional vintage or retro clocks. A starburst clock will add a geometric component and complement an atomic or Sputnik light fixture.  

Natural light and a connection to the outdoors is an important part of Mid-Century Modern Design. Large windows, glass doors, and skylights are all desirable. Add potted plants and even an indoor herb garden to further connect to the outdoors. 

For the finishing touch to your Mid-Century Modern kitchen, what could be better than a vintage or reproduction Tulip table and chairs in the breakfast nook? It’s the ultimate Mid-Century Modern charm. 

Interior Designers Houston – Coastal Design Style – Beachy Design Style – Beach Design Style

A coastal design style is designed to bring all the elements related to the beach into your home.  The design recreates the beach house design by bringing elements that come with a beach to your home even if you are not living by the beach.  A coastal design style will create a seaside getaway.  An interior designer will bring in natural textures such as rope and wicker and add visual appeals like anchors or shells.

Interior Designers Houston – Coastal Design Style Living Room

You don’t have to live on the coast to embrace Coastal Design Style; this style is all about bringing a relaxing beach vibe into your home wherever you reside. This can be accomplished with the use of a color palette based on sea, sand and sky: white, beige, sandy hues, light gray, pale blue, green and seafoam. Stick with natural fibers like jute, sisal, rattan, cotton and linen, and organic materials such as driftwood, sea glass, shells and sand dollars. 

Many Coastal Style homes feature shiplap ceilings, or ceilings with exposed beams. Floors are generally hardwood or plank. If your home doesn’t have these features, don’t despair; you will still be able to achieve a living room that evokes the tranquility of a deserted beach. Begin with painting your walls white, beige, or one of the other pale shades mentioned above.  Look for furniture that is casual and comfortable, inviting family and guests to stretch out and relax. A comfortable, slipcovered sofa is perfect, especially if you live near the beach. An overstuffed armchair in one of the coastal palette colors, and poufs or ottomans provide extra seating. Accent pillows can incorporate hints of pale pink, pale yellow, coral and turquoise – natural colors you might see at the beach. 

Hardwood floors are preferred for a Coastal Design Style living room, but ceramic tiles also work well. Add a textured jute rug, or an area rug with pops of coral and turquoise. Windows should, ideally, be plentiful and large. Lots of natural light combined with the coastal color palette creates the airy, relaxed ambience you want in a Coastal Design living room. French doors opening to an outdoor space is the dream. Windows looking onto a private patio, yard, or beach can be left bare. If privacy is required, solar shades or gauzy linen panels are recommended. 

Look for a driftwood or distressed wood coffee table and place a bowl of sea glass, sand dollars, or shells on it. For lighting, install pendant light fixtures and table lamps with a sea glass base. Add framed black and white beach photographs on the walls and bring plants and flowers into the room, to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.  

Interior Designers Houston – Coastal Design Style – Master Bedroom  

Coastal Design Style is often wrongly considered the same as Beachy and Nautical, but it’s a more understated style than either of those. Rooms are not overloaded with seashell creations, starfish, rope, or anchors when decorated in Coastal Design Style, which depends more on a neutral or nearly neutral color palette, natural fibers and textiles, and sparse decor that conjure the relaxed feel of being at the beach. The color palette for Coastal Design Style comes from sea, sand and sky: pale beige sand tones, pale blue shades, white, and very light gray. Accents can add subtle pops of color that you might see at the beach, such as coral, seafoam, tropical green, turquoise and yellow. Fabrics should be natural linen or cotton. Fibers should be natural wicker, jute or sisal. 

If you have a bedroom with white or neutral walls and bedding, you can attain a Coastal Design aesthetic with a few small additions. Hang a large, framed print, painting or photograph of a beach, palm trees, or fishing boats over the bed, place a jute or sisal rug on the floor, put a bowl of sea glass on a nightstand with a small piece of driftwood and a sand dollar, and bring a potted plant into the room. Voila! Your neutral bedroom now has a coastal vibe. 

If you want to give your bedroom a full Coastal Design makeover, look for weathered or distressed wood nightstands and dresser, and a wicker or wood and cane bedframe. Look for bedding in faded blue for a sun-bleached look. Comfort is key in this design, so pile extra pillows on the bed and add a folded quilt across the bottom or a textured blanket throw casually draped across a bottom corner of the bed. A diaphanous white canopy that flows down around the bed under a sky-blue painted ceiling can accomplish the relaxed, airy look and feel of Coastal Design Style. 

Window treatments should be minimal to allow as much natural light into the room as possible. Solar shades or gauzy linen curtains are the next best thing to bare windows. The floor should ideally be wood with a jute or sisal rug. Walls painted in neutral shades or pale blue keep the room looking breezy. A navy or turquoise accent wall adds interest; make it a gallery wall with framed prints depicting beach scenes and seascapes.  

Lighting should enhance the airy ambience. Look for simple pendant lights, natural fiber fixtures, or even paper lanterns. Table lamps should embrace the color palette. Look for a lamp with a sea glass base, a natural fiber lamp, a lamp with a natural fiber shade, or a lamp with curves that evoke waves. Metallic accents should be warm gold or brass.  

Coastal Design Style leans toward minimalism, so don’t overdo the decorative touches. Some colored glass, a vintage pair of binoculars or a small telescope, accent pillows on the bed, and of course plants. Small plants in macrame hangers, or large plants if you have the space, will make the connection with the outdoors that Coastal Design Style strives to accomplish. 

Interior Designers Houston – Coastal Design Style – Bathroom

The Coastal Design Style bathroom is a soothing space with an emphasis on relaxation. The colors are peaceful pale neutrals, baby blue, seafoam, or white with accents of coral, yellow, or tropical green. Surfaces are uncluttered; the same way we like our favorite beaches. The ambience is light and airy, and natural fibers and textures abound. 

If you already have a bathroom that’s mostly white or neutral shades, it’s easy to turn it into a Coastal Design Style bathroom with just a few tweaks. Hang up a couple of framed beach photographs, add a jute bathmat and geometric patterned towels in shades of blue or beige, install warm gold or brass tone hardware, and change the light fixture for a hanging woven fixture or vintage lantern wall sconce. 

A complete Coastal Design Style bathroom makeover might entail a bit more work; you can make it as involved as your time and budget allow. Things that are not entirely necessary, but may be desirable, include installing wainscoting, hanging wallpaper, painting the vanity, and updating floor and wall tiles. 

If ever fish scale tiles are called for, it’s in a Coastal Design Style bathroom. Go with all blue tiles or mix and match colors. Whichever you choose, use bright white grouting to make them stand out. Other tile choices are square, glass mosaic, or subway tiles installed the usual way or stacked in straight lines. Choose colors of the sea, sky, or sand. Walls can also be painted in white, pale beige, light gray, or baby blue. Shiplap walls, or white wainscoting below with painted or tiled walls above are also popular options. You can create an accent wall with wallpaper or darker or brighter paint like navy or turquoise. 

A tile floor with a jute or sisal runner is practical and brings a natural element into the room. Add a wicker trashcan, a small wicker stool next to the bathtub to hold a drink, a book, or a cell phone, and a wicker basket to hold towels for more natural accents. Consider replacing your terrycloth or microfiber towels with Turkish towels to enhance the relaxing beach vibe. Don’t be afraid to mix and match woven accents; wicker, rattan, jute, sisal, and rope can coexist in harmony with each other. 

Natural wood accents are usually preferred, although some designers create a pleasant effect by painting vanity white, navy or light blue. If left natural, lighter wood tones work best in a Coastal Design room. Gold or brass color hardware adds warmth. Place a small tray on the vanity filled with small pieces of sea glass surrounding a candle.  

If the room is big enough, hang up framed beach photographs or prints of seascapes or sea animals. Install open shelving and perhaps a towel ladder if it won’t make the space look too crowded. Look for lantern sconces and/or a woven light fixture. And don’t forget to bring the outdoors inside with potted plants. 

Interior Designers Houston – Coastal Design Style – Kitchen

The kitchen is famously known as the heart of the home; it’s where family and friends gather to cook, eat and play together. A well-ordered, uncluttered, serene kitchen is a necessity if you enjoy inviting friends over for a casual dinner followed by card games around the table.  

With its neutral palette based on colors of sea, sand and sky, and a tendency toward minimalism, a Coastal Design Style kitchen is clean, organized, and offers a soothing, relaxed atmosphere for hosting game nights. Uncluttered countertops and ample storage ensure a minimum of distraction. 

Colors for a Coastal Design Style kitchen are usually chosen from a palette of white, light beige, pale gray, baby blue, navy blue, seafoam green, and tropical green, with pops of coral, turquoise and yellow. Painting your walls white or a neutral shade gives you more leeway with countertops, backsplash and floor. White marble or quartz countertops are prevalent in Coastal Design kitchens. Blue painted cabinetry topped with white countertops evokes whitecaps on the ocean. Add a patterned tile backsplash with a subtle wave design to complete the look. Choose white or stainless-steel appliances to create a seamless look. 

Hardwood floors are the perfect choice for a Coastal Design Style kitchen. Add rugs with a geometric pattern and pops of coral, turquoise or yellow, or rugs made of jute or sisal. If you have a kitchen island, place barstools around it made of natural materials like wood, bamboo, rattan or rope.  Wall art and countertop decor should be minimal: a framed seascape printed on the wall, and a few potted herb plants that can be used in recipes either hanging in macrame plant hangers or in pots on a countertop.  

Abundant natural light is ideal for Coastal Design Style kitchens. If your kitchen looks out onto a private backyard, no window treatments are necessary. If you want to be able to cover the windows, use solar shades or breezy linen curtains. For other lighting, look for white pendant lights or globe lights with warm gold or brass accents. 

The result should be a tranquil, airy room that feels spacious regardless of its size and that friends and family are drawn to for its relaxed atmosphere. 

Interior Designers Houston – Transitional Design Style

Transitional design style is perfect for a homeowner that wants a combination of the traditional design and modern design style.  Homeowners often love a traditional design style but want some sort of transition that does not fully embrace a modern design style.  Interior designers can give them a transitional design style.

Interior Designers Houston – Transitional Design Style – Living Room

Transitional Design Style is a combination of Traditional Design, with roots in 18th and 19th century Europe, and Modern Design, a 20th century style that embraces clean lines, functionality, a mix of fibers and textures, and a lean toward minimalism. Transitional Design pulls the best from both styles to create a room that is relaxed, timeless and reflects the personality and taste of the owner. Hallmarks of a Transitional Design Style living room include furniture choices with an emphasis on comfort and functionality, layered textures, a neutral color palette, a minimalistic approach to decoration, and a statement piece of art or lighting. 

The color palette for a Transitional Design Style space is neutral with designers tending to choose either a warm palette of vanilla, tan and taupe shades paired with dark brown or deep forest green for added depth, or a cool palette of white, light gray and pale blue shades paired with navy or midnight blue. Walls are generally painted in the neutral tones and furniture is a mix of neutrals and darker shades. Of course, an interior designer or homeowner can choose other color combinations; these are just the most popular choices at the current time. Paneling is also a choice for your walls, or for a statement wall. Brick and natural stone are also options for a statement wall. 

The preferred choice of flooring in a Transitional Design Style living room is hardwood with area rugs. In a rare step away from the general “less is more” aesthetic of this style, a current trend is to layer rugs, with a large, neutral rug on the bottom that frames a smaller, patterned rug on top. Geometric and Moroccan rug patterns are favored. 

Furniture should be comfortable, with clean lines and solid or subtly patterned upholstery. There is no style of furnishings in Transitional Design, and no expectation of everything matching; the goal is to choose comfortable pieces you like in your color palette that will blend together nicely. A mid-century modular sofa, a contemporary metal coffee table, an antique wingback chair and a vintage rug can form a cohesive look in a properly put together Transitional Style living room. If your living room has features such as bow windows, crown molding, vaulted ceilings, or a rustic fireplace, keep the furniture simple to highlight the architectural details. Transitional Design Style is all about mixing and blending. Mix old furniture with newer styles; mix soft upholstery with metal, wood or concrete tables; mix a velvet upholstered couch with linen upholstered chairs; mix contemporary graphic prints with handmade ceramic vases. Add small pops of color in rugs, throw pillows and art.  

Wall art can be chosen to foster a tranquil atmosphere, such as a moody seascape in a room with a cool palette of light grays and blues, or an autumn landscape in a room with a warm palette of taupe and tans. Alternatively, wall art can make a statement, drawing the eye as you enter the room. If you choose art in soothing neutral shades, consider making a statement with your choice of lighting. Transitional Design Style lighting takes traditional style, removes ornate elements and gives it clean lines. You can find chandeliers, pendant lights, wall sconces and table lamps, crafted in clear glass, brushed nickel, wood and other materials, that have been created to complement the Transitional Design aesthetic.  

Interior Designers Houston – Transitional Design Style – Master Bedroom

Transitional Design Style is a marriage of traditional and modern styles that provides an individualized style easily adaptable to future changes. When planning your Transitional Design Style bedroom, look for clean, simple lines in traditional styles and soft looks in modern pieces. The goal in Transitional Design is to strike a balance between old and new. Most bedrooms in this style begin with walls painted in tranquil neutral shades. A stronger neutral shade such as navy blue is also often used. Some designers, however, opt for color drenched vintage print wallpaper. The age and style of the house is usually a factor in such decisions. Beginning with neutral walls, you can elect a monochromatic look in walls and furniture, with patterns and color incorporated in pillows, rugs and other accessories.  

Choose furnishings that appeal to you personally. If you choose a traditional wooden bed frame, look for one that’s not overly ornate and don’t be afraid to paint it and put contemporary bedding on it. If you prefer a more modern bed with, say, a soft tufted headboard, think about adorning it with great-grandma's handcrafted quilt or grandma’s hand embroidered pillowcases. In lieu of a headboard, think about attaching a headboard height, tufted fabric bolster along the length of the wall behind the bed with nightstands placed in front of it on either side of the bed. Dressers and nightstands can be chosen, and painted, if necessary, to complement the style of the bed, whether they’re in the same style or a different style that marries well with it. The key to furnishing a Traditional Design Style room is to never choose contrasting styles but always select styles that complement each other. Contemporary nightstands can complement an antique bed and vice versa.  

Various textures and color tones should be scattered throughout the room. Velvet upholstery on a chair, linen sheets on the bed, a plush rug on the floor, wooden roll-up blinds on the windows – altogether these different textures create interest without undermining the ambience of the room. Likewise, simple variations in shades of beige or gray endow even a monochromatic room with depth. Brass or gold accents on lamps and other hardware add warmth. If you prefer a cool palette, opt for brushed nickel accents. 

Apart from a pile of pillows on the bed, accessories should be minimal to keep the room from looking fussy and cluttered. Transitional Design Style embraces a minimalistic approach to decorating, so choose pieces with which you have a personal attachment. They can be as diverse as a baseball you caught at a Major League game, a Depression glass candy dish that belonged to your great-grandmother, a small wooden stand holding your grandfather’s favorite pipe, and a vase or candle that caught your eye while shopping. These types of items, along with potted plants, accent pillows on the bed and area rugs on the floor, can provide pops of color and add character to your bedroom. 

For wall art, consider one oversized statement piece instead of several small prints, paintings or photographs. You can also install floating shelves and use them to display a set of vintage books (Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys editions from the 1930s to the 1950s or Charles Dickens from the same era or earlier, for instance). Or you can use them for the small collection of decors mentioned in the previous paragraph.  

There are several types of lighting you can choose from to complete your Transitional Design Style bedroom. If you opt not to have one large statement piece of wall art, you can make a statement with your lighting choice. You can choose contemporary inset lighting or a sleek modern fixture. Choose the metal color based on your palette, gold or bronze for a warm palette, chrome or brushed nickel for a cool palette. 

The result should be a personalized space that is neither too vintage nor too modern but reflects your personality and taste.  

Interior Designers Houston – Transitional Design Style Bathroom

Transitional Design Style is the blending of two styles, usually Traditional and Modern, to create a room that is a perfect balance between the two. Ideally, everything in the room will go together so well, a person entering the room will feel comfortable and won’t notice the different styles and eras represented.  

 When designing a Transitional Design Style bathroom, it helps to think of it as a woman preparing for her day. She will choose pieces of clothing that don’t necessarily match but coordinate well. She’ll carefully apply makeup that enhances her inherent beauty without looking unnatural. She’ll select jewelry that sets off her outfit. She might wear a vintage jacket over a modern graphic print tee-shirt. In your bathroom, you will be choosing appliances and furniture that aren’t matchy-matchy but coordinate well with each other. You will apply paint or tile that enhances the room without dominating it. The lighting you choose is the jewelry that sets off the room and makes it sparkle. Your decor will come from different eras but will look as if it was all made to go together. The result will be a beautiful bathroom customized to your personal style. 

The color palette for your Transitional Design Style bathroom is neutral in shades of white, beige, tan, gray, blue and green. There is no hard and fast rule that you must cover the walls in pale neutral hues, and some designers choose darker shades of blue, green or brown for one or more walls in the bathroom. In general, though, pale neutral shades are chosen for the walls so you can make a statement with other elements in the room. If you want the bathroom to have a warm ambience your palette should contain vanilla, beige, tan and taupe with optional richer shades of chocolate and forest green. For a bathroom with a cool atmosphere, choose a palette of white, light grays and pale blues with optional richer shades of navy and charcoal. Shy away from bright colors; strive for a light and airy vibe.  

 When choosing the fixtures for your Transitional Style bathroom, try to strike a balance between traditional and modern. Pair a vintage clawfoot bathtub with a modern frameless glass shower enclosure. Hang a modern backlit mirror above a traditional pedestal sink. Highlight a traditional Shaker style vanity with modern floating shelves or top a modern floating vanity with traditional marble. Avoid pieces that are too heavy, ornate, or trendy, stick with clean lines and sleek silhouettes. Try to echo silhouettes to create a cohesive look; for example, if your traditional vanity has a curved edge, choose a curved glass shower enclosure. 

 Lighting, like jewelry, can be a very personal choice. Generally, a designer will select one style of lighting for a Transitional Design Style bathroom, choosing between traditional and modern. If your bathroom leans a bit more modern, go with traditional lighting. If it tends to be a little more traditional, choose modern lighting. It’s okay to mix and match if you can pull off a seamless blend, or as a third option, you can look for a company that offers specific lighting designs for Transitional Style. 

 Avoid over-accessorizing your Transitional Style bathroom, as this style embraces a “less is more” aesthetic. You can bring balance to modern floating shelves by using them to display a couple of vintage bottles repurposed as bud vases. If you have a traditional vanity, balance it with a sleek, modern toothbrush cup and soap dispenser. Hang vintage art prints or a vintage wall clock over a modern vanity, and modern art prints or a digital clock over a traditional vanity. 

You can have a lot of fun putting together your Transitional Design Style bathroom and the result will be a unique space that reflects the one and only you.

Interior Designers Houston – Transitional Design Style Kitchen 

 A neutral color palette featuring beige, gray and soft white is the starting point in planning your Transitional Design Style kitchen. Soft neutrals keep the space feeling light, airy and fresh. Warm tones of beige and tan are a traditional choice, while cool tones of blue and gray are more modern. Since Transitional Design is a marriage of traditional and modern design styles, you can choose a warm or cool ambience for your kitchen. Pile tone on tone for a monochromatic look and layer different textures to add interest.  

 You want plentiful natural light in your Transitional Design kitchen. Keep the window covering minimally to avoid blocking the light. If you don’t have enough windows to pull in the light, consider installing a skylight if that will work for your home. Make sure there is abundant artificial light as well. Augment traditional hanging pendant lights with modern inset lighting to keep the space bright even on the darkest days of winter.  

 All surfaces, from floor to countertop to ceiling, should be both physically and stylistically durable. You don’t want your floor, countertops, or cabinets to look dated any more than you want them to wear out a few years down the line. The enduring style of both modern and traditional design coupled with quality durable products ensure your kitchen will look just as fresh years from now as it does the day you put the final touch on it. Look for cabinetry with clean lines such as Shaker style cabinets, sleek countertops in traditional marble or quartz, and quality stainless steel appliances. Floors can be traditional hardwood, hardwood laid out in a chevron pattern, wood plank, ceramic tile, or tile in a timeless checkerboard design. If you have a kitchen island, consider a modern waterfall style countertop. Having the countertop flow over the sides of the island to the floor help hide barstool legs that might otherwise create a cluttered look. Don’t cover up all the wood tones with paint and tile, though; natural wood tones help keep the space warm and inviting. 

The backsplash can be subway tile laid out in the traditional offset manner or stacked in vertical columns. You can apply square tiles in a chevron design or a geometric pattern (both chevron and geometric patterns are very popular in Traditional Design Style). If you have miles of counter space in your kitchen, you can choose the vintage appeal of a farmhouse sink. If counter space is at a premium, opt for a modern apron front sink with a workstation that fits in the sink. Countertops should not be cluttered with appliances; make sure your kitchen design includes lots and lots of storage to keep your cookware, appliances, food and other kitchen necessities well organized and out of sight. Cabinet and sink hardware in warm gold, rose gold or brass tones add warmth to the kitchen. 

The kitchen is famously referred to as “the heart of the home” so cultivate a relaxed atmosphere with comfortable seating to ensure family members and guests will want to hang out and visit over coffee, participate in baking days, and gather around the kitchen island or table on game nights. Chairs and barstools should not only look stylish but be comfortable enough to sit on for long conversations or marathon cards and board games.  

 A functional kitchen design usually follows the three-step rule, where the three most used things in the room – sink, stove and refrigerator – are not more than three steps away from each other to allow clear and efficient workflow. Functionality also requires copious counter space for food preparation, and substantial storage space to prevent countertops from accumulating clutter and keep supplies, utensils and ingredients organized and easy to find. All three of these are hallmarks of a Transitional Design Style Kitchen.  

 The final step of your kitchen design is putting your personal touch on it. This can be in the form of potted plants (herbs are a good choice as you can also use them in cooking), vintage tea towels, a patterned floor runner, and wall art. Remember that Traditional Design Style leans toward minimalism, so don’t overdo it. You will want to preserve some bare expanse of walls and countertops to retain the light and airy feel. 

 According to design industry sources, the Transitional Design kitchen is the top trending kitchen style and is projected to remain at the top for the foreseeable future. With its timeless aesthetic, practical layout, and focus on function, it’s not surprising that Transitional Style is a rising star in kitchen design.

Interior Designers Houston – Minimalism Design Style

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines minimalism as, “A style in art, design, and theater that uses the smallest range of materials and colors possible, and only very simple shapes and forms.”  The concept is at least as old as Zen Buddhism’s serene pursuit of inner tranquility. Minimalism emerged as a major design style in Denmark following World War II out of necessity, as the country was faced with the challenge of rebuilding with very limited resources. Two or three decades after the war, Minimalism Design Style took root in America. Today, the design concept of minimalism is integrated into nearly every design style to some extent. Advantages of this design style include ease of cleaning, reduced consumption, and carving out a haven of simplicity in a complex, chaotic world. 

The tenets of Minimalism Design Style are Simplicity, functionality, tranquility, intentionality, sophistication, calmness, harmony, and balance. Hallmarks of Minimalism Design include an airy, neutral, often monochromatic color palette, open space, clean lines, simple silhouettes and a lack of clutter. Every piece in a room is chosen thoughtfully, considering its function. A light fixture or chandelier might be chosen for a Minimalism Design living room because it not only functions as lighting and art, but also as a way to focus the eyes upward, thus endowing the room with vertical space and a greater feeling of spaciousness. Multi-functional elements are key to a Minimalism Design Style living room. Sleeper sofas, futons, wall beds, nesting occasional tables, extending dining tables, and storage benches are examples of multi-functional furniture. The reason for incorporating multi-functional furniture into a minimalist living room is to increase space by requiring less furniture. Built-in storage units that seamlessly blend with the room are often found in Minimalism Design Style in any room where clutter is likely to accumulate, including the living room.  

The color palette leans hard to neutral in Minimalism Design Style with whites, beiges, browns, and muted earth tones prevalent. The goal is a room with few distractions and an aura of serenity. Don’t be afraid to paint over exposed brick to lighten the room. Flooring should complement Minimalism Design with clean lines and give the room a sense of flow. Hardwood, laminate, bamboo, ceramic tile and concrete are all flooring choices that can harmonize with the minimalist aesthetic. Small touches of color can be added via an area rug with muted or faded colors. 

Your Minimalism Design Style living room should have a focal point. If you are lucky enough to have a spectacular view out the living room window, you have a built-in focal point around which to design your room. Otherwise, a fireplace, a statement wall, statement lighting, or a piece of furniture can be your focal point. A statement wall may be painted a warmer shade, a brighter color, or be covered with something to add texture to it in which case no wall art is necessary. A large, curved sofa in an earth or jewel tone is a creative focal point.  

Curved furniture such as barrel chairs add softness to a minimalist room. Including a chair upholstered in a pale pastel fabric also softens any hint of austerity. Seating should be comfortable and relaxing. Furniture with legs that raise it high enough for the floor to be visible will give a sense of space, openness and flow to the Minimalism Design Style living room. Embrace the clean lines and sleek silhouettes of modern furniture as you design your room. Go for quality over quantity and leave plenty of open floor space. Consider grouping your furniture in the middle of the room, away from walls. Incorporate natural textures such as linen, leather, woven textiles, jute and wood. Create vertical space with unpretentious shelves which can display objects that are important to you without cluttering tables. If possible, keep your windows bare to maximize natural light. If privacy is an issue, simple window coverings that block as little light as possible are recommended.  

Exercise restraint in wall decor. One large-scale painting or print makes a statement without creating clutter on the wall with multiple small pieces of art. If large-scale art isn’t your thing, leave large areas of the wall around smaller pieces empty to keep the sense of space intact. Consider textured wall decor such as woven or macrame hangings in place of conventional artwork. A round mirror can be used as multifunctional art, adding interest to the wall while reflecting natural light to brighten the room. 

Finally, bring a bit of the outdoors into your Minimalism Design Style living room with potted plants. From tiny succulents to midsize ferns and small trees or large cacti, natural greenery enhances any room in any design style and contributes to the tranquility minimalism strives to foster.  

Remaining focused on functionality and simplicity as you design your Minimalism Design Style living room will ensure a space that is a calm, peaceful oasis in an increasingly complicated world. 

Interior Designers Houston – Minimalism Design Style Bedroom  

 Embracing Minimalism Design Style is more than adopting a style, it’s embracing a lifestyle. The bedroom is the best room to take your first steps into minimalism, as it is the one room in a house where relaxation is an absolute must, and the Minimalism Design Style is all about creating a tranquil, soothing, distraction-free space. 

The first step in creating a Minimalism Design bedroom is to empty the room. Sort through everything; clothing, knick-knacks, books, furniture... all of it. Choose carefully and purposefully those things that will serve a function in your bedroom. Items you don’t choose to return to the room can be rehomed in another room, donated, sold or given away. Next, pick your color palette. Most designers favor a neutral palette with warm tones gaining popularity. Cream, beige and tan can give your room that spacious, airy feel with a touch of sun-kissed glow. If you’re more into sophisticated cool, a palette of whites and grays may be your cup of tea. A darker, “moody” palette of chocolate, black, charcoal or navy has taken hold in recent years, with walls painted dark and white or light neutral bedding, window treatments and furnishings, as well as natural wood accents, delivering the fresh airiness of the style.  

Walls can be painted, limewashed, whitewashed, textile treated – you can be as conventional or as creative as you wish. A textile treated wall adds interest without hanging art on it. If you do decorate your walls with art, exercise restraint. One piece of art on a wall is sufficient; the empty wall space surrounding it will pull your eyes straight to the art. Many minimalists keep their walls completely bare of decoration and select lighting, furniture, and textiles that serve as functional art. Consider creating an accent wall of textile, a slightly darker neutral shade, a rich moody color, shiplap or natural wood. 

Hardwood floors are preferred in a Minimalism Design Style bedroom, both for their clean lines and the natural warmth of the wood. Area rugs in muted tones with simple geometric designs can add a touch of color to the room. Moroccan rugs are generally favored by interior designers for their beauty, quality and design.  

As you begin placing furniture and lighting in your Minimalism Style room, think of clean lines, sleek silhouettes and symmetry. Place the head of the bed in the middle of a wall with twin nightstands placed identically on either side. Install elegantly simple wall sconces at the exact height and distance on each side or purchase a matching pair of small tabletop lamps for the nightstands. A no-frills hanging pendant fixture is a good choice for overhead lighting. Ideally, you have a large walk-in closet that is roomy enough to hold all your clothing and fashion accessories. If not, look for a long, low dresser with plenty of drawers and keep everything tidied away out of sight except for a plant or vase of flowers placed in the center of the dresser top. A small armchair with a curved back will enhance the clean lines of the other furnishings and easily nestle into a corner.   

Layer natural textures on your bed such as cotton sheets, a linen duvet, a woven throw blanket across the foot of the bed, and an accent pillow with a simple design in muted tones. Window treatments, if needed, should be simple, gauzy linen panels or wooden roll-up shades. If you hang art on your walls, consider textile art in neutral hues. For the finishing touch, bring a bit of the outdoors into your room with potted plants. 

Embracing a Minimalism Design Style aesthetic can be a daunting undertaking, but the result is a space, and a lifestyle, that brings serenity to your home and your life.

Interior Designers Houston - Minimalism Design Style Bathroom  

 A Minimalism Design Style bathroom espouses sleek lines, stripped down decor, and a simple palette. The clean lines, right angles, and structured surfaces already prevalent in mainstream bathroom design creates a perfect canvas for a Minimalism Style upgrade.  

The color palette for most Minimalism Design Style spaces including the bathroom is neutral: whites, grays and beiges with touches of black or pale muted colors. Sometimes an interior designer will cover the walls in rich dark neutral shades such as black, chocolate, deep forest green, or navy blue and use natural wood tones and white for furniture and fixtures. You can create an accent wall in one of the rich dark shades of paint, with stacked glass tiles in dark green or blue, black tile with black grouting, natural slate or travertine. Flooring should be neutral in color and can be glass or ceramic tile, travertine, slate, terrazzo or, if you’re brave, wood. Bear in mind the possible humidity in the bathroom when choosing your flooring.  

If your bathroom is small, there are ways to make it appear larger, especially utilizing Minimalism Design Style. Paint the walls bright white, install white fixtures and accessorize with fluffy white towels. Choose polished chrome fittings for the sink, shower and bathtub. Use reflective surfaces including a mirror. A floating vanity attached to the wall several inches above the floor makes the room feel larger because of the empty floor space visible underneath it. A suspended toilet does the same. Instead of vanity, install a wall-mounted sink. Install recessed medicine cabinets to keep the surface of the walls smooth. Hang a couple of narrow floating shelves for storage or display purposes. Use functional items like towels and soaps as decor instead of bringing in purely decorative items. In lieu of towel bars, hang towels on hooks on the wall. Keep most bathroom necessities stored out of sight. Shampoo, conditioner and liquid or gel soaps can be poured into clear glass decanters and stored in a customized shower niche. Install frameless glass doors and walls on your shower enclosure. Eschew window treatments; if you need privacy, try frosted glass or glass block windows. These are all designing tricks to make a small bathroom seem more spacious and are all compatible with the Minimalism Design Style. There is another, bigger option. Use as much space as you can to make a wet room with clear glass front wall and door. The wet room is a large shower space which helps enlarge your bathroom because you can place your stand-alone bathtub in it. You don’t have to do everything; choose the things you want to try and can afford to do if you want your bathroom to appear larger than it is. 

Natural materials are encouraged in Minimalism Design Style, in the form of slate or travertine flooring (which can also be used for walls in a walk-in shower or wet room), a wooden vanity, colored glass tiles, a clear glass shower enclosure, frosted glass or glass block windows, woven fiber accessories and living plants. Snake plants, spider plants and ferns do well in the sometimes-humid bathroom climate.  

For lighting, a hanging pendant light always goes well with Minimalism Design Style. Use under cabinet lighting and an LED backlit mirror. Open the room to as much natural light as possible.  

A Minimalism Design Style bathroom is a peaceful, relaxing room with a comfortable spa-like ambience that will have you looking forward to brushing your teeth and all the other things you do in the bathroom. 

Interior Designers Houston – Minimalism Design Style Kitchen  

 If you want a kitchen that brings beauty into perfect harmony with utility and is easy to clean and maintain, Minimalism Design Style can fulfill your wish. With its focus on function, clean lines and simple silhouettes, this design leaves you with plenty of space for baking, meal preparation, and socializing with friends and family over cards and board games.  

The first and probably most difficult step in achieving a Minimalism style in your kitchen is to go through each cupboard and drawer, remove all the contents, and keep only those things you absolutely know you will use. Everything else can be moved to another room, given away, recycled or donated to thrift shops. Once that is accomplished, choose your color palette and you’re off and running! 

Minimalism Design Style likes a neutral color palette to give your kitchen a spacious, airy ambience. Painting walls and cupboards white makes even a small kitchen seem roomy. Beige, gray, tan, taupe and creamy vanilla will create the same effect and give a warmer tone to the room. If you want an accent wall, it can be created with a darker shade of paint, texture, or elements like glass tile, pressed tin, or wood. Natural wood tones also add warmth to a neutral space. An interior designer will take the shape of your kitchen, age of your house, and layout of the interior into consideration when planning your kitchen. If you have an open floor plan, your kitchen design should be compatible with and flow seamlessly into the surrounding rooms. Neutral colors and natural wood tones make the visual flow to and from other rooms easier to accomplish. 

The number one rule of Minimalism Design Style is to keep surfaces free of clutter. Vast expanses of bare countertops, walls and floors is the goal. In your kitchen, this means shelves, drawers and cabinets are integrated so seamlessly into the design as to be virtually unnoticeable. There should be a place for everything and, when not in use, everything should be in its place. This is why it is important to keep only those things that you will use.  Cabinetry should be flat front for a sleek silhouette. Consider installing deep drawers instead of cupboards to store your kitchen supplies. Pull-out pantries have become popular as a hidden storage option in recent years. There are different styles that all provide a lot of storage space for food, spices and other kitchen supplies while taking up surprisingly little space. Keep handles and knobs slim or, better yet, install drawers and cabinets that have a push-latch mechanism or finger pulls. Aside from the stylish, streamlined look it gives your kitchen, this eliminates the annoyance of catching your clothing on knobs and handles when you’re in the middle of preparing a complicated recipe.   

Countertops tend toward white or light in a Minimalism Design kitchen. Quartz is a popular choice for its white appearance, durability, and ease of cleaning compared to marble. Granite and marble in neutral tones are favored as well. Butcher block countertops will also work well with Minimalism Style, bringing the warmth of natural wood and long, clean lines into the kitchen design. A kitchen island is another source of hidden storage and provides additional workspace, as well as informal seating. The island countertop should be the same material as the other countertops in the kitchen. If granite, marble or quartz is your choice in the kitchen, a waterfall countertop can be installed on the island.  

Hardwood is a stylish, durable choice of flooring that brings the warmth of natural wood into your neutral-hued Minimalism Design Style kitchen. Have it placed in a chevron pattern for a subtle decorative element. Other flooring options that go well with this style are: ceramic tile and porcelain tile which are water-resistant and easy to clean; luxury vinyl for a budget-friendly choice that comes in many colors; polished concrete for a sleek, modern look; and bamboo for an eco-friendly, durable, termite resistant, allergen reducing, easy to clean choice that will give your room a clean and contemporary look.  

Hanging pendant lights are favored in Minimalism Design Style spaces including the kitchen. You can keep the lighting simple in line with the style or make it a statement piece for the kitchen. Using functional items as decor is also in line with Minimalism Style. Lighting, clocks, towels, hanging cookware and potted herbs are all useful kitchen items that can also function as decor. There isn’t really a need for anything else, but if you have the perfect framed print, painting or photo for your kitchen, hang it on a wall by itself. You don’t want cluttered walls any more than cluttered floors or countertops. 

A Minimalism Design Style kitchen is timeless, functional and elegant. It is an oasis of calm simplicity, open space and harmony in the heart of your home. 

Interior Designers Houston – Art Deco Design Style

Art deco design style is a bolder style that first came into popularity in the 1920s and 1930s.  Art deco design uses geometric shapes and bold colors with sleek lines.  The art deco design style makes use of luxurious materials including marble and high-end materials. 

Interior Designers Houston -   Art Deco Design Style Living Room

 During the brief interlude between the end of World War I and the onset of World War II, a design movement in France gained momentum. In 1925, this new style was exhibited for the first time at Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) in Paris. As it took hold in Europe and the United States, the name was shortened from Arts Décoratifs to Art Deco. 

Art Deco Design Style is known for sleek lines, geometric shapes, bold jewel tones, lush fabrics and rich metallics. Its themes looked ahead to an optimistic future. Although the style began to wane during post-World War II economic hardships, elements of it have become ingrained in interior design. Art Deco has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in recent years. An Art Deco living room is a balance between boldness, elegance, and comfort. 

The overall color palette for Art Deco Design Style is jewel tones with neutral accents. There are several options for the walls in an Art Deco living room. If you want an airy space, paint the walls white or gray. If you want a moody ambience, put up decorative paneling. If you want to embrace the opulence of the design, look for wallpaper in shiny gold or period designs.  

As with most Art Deco style rooms, living room floors can be subtle to allow other design elements in the room to take center stage, or the floors themselves can take center stage. Hardwood floors are always a good choice and will evolve with the room. Laid out in a parquet, herringbone or chevron pattern is a nod to the Art Deco era without overwhelming the room design. Marble floors or large tiles in a black and white checkerboard pattern are each classic to the Art Deco aesthetic. You can install carpeting, or place area rugs with loud geometric patterns. Or your floor can become an Art Deco work of art in the form of an inlaid sunburst design in black and gold. 

Look for large pieces of furniture with clean lines to place in your Art Deco Design Style living room. Embrace curves with your furniture choices. Upholstery should be luxurious fabrics such as velvet in bold or deep jewel tones. Geographic patterns are acceptable but avoid florals and plaids. Accent colors of silver, gold and black, and design elements in gilt, chrome, brass and lacquered wood complement the lush fabrics.  

Geometric shapes associated with the Art Deco movement include trapezoids, triangles, zigzags and chevrons. The advent of skyscrapers inspired stepped forms and jagged edges in Art Deco interior design. This fixation with geometric, linear and angular shapes was a reaction to and celebration of the explosive growth of technology following World War I. The art world was also evolving during the era between the wars. 1920s Paris is synonymous with the great artists of the age. Thus, paintings and statuettes in sleek, stylized forms including exotic wildlife, as well as sensuous nudes were all the rage and will fit right into your Art Deco Design Style living room. When placing decor, use the Rule of Three. (Nowadays, it’s more the Rule of Odd Numbers.) Place three things together: three candles of differing heights; three individual objects that form an unexpected grouping; three books of different sizes. This concept is rooted in the idea that the human brain processes odd numbers more easily than even numbers. It can also be used in your choice and placement of furniture, lighting, colors and textures.  

The finishing touch in your Art Deco Design Style living room is the lighting. It’s not hard to find modern versions of the glamorous, futuristic light fixtures from the Art Deco era. You can choose from pendant lights, chandeliers, sconces and lamps, all with the symmetrical and sleek sophistication of the Art Deco era.  

It is, of course, your choice whether to make your living room a celebration of Art Deco Style, or to bring in a few elements of it into another design style. Whichever you choose, Art Deco will give your living room an elegant flair. 

Interior Designers Houston – Art Deco Design Style Bedroom

 A 1920s Art Deco bedroom was filled with lacquered or polished wood furniture, sweeping curves, vibrant jewel tone colors, luxurious fabrics, opulent lighting, bold patterns, and rich metallic accents. One hundred years later, most of these elements are still represented in a modern Art Deco Design Style bedroom with, perhaps, a bit of restraint and some modern adaptations.  The color palette remains true to the Art Deco era, deep blues, greens, reds and yellows with black, white, silver and gold accents.  

Wallpaper with bold illustrations or repeated patterns was popular during the Art Deco era and reproductions or re-imaginings of these designs are available today. Birds and other wildlife, fans, diamonds, arches and other geometric shapes, many with silver or gold designs on a dark background can be found without much effort.  Lacquered paneling is also an Art Deco Design classic. Paneling can be painted to lighten a room or give it a moodier ambience. Adding mirrored doors to a darker bedroom can endow a bit of sparkle without detracting from the moody atmosphere. An interior designer might decide to paint the walls white or gray to give the room a light, airy feel and incorporate colors and patterns in other ways. If you live in an older house with period details like a recessed ceiling or chair rails on the walls, you will want to keep them intact for any design, but particularly for Art Deco Design Style.  

If your budget allows, a marble floor is the ultimate in decadent Art Deco style. Luckily for the average homeowner, a marble floor can be replicated with the right tiling. Or you may prefer the always appropriate hardwood floor and give it an Art Deco Design Style flair by installing it in a geometric pattern. Parquet, chevron and herringbone are all good choices. There is also the classic Art Deco black and white checkerboard tile floor. Whichever flooring surface you choose, add a large area rug with a bold geometric pattern. 

The original Art Deco color palette is much the same as the contemporary Art Deco Design Style: bright, rich colors including yellow, cadmium red, ultramarine, silver and black. Modern additions to the palette include cream and beige as a more subdued complement to dark lacquered furniture. Gold, silver and brass toned metallic accents are sometimes mixed in modern Art Deco design, especially if the color palette for the room is monochromatic. Mixing metallic tones adds warmth and depth. 

Authentic Art Deco era furnishings can be found by searching antique stores and flea markets. Modern reproductions can be found at furniture stores and on websites. Wherever you source your furniture, look for functional pieces with a streamlined design; clean lines; sweeping curves; geometric shapes; and rich, dark, luxurious finishes. Highly polished or lacquered wood dressers, nightstands and dressing tables go from simply elegant to stunningly exciting with the addition of a marble top, a mirrored surface, a mother of pearl inlay, or gold and silver trim. Make your bed the focus of the room with a statement headboard featuring sinuous curves, elaborate geometric patterns, or plush fabric. Or go for an entire bedframe in tufted velvet. Place a curvy sofa at the end of the bed if there is enough space. If space is an issue, perhaps a period straight-back chair. The bed and all seating should be soft, comfortable and inviting. If closet space is insufficient for your needs, a vintage Art Deco wardrobe would be a wonderful piece to include in the decor as functional art. 

Upholstery, window treatments and other textiles in your Art Deco Design Style bedroom should embrace the decadence of the design and follow the vibrant jewel tone color palette. Use luxurious (luxe) fabrics when possible. Examples of luxe fabrics include leather, velvet, damask, silk and lace. Hang lace panels behind the floor to ceiling drapes over your windows. Upholster chairs and a sofa in leather. Put a velvet upholstered headboard on your bed. For bedding, splurge on silk sheets, a satin or cashmere duvet cover, and toss fur throw across the foot of the bed. Or choose Pima cotton, linen, chenille or another high-quality luxe fabric.  

Placing a chandelier, table lamps and wall sconces in the same room is acceptable for a completely Art Deco Design Style bedroom. Choose one or two of those options if you are integrating a dash of Art Deco into another design style. Even the most complex-looking Art Deco chandelier will adhere to the basic tenets of Art Deco design: clean lines, simple linear (i.e. zigzag) or geometric shapes, and symmetry. Choose one in a style that suits the level of elegance and drama in your bedroom design. Table lamps should have chrome or brass metallic finish. A tall brass lamp with a domed glass cover, a brass nude statuette holding a globular light, a chrome lamp base featuring curves or stacked geometric shapes, a lamp base shaped like a peacock perched on a branch, and even late era Tiffany lamps featuring geometric designs (instead of flowers and fruits) are all examples of Art Deco Style table lamps. Wall sconces of the Art Deco era, as well as their modern descendants, are particularly stylish, with designs that range from a simple rectangle to what looks like a bundle of straw; from a simple globe to a three-tier bowl shaped work of art. Modern reproductions of all forms of Art Deco lighting are easy to find in a range of styles and prices. Just remember that one of the rules of Art Deco Design Style is symmetry. If you place a lamp or sconce on the left side of the bed, you will need to bring balance on the right side. In other words, you will most likely need two identical or near-identical lamps or sconces.  

Finally, the accessories. A round mirror, in combination with shiny metallic elements and mirrored surfaces on furniture, will help move light around the bedroom. Stylized statuettes of birds, wild animals, or nude women are a tribute to the Art Deco era and the great artists that congregated in Paris at the time. Incorporate geometric shapes and a starburst motif while remembering the Rule of Three (or Five or Seven). Place three (or five, or seven) items together for a stable, harmonious look and greater visual appeal.  

Whether you use many of these suggestions or only a couple, adding Art Deco Design Style to your bedroom will bring a spark of excitement, optimism and elegance of the 1920s to a room that should always exude those qualities. 

Interior Designers Houston – Art Deco Design Style Bathroom  

 The Art Deco era is renowned for bold angular and geometric shapes and patterns, sleek lines, high functionality, elegant decorations and its use of luxurious, expensive materials. Wood in rich dark tones, gleaming marble, glistening chrome and burnished brass are some of the materials that create the sumptuous appearance of an Art Deco Design Style bathroom. Marble can be used on walls, floor or sink; you might choose a period walnut vanity; chrome and brass may be found in vintage or reproduction sink consoles, bathtub and sink taps and lighting accents.  

The color palette for an Art Deco Design Style bathroom can vary from the rich jewel tones and bold accents of the living room and bedroom. Jewel tones were used in bathrooms during the Art Deco era and are one option for your palette, but during that time, the idea of the bathroom as a tranquil, spa-like retreat came into vogue and the color palette evolved to dusty pink or light teal with black, gold and silver accents. In a modern Art Deco Style bathroom, you might decide to use a neutral color like cream or gray on the walls and bring in jewel tones, pink or teal for decorative tile and accents.  

Square floor tiles with a bold pattern authentic to the Art Deco era, such as basket weave and cubes; contemporary geometric designs; penny tiles; and black and white tiles in a checkerboard pattern are all compatible with Art Deco Design Style. A marble floor will give the room a luxurious appearance. There are less expensive modern options to achieve the look of a marble floor; porcelain tile, ceramic tile, and sheet linoleum are three such options. 

Your Art Deco Design Style bathroom walls, if you choose not to paint them in neutral shades, can be covered in marble, a variety of tiles, or wallpaper featuring Art Deco era motifs to summon the spirit of the 1920s. Marble or marble-look porcelain tile can line a shower or the wall behind a stand-alone bathtub. Square or rectangular (subway) tiles in deep jewel tones like emerald, green evoke an authentic Art Deco ambience. The same type of tile in soothing dusty pink or light teal with black tile accents create a 1920s spa-like atmosphere. Geometric shaped tiles such as hexagons or square tiles with a geometric pattern are as popular today as they were a hundred years ago. A mix of subway and geometric shaped tiles create a striking appearance. Wallpaper designs may feature a jungle mural, images of birds or animals, or repeated motifs of feather fans, arches, or geometric shapes. Any of these suggestions can be used on every wall of the bathroom, or to create an accent wall.  

If you are installing windows in your Art Deco Design Style bathroom, elegant arched windows are stylish and true to both the era and the design.  If you selected marble for walls and/or floors, you may want to punctuate that opulent feel with stained glass windows, or a combination of frosted glass with stained glass framing the edges. Glass block windows, like frosted and stained-glass windows, require no window treatments. For clear glass windows that require privacy, window treatments can be modern curtains with an Art Deco pattern, or simple Roman shades. 

Now that we’ve covered the floor and perimeter of the bathroom, we can look at furnishings. For an Art Deco era authentic, traditional bathroom vanity, search flea markets and antique stores for a period wooden vanity or a sideboard that can be converted to a vanity. Install a contemporary square vessel sink on an upcycled sideboard. Search the same places or look for modern reproductions of a period brass or chrome sink console which features an open metal shelf and a built-in towel bar and top it with a square marble console sink. For authentic or reproduction sinks, look for cross-shaped handles and mount the tap in the wall. You can also find modern reproductions and Art Deco inspired vanities that can accommodate two sinks. These include floating vanities, curved vanities, and small twin vanities that emphasize the beloved Art Deco use of symmetry. Alternatively, you can go contemporary while respecting the spirit of Art Deco Design Style, with a counter, shelves and vessel sink all made of clear glass. Hopefully, your bathroom has space for a free-standing claw-foot bathtub. Depending on the size and color palette of the room, an interior designer might opt to paint the bathtub or cover it in gold leaf. To add warmth to the room, choose brass fixtures. For sparkly sophistication, go with polished chrome. 

Many lighting companies have modern Art Deco inspired product lines, giving you myriad choices for your Art Deco Design Style bathroom. Choose from chandeliers with clean lines, pendant lights and globe wall sconces. Remember to keep things symmetrical; if you hang a wall sconce to the right of the sink, balance it with a wall sconce on the left side. Choose light bulbs that provide warm lighting. 

For the finishing touches, hang a vintage or Art Deco inspired round mirror from a chain above the sink or the claw-foot bathtub. Perhaps you would prefer a period arched or multi-cut mirror to hang above the sink. Incorporate scalloped edges and Art Deco motifs into the design or decor. Install a sculptural wall heater. Repurpose period pieces for extra storage. Towels sporting Art Deco era patterns are not difficult to find. For a subtler choice, purchase oversized Turkish towels which are more likely to be what were used in posh Art Deco era bathrooms.  

Interior Designers Houston – Art Deco Design Style Kitchen  

Art Deco Design Style exudes opulence, glamor, and the nostalgic allure of the Jazz Age. It would be easy to get carried away with luxurious polished wood, sumptuous marble, lush velvet, glossy tiles and glistening metals, and lose sight of the purpose of the room. When planning your Art Deco Design Style kitchen, it is especially important to focus equally on beauty and functionality; each element you choose should share both characteristics.  

The palette for an Art Deco Style kitchen depends on how committed you are to Art Deco Design Style. If you are all-in with the design, rich jewel tones and natural dark woods, black and white with splashes of color, bright teal/aqua, moody shades, muted colors, or neutral tones with one statement color can all be used in an Art Deco Style kitchen. Be sure to balance dark and light tones and include gold, brass, chrome, and/or stainless-steel accents for sparkle and shine. If you want to bring a hint of Art Deco pizzazz into another design style, you will most likely want a neutral palette.  

There are several options for floors, most of which will work with any design style. For an authentically lavish Art Deco look, a marble floor can’t be beat. If your budget isn’t as lavish as your taste, search out marble-looking porcelain or ceramic tile for a marble substitute that is durable and easy to clean. Linoleum in a marble pattern is an economical option to get the rich look of a marble floor without the rich price. Hardwood floors are appropriate in any Art Deco Design Style room, including the kitchen. It can be installed in the traditional way, or in a chevron, herringbone or parquet pattern. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a tile floor in the kitchen. Black and white tile laid out in a checkerboard pattern is classic Art Deco; or choose white tile with a bold black geometric pattern, or geometric patterned tile in colors that complement your palette. 

Walls can be tiled or paneled but most people opt to paint the walls in accordance with their color palette and add a tiled backsplash. You can choose richly hued glass tiles, geometric shaped tiles, or tile with a geometric pattern on it. The backsplash can be an eye-catching accent in your Art Deco Design Style kitchen. 

Windows can make a statement in your kitchen with the use of stained glass, fluted glass, or glass blocks. All of these options are true to the Art Deco Design aesthetic and, as a bonus, require no window treatments. If you have clear glass windows in your kitchen and they don’t look out to a private area, install Roman shades that complement Art Deco design and can be raised and lowered as needed. 

You may be able to source vintage Art Deco counters and free-standing Hoosier cabinets from antique stores and flea markets. You will certainly be able to find reproduction and Art Deco inspired counters and cabinetry online or through design firms. Look for counters with rounded edges and a sweeping curved shape. A curved, fluted or mirrored counter topped with marble makes a strong Art Deco statement. Appliances can be modern stainless steel, or modern with a retro design. If you have room for a corner dining nook, seek out a curved leather banquette to place behind a retro table. Finally, carve out some space for an elegant bar area. 

Make a statement with your kitchen lighting with globe pendant lights, cut-glass pendant lights, or a chandelier featuring clean lines, linear or geometric shapes, and a symmetrical design. Under counter lighting can add brightness or provide mood lighting. Reproductions of Art Deco era wall sconces can be used in areas where you might need extra light (e.g. sink, bar). 

Cut glass cabinet knobs, shiny metal accessories, curved shelves, a fluted glass fronted cabinet door, and a pressed tin statement ceiling will add the perfect finishing touches to your Art Deco Design Style kitchen. 

Interior Designers Houston - Shabby Chic Design Style

A shabby chic design style blends vintage style and cottage style.  With shabby chic interior design, we have an elegant look that is also worn.  The shabby chic style emerged in the 1980s and 1990s.  Shabby chic is a design still used today but it is not as popular as it was in the 1980s and now it would not be viewed as trendy and instead viewed as a classic design style.  The design originated from designer Rachel Ashwell and it was named after her store.  Rachell Ashwell used the style to turn vintage thrift items into home decorations.  Recently shabby chic has become popular again since covid as people began spending more time in their homes and they wanted a familiar style.  Shabby Chic is usually defined with white linen and antique furniture.  Shabby Chic design style will focus on vintage and distressed furniture .The distressed furniture has more of a romantic style and is generally viewed as authentic.  The vintage furniture will also be matched with vintage accessories and floral wallpaper.  Shabby chic will typically use white colors for the walls or pale pastels.  Shabby chic will use custom slipcovers for furniture such as the couch. The slipcovers will use custom accents to help contrast with fabrics.  The furniture for shabby chic will often use styles that are conflicting or contrasting with different styles. 

Interior Designers Houston – Glam Design Style

A glam interior design style is characterized by having luxurious and sophisticated design.  Glam interior design style is known for bolder colors and larger patterns.  Interior designers will use mirrors and tables with mirrors for the glam design style.  Fabrics will include silk, velvet and even fur.  Fixtures will typically be bold and stand out.  For example, a crystal chandelier and ambient lighting will be utilized.  The glam interior design style will make use of glass around each room.  With the glam design style, the colors tend to be more on the neutral side.  Pastels are very common with the glam interior design with some use of jewel tones.  Most of the money with the glam design style will focus on luxurious furniture or materials.  Marble, gold, fur, silk and crystal add a certain glitz to the design.  The light fixtures will feature plenty of glitz too with large and showy pieces that help with lighting but also draw attention to the lighting.  The best approach to glam interior design is to think glitzy and versatile.  Glam will add a touch of elegance and luxury to space. The glam interior design style is more than just style and sparkles.  A certain sophistication is added to the living space.

Interior Designers Houston – Grandmillennial Design Style

The Grandmillennial design style is a new style in name only and builds off the style that is more classic and traditional in nature.  It is called Grandmillennial design style because it is adapted by young people in their 20’s and 30’s borrowing of the more traditional style of their grandparents.  It is a traditional style with some updated features to adapt to today.  Almost any style will remerge with time and give a slightly new twist.  The Grandmillennial style is just that for a certain generation.  In fact, some would consider this style to be a new traditional design style.  This style is popular in the South with a return to tradition.  It is characterized by fancy drapes and fringe trim.  Many would like to think of this style as “Granny Chic.”  Grandmillennial design style is a throwback to patterns while avoiding the stuffy look of the generation before.  An Interior Designer will pull in some of your grandmother’s good China for this stull and would use some floral wallpaper.  The Grandmillennial design will have a large quantity of patterns with textures mixed in the space.  It might be mixed in some brown furniture.  The new style will avoid the stuffy and formal rooms of grandma’s house.  But it will include skirted tables and patterned upholstery.  The furniture may include stained wood but then add in a few modern elements.  With classic prints and plaid, some might call the style nostalgic and comfortable.  The plaid will be featured on the curtains and wall coverings.  It is best to look at the style as being a combination of the old with a new take that leaves the home comfortable.  The Grandmillennial design style will look timeless and avoid the cluttered style.  The floor plan of a Grandmillennial design style will be open and inviting.  It will create space that encourages interaction.  The Grandmillennial design style will feature antiques, books and family photos.  The design style will have a heavy focus on comfort.  Expect a setting that would encourage family to stop in and sit and talk for hours.  As you look around the house, you would expect to see the history of the family in the furniture, photos and art.  The Grandmillennial interior design style will feature colors that are white or cream.  The design will include moldings and trims and maybe a brick fireplace.  The flooring will include wood floors that were popular during grandma’s time.  A few antique furniture pieces might be mixed in with something new to create a balance to the home.  When adding this furniture, you will need to be careful not to place too much furniture in the home.  The furniture should be comfortable and is usually larger than normal, creating an environment to sit down and relax.  A mix of pillows can be added to the couch or master bedroom bedding.  Floral wallpaper is a nice feature for the bathroom.  A bookcase will display travel books displaying some of the places the family has visited. 

Interior Designers Houston – Grandmillennial Design Style – Kitchen

A typical kitchen for a Grandmillennial design style will feature vintage or unusual pieces.  It will mix in the old with the new to make for a unique style.  Rugs are an additional feature of the design.  The shaker cabinet design is a good match for the Grandmillennial design style.  The cabinet fixtures will be more traditional or antique in design.  Glass is very common in the cabinetry with wallpaper as a backdrop.  Fabric skirts can be used around the island of the kitchen.  The patterns will be mixed using maybe striped patterns at the top of a window and maybe a more neutral color for the bottom part of the window covering.  A nice touch is to add plates on the wall of the kitchen that are either antique in style or have significant meaning to the family. 

Interior Designers Houston – Grandmillennial Design Style – Master Bedroom

Many homeowners that decide to use the Grandmillennial design style in their master bedroom are trying to recreate the look of their grandparents’ bedroom.  They have an image in their head that they want to imitate for their own home.  That style will be rooted in tradition.  One way to bring the Grandmillennial design style to your home is to add pleated lampshades.  The lampshades can produce a very subtle shoutout to the past.  Trees and plants can be added to the master bedroom.  The trees might be larger than expected in a home or master bedroom.  A nice sofa in the master bedroom that is white, or cream will match the Grandmillennial design style.  Just like the other rooms, the patterns might mix in larger and then maybe smaller stripes.  The furniture must be durable and be able to stand the course of time to keep the style complete.  The bedframe should be grand and be central to the room.  Several options exist but a nice large wood bedframe would match the traditional style of grandma’s house.

Interior Designers Houston – Regency Design Style - Hollywood Regency Design Style – Regencycore Design Style – Regency Moderne Design Style 

Hollywood regency design style is reflective of the Hollywood timeframe of 1920s-1950s.  The movie sets were made with a luxurious style that matched Hollywood, and it led to a design style that people wanted to match in their own homes.  The Hollywood regency style was known for black and white checkerboard flooring and grand and sparkly chandeliers.  The colors tones were bold, and the furniture was mirrored. The style reflected glamorous and luxurious homes.  Hollywood regency design style is a maximalist design style approach.  Mirrored features are used throughout the home.  Black and white are used with the design style.  Hollywood regency design style features fur, silk and velvet.  A great deal of old school glam helped drive the interior design of these homes.  Hollywood regency design style has plenty of mirrors surrounded by gold.  The tables and dressers also make use of mirrors.  The accents are often gold.  Hollywood regency design style will make use of hot pink in carpets and the colors of the walls.  The art and photos on the wall will be black and white.  Leopard print will be displayed on the floors and the upholstery.  Large crystal chandeliers will greet the visitor as they walk into the home.  The Hollywood regency design style will have a glam and flashy appearance.  It will have bold colors and a maximalist style. 

Interior Designers Houston – Farmhouse Design Style – Modern Farmhouse Design Style – Traditional Farmhouse Design Style – French Farmhouse Design Style

Farmhouse interior design is represented by a simpler and cleaner style to a home.  The style is known for being comfortable and cozy.  The farmhouse interior design can be broken up into two different design types.  One is a traditional farmhouse design and the other is a modern farmhouse design.  The traditional farmhouse design is also known as the classic farmhouse design style, and it is rustic and vintage in design style.  A traditional farmhouse will have country or antique furniture.  A modern farmhouse design style will bring in some contemporary elements.  The farmhouse approach is patterned after actual homes where farmers lived.  A typical farmhouse is made from material that would be available to a farmer like wood and stone.  The houses were designed with functionality in mind.  Both the modern farmhouse design style and the traditional farmhouse design style were built around the concept of duplicating the farmhouse style.  The traditional farmhouse style would focus more on the antique elements and the modern would add more contemporary elements to the style.  A modern farmhouse interior design style would have exposed beams or wood floors that were more contemporary.  But there are features that tend to be common in both styles.  They both tend to have exposed beams.  Both styles tend to have plants.  Both styles have at least some vintage or antique elements.  Both the traditional farmhouse design and the modern farmhouse design will have larger furniture.  Both styles will make use of barn doors.  And both styles tend to have a great deal of cabinetry and reclaimed wood.  Interior designers can add certain elements to a home to create farmhouse style.  They can add rustic features such as wood and stone.  One simple way to add an element is to change the flooring to reclaimed wood.  Other elements in the home can also be impacted by adding reclaimed wood. 

Interior Designers Houston – Farmhouse Design Style – Living Room

One feature that is important to the living room of a farmhouse interior design is a fireplace.  A fireplace is a practical addition to the home of any farmer to keep the house warm. A rough, stone fireplace will immediately give the farmhouse touch to the style. The living room space will also feature large windows that allow for greater light.  Vintage accents can go along with the fireplace to make the living room an authentic farmhouse style.  The colors in the living room will tend to the natural colors.  A farmhouse tends to also have large open spaces that combined the kitchen with the living room to make for a larger space. 

Interior Designers Houston – Memphis Design Style

The Memphis design style is inspired by art deco design style, and it utilizes retro colors and has bold features.  The Memphis design style uses bold patterns and repetitive geometric patterns to guide the style.  The colors with Memphis design style are bold but they also clash with each other.  The colors make use of black and white stripes that contrast each other. 

Interior Designers Houston – Art Moderne Design Style – Streamline Moderne

The art moderne design style hit its peak in the 1930s to 1940s.  It is characterized by retro curves and pastel hues.  The curving forms and long horizontal lines were used by designers using the art moderne design style. The art moderne design style has smooth white walls.  The windows have glass blocks.  Glass brick walls and round edges make up the windows for this design.

Interior Designers Houston – Hollywood Glam Design Style

Hollywood Glam interior design style (also known as Hollywood Regency or Regency Moderne) dates back to the 1930s, the Golden Age of Hollywood. This style is a combination of Art Deco and Mid Century Modern, and is attributed to Billy Haines, an actor who became a designer. The Hollywood Glam style is all about clean lines, bold colors, uncluttered spaces, lush fabrics, dramatic lighting, and shiny surfaces and accents. Bold designs are also essential to the Hollywood Glam style.

Textures are important to the Hollywood Glam style. Velvet, silk, satin, leather, sheepskin and fur are all associated with this style. Think of velvet tufted upholstery in neutral or jewel tone solids, metallic brass or gold accents, shiny marble or lacquered surfaces, sheepskin rugs, and bold patterned wallpaper or wall art.

The Hollywood Glam style can be combined with other styles without losing its lush appeal. The key is to keep the space airy and clutter-free, while incorporating drama and opulence and a cohesive flow from room to room.

An unexpected blending of colors, textures, patterns and fabrics will give your space an exclusive look in the style of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Interior Designers Houston – Hollywood Glam Design Style Living Room

When designing a living room in the Hollywood Glam style, it’s important to choose your color palette. Neutrals in creams, soft grays, and light browns; pastels in pale shades of pink, blue, lavender, and yellow; or bolder jewel tone hues of deep blue, purple and green can come together to make a cohesive design that is pleasing to the eye. Another color combination that works well with the Hollywood Glam style is black and white, which can be utilized in the furniture, or wall and floor accents.

An interior designer might choose wallpaper in a bold design paired with a lush sheepskin rug, or a solid painted wall in your chosen color palette paired with a rug in a bold pattern. Look for comfortable furniture in lush fabrics. For instance, a tufted sofa in velvet or leather, with armchairs that coordinate rather than exactly match. It is perfectly acceptable to pair leather armchairs with a velvet couch. The Hollywood Glam style is about creating a rich, uncluttered look. This can be achieved without perfectly matched furniture, if all the pieces complement each other and bring about a cohesive look to the room. Window treatments should also be rich, sumptuous fabrics such as satin, silk or velvet.

Other furniture pieces, such as a coffee table, end tables, or a credenza should bring a shine to the room. Lacquered wood or marble topped pieces work well with the Hollywood Glam look. For lighting, an elegant chandelier, and/or gleaming metal lamps will add to the luxurious look of the space.

Interior Designers Houston – Hollywood Glam Design Style - Master Bedroom

The centerpiece of the Hollywood Glam style bedroom is the bed. A beautiful quilted or tufted fabric headboard is the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour. Add a full canopy or sheer fabric draped over a round frame centered over the head of the bed and sweet dreams are almost guaranteed. Top off the bed with silk or satin sheets and a luxuriously soft duvet covered with a sumptuous fabric.

Other furnishings such as dresser, armoire, nightstands and vanity table should have a highly polished natural finish, painted in neutral colors such as black or white, or topped with a marble or mirrored surface. Choose window coverings in fabrics that complement your desired look. Silk, satin, or velvet for a dark, intimate feel; linen drapes over sheer panels for a lighter, airier space.

For lighting, look for gold or brass lamps, or a chandelier that matches the aesthetic of the room. A wooden floor with plush rugs will complete the bedroom of your sweetest dreams.

When designing your bedroom in Hollywood Glam style, neutral-colored walls, upholstery, and window and bed coverings will allow you to add pops of color in the accessories. Throw pillows, rugs, wall art, and blanket throws in colors from your chosen palette will pull the room together and offer versatility and ease if you decide to change your colors in the future.

Interior Designers Houston – Hollywood Glam Design Style - Bathroom

The predominant colors in the typical Hollywood Glam bathroom are black and white, but they are not the only choices to achieve the look of Old Hollywood glamour. While black and white allows for a wider choice of accent colors, bold, colorful wallpaper, paint and tiling are also used with wonderful results. Most Old Hollywood bathrooms incorporate either geometric or plant patterns into their design. The size of the bathroom is key to your choice of colors and patterns; for the best results, bigger is better.

The bathtub or shower stall is the star of the Hollywood Glam bathroom. A free-standing bathtub in either modern or vintage style on a geometric patterned tile floor, or a large shower stall with intricately patterned mosaic walls and clear glass doors is the showstopper you want in your glamorous bathroom.

Walls can be painted in solid colors, papered in large leaf patterns, tiled in geometric designs, or various combinations of the three. If tiled, you can incorporate your color preferences in the tiles for a unique look. A bold wallpaper can be used to great effect above solid painted wainscoting. Walls painted in single colors will accent geometric designs in floor tiles.

Marble vanity tops and sinks with brass fittings will make your bathroom gleam. There is even glitter grouting available to add a subtle sparkle to tiled walls and floors. Incorporating crystal and brass wall sconces in a classic art deco design provides the finishing touch to your Hollywood Glam style bathroom.

Interior Designers Houston – Hollywood Glam Design Style - Kitchen

Many interior designers choose a dark color palette for Old Hollywood style kitchens. Cupboards may be painted navy blue, dark teal, deep plum, black or other dark, lush jewel tones. Glass fronted cupboards can keep the kitchen from feeling too dark. A lighter color may be used in shiny marble or granite countertops to great effect. If you prefer a lighter space, white cupboards with dark-painted outlines can be paired with black marble or granite countertops.

Backsplash designs can include the same marble or granite as the countertops, glass, mosaics, or tiles and may incorporate geometric patterns. Ceilings can be covered in unexpected ways including vintage pressed tin, or a more modern tufted leather look. A designer might look for new appliances in a vintage style, but modern appliances can be seamlessly incorporated into a Hollywood Glam kitchen.

With drama provided by the cupboards, ceiling and backsplash, floors and walls can be more subdued without detracting from the overall aesthetic. Wooden floors and classic black and white tiled floors are the most popular choices, but a nice geometric or nature pattern wouldn’t go amiss for your Hollywood kitchen floor. Walls may be painted in a neutral color that complements the painted cupboards. Any art should be placed in a way that does not cause the space to look cluttered.

Interior Designers Houston – Old Hollywood Design Style

Interior Designers Houston – Nordic-Inspired Design Style

There is some confusion about the differences between Nordic Inspired Design and Scandinavian Design. It’s principally a matter of geography. Scandinavia consists of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Denmark is not actually part of the Scandinavian peninsula, but its history is so closely intertwined with both Norway and Sweden it is considered a Scandinavian country. These three countries’ design styles are grouped under the umbrella of Scandinavian Design. 

Nordic Inspired Design is a much bigger umbrella, as it includes the three Scandinavian countries plus Finland, Iceland, Greenland (which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark), and a couple of small autonomous regions belonging to Finland and Denmark. So, while Scandinavian Design is included in Nordic Inspired Design, Nordic Design is not included in Scandinavian Design. The two terms are used interchangeably, however, and the similarities between the two styles are greater than the differences.  

Nordic Inspired Design combines Swedish minimalism with Danish romanticism to create a warm, welcoming, functional space. The use of native wood is prevalent in Nordic Design. Colors tend to be mostly neutral shades.  

Comfort and functionality are the primary considerations in Nordic Inspired Design. The main characteristics of both Nordic and Scandinavian Design are clean lines, natural light, minimalism, natural materials, neutral colors, textiles, lighting, and plants.  

A Nordic Inspired Design home will have features evoking nature and the outdoors. Each room radiates warmth and welcome with comfortable upholstery, cozy textiles, curved wood accents, peaceful colors, open spaces, lack of clutter, functionality, and plants. 

Interior Designers Houston – Nordic-Inspired Design Style - Living Room

The Nordic Design style living room is a soothing oasis that provides a cozy, uncluttered place to curl up with a book, as well as a welcoming space for friends and conversation. Furniture is limited to functional pieces with clean lines, and no space is sacrificed for purely ornamental items. Upholstery is often a solid, neutral color; leather is a popular choice. Wood is the favored choice for non-upholstered furniture. In the Nordic countries, the wood is generally locally sourced, sleek, smooth and gracefully curved.  

Nature and the outdoors are highly valued in Nordic countries, and this is reflected in their love of houseplants. Filling corners, shelves and hearths with plants brings outdoors inside and provides many beneficial effects such as purifying the air and reducing stress. Plants are preferred over knick-knacks that gather dust and have no practical use. 

Your Nordic inspired walls will be white, or a neutral shade that is nearly white. Windows will be more prominent than artwork, which will most likely consist of a single painting or print on an otherwise unornamented wall. Natural wood floors are favored, with solid or simply patterned area rugs in neutral colors. There will be plenty of open space and a light, clean, airy ambience to the room. 

Interior Designers Houston – Nordic-Inspired Design Style - Master Bedroom

A Nordic Inspired Design bedroom is based on the axiom that less is more. Less furniture creates more space. A limited color palette fosters an airy atmosphere. Minimal window treatments equal more natural light. Less bric-a-brac leads to a more serene ambience, an important element in a room where relaxation is required. 

Walls will generally be painted in neutral colors, or even whitewashed. Original architectural elements such as open ceiling beams, a brick wall, shiplap ceilings and floors, and arched entryways are left intact to highlight the history of the building. Wall art is minimal, and functional use of walls with the utilization of painted wooden hooks or floating shelves is encouraged. Window treatments that allow for maximum natural light are preferred. Gauzy white sheer panels, linen drapes, and wood or linen window shades are all options for achieving privacy without sacrificing light. 

Hardwood floors of light-colored wood are desirable in most Nordic inspired rooms. Fluffy sheepskin rugs, or woven rugs with simple geometric patterns add both literal and figurative warmth to the room. In your Nordic Inspired bedroom, the bed can be any size. It can have a headboard, a footboard, both, or neither. It can be modern or antique, wood or metal. A designer can integrate many bed styles into the Nordic Inspired Design with simple dressings, including the use of white bed linens, a cozy duvet with a solid, neutral tone cover, a hand-knit or wool blanket throw, and a single accent pillow.  

Other bedroom furnishings should be kept to a minimum. Wooden furniture with clean lines and iconic curved edges is the norm, but not required to achieve the Nordic appeal. A low, wide dresser can be painted or whitewashed and placed against a wall to provide plenty of storage space. An antique wooden chair can serve as a nightstand. An old wooden ladder placed against a wall can hold extra blankets.  Each piece of furniture should have a practical function. 

To finish off your Nordic Inspired Design bedroom, add plants, fill an antique vase with dried flowers and place it on a shelf or dresser, hang a favorite hat or scarf on a wall hook... find a way to place something that shows off your personality in the room.  

Interior Designers Houston – Nordic-Inspired Design Style - Bathroom

A Nordic Inspired Design bathroom follows the tenets of Nordic design: clean lines, functionality, natural beauty, natural light, minimalism, natural materials, and neutral colors. Appliances are streamlined and energy efficient, light-colored woods are used for vanities and shelves, natural light is maximized, artificial light is subtle and energy efficient, clutter is eschewed in favor of minimalism, and nature is celebrated.  

Bathroom walls will be painted or tiled in white or light neutral colors. Natural stone might also be used, especially in shower enclosures. Floors may also be either tiled or natural stone. If wood is used for flooring, it must be meticulously sealed to prevent water damage. As much of the floor and walls as possible should remain uninterrupted by frivolous decor, to retain the impression of abundant space. Large windows are desired to provide maximum natural light and foster a connection to the outdoors. In the absence of large windows, consider installing strategically placed skylights to capture as much sunlight as possible. For artificial light, look for hanging pendant lights or simple wall sconces and use with energy efficient lightbulbs or dimming capability. 

Built-in storage is often utilized in Nordic Inspired bathrooms, to keep necessary items out of sight and maintain a clutter-free look. Hidden cupboards and drawers can hold towels, paper goods, and other normal bathroom items without disturbing the Nordic character of the room. 

Sleek, modern appliances that promote water conservation are favored in the Nordic Inspired bathroom. White is the favored shade for bathroom appliances, in keeping with the Nordic aesthetic of neutral colors, light and airiness. A freestanding bathtub with smooth round sides can be tucked into an alcove, or given pride of place in front of a large window. Shower stalls tend to be surrounded by floors to clear glass ceiling walls, increasing the impression of open space. The showerhead, bathtub and sink taps, and other metallic features are non-reflective brushed nickel or matte black. The bathroom sink may be installed in a natural wood vanity, or it could be mounted on a wall with no visible pipes. The toilet should be low flow, with dual flush feature. For a more pleasing aesthetic, choose a toilet with a hidden cistern.  

Textiles should include plush towels, natural fiber rugs, and woven basketry. Utilize small baskets to hold miniature soaps and other necessities. A large basket can hold rolled towels. The trashcan could be made of wicker or rattan. 

Decorative items should be kept to a minimum. A simply framed black and white photograph on a wall, a white vase filled with lavender on a countertop, a small potted plant on the floor, and a candle on a windowsill or tucked into a niche are sufficient to achieve the Nordic desire for hygge (hoog-uh), finding joy in simple comforts.  

Finally, if you have enough space in your bathroom, consider installing a personal sauna, either a traditional Finnish sauna, or a modern infrared sauna, for the ultimate Nordic bathroom. 

Interior Designers Houston – Nordic-Inspired Design Style - Kitchen

Nordic Inspired Design kitchens are often all white but may also feature pale neutral hues. Open space, clean lines and functionality create a clean, airy room with a spacious feel regardless of the actual size of the space. A kitchen island provides added storage space, workspace, and seating space. In some cases, the kitchen island is replaced with a kitchen table, which also provides all the above except storage space.  

Flat fronted kitchen cabinets, painted white and sporting unobtrusive hardware, are favored. The removal of upper cabinetry to accommodate more unobstructed wall space is also on trend. To make up for the loss of storage space, the lower cabinetry often extends from wall to wall. If the upper cabinetry is retained, installing glass-fronted doors can give the illusion of more space. Marble, granite, or butcher block countertops should have a clean, uncluttered look. 

Stainless steel appliances are favored as the muted silver color coexists nicely with the neutral color palette. All modern kitchen appliances will fit into the Nordic aesthetic. The surface should be uncluttered and clean.  

Floors are generally hardwood, sometimes painted or whitewashed. Art in the Nordic Inspired kitchen follows the “less is more” sensibility of Nordic design. Drop lighting in a simple design can provide a splash of color. 

Other design styles can be successfully integrated with Nordic Inspired Design in the kitchen, particularly Industrial and Farmhouse. 

Interior Designers Houston – Eclecticism in Architecture Design Style

Interior Designers Houston – Modern Design Style Bathroom

When designing your Modern Design Style bathroom, functionality should be at the forefront of your mind. It’s important that everything in the bathroom has a purpose and a designated place to avoid a chaotic, cluttered space. A good place to start, then, is the vanity. The floating vanity, connected to a wall instead of grounded on the floor, has become a staple in modern bathroom design. The floor being visible underneath the vanity gives the illusion of a roomier space. Large, deep drawers, opposed to cupboards, make it easier to keep things organized. A natural wood vanity with marble countertop will make your Modern Design Style bathroom shine.

Of course, a vanity is not a necessity. Many Modern Design Style bathrooms feature stand-alone sinks. A pedestal sink is a popular choice for a modern, elegant look. If you prefer a statement piece, consider modernizing a vintage style utility sink with a unique trim that complements your bathroom.

A suspended toilet, with a visible expanse of floor underneath, provides the same illusion of space as a floating vanity and gives the sleek look desired in a Modern Design Style bathroom.

If you are lucky enough to have a spacious bathroom, install a stand-alone bathtub and a separate walk-in shower. The bathtub in a Modern Design Style bathroom can be a sleek, modern design, or a vintage style clawfoot tub which has surged in popularity in the past decade. The walk-in shower should have a clear glass door or be a clear glass box. If the former, there are many choices for the shower walls. Tiled shower enclosures are still very popular, with a wide array of tile styles available. For a more modern look, consider mismatched tiles, in different shades of one color. Square tiles enjoy a resurgence of popularity, subway tiles are currently very fashionable, mosaic tiling has never gone out of style, and there is also a choice of unusually shaped tiles, like fish scale, that can turn your shower into a showpiece. Other stylish choices for the shower wall include stone slabs, and a textured, non-tile finish. Whatever your wall choice, add a built-in seat and floating shelves to make your shower extra-functional.

You can add a bit of whimsy to your Modern Design Style bathroom with a mosaic tile floor. Work in words or designs while laying out your floor. Add a small rug with a geometric design.

Finish off your Modern Design Style bathroom with a backlit mirror, sleek metallic sconces, and a potted plant for a modern bathroom that will always be in style.

Interior Designers Houston – Modern Design Style Kitchen

The Modern Design Style kitchen is defined by functionality and simple, clean lines. It can lean toward contemporary, Bohemian, and most styles in between, but there will always be clean lines and a priority on functionality.

Upper cabinetry is often eschewed in a Modern Design Style kitchen, with creative built-in storage solutions, such as wall to wall, deep drawers, taking its place. Many modern kitchens also feature a hidden charging station for cell phones and other devices.

A neutral color palette that includes black and white will keep its fresh appeal longer than the popular color of the moment. Natural wood tone cabinetry with Shaker fronts and minimal hardware provides a modern look that never goes out of style. With the wood grain going in the same direction, a clean line is created and an illusion of spaciousness achieved.

The kitchen island, with a waterfall style marble countertop gives added workspace. With the addition of bar stools, an intimate space for informal dining is created. The kitchen island also provides storage space, and often electrical outlets and charging ports.

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and a Modern Design Style kitchen embraces that sentiment with clutter-free countertops and an airy ambience that is relaxing. A few potted herb plants will add warmth, a pop of color, and a clean, wholesome scent to the room.

Natural light is always desired, so windows will often be left bare, without curtains or blinds. If window treatment is required, roll up shades or sheer panels that let in the light are preferred.

The appliances in a Modern Design Style kitchen should be up to date, energy-efficient models. Choose colors that will blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen. The soft silver look of stainless steel is always a good choice. The classic farmhouse sink is enjoying renewed popularity in modern kitchens.

Light fixtures should be sleek and modern. Minimalistic pendant lighting works well with Modern Design Style. Inset lighting is also a good choice for a modern kitchen space.

Interior Designers Houston – Scandinavian Design Style

Scandinavian (or Scandi) Design Style emerged in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland in the 1930s and burst onto the scene in the U.S. and Canada in the 1950s. It is a minimalist style that focuses on natural light, natural materials, layering, and functionality. Denmark gives us the concept of Hygge (pronounced hyoo-guh), loosely defined as cozy and comforting. It’s the feeling you get at a relaxed gathering of friends and family around a fireplace, enjoying the warmth of each other’s company. This is what Scandi design evokes.  

The traditional color palette for Scandinavian Design Style is white, the brighter the better. Bright white, used to lighten the long darkness of northern winters, is the cornerstone of the entire design style. The palette can be expanded to neutrals with varying shades of white, pale grays, and light tans. Accent colors should be muted tones inspired by nature (black earth, brown wood, gray stone, green foliage, blue sky) and added carefully and sparingly into the design. 

Scandinavian design emphasizes the use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and natural fabrics. Linen, wool, sheepskin, hemp, sisal, jute, burlap and cashmere can be found in most Scandi Design Style rooms. Furnishings should be simple, practical and, wherever possible, multi-functional. Hidden storage spaces like those found in benches and ottomans are utilized to keep surfaces free of clutter. In keeping with the tenets of minimalism, furniture should be confined to only necessary pieces of quality workmanship and an elegantly simple design. 

Scandinavian Design Style emphasizes contrast by including hard and soft surfaces, natural and abstract shapes, and blending nature with modern design elements. It creates light and warmth with its limited color palette; celebrates nature in its use of materials and accents; and encourages Hygge with its open spaces. 

Interior Designers Houston – Scandinavian Style Living Room

Scandinavian Design Style, also known as Scandi Design Style, emphasizes a connection to the outdoors, utilizing natural materials such as wood and stone, and natural fibers and textiles like wool, cashmere, jute, sheepskin and linen. While Scandinavian style embraces white walls and minimal furnishings and ornamentation, it doesn’t doom a room to looking sterile. Personality is provided in layers of textures and shapes, and subtle combinations of neutral and natural tones. 

In a typical Scandi Design Style living room, the walls should be white or a light neutral shade. In the northern European countries where Scandinavian Design Style originated, bright white walls and white upholstery are a way to allow natural light to move around a space, as well as provide an illusion of natural light during long, dark northern winters. Scandi design has spread throughout the world and has been adapted to other geographies and climates. Thus, the color palette for your Scandinavian Design Style living room, while still leaning to white, has some room for expansion. A white palette can include varying shades of white, or you can choose a neutral monochromatic palette, or a palette that includes whites, tans, grays, and muted accent colors derived from nature: black earth, brown wood, gray stone, green foliage, blue sky. Black adds depth to a neutral palette and can be utilized in something as small as a black picture frame on a white wall, or as large as a black sofa or even a black accent wall. Some Scandinavian style rooms bring in elements of rustic design including wood paneled walls, occasionally using different types of wood in varying shades of brown to add intensity. 

A traditional Scandi Style room will have wooden flooring, either classic hardwood, or wider wooden planks. Some modern designers, especially in warmer climates, might expand the choice of flooring to include natural stone floors. Stone floors pull in the outdoors but may not provide the needed element of warmth to a Scandinavian Design Style living room the way a wood floor does. Add an area rug just large enough to hold the furniture and leave the rest of the floor bare to add to the spacious, light and airy aesthetic. Rugs should be sheepskin, hemp, jute sisal, or a wool rug in a muted solid color or subtly patterned.  

Furnishings in your Scandinavian Design Style living room should embody the Danish concept of Hygge, a feeling a warmth, relaxation, friendship and conviviality. Soft seating surfaces with plush pillows and warm blanket throws, arranged in an intimate grouping designed for comfort and conversation is the ideal. If there is a fireplace in your living room, group the furniture in front of it to promote Hygge. Look for modern, comfortable couches and armchairs upholstered in solid natural fabrics like wool, cashmere, linen or leather, with clean lines and a simple design. Neutral colors or muted earth tones are preferred.  Non-seating surfaces should be made of light-colored wood. A multi-functional wooden bench with hidden storage under the seat for extra blankets, shoes or other items can sit along a wall, perhaps holding a plant or other useful accessory, and provide additional seating when needed. Tables should be limited to what is necessary for holding lamps or providing a surface to put down a cup or glass. Stick to the minimalist aesthetic of Scandi Design Style and don’t over-furnish the room.  

Natural light in a Scandinavian style room should be maximized with uncovered windows and enhanced with white or light walls. For those times when the sun isn’t shining, you want your living room to be well-lit. With the internet at your disposal, it is not difficult to source light fixtures, sconces and table lamps in designs compatible with Scandinavian Design Style. When selecting the lighting for your living room, look for pieces that embody some or all of the style’s priorities: clean lines, natural materials, organic shapes, neutral colors, functionality and simplicity. Pendant lights are popular and compatible with Scandi Design. You can also find chandeliers, sconces and table lamps that will give your room a warm glow and enhance your decor. 

The finishing touch to your Scandinavian Design Style living room is accessorizing it. In Scandi design, art is found in the beauty of wood grain, the layering of textures, and the organic shapes of furniture and lighting; adding too much to these will only take away from the beautiful simplicity of the room. As such, there is no need for a lot of decorating. Stay away from knick-knacks that will only clutter surfaces. One statement art piece on one wall is sufficient. An abstract painting or print is perfect to complement the aesthetic of the design. An antique clock can serve as functional art. Alternatively, instead of a painting or a clock, install a shelf and fill it with green, growing plants and flowers. Place large potted plants (or small trees) in corners. Bringing the outdoors inside is what Scandinavian Design strives for in its predilection for natural materials and fabrics; filling the room with air purifying, room brightening, eye pleasing, Hygge promoting plants is the ultimate in accessorizing. 

Interior Designers Houston – Scandinavian Design Style Bedroom  

Upon entering a Scandinavian Design Style bedroom, you will immediately feel the cares of the day slip away as the soothing serenity of the room beckons. From the neutral colors to the elegant simplicity of the furniture and the layers of cozy textiles, the Scandi style bedroom exudes tranquility and relaxation. 

Traditionally, Scandinavian Design embraces bright white as the principal color, a reaction to long, dark northern winters. A space filled with light and warmth is the desired effect you want to create. This can be accomplished with bright white, a neutral palette of whites, grays and tans, or a monochromatic palette of whites, grays or tans. You can also include pale blues and greens in your palette. Colors drawn from nature are encouraged, the colors of soil, stone, wood, foliage and sky in pale or muted tones. The goal is a light-filled, airy space that allows you to float away in peaceful slumber at day’s end.  

A love of nature and the outdoors is central to a Scandinavian Design Style room. Seek out wooden furnishings with clean lines and curved edges. Light woods are favored but mixing different types and colors of wood creates a work of art in a wall, floor or piece of furniture. Stay away from synthetic textiles and fibers as much as possible, sticking with wool, cashmere, linen, leather, sheepskin, jute, sisal, hemp, burlap and the like.  

Floors are generally traditional hardwood or wood plank with an area rug in a solid color or subtle pattern. Painted walls are favored, but paneling and shiplap are sometimes used. Walls can be left bare or sparsely decorated with, perhaps, a single piece of art. Functionality is prized, so a mirror, clock, or a few painted hooks holding a favorite hat, scarf, and other personal items becomes functional art in a Scandi Design Style room.  

Limit bedroom furniture to necessary, practical, functional and multi-functional pieces; a modern bed, one- or two-night tables, a simple dresser. Pile the bed with different natural fabrics and textures: fluffy down pillows, linen sheets, a wool blanket, cashmere duvet and a woven blanket throw tossed across the foot of the bed. An antique bentwood chair can be used as a nightstand and serve as seating when needed. An old wooden ladder, painted and leaned against a wall can hold extra blankets. A long wooden bench with hidden storage under the seat can store blankets, pillows and other items. Be creative in selecting furniture that can serve more than one purpose. Keep all surfaces free of clutter to promote an anxiety-free space. 

An abundance of natural light is a hallmark of Scandinavian Design Style with glass doors, large windows and skylights utilized to encourage sunlight to fill the room and bounce around the white or neutral walls. Windows should be kept bare if you have a large private yard and no neighbors nearby. Otherwise, gauzy linen panels on the windows allow privacy while letting in sunlight. Artificial light can be provided by simple ceiling, wall and tabletop fixtures featuring natural materials, clean lines, neutral colors and organic shapes.  

When accessorizing, stick to the “less is more” ideology of the minimalism movement embraced by Scandinavian Design Style. You can even take it to a higher level of “none is most” without compromising your bedroom oasis. A single painting, print, textile art, clock or mirror on one wall is enough. Have no fear, however; there is one thing in Scandi style that you can never have enough of, and that is houseplants. You can add potted plants and flowers to furniture surfaces, walls (with the use of simple floating shelves), and corners without detracting from the minimalist vibe. With their air purification and stress reducing properties, plants are the perfect functional decor for any Scandinavian Design Style room. 

Interior Designers Houston – Scandinavian Design Style Bathroom 

By utilizing the color palette and minimalist aesthetic of Scandinavian Design Style, even a small bathroom can achieve the illusion of spaciousness. A white or neutral palette, clean lines, functionality, minimalism, natural light, natural materials, natural beauty and – in case you didn’t catch it – a love of nature are the pillars of Scandi Design. All white or whites and grays are the typical choices for the bathroom. Some designers choose a palette of creams and tans to add warmth. The common denominator is a neutral palette for the desired result of a roomy, airy, light-filled space. Walls should be painted in neutral tones, tiled with white subway tiles, or covered in natural stone. Floors should be natural stone, hardwood (scrupulously sealed), or white or neutral tile.  

Inhabitants of northern countries tend to have a love of and longing for natural sunlight. Large windows are common in those countries and bathrooms are not excluded. If you don’t have large windows in your bathroom, a skylight or strategically placed mirror can bring in or reflect the light. Abundant light is one of the ways to make your Scandinavian Style bathroom seem larger than it is in reality.  

White bathroom fixtures keep the space light and airy. If you have enough room, a modern smooth-sided, oval, stand-alone bathtub tucked into an alcove or placed in front of a window will add a touch of elegance to your Scandinavian Design Style bathroom. A natural stone shower enclosed in floor-to-ceiling clear glass increases the illusion of spaciousness. Use brushed nickel or matte black fittings for the shower and bathtub. A suspended toilet and wall mounted sink are perfect for a small bathroom. If your bathroom is truly spacious, a floating vanity of birch, ash or pine wood will add warmth without compromising the Scandi Design Style. A floating vanity wall mounted sink and suspended toilet will also make the room seem larger, as the floor is visible underneath them and empty expanses of floors and walls create an illusion of space. In the spirit of Scandinavia, fixtures should have water conservation features such as low flow and a dual flush capability for the toilet.  

Install recessed shelves and hidden cupboards for storage. Baskets can be used to hold rolled up towels, soaps, toothpaste and other bathroom necessities. Towels can be fluffy and white, or thinner and less space consuming Turkish towels. Decorative items should be few and functional in line with the minimalism element in Scandinavian Design Style: a frameless round mirror hung on a wall, a candle on the windowsill, a white vase holding eucalyptus on the counter, a potted plant on the floor, a framed black and white photo on a wall. These add warmth and personality to the room without creating clutter.  

Lighting can include both a ceiling mounted fixture for task lighting and wall mounted sconces for mood lighting. Look for light fixtures and sconces that prioritize energy efficiency, simplicity, neutral colors, natural materials, organic shapes, and clean lines. Hanging pendant lights are popular for Scandi Design Style rooms.  

If you can’t afford a complete bathroom renovation, painting walls white or neutral tones, keeping countertops and other surfaces clean and clutter-free, hiding necessary items in drawers and cupboards, and removing all non-essential items from the bathroom will go a long way toward achieving a clean and relaxing Scandinavian Design Style look. 

Interior Designers Houston – Scandinavian Design Style Kitchen  

While Scandinavian countries are known for their long, cold, dark winters, Scandinavian Design Style is known for abundant light, warmth and embrace of the Danish concept of Hygge, evoking a feeling of comfort, coziness and conviviality. The kitchen, where meals are created, cookies are baked, and families and friends gather to eat and play games around the table is the best room in the house for embracing Hygge. 

The main elements of Scandinavian Design Style are natural light, natural materials, natural beauty, minimalism, an all-white or neutral color palette, clean lines, functionality and a love of nature. Many of these elements are brought into the kitchen in the form of wood furnishings and trims, wood and/or stone flooring and countertops, and liberal use of white or neutral tone paint.  

As with most Scandi Design Style rooms, the color palette for the kitchen is neutral or all white. Natural wood tone accents, along with touches of black, blue and green can be incorporated. Scandi style is a bit more tolerant of color than Nordic style, so even reds or yellows can make an appearance in the form of a painted chair, a bowl of apples, a light fixture or decorative tile. Walls and cupboards are generally painted in neutral shades, often being painted all white for a clean, bright, airy look. Some designers leave the cabinets in the natural wood for warmth. Backsplash can be painted or covered in decorative tile which can be taken all the way to the ceiling to create an accent wall. Hardwood or wood plank floors are favored in Scandi Design Style for the warmth they bring to a neutral space. Add a jute, sisal or hemp rug to add texture. 

When selecting countertops, keep in mind Scandinavian Design Style’s love of natural materials. If walls and cabinets are painted white or neutral, opt for wooden butcher block style countertops. If cupboards are natural wood tones, you might want quartz countertops for contrast. Quartz has the advantage of being durable and easy to clean and maintain. If you have a kitchen island, match the top of it with your other countertops. If you select quartz, granite or marble, you can install a waterfall countertop on your island for a smooth line. Many designers will choose to eliminate upper cabinetry in keeping with the principles of minimalism. With upper cabinets removed, the kitchen is opened up, a pleasing line is created with an unimpeded view of lower cabinets stretching across the kitchen, and the exposed wall adds a sense of space to the room. Of course, due to minimalism’s disdain for clutter, this only works if there is plenty of other storage for small appliances, dishes, cookware, utensils and food. One solution is to install modern lower cabinetry that utilizes deep drawers for organizing and storing kitchen necessities.  

An abundance of natural light is a necessity in Scandinavian Design Style. Large windows and glass doors are wanted and are preferably left bare. If privacy is needed, gauzy curtains or Roman shades are good options. For non-natural light, a popular choice is hanging pendant lights which are very popular in Scandinavian Design Style kitchens. You can choose from many shapes and colors that will complement Scandi style. Look for a combination of two or more of these elements: natural materials, clean lines, functionality, simplicity and organic shapes. “Neutral colors” is usually included in the list, but for the kitchen you can opt for a pop of color. 

Modern appliances are favored in Scandi Design Style kitchens for their clean lines, sleek silhouettes and soothing stainless-steel exteriors that blend seamlessly with a neutral design. To accessorize your kitchen, hang one statement piece on one wall. Abstract art is often paired with Scandinavian Design Style, so a framed abstract painting or print would go well. A statement clock is multifunctional as both a timepiece and a work of art. Countertops are kept clear of appliances, but a bowl of fruit or potted plants may be set on a countertop as multifunctional accents, one being edible and the other purifying the air and reducing stress. Potted herbs are a multi-multi-functional accent that purify the air, reduce stress, provide a pleasantly clean, sweet aroma, and can be used in meal preparation. 

A Scandinavian Design Style kitchen is a soothing room that exudes warmth, comfort and relaxation in the true spirit of Hygge. 

Interior Designers Houston – Industrial Design Style

The roots of Industrial Design Style, also referred to as Industrial Chic Style, can be traced all the way back to the British Industrial Revolution of the late 1700s to mid-1800s, during which time modern concrete and steel were developed for factory construction. Fast forward to 1960s-70s America where housing in large cities was hard to find, old factories and warehouses sat empty, and need met solution, birthing an interior design style inspired by an architectural style. Features in these reclaimed manufacturing buildings that inspired Industrial Design Style, include brick walls, concrete or rough wood floors, exposed ducts and beams, exposed pipes, high ceilings and large windows.  

Traditionally, Industrial Design Style spaces have high ceilings, large windows and a lot of open floorspace. They will usually have a dark neutral color palette of white, black and gray with pops of color tending to occur naturally in things like exposed brick and houseplants. In recent years, Industrial Style has become popular in homes and apartments that are not renovated factories and may not have high ceilings and a lot of large windows. In these instances, it is more important than ever to flood the room with light or slightly brighten the color palette.  

Minimalism is the aesthetic of Industrial Design Style. Surfaces should be clean and free of clutter. Furnishings should have a sleek silhouette and be confined to functional, necessary pieces in materials that complement the industrial vibe of the room such as tables made of thin metal, chairs made of distressed wood, and shelves created from reclaimed wood. Look for innovative light fixtures, sconces and lamps made of thin metal, hanging pendant lights with an industrial edge, and lighting with exposed bulbs.  

Interior Designers Houston – Industrial Design Style Living Room

When Industrial Design Style came into fashion in the U.S. during the 1960s and 70s, it was centered in big cities and manufacturing buildings that had been repurposed to residential spaces. The design trend at the time was to fill the space with reminders of the original purpose of the building by creating furniture and art out of gears, pipes and other objects you might find laying around an abandoned factory or warehouse. The trend today is more subtle, concentrated on highlighting the bones of the building itself to, as one designer put it, “... celebrate the durability and perfect imperfections...” of the building. This is done by leaving old brick, concrete and wooden walls intact, and pipes and ductwork exposed.   

An open floorplan works best for Industrial Design Style, but it can be adapted to smaller rooms. The color palette is dark neutrals, mostly black and gray with white accents, but there is some flexibility in adding other dark colors. You may want to lighten the color palette if your living room is small, does not receive a lot of natural light, or is not part of an open floorplan. Gray is favored for walls that aren’t original to the building, the larger the room, the darker the shade of gray. Pops of color can be provided by exposed brickwork and potted plants. Keep the original floors of the building if they are intact. Otherwise, replicate a factory floor with rough wood or polished concrete.  

Two words that are frequently used in describing Industrial Design Style are “edgy” and “raw.” Keep the living room seating soft and comfortable to highlight the edginess of exposed raw architectural elements. Upholstery is generally leather or natural fabrics in neutral shades. Look for modern furniture with clean lines and generally without patterned upholstery; one piece in a subtle pattern that doesn’t contrast with the rest of the room is acceptable. Look for metal tables with a thin profile or tables made of reclaimed wood. Add vintage pieces that can be repurposed (a vintage metal stool used as a plant stand, for example). Floor to ceiling metal shelving can hold books and special mementos. Lean an old wooden ladder against the shelves for trendy decor that is functional. Place a jute rug in the seating area to add warmth and soften a concrete floor.  

In a repurposed industrial building, windows will be oversized and plentiful. Left uncovered, they allow natural light to pour into your living room and often offer a sweeping view of city skyline or natural landscape. Natural light is essential to a large room with a dark color palette. If you do not live in a renovated factory but love Industrial Design Style, make sure you allow as much natural light as possible into your living room by keeping windows uncovered or, if privacy is an issue, covered with simple Roman shades that can be rolled all the way up during daylight hours.  

Abstract art goes well with the Industrial Design Style aesthetic. As in all minimalist spaces, art should not be overdone in your Industrial style living room. One statement piece on an otherwise bare wall is enough. You can incorporate an artistic element into the room with your choice of lighting. Go industrial chic or fun and funky with overhead lighting, floor lamps, table lamps and/or wall sconces. Hang several bare Edison light bulbs from the ceiling, frame a mantle with sleek and stylish modern sconces, install track lighting, hang pendant lights with oversized shades or an abstract design statement light, place thin body floor lamps made of dark metal – the choices are only limited by your imagination and your budget.  

And finally, bring the outdoors inside with plants. If you worry about keeping them alive, buy realistic artificial plants. The presence of green plants will bring instant warmth and vitality to your living room without interfering with the Industrial Design Style aesthetic.  

Interior Designers Houston – Industrial Design Style Bedroom  

Industrial Design Style is a marriage of raw edgy materials with sleek modern silhouettes; a merging of hard concrete and metal with soft textiles; a melding of vintage nostalgia with cutting edge design concepts. In its original conception, it gave life and beauty to barren abandoned buildings. It has evolved to include all types of homes in its purview. When bringing Industrial Design Style into your bedroom you will combine the grit of an urban factory with warm lighting and layers of soft, inviting textiles.  

The color palette for Industrial Design Style is generally dark neutrals: black, grays and whites with dark metal accents. In the bedroom, you can add beige to the palette for warmth. If sophistication is your goal, a monochromatic palette of blacks or grays will achieve that. If your bedroom is too small to carry a dark palette, lighten it up with slightly paler shades of gray and tan. A neutral palette will emphasize the raw textures of brick, concrete and metal. Leave original brick, wood or concrete walls intact and uncovered. Exposed brick adds color and warmth to the room. If you have exposed ceiling beams, you can choose whether to paint them or leave them in their original state. This decision should be made with the input of an interior designer. Any exposed pipes or ducts should remain visible in keeping with the industrial vibe. 

The preferred flooring for an Industrial Design Style room is polished concrete which stays true to the industrial aesthetic and can look almost like marble. Rough wood plank flooring is also an authentic choice. If neither of those are feasible for your space, black or gray tile, hardwood or vinyl plank flooring will also work. You can warm up a cold concrete floor with a plush area rug, either solid or with a simple geometric pattern. You will want as much natural light as possible to make its way into your bedroom, so stay away from heavy drapes and cover the windows with light gauzy linen curtains which allow privacy while letting in sunlight. 

Furnishings should further the industrial theme and invoke nostalgia. Pair a wooden bedframe with modern concrete side tables; combine an iron or brass bedframe with a vintage trunk repurposed as a nightstand; build your own headboard with reclaimed wood. Search flea markets, thrift stores and garage sales for an old dresser; recognize the beauty in imperfection and keep it in its imperfect condition. Install wood and metal shelving. Repurpose something unexpected to something functional. Look for multifunctional furniture with hidden storage to keep clutter from accumulating on surfaces. To prevent an Industrial Design Style bedroom from appearing too utilitarian, layer textiles on the bed. Sheets, blankets, duvet, throws and pillows in cotton, linen and wool will soften the hard industrial look and add depth while a plush rug will provide texture and definition. Add an abstract painting or print and accent pillows with teal, mustard and deep red accents to enrich the neutral palette. Bring in potted plants for color, energy and stress reduction.  

While factory lighting tends to be bright and harsh, that’s not the mood we want in the bedroom. Edison bulbs are perfect for an Industrial Design Style space. Hung from the ceiling in odd numbers, their vintage design and warm ambience evoke an almost steampunk industrial vibe. Whether you choose hanging Edison bulbs or opt for pendant lights, floor lamps or modern sconces – or a combination of some or all – look for lightbulbs that emit a soft, warm glow to the room.  

The finishing touch to your Industrial Design Style bedroom is to give it your own personality. Framed photos, favorite books, and sentimental mementos can be placed on shelves and windowsills. This is a minimalist style, so exercise restraint as you make the bedroom your private retreat. 

Interior Designers Houston – Industrial Design Style Bathroom  

Industrial Design Style was originally created as a somewhat gritty style for urban apartments carved out of huge, converted warehouses. It has evolved into a sleek and sophisticated style that can be found in urban, suburban and rural homes. It has successfully been combined with several other design styles including Modern, Rustic, Farmhouse, and even Boho. Don’t be afraid to add elements of Industrial Design Style to your existing bathroom decor.  

The color palette for Industrial Design Style overall is dark neutral. For the bathroom, you can lighten up the neutral palette if you wish. Many interior designers choose an all-white bathroom with black accents. Some might paint the ceiling black to ground the room, others choose a brown or gray monochrome palette. When deciding on how you want to interpret and implement the neutral color palette, consider the size of the bathroom, the amount of natural light and, of course, your personal preferences.  

If you look up photos of Industrial Design Style bathrooms, you might notice that most of them feature walls covered with white subway tiles. This is the favored choice for walls in an Industrial style bathroom, often set with black grout to add a touch of edginess. Oversized stone tiles are also a good choice for walls, although if used in a shower enclosure it’s a good idea to consult with an expert to ensure you are getting the right type of stone and sealant. If you live in a converted warehouse loft, keep as many exposed elements as possible, including brick walls and metal beams – even in the bathroom. 

Polished concrete is the go-to choice of flooring for Industrial Design Style spaces. It can be used safely in the bathroom provided there are mats or rugs near the bathtub and shower as, like most other bathroom flooring options, it can be slippery when wet. Penny tiles, hexagon shaped tiles, and black and white tiles laid out in a checkerboard pattern offer other popular choices for bathroom flooring in this design style.  

If your bathroom is spacious enough, consider a stand-alone bathtub and a separate shower enclosure. The bathtub can be modern and oval shaped, or it can be a vintage or reproduction claw-foot bathtub. Place a vintage metal stool next to the bathtub to hold your phone, towel or book while you have a long, relaxing soak. Enclose the shower in the floor to ceiling clear glass with black metal framework and install black metal faucets and handles in both the shower and the bathtub. Sinks can be freestanding industrial style sinks, or they can be fitted into a floating concrete vanity. If you feel your bathroom design is looking too utilitarian, add a natural wood vanity to tone it down and warm it up. Mount black metal taps in the wall above the sink. Any style toilet can be compatible with an Industrial Design Style bathroom. Choose one that complements the overall look of the room. When selecting bathroom fittings and furnishings, don’t forget about storage. Open shelving can be used for towels and a few decorative items; everything else should be stored out of sight in built-in drawers and cupboards.  

Windows in Industrial Design Style spaces are often left bare. If your bathroom window doesn’t look out onto a private area, frosted glass, fluted glass, or glass blocks will provide privacy while allowing natural light into the room. You can also apply a film to existing windows to make them appear frosted or fluted. Artificial light can be supplied with unobtrusive recessed lighting or become part of the decor with the selection of hanging pendant lights with a sleek industrial look or a geometric design. 

Industrial Design Style embraces minimalism, so exercise restraint when adding decorative elements to your bathroom. Functional decor is preferred: a candle, a small basket or bowl filled with guest soaps, and of course plants. Living plants are the best accessory for pretty much any room – they bring color and vitality into a room, purify the air and can have practical use as cooking ingredients and minor first aid. Try a small aloe vera plant for its healing properties, and a snake plant for air purification in the bathroom.  

Industrial Design Style combines a neutral palette with modern glossy finishes and raw architectural elements to make your bathroom a stunning space of simple sophistication and functionality. 

Interior Designers Houston – Industrial Design Style Kitchen  

Industrial Design Style kitchens borrow more from commercial kitchens than the manufacturing spaces that inspired the overall style. Blending the utility of a busy restaurant kitchen with the style and charm of a family kitchen, an Industrial style kitchen relies on layered textures to soften the utilitarian look and natural wood accents to warm the cool neutral tones. As with other rooms in this design style, the ideal kitchen will have high ceilings, oversized windows, exposed beams and brickwork and an open floorplan. Of course, that’s not always feasible.  Happily, for most of the population, Industrial Design Style is flexible and adaptable to smaller spaces.  

The color palette for an Industrial Design Style kitchen is generally neutral grays, whites and blacks, and often all white with black and natural wood accents. Earth tones are also sometimes added to the Industrial kitchen palette. Adhering strictly to a color palette is less important in the kitchen compared to other rooms, if a cohesive look that complements the design aesthetic is achieved. You might start out with an all-white kitchen and add some red-painted trim, a warm-toned floor runner, a vintage metal stool painted yellow... instead of the usual black and metal trim, give yourself permission to add your personality and preferences to the design with a few colorful accents.  

Floors can be polished concrete, hardwood or distressed wood plank flooring commonly associated with Industrial Design Style or can branch out to include terrazzo and conventional tiling. Anti-fatigue runners are available in many sizes, colors and styles and may be added to your kitchen as both a layer of texture and a functional accent, adding dimension to the room while preventing foot fatigue from standing on a concrete or terrazzo floor for long periods.  

Industrial Design Style was born in old warehouses and factories where oversized windows were vital to bring in as much natural light as possible. Whatever the size of your windows, you can replicate the spirit of those industrial windows with black mullions and muntin’s made to fit your existing windows. Leave the windows uncovered, if possible, to encourage a sunny kitchen.  

The overwhelming favorite wall accent in an Industrial Style kitchen, not including exposed brick or stone, is white subway tile, often with black or dark grout to give it a visual punch. Backsplash material can include subway tiles, glass, stainless steel, porcelain, marble, ceramic, slate, mosaic, concrete, and even galvanized metal. Choose material and design that reflects your personal vision and taste.  

Understated cabinetry is on point for an Industrial Design Style kitchen, with Shaker style cabinets a popular choice. As in other minimalist styles, upper cabinetry is often removed to give the kitchen a larger, airier look. This should only be done if you can compensate for the lost storage space, as minimalism also requires countertops to be free of clutter and preferably empty. Functionality trumps loss of storage space, so if you can’t add hidden pantry and deep storage drawers to your lower cabinetry space, don’t remove the upper cabinets. Cabinetry is often painted white. For an all-white kitchen, a quartz or white marble countertop may be used. If you want to add warmth, a wooden countertop will do the trick. If you want a cool contrast, try stainless steel countertops. If you want drama, a black marble or granite countertop can be installed. Black countertops also make a statement with natural wood cabinets. Fair warning to enthusiastic bakers: black countertops (and stovetops) will show every speck and mote of flour dust, so choose it with your eyes open and make sure you have a clean, damp cloth nearby when you go on a baking spree. 

Before selecting appliances for your Industrial Design Style kitchen, give some thought to your vision of the room and how deep your commitment is to the industrial look. Your decisions on these points will inform you of your selection of appliances. You might want the sleek and sophisticated look of a modern commercial kitchen, leading you to select modern stainless-steel appliances. On the other hand, you might want the more vintage look of a restaurant kitchen from another era, leading you to choose modern appliances with the retro look of the 1950s or even earlier.  

Not only is it okay to mix metals in an Industrial Design Style kitchen, but it’s also encouraged. A mélange of chrome, copper, brass and black will give warmth and dimension to a kitchen that may lean a bit too much toward sterile looking. Offset your stainless-steel appliances with black plumbing fixtures and copper pans hanging above the stove. Install metal pendant light fixtures in brass, gold or chrome tones. Edison light bulbs hung in odd number groupings add a vintage touch and give off a warm light that is perfect for gathering around the table.  

For personal touches, hang a vintage clock or a framed photograph, painting or print. Put up floating shelves to hold colorful coffee mugs, candles or plants. Assemble an indoor herb garden with small potted thyme, oregano, basil, parsley, rosemary and cilantro plants and pinch off what you need as you cook.  

Your Industrial Design Style kitchen should not only be a sleek, stylish showplace, but also a space that encourages creativity and a relaxing room where you take joy in spending time alone or with loved ones. 

Interior Designers Houston – French Country Design Style

French Country Design Style, also called French Country Decor, is a less formal version of French Provencial style inspired by rural French lifestyle. It came into vogue 300 years ago with roots going back to the reign of Louis XV, King of France, who liked to remove his entire household to the countryside a few times a year to indulge in country pursuits of the time. Royal luxury was relaxed at these rural retreats, but not entirely dismissed, creating a style that balances regal elegance with rustic charm. French Country Decor is often compared to Farmhouse and Shabby Chic but, with its blending of rustic elements with the elegance of eighteenth-century Versailles, it is more polished than either of those styles. French Country Decor was introduced to America at the end of World War I when soldiers returning from Europe wanted to recreate the style they discovered in France. 

Common themes of French Country Design Style include natural materials, antique furnishings, weathered finishes, ornate details and soft colors within a warm neutral color palette. Antique wooden furniture can be left untouched, freshened with a dark wood stain, painted white, or painted in a distressed style using milk paint or chalk paint. Fabrics should be pale shades from a warm palette: cream, blush, soft greens and faded blues in solids or delicate prints like small florals, gingham, stripes and, of course, the darling of French Country Decor, toile. Bright and saturated colors are discouraged. 

Natural materials consistent with French Country Design Style include wood, metal, clay, linen, live plants and fresh flowers. Ornate details will be found in graceful chandeliers, delicate crystal vases, opulent gilt frames, and exquisite oil paintings.  

The goal of French Country Design Style is to create a space that combines regal details with a relaxed, comfortable, lived-in aesthetic. 

Interior Designers Houston – French Country Design Style Living Room

If your living room boasts exposed beams, plastered walls, a stone fireplace and picture frame molding, it’s already well on its way to becoming a French Country Design Style showplace. It’s a versatile style with more of an overall ambience than hard and fast rules or instantly recognizable defining features. This is good news, as it makes it all the easier to achieve the look without worrying about breaking rules (which you shouldn’t do anyway when it comes to decorating your own house). Keep it simple and relaxed with mismatched antique furniture upholstered in faded soft colors in solids, stripes, checks, toile or floral prints. Don’t overdo the patterns or worry about having everything in matching patterns; as long as the colors coordinate, you’ll be fine. Chests and tables should be wooden and can be distressed, painted, or left in natural wood tones. The more aged the furniture appears, the better, as you want the room to look old, comfortable and lived in.  

Colors should be neutrals and soft, faded pinks, greens, blues and/or yellows that give the room an airy feel. Look for wallpaper with a toile or rococo pattern and paper the entire room, or just one accent wall. Silk drapes will enhance the decor or install plantation shutters to cover your windows and bring a touch of southern France to your living room.  Hardwood floors of distressed wood, reclaimed wood, or wood plank flooring are authentic to the history of French Country Design Style. Add plush modern area rugs, faded antique, vintage, or reproduction rugs.  

Accessories can include (but are not limited to) antique ginger jars, candle holders, basketry, bell shaped domes covering small plants or decorative items, crystal glassware, fresh floral bouquets in vintage vases and old chinaware plates. Antique brass lamps add texture and a subtle shine as well as providing atmospheric lighting. An ornate crystal chandelier provides the finishing touch. (Hire a professional to install it.) 

A living room in French Country Design Style is a warm, inviting room with a lived-in, timeless, rustic elegance that exudes comfort and tranquility. 

Interior Designers Houston – French Country Design Style Master Bedroom

If you dream of having a romantic bedroom, French Country Decor is the style that will make your dream come true. It can give you a room that inspires ardor, but it also exemplifies another meaning of romance: “the attractive, partly imagined character or quality of something, as an era, a place, or an activity, that suggests adventure, heroism, excitement, glamour, and distance from the everyday” [ ~dictionary.com] 

 A French Country Design Style bedroom creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the French countryside of the eighteenth century, combining the rustic elements of country life with the elegance of the art and architecture of that era, and the modern conveniences of the 21st century. Begin with a soft palette of pastel pinks, greens, lavenders and blues with neutrals like cream, beige and gray tones. Look for antique and vintage furniture with lots of visible wood and intricate details. Furniture can be mismatched if it blends well; this is not the style in which furniture is purchased as a set. Dressers, nightstands and armoires can be left in natural wood tones, the wood can be distressed, they can be painted white or light neutral hues, or they can be painted with milk paint or chalk paint for a distressed look. Search antique stores, flea markets and yard sales for a wooden four-poster bed, a canopy bed, a wood and cane bed, an upholstered headboard, or a wrought iron bed. If you have enough space, add a vintage vanity table and a reading corner or a conversation area with small antique armchairs and/or a loveseat. Upholstery should be solid or delicate prints like gingham, stripes small floral or toile prints. It’s okay to mix patterns. 

Walls are versatile in French Country Design Style; they can be paneled, plastered or drywall. You can add picture frame molding or wainscoting. Paint the walls with a soft neutral shade, paper one or two walls, or cover all the walls in floral, toile or rococo pattern wallpaper. Cover the windows with lace or sheer panels under silk draperies that can be tied back. Drapes can be solid or a floral print. If you prefer to lean more toward a rustic look, place plantation shutters over the windows. If your bedroom has access to a balcony or patio, install French doors. Floors tend to be hardwood or wide plank, sometimes using reclaimed or weathered wood for an aged look.  

A delicate crystal chandelier is an elegant way to light your French Decor Style bedroom. Add ornate wall sconces and ginger jar style table lamps for ambient lighting. If you prefer charm over glamor, choose simpler sconces, vintage brass table lamps and a pendant light instead of a chandelier.  

You will want to fill your French Design Style bedroom with layers of soft textures. Cover the bed with high quality linen bedding adorned with embroidery and lace accents. Pile patterned pillows, embroidered cushions, and pillows trimmed in lace and fringe at the head of the bed. Fold an heirloom quilt at the foot of the bed. Place a faded vintage area rug on the floor and drape swathes of gauzy linen above the bed. 

Accessorize your bedroom with ornate mirrors and French inspired artwork in gilded frames, an antique clock (wall, mantel or grandfather), delicate porcelain and ceramic pieces, potted plants and fresh bouquets of lavender or roses in vintage vases.  

Creating a French Country Design Style bedroom is a delicate balancing act between rustic charm and elegant glamor resulting in a room filled with a timeless sense of history balanced with a soothing feeling of tranquility. 

Interior Designers Houston – French Country Design Style Bathroom

A French Country Design Style bathroom begins with a welcoming color palette of warm neutrals (white, beige, taupe) and soft pastels (pale pink, yellow, sage). Some interior designers like to incorporate a touch of blue into the room as a nod to the French region of Provence with its vineyards, fields of lavender and sunny skies. The palette should be warm, welcoming, and reminiscent of nature; think sage colored dandelion leaves poking up through an old walkway of red and yellow bricks faded to tints of pink and honey by age and exposure to the elements. Those are the colors and that is the peaceful, nostalgic feeling you want your bathroom to evoke.  

Next, bring in natural materials like exposed wooden ceiling beams, a vintage vanity or repurposed antique dresser in its natural distressed state, open shelves made from reclaimed wood, and stone floors. These are the rustic elements of French Country Design Style: rough-hewn wood, distressed wood, weathered and reclaimed wood, and natural stone. Flooring can be travertine, limestone or terracotta. There is a French Pattern travertine that is perfect for a French Country Decor bathroom. Look for a vintage wooden vanity with curved lines and elaborate details. If you can’t find a vanity you like, repurpose an antique wooden dresser for use as a vanity with a modern vessel sink. The vanity/dresser can be left in its natural rough state, you can paint it white or a warm neutral shade, or you can paint it with chalk paint or milk paint to give it a distressed appearance. If you have a large window and enough floor space in front of it, build a window seat. You can even build it with hidden storage under the seat for extra towels and other bathroom supplies. 

A French Country Design bathroom cries out for a vintage clawfoot bathtub with a long, curved bronze faucet and cross shaped tap handles. Modern oval stand-alone bathtubs are a viable substitute and often have an unfinished, rustic look to them. Purchase sink and bathtub faucets and tap handles in brass, bronze or copper with a weathered antique finish. Other handles and knobs in the bathroom can be made of glass, porcelain or wrought iron, with an aged patina and intricate design. 

Walls can be textured and painted in neutral shades, but you know a French Country Design Style room loves wallpaper! Toile, floral or stripes lavished on all the walls or just one accent wall will give the bathroom its je ne sais quoi French flair. It’s okay to mix textures and patterns on the walls. For wall art, hang a large, ornate, gilt framed antique mirror above vanity, or source a collection of small ornate antique mirrors from flea markets and antique stores and hang them all up in a grouping. Voila! Functional art! You can also hang framed botanical prints, or paintings, prints or photos of French landscapes. If possible, install French doors and large windows to bring in natural light. Windows can be left bare, frosted, or covered with gauzy linen curtains to provide privacy while allowing natural light to permeate the room. 

Go all out with a small crystal chandelier for the primary light fixture in your French Country bathroom. Add ornate vintage design wall sconces on either side of the vanity and a trio of tall, wrought iron candle holders on a shelf, table or counter for an elegant look. Alternatively, you can opt for a wrought iron chandelier, electric candle sconces with small shades, and a vintage lantern for a more rustic look in primary and ambient lighting.  

Towels should be thick and soft, in muted solid colors or subtly patterned. Purchase window and shower curtains made of picot cotton or linen in pale neutral solids or patterned in toile, floral and/or striped prints (because it’s okay to mix textile patterns). Add a plush bathmat and a faded vintage area rug for a nice mix of textures. 

The finishing touches to your bathroom are the accessories and will bring your unique personality into the room. Put up open shelves made from reclaimed wood and place small accessories on them. A few ideas include decorative soaps in a small basket, vintage perfume bottles, and small potted plants. Display items that interest you or have sentimental value to you. Place a crystal vase filled with lavender on the vanity or another surface to add the touch of blue mentioned earlier and a soothing scent which you can strengthen with lavender scented soaps, candles, wax melts, or an essential oil diffuser.  

French Country Design is a versatile style that is adaptable to any size bathroom. By using a warm neutral/soft pastel color palette, adding rustic natural materials and vintage accents, and layering textures, even the tiniest bathroom can evoke the lavender fields of Provence.  

Interior Designers Houston – French Country Design Style Bathroom

A French Country Design Style bathroom begins with a welcoming color palette of warm neutrals (white, beige, taupe) and soft pastels (pale pink, yellow, sage). Some interior designers like to incorporate a touch of blue into the room as a nod to the French region of Provence with its vineyards, fields of lavender and sunny skies. The palette should be warm, welcoming, and reminiscent of nature; think sage colored dandelion leaves poking up through an old walkway of red and yellow bricks faded to tints of pink and honey by age and exposure to the elements. Those are the colors and that is the peaceful, nostalgic feeling you want your bathroom to evoke.  

Next, bring in natural materials like exposed wooden ceiling beams, a vintage vanity or repurposed antique dresser in its natural distressed state, open shelves made from reclaimed wood, and stone floors. These are the rustic elements of French Country Design Style: rough-hewn wood, distressed wood, weathered and reclaimed wood, and natural stone. Flooring can be travertine, limestone or terracotta. There is a French Pattern travertine that is perfect for a French Country Decor bathroom. Look for a vintage wooden vanity with curved lines and elaborate details. If you can’t find a vanity you like, repurpose an antique wooden dresser for use as a vanity with a modern vessel sink. The vanity/dresser can be left in its natural rough state, you can paint it white or a warm neutral shade, or you can paint it with chalk paint or milk paint to give it a distressed appearance. If you have a large window and enough floor space in front of it, build a window seat. You can even build it with hidden storage under the seat for extra towels and other bathroom supplies. 

A French Country Design bathroom cries out for a vintage clawfoot bathtub with a long, curved bronze faucet and cross shaped tap handles. Modern oval stand-alone bathtubs are a viable substitute and often have an unfinished, rustic look to them. Purchase sink and bathtub faucets and tap handles in brass, bronze or copper with a weathered antique finish. Other handles and knobs in the bathroom can be made of glass, porcelain or wrought iron, with an aged patina and intricate design. 

Walls can be textured and painted in neutral shades, but you know a French Country Design Style room loves wallpaper! Toile, floral or stripes lavished on all the walls or just one accent wall will give the bathroom its je ne sais quoi French flair. It’s okay to mix textures and patterns on the walls. For wall art, hang a large, ornate, gilt framed antique mirror above vanity, or source a collection of small ornate antique mirrors from flea markets and antique stores and hang them all up in a grouping. Voila! Functional art! You can also hang framed botanical prints, or paintings, prints or photos of French landscapes. If possible, install French doors and large windows to bring in natural light. Windows can be left bare, frosted, or covered with gauzy linen curtains to provide privacy while allowing natural light to permeate the room. 

Go all out with a small crystal chandelier for the primary light fixture in your French Country bathroom. Add ornate vintage design wall sconces on either side of the vanity and a trio of tall, wrought iron candle holders on a shelf, table or counter for an elegant look. Alternatively, you can opt for a wrought iron chandelier, electric candle sconces with small shades, and a vintage lantern for a more rustic look in primary and ambient lighting.  

Towels should be thick and soft, in muted solid colors or subtly patterned. Purchase window and shower curtains made of picot cotton or linen in pale neutral solids or patterned in toile, floral and/or striped prints (because it’s okay to mix textile patterns). Add a plush bathmat and a faded vintage area rug for a nice mix of textures. 

The finishing touches to your bathroom are the accessories and will bring your unique personality into the room. Put up open shelves made from reclaimed wood and place small accessories on them. A few ideas include decorative soaps in a small basket, vintage perfume bottles, and small potted plants. Display items that interest you or have sentimental value to you. Place a crystal vase filled with lavender on the vanity or another surface to add the touch of blue mentioned earlier and a soothing scent which you can strengthen with lavender scented soaps, candles, wax melts, or an essential oil diffuser.  

French Country Design is a versatile style that is adaptable to any size bathroom. By using a warm neutral/soft pastel color palette, adding rustic natural materials and vintage accents, and layering textures, even the tiniest bathroom can evoke the lavender fields of Provence.  

Interior Designers Houston – French Country Design Style Kitchen  

The warm ambience of a French Country Design Style kitchen is drawn from the combination of elegant details and rustic charm. From aged, exposed wood ceiling beams, to herringbone patterned flooring of weathered wood or faded brick, from arched entryways to delicate blue and white tiles, and everything in between the ceiling, floor and walls, the lived-in, tranquil, welcoming atmosphere brings instant contentment and relaxation. 

Natural materials are de rigueur in any French Country Decor room. Wood in the form of ceiling beams, cabinetry, floor and furnishings; stone floors or walls; natural fibers and textiles are all comforting. You can mix wood tones in the cabinets, wood flooring and tables and chairs. Wood and stone elements can be painted or left in their natural state. Old, weathered wood is desirable in this design style, so don’t worry about covering distressed wood and only paint if it fits your vision for the room. For an authentic look, consider replacing the lower cupboard doors with curtains made of fabric with a small, vintage print. Florals, botanical prints, stripes, gingham and toile are all good choices.  You can replace the built-in cabinetry with mismatched antique cupboards.  

A modern kitchen island can be placed in a French Country Design Style kitchen. A natural wood island with dark soapstone countertop would go well with the style. You could also replace the kitchen island with a long, wooden farmhouse table which gives you a work surface as well as providing a seating area and a place for casual meals. For a smaller kitchen, look for an antique butcher block in lieu of an island. 

Floors in most French Country Design Style rooms are either wood (traditional hardwood or wide planks) or natural stone. In the kitchen, you can also choose a brick floor laid down in a chevron or herringbone pattern, patterned tile, or black and white tiles in a checkerboard pattern. Add plush mats in areas where you spend the most time standing (usually sink, stove and food prep areas). Place a faded vintage area rug in the room for added warmth and comfort. 

Walls can be paneled, stone, plaster, tiled, or covered in vintage design wallpaper. If you have drywall, there are paints that will give your walls the look and texture of plaster. Some designers prefer a color palette in warm shades of deep red, olive green, and deep gold. Others prefer the neutrals and pastels of the Provence region. Vintage white tiles with a delicate pattern in blue add airiness and a connection to the lavender fields of Provence when used as a backsplash and/or accent wall.  

It’s okay to mix old and new elements in French Country Decor, so you can choose the latest modern appliances for your kitchen. Some people prefer modern appliances in a retro style – particularly the range, with more burners and ovens than contemporary appliances provide. Choose appliances that fit your preferences and personality. Whichever style you decide on, install an oversized range hood to recall the large cooking nook from days of yore. The range hood can be wrapped in wood or covered in plaster for a vintage look. 

A farmhouse sink fits in well with French Country Design Style in the kitchen and they have surged in popularity recently. Modern apron sinks closely resemble the size and shape of a farmhouse sink. You can find either type of sink with components to turn the sink into a workstation which is a benefit if your kitchen is small and counterspace is limited. 

Look for vintage style lighting that reflects either the elegant or rustic elements in the room. A delicate chandelier or stylized pendant lights and ornate wall sconces to highlight elegance; a wrought iron chandelier or lantern style fixture and electric candle sconces to highlight rustic. Add metallic accents in gold, brass or copper tones with lighting, faucets and tap handles, and drawer and cupboard knobs and handles. 

If you have a table in your French Country Style kitchen, put mismatched antique chairs around it. Wood, wicker, rattan, and cane can be mix-and-matched. For upholstered seats, use luxe fabrics and mix and match floral, stripes, gingham and toile patterns. Hang simple valances over the windows and put potted herbs on the windowsills. Hang antique kitchen tools and utensils as wall art and hang copper pots from a ceiling rack as functional art. Add gilt-framed landscapes of the French countryside and a vintage clock to the walls if you have enough space. Place thickly woven baskets on open shelves made from reclaimed wood for extra storage. 

The exposed beams, stone floor, thick farmhouse table and shiny copper pots of a French Country Design Style kitchen combine to transport you three-hundred years in the past while retaining the modern conveniences of the 21st century. It’s a warm, comforting room to sit around the big table with cups of coffee or tea, surrounded by friends and lots of laughter. 

Interior Designers Houston – Eclectic Design Style

Eclectic Design began at the end of the 19th century as an architectural style created by maverick architects who were tired of the rigid rules in the industry and the cookie cutter building designs. They wanted more freedom to design visually interesting buildings. Over time, this rebellion against unimaginative architecture evolved into an interior design style. 

The dictionary defines eclectic as, “Deriving ideas, style or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.” Eclectic Design Style is about taking the elements you like best from various design styles and eras you enjoy. It’s less flamboyant than Maximalism Design Style, limiting the number of objects on display and having a more intentional color palette, albeit one you still choose yourself. 

Eclectic Design Style combines elements from not only different design styles, but also different eras and cultures. It encourages contrasting elements, individuality and injecting your personality into the design. Like Maximalism, Eclectic Design likes to mix colors, patterns, textures and materials. It also likes to spring an unconventional surprise on the unwary visitor. This will take the form of an eccentric piece of art, an eye-grabbing abstract light fixture or some other unexpected item. It also encourages a cultural element, perhaps by displaying travel mementos. Unlike Maximalism, Eclectic Design Style discourages clutter by exercising restraint in exhibiting personal items, choosing only a few of the best items from your collections.  

Eclectic Design Style creates a visually engaging room featuring a little bit of a lot of things; enough to interest without overwhelming. It fills your home with your own unique personality and provokes interest and delight from visitors. 

Interior Designers Houston – Eclectic Design Style Living Room

 A living room decorated in Eclectic Design Style can be bold, exciting, quirky and fun or calm and restful. Because it is such an individual style, you can choose the mood of the room while still adhering to the basic tenets of the design. Begin with your choice of color palette. Whether you opt for tranquility or vivacity, you can start with a neutral palette and build the room on layered patterns and textures. For an exciting room, you can opt for a bold, vibrant palette. Whatever your color palette, add metallic accents in gold, brass or copper.  

Almost anything goes as far as walls are concerned in Eclectic Design Style. For the living room, paint the walls in either a bold or neutral shade or cover it with wallpaper. You can combine neutral walls with a bold painted accent wall, and either bold or neutral walls with a papered accent wall. Floors are also versatile, with hardwood probably the most popular choice for the living room and, from a style standpoint, the most enduring.  

You can mix and match furnishings in your Eclectic Design Style living room. Combining modern, vintage and antique furniture in differing styles and forms while striving for a cohesive look is not an easy task, but it can be fun. Think outside the box and use unexpected items in lieu of conventional tables. Flank a contemporary sofa with vintage steamer trunks repurposed as end tables. An antique hope chest finds a new life as a coffee table. Use your imagination and find new uses for some of the items languishing in your (or your parents’ or grandparents’) basement and attic. Choose one statement piece for the room, whether it’s a unique piece of furniture, an unusual work of art, or a fabulous light fixture. Layer textures with varying upholstery and accent pillow fabrics, plush rugs and window treatments. Create a cohesive look by repeating colors and patterns throughout the room. To prevent your Eclectic Design Style living room from looking chaotic, plan the placement of your furniture so the room can be easily traversed and for easy access to table surfaces. Your guests will want their coffee cups and cell phones to be within easy reach.  

Install statement lighting; a borealis chandelier, an elegant, tiered chandelier, a flower shaped ceiling light, a Sputnik light, a geometric pendant light – there are many, many choices out there. It’s worth repeating, if you have a small living room, limit yourself to one statement piece whether it’s lighting, furniture or art.  

Accessorize your living room with a Moroccan rug, a gallery wall, and your favorite knick-knacks tastefully displayed. Place a quirky modern sculpture in a corner. If you opted for a serene room, use only a few knick-knacks and a couple of color pops via throw pillows or colors in art or rugs.  

Finally, add potted plants to your decor. Like most other design styles, Eclectic Design Style loves plants for the color, energy and health benefits they add to a room. If you struggle to keep plants alive, realistic artificial plants will still add the color and vibrancy of live plants.  

Above all, make sure your quirky, unique Eclectic Design Style living room is overflowing with your own quirky and unique personality. 

Interior Designers Houston – Eclectic Design Style Master Bedroom

An Eclectic Design Style bedroom is a study in cohesive contrasts: old and new, light and dark, bold and subtle, large and small, colors that are opposites on the color wheel, and layers of differing textures and patterns. You don’t have to include all of this in your bedroom, but you can if you want to, and it can look fabulous.  

The color palette is up to you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected color combinations like bright teal and orange. If you want the focus to be on the decor, choose a neutral palette. If you want a serene space, neutrals or pastels, perhaps in monochrome, will give you a good foundation. If moody is your vibe, a dark palette is best. For a bright, bold, cheerful space, choose bright, bold, cheerful colors. Whether you put any of these colors on the walls or keep the walls white and add color with furniture and decor is up to you. A search of the internet will show you beautiful Eclectic Design Style bedrooms done both ways. 

Walls can be painted white or any shade in your palette, they can be papered with geometric patterns, floral or botanical prints, bold or subtle patterns and colors, or choose a mural wallpaper. You can also paint the ceiling a different color than the walls or paint the walls and put wallpaper on the ceiling. You can successfully try pretty much any combination of color, paint and wallpaper on the walls and ceiling. 

Floors can be hardwood, patterned tiles, solid tiles in a checkerboard design, carpet, a combination of wood and carpet and just about anything else you can dream up. Eclectic Design Style is all about layering and that includes layering rugs. Put a smaller rug at an angle on top of a large rug. Doing this allows you to layer several things at once: rugs, textures, colors, patterns and even the orientation of the rug.  

Windows can be covered with gauzy sheer panels, curtains in a color, pattern or texture that adds to the overall design of the room, Roman shades or whatever imaginative idea you dream up. Consider installing at least one stained glass window if it fits with your vision for the room. 

When furnishing your Eclectic Design Style bedroom, look for combinations of antique, vintage and contemporary furnishings that will blend harmoniously. If you have an antique bed or vintage headboard, flank it with modern nightstands. If your bed is contemporary, put vintage side tables next to it. You will want to create a focal point in your room with a statement piece; it can be a piece of furniture, a piece of art, or a unique light fixture. A statement armoire, bed or headboard will immediately draw the eye when one enters the bedroom.  

Layering textures can begin with your bedding. Use fabrics with different textures for each layer of bedding; bamboo sheets, wool blankets, velvet duvet, corduroy throw pillows and a faux fur throw blanket at the foot of the bed. Continue layering with plush rugs and linen window treatments. Add a vintage textile into the mix, if possible, a vintage rug perhaps.  

Layering patterns can be difficult. It helps to consider stripes, animal prints, polka dots and camouflage as solids that can be combined with each other, or with other patterns. A floral print or a geometric print can be successfully combined with any of those “solid” patterns. When mixing patterns in your Eclectic Design Style bedroom, start with an oversized pattern in your room, let’s say a wallpaper pattern for example, and look for smaller patterns that are in the same color family for rugs, bedding, cushions and other places. Mirror the patterns in your room, for instance a floral pattern on wallpaper can be mirrored with a vase of flowers like those in the pattern, placed on a dresser or nightstand. 

Color can be the glue that holds your room together, whether you choose the color from the pattern, or choose the pattern to go with the color. Weave the color throughout your bedroom in textiles, accents, and accessories.  

Look for a unique or whimsical light fixture. In general, gold, brass or copper colored metal accents are used because the colors show up better than chrome and silver in a busy room. Place a modern lamp on a vintage nightstand, or vice versa. Place a fun, artsy floor lamp in a corner and a stylish desk lamp in your work area.  

Accessorizing is where you can probably have the most fun in designing your Eclectic Design Style bedroom. Make a gallery wall of vintage art prints, or hang a large, daring pop art print above the bed. Hang unusual items on the walls as art: vintage sports equipment, your favorite hats, a collection of vintage mirrors or a decorative plate collection. Bring living plants into your room. Look for quirky artwork, whether a painting, print, sculpture or figurine; an unexpected eccentric item that will make a visitor stop in surprise to take it in.  

There are a couple of... not rules, exactly, perhaps trends in Eclectic Design Style to consider. One is to bring in a global element, whether it’s displaying souvenirs from your travels or searching for international decor like a Japanese screen, a Moroccan rug or a djembe, or a collection of several items. The other trend, which may be more of a rule, is to include personalized decor. A bookcase filled with your favorite books, floating shelves displaying your favorite album art, items you’ve crafted yourself, the travel souvenirs or something you collect. This is to infuse the design with your personality, making it uniquely your own.

Interior Designers Houston – Eclectic Design Style Bathroom  

When planning your Eclectic Design Style bathroom, think about all your favorite design styles and choose the elements you love the most from each style, then imagine how to incorporate them all into the room. Choose your color palette, trying to balance bold colors with neutral tones.  

Some ideas to help you get started including: 

Combine bright colors and patterns. Eclectic Design Style loves mixing colors and patterns. Use one big pattern, like a big, bold patterned wallpaper. Look for tiles and textiles in smaller patterns that will complement the wallpaper. Choose a color in the wallpaper and weave it throughout the room in tiles, textiles and accessories to create a cohesive design. Repeat the wallpaper pattern or colors in other room elements such as towels, art prints, shower curtains, rugs or accessories. 

Choose a statement bathtub. This can be a vintage clawfoot bathtub or a contemporary soaking tub. Some designers will paint the bathtub to complement your palette or cover it in shiny gold or copper leaf. Install vintage fixtures, for instance a clawfoot bathtub and pedestal sink. Or combine vintage and modern fixtures with a clawfoot bathtub and a contemporary vessel sink.  

Expose your pipes. Eclectic Design Styles borrow and combines elements from other styles. Give your bathroom an industrial vibe by leaving your plumbing pipes on display. A bonus benefit to exposed pipes: Easy access to the plumbing might save you money down the road. Add unconventional faucet designs because this style also encourages a touch of eccentricity. 

Use mismatched tiles. These can be different colors, different shades of the same color, or many different richly colored, elaborately patterned tiles for walls and/or floors.  

Repurpose old furniture and mix with new elements. Eclectic Design Style encourages contrasts. Put an antique dresser in a corner and use it for storing linens and other bathroom necessities. Install a modern vessel sink atop an antique sideboard repurposed for use as a vanity. Fold thick, soft towels and drape them over a distressed wooden ladder. Place a vintage stool beside your modern bathtub or a modern stool next to your vintage bathtub to hold your book, phone and glasses while you enjoy a relaxing soak. Use your imagination. 

Choose colorful textiles. Plush towels in vibrant hues can be solid colored or patterned. Look for vintage rugs or a soft Moroccan rug to place on the floor. Eclectic Design Style layers everything, so choose varied colors, textures and patterns that will fit the overall design of the bathroom.  

Mix and match lighting styles and eras, for example, vintage wall sconces with an industrial chandelier, an elegant art deco chandelier with contemporary abstract sconces, or a Sputnik fixture with hanging Edison bulbs. Play around with different types and styles of lighting until you find something that speaks to your vision for the bathroom. 

Bring in bold, colorful artwork. These can be in the form of framed paintings or prints, handmade ceramics, and small sculptures. Be sure to include something odd that will surprise and delight the unprepared viewer. Quirkiness and whimsy are strongly encouraged in Eclectic Design Style spaces.  

Finally, finish accessorizing with personal items. A collection of beach glass, vintage perfume bottles or peacock figurines; toilet paper holder and towel rings clutched in the tentacles of brass octopi attached to the wall; something that will not shock or surprise friends and family because they are Just So You! Because the most important thing about Eclectic Design Style is that it’s an individual style that is all about you, the things you love, and your unique personality. So have fun, let your imagination run riot and create a bathroom you love with all the things you love.  

Interior Designers Houston – Eclectic Design Style Kitchen    

Unlike minimalist styles with bare walls, empty counters and a sterile appearance, an Eclectic Design Style kitchen is a warm, fun space containing layers of mixed patterns, colors, textures, metals, eras and designs. This style is borrowed from all other design styles at the discretion of the homeowner. It creates a relaxed and welcoming ambience where friends and family love to congregate. A few things you will notice in most Eclectic Design kitchens are fun textiles, novel decor, a touch of whimsy, and, in common with minimalist designs, a functional layout.  

Before beginning your kitchen makeover, you must choose your color palette. Don’t be afraid to pick an unusual combination of colors. Some designers prefer to keep floors and walls simple and allow furnishings and decor to provide color and pattern in Eclectic Design Style. Others embrace the bold colors and patterns in every area of the design. Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose whether you want a neutral palette with colorful accents, a monochrome palette, a pastel palette, or a bright and bold palette throughout the space. This design is highly individualized, there is no right or wrong choice at this stage. Choose what you love, as it will best fit your personality, which should infuse the room throughout the design. 

Let's begin at the base and build our way up. An Eclectic Design Style kitchen can carry most types of flooring. Hardwood is the usual go-to flooring for most rooms in most design styles and works well with this design. You can have fun with a hardwood floor by installing it in a herringbone pattern. A wide wood plank floor or wood-look vinyl, and bold colored or bold patterned tiles may also be used for the foundation of your kitchen.  

Walls can be textured, painted, tiled or papered. If you have exposed brick, keep it intact. It’s okay to paint the brick if you wish or leave it in its natural colors to give warmth to the room. Green plants look like they are striking in front of a red brick wall. You can paint all the walls one color, paint one wall a bright or dark color as an accent wall, hang wallpaper on every wall, one accent wall, or the ceiling. You can also paint the ceiling a different color than the walls. A darker shade on the ceiling usually works best, but there aren’t a lot of rules to follow in Eclectic Design Style, so be brave and follow your heart. If you opt to paper your walls, look for wallpaper with a big, colorful pattern. Consider removing upper cabinet doors and applying wallpaper to the inside back of the cupboard. If you decide to tile the walls, choose bold colors or designs for the backsplash at least. Intricately patterned tile, geometric patterned tile, subway tile in rich, vibrant colors, neutral shades, or a combination of white with a bright color in a random pattern works well in the kitchen. Play with the grout, using a white grout with dark tiles, black grout with light colors, or contrasting colorful grout.  

Furnishings and appliances can be contemporary, vintage or, ideally, a combination of both. One of the few rules of Eclectic Design Style is to layer everything. For furnishings, this can be done by layering eras, designs and materials. If you have a contemporary kitchen with built-in cabinetry and a kitchen island, don’t fret; you can layer eras, designs and materials in your lighting and decor. If you are rebuilding your kitchen from scratch, consider scouring flea markets, thrift stores, online markets, antique stores and yard sales for vintage cabinets (mismatched is good) which you can arrange on the floor in a configuration that works for you. Paint them all the same color, different colors, or leave them in their natural, distressed state. Add unusual hardware to your cupboard doors in gold, brass or copper tone metals. Butcher block countertops give your kitchen the warmth of natural wood tones, as well as a convenient work surface. If you have room, place a vintage or retro style table in your kitchen surrounded by brightly colored banquette seating with cheerful throw pillows. Repurpose an antique dresser, painted or au naturel, to store dishes, spices, utensils, linens, or anything that needs to be stored out of sight. Remove some of your upper cabinets and install open shelves to store and display your favorite dishware. Think about purchasing retro style appliances. If you don’t have a kitchen island, look for a vintage butcher block to use as an island, especially if space is limited in your kitchen.  

Bring lots of different textures into your Eclectic Design Style kitchen with textured tiles, a rough stone countertop, a woven rug, soft colorful towels, hand-knitted dishcloths, linen curtains, an organic cotton tablecloth and bamboo placemats. Don’t shy away from bold patterns in your linens. 

Working our way up to the ceiling, even though we visited it briefly near the beginning of this article, let’s look at lighting. You can choose whatever style of lighting you wish. Pendant lights are popular and there is a wide variety of styles from which to choose. Playful pendants, an elegant chandelier, industrial style fixtures, mid-century atomic lighting – the choices are plentiful and varied. Add different types of lighting to your kitchen, because Eclectic Design Style layers even the lighting. A statement overhead fixture, a set of wall sconces, a small table lamp on a shelf, and a couple of candles should cover all your lighting needs and satisfy the design’s need to layer everything. 

Adding your personal touch is the most fun – and probably the most important – part of Eclectic Design Style. Start by installing open or floating shelves to display some of your treasures. Create a gallery wall with prints, paintings or vintage advertisements, hang an antique mirror or display antique and vintage cutting boards. Use old wooden crates for storing items. Display functional decor, like an oversized retro style wall clock, a rack of rolling pins owned by different generations of women in your family, and potted herbs on a shelf or windowsill. Bring a personal collection to put your stamp in the kitchen. Silver spoons, coffee mugs, stamped pewter ware, stoneware crocks; something you love that brings your personality into the kitchen and makes it your own unique space. 

Interior Designers Houston – Southwestern Design Style  

The subtle colors of the four deserts in the southwestern United States, as well as their Native American tribes, Spanish explorers and early Mexican settlers provide the inspiration for Southwestern Design Style. The color palette is derived from the colors and sunsets of the desert: a neutral base with shades of dusty green, terracotta, sand and rust accented with pops of turquoise or blue, red, orange and yellow. 

The design begins with a neutral base to evoke the vastness and openness of the desert. Walls may be painted white or a neutral shade. Stucco walls pay homage to the design’s Spanish influences while walls covered with Talavera tiles evoke the region’s Mexican heritage. 

Floors in Southwestern Design Style rooms are often hardwood; other options include terracotta tiles or Saltillo tiles in a terracotta color. Traditional Talavera tiles can also be used but may work better as an accent applied to the kickboards on a staircase or the backsplash in your kitchen.  

Southwestern Design Style is not minimalist but does somewhat lean that way. You don’t want to overburden a room with too much furniture; like the desert, there should be plenty of open space. Just as desert dwellers don’t like to be crowded by too many buildings and trees, most people who are drawn to this design don’t like to live amongst crowded rooms and clutter. They do, however, enjoy southwestern decor: leather furniture, animal hide rugs, sheepskin throws and Navajo baskets, rugs and pottery.  

Fill your home with natural textiles like organic cotton, linen and wool. Hang a cow skull above the fireplace and furnish your rooms with sturdy leather furniture. Utilize wood, stone and other natural materials wherever possible and embrace bold traditional Spanish, Mexican and Native American patterns.  

At first glance, the desert may look empty and dead but if you look closely, you will see that it is teeming with life. Bring some of that life into every room of your house with potted cacti, yucca, agave and other succulents.  

The beauty of Southwestern Design Style is that you can experience the colors, textures, heritage and plant life of the deserts of the American southwest regardless of where you live.  

Interior Designers Houston – Southwestern Design Style Living Room  

If you love the wide-open expanse and subtle hues of America’s southwest deserts, you can replicate that feeling of spaciousness and serenity in your living room with a Southwestern Design Style makeover. Begin with a neutral palette of browns, tans, beige and ochre as a base and add in the colors of the desert at sunset: terracotta, rust and dusty green with pops of turquoise or blue, deep red, orange and yellow. You can leave the walls white or paint them a neutral color. White or neutral walls are what give the room a spacious, airy feel.  

The floor in a Southwestern Design Style living room will usually be hardwood or terracotta tiles. Saltillo tiles are made of clay from the riverbeds around Saltillo, Mexico. Properly sealed, they are a beautiful and authentic addition to your living room. Saltillo tiles on stairs with traditional Talavera tiles applied to the kickboard create a beautiful statement piece of art that is also a functional part of the room.  

You will want to use as many natural materials as possible when decorating your Southwestern Design Style living room. Open ceiling beams, a natural stone fireplace with a wooden mantel, woven tapestries and blankets and Native American basketry bring the desert southwest into your home.   

Furniture should be oversized, roomy and comfortable. Leather is the traditional upholstery used in a Southwestern Design Style living room. Look for leather seating surfaces with distressed wood accents. If your room is large, place two matching leather sofas facing each other with a low wood coffee table between them. Add throw pillows in sunset colors and with patterns: diamonds, zigzags, spirals and traditional Native American designs. Use a vintage low wooden stool as a side table or magazine stand. Adorn the fireplace with a wrought iron guard. Leave as much open floor space as possible. 

For lighting, look for rustic lamps, sconces and fixtures with copper and wood accents: hanging pendant lights with spiral sun motifs, a Star of the East hanging fixture, sconces with Kokopelli motifs, table lamps with pottery-like bases, and floor lamps with Native American patterns on the shade.  

Bring textiles with rich textures. Place animal hide or hand-loomed rugs on the floor, toss woven or sheepskin throws on the couches, hang linen curtains or bamboo Roman shades on the windows. Finish off your Southwestern Design Style living room with handmade pottery, animal skull motifs, decorative tiles, desert inspired art and potted succulents of varied sizes to make your living room a restful desert oasis. 

Interior Designers Houston – Southwestern Design Style Master Bedroom

Southwestern Design Style is an amalgamation of several cultural influences in the history of the American desert southwest. The region’s indigenous tribes produced master artisans who created – and still create – pottery, basketry and textiles in the colors and patterns they observed in the natural world around them. Spanish explorers and early Mexican settlers brought their own artistic and architectural influences that, over time, fused with Native American artistry to form a unique style which further evolved with the development of the railroad and the westward movement in U.S. history, bringing influences from the citified eastern United States. Native American, Spanish and Mexican cultural influences are still the strongest in Southwestern Design Style. The fact that it’s become a Design Style is perhaps the biggest contribution from the westward migration.  

The colors you will find in a Southwestern Design Style bedroom echo the peaceful hues of a desert twilight, infusing the room with a calm, relaxing vibe that is perfect for beginning and ending your busy day. Earthy brown, tan, beige, ochre, terracotta and rust recall desert sand and the striations of mesas and canyons. Sage and dusty green suggest desert sage, cactus and other desert succulents. Hints of turquoise and muted pale purple evoke the sky at different stages of twilight, while splashes in deep shades of red and orange conjure a vibrant desert sunset. Choose your bedroom colors from this palette. 

Natural materials that you can find in the southwestern desert can be brought into your bedroom design in the form of a stone fireplace or accent wall, a tile floor sourced from clay found in the riverbeds around Saltillo, Mexico, sturdy, heavy wood furnishings and the exposed wood beams this style loves. 

 Walls painted white or light neutral shades endow your bedroom with a spacious and airy ambience. Add tile accents around windows or near the top of the walls with intricately patterned Talavera tiles handcrafted in Mexico. Stucco walls recall early Spanish missions and haciendas. Due to the richness of Southwestern Design Style, an accent wall may not be needed, but if you want one, wood paneling or natural stone will work with the style. 

Furnishings tend toward oversized, heavy and sturdy wooden bedframe, dressers, wardrobe, tables and benches and leather seating with wood accents. Look for a wood bedframe with a carved wood headboard and sturdy dressers and wardrobes with a naturally distressed finish. Nightstands can be distressed wood or, for something a bit different, a primitive wooden stool can be used as a bedside table. Place a weathered wooden bench under a window or build a window seat with hidden storage. 

Look for lighting with copper accents. A copper pendant light overhead, lantern sconces on either side of the bed, a table lamp with pottery-looking base on a dresser and candles on a floating shelf. Ideally, there will be large windows bringing in an abundance of natural light. 

There is a rich heritage of Native American symbols to draw from for patterns in your decor. Spiral suns and Kokopelli are well known. Choose patterns that are pleasing to you or research the meanings behind some of the symbols so you can choose patterns that are meaningful to you. Some of the most popular motifs that find their way onto southwestern style patterns include the symbols for the four directions, the four elements, the cycle of life and the spiral that indicates growth and evolution. Look for bedding, decorative pillows and rugs featuring southwestern style designs. Include a few throw pillows in turquoise and deep red or orange shades for pops of color. 

Textiles that invoke the American west, mainly cowhide and sheepskin, can be present in a Southwestern Design Style room in the form of rugs or a sheepskin blanket throw. If you prefer to have living sheep and cows outside your window, faux animal skin rugs and throws are easy to find and easier on your conscience. Hand-loomed rugs, hand-woven blankets and hand-crafted textile wall art created by Native American artists are the ideal. If these are out of your price range, there are many mass-produced textiles available that feature southwestern style designs. Try to adhere to natural fabrics as much as possible, such as cotton sheets, wool blankets and linen curtains, as well as natural fiber wall hangings. 

For the finishing touches to your bedroom, hang deserted artwork like framed paintings, prints or photographs of deserted landscapes and wildlife. Utilize hand-woven baskets to hold slippers or blankets. Make or purchase hand-thrown clay pots to hold desert succulents and place them around the room to create your personal desert oasis. 

Interior Designers Houston – Southwestern Design Style Bathroom  

The major influences of Southwestern Design Style come from the indigenous Native American inhabitants, Spanish explorers and early Mexican settlers in the desert regions of the American southwest. When it comes to designing your bathroom, Southwestern Design Style allows you to make a choice between the different cultural influences behind the design for the predominant look of the room. The following descriptions can be added to or subtracted from to adapt to your vision.  

Begin with a color palette of brown, tan, beige, terracotta, dusty green, turquoise and pops of deep red, burnt orange and yellow. The floor should ideally be terracotta tile; however, if you are updating and not completely remodeling your bathroom keep your flooring and, if it isn’t exactly compatible with the Southwestern Design Style, you can cover it with a rug patterned in a Native American motif.  

Walls should be neutral or white with subtle tone-on-tone patterned neutral tiles. You can add Talavera tile accents or cover an entire wall with Talavera tile as an accent wall. Tile the inside of the shower and enclose it in clear glass. For a brighter bathroom, use bold blue or turquoise tiles with Talavera tile accents.  

A vanity of natural wood can be distressed or weathered for a rustic look which is compatible with Southwestern Design Style. Add a marble countertop and look for a natural stone vessel sink in light turquoise. Surround a modern oval soaking tub with tile and install copper-colored taps in the bathtub and the sink.  

Look for hanging pendant lights with turquoise, copper and wood accents for the primary bathroom lighting. Hang a rectangular mirror above the sink and frame it with copper wall sconces. Recessed lights can be added in the shower enclosure and above the bathtub if those areas are shadowed.  

Place baskets of varying sizes in the bathroom to hold rolled up washcloths and hand towels, soaps and lotions, and to serve as a clothes hamper. Bring in potted plants for a splash of color and vibrancy. In most rooms decorated in Southwestern Design Style, cactus and other desert succulents are recommended. For a high humidity bathroom, aloe vera, croton petra and rattlesnake plant may be better choices.  

A Southwestern Design Style bathroom does not need to be overflowing with motifs and symbols to celebrate the style and its influences. A small room can be easily overwhelmed with too many patterns, so keep it subtle and allow the Talavera accent tiles and patterned rug to speak for the design. 

Interior Designers Houston – Southwestern Design Style Kitchen

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, what better room is there for a makeover in the warm and cheerful Southwestern Design Style? Influenced by indigenous tribes that were the earliest inhabitants of the region, Spanish explorers who passed through on their way to find the Pacific Ocean, and early Mexican settlers, the warm colors and rustic charm of this style is perfect for casual dinners and relaxed game nights with family and friends.  

The color palette draws from natural features of the American desert southwest. Browns, tans, light reds and rust echo the colors of sand and the striations of canyons and mesas. Sage and dusty green evoke desert flora. Pops of bright turquoise, orange, gold and deep red recall a desert sunset.  

Paint your walls in a warm neutral shade. You can use a texturing technique to make them look like stucco if you wish, highlighting the Spanish influence of Southwestern Design Style. If you have exposed brick in your kitchen, leave it in its natural warm hues. Colorful hand-painted Talavera tiles applied to the backsplash and, if desired, behind the range give the kitchen a focal point while adding warmth and vibrant colors to the room.  

Hardwood floors are the popular choice in most design styles. If you already have hard wood floors in your kitchen, keep them intact. If you are planning to replace your flooring, you can certainly choose hardwood, especially warm wood like maple, oak and pine. There is, however, a flooring choice for this design style that is more desirable than hardwood and that is Saltillo tile. These warm, terracotta-colored tiles are closely identified with Southwestern Design Style and add a sense of nostalgia, a stunning color and a pleasing asymmetrical pattern to your kitchen. 

A cabinetry in a rich, warm natural wood finish will usually be found in a Southwestern Design Style kitchen. If you choose a dark neutral for walls, you may want to paint your cabinets a creamy off-white color to brighten the room. A kitchen island in the same wood tones as your cabinets, with wood and leather barstools will give you extra work, storage and seating space. Granite or wood butcher block countertops are good choices; however, Spanish mosaic tile will make your countertops sing. If you used Talavera tile for your backsplash, use it on your countertops as well. These beautiful, colorful tiles in the kitchen, especially in conjunction with Saltillo tile flooring, conjure up a small-town Mexican fiesta that should put a smile on your face whenever you enter the room.  

Appliances can be modern stainless steel, brightly colored retro style, or a mix of both. A generic sink can be replaced with a farmhouse style sink, or a modern apron sink in copper tones. Look for pendant light fixtures with copper accents or, to further evoke a Mexican or Spanish town square, vintage wrought iron hanging fixtures.  

The finishing touches in your Southwestern Design Style kitchen include a jute rug or a plush rug with Native American patterns. If you have exposed beams on your ceiling, use them to hang strings of peppers and bunches of herbs to dry. Use hand-woven baskets to hold napkins and other kitchen necessities. Hand-thrown pots can hold desert succulents or kitchen herbs. Hang southwestern style art, tapestries or textile hangings on the walls.  

Following just a few of these suggestions can turn your kitchen into a warm, colorful, vibrant room that will truly be the heart of your home.

Interior Designers Houston – Southwestern Design Style Bathroom  

The major influences of Southwestern Design Style come from the indigenous Native American inhabitants, Spanish explorers and early Mexican settlers in the desert regions of the American southwest. When it comes to designing your bathroom, Southwestern Design Style allows you to make a choice between the different cultural influences behind the design for the predominant look of the room. The following descriptions can be added to or subtracted from to adapt to your vision.  

Begin with a color palette of brown, tan, beige, terracotta, dusty green, turquoise and pops of deep red, burnt orange and yellow. The floor should ideally be terracotta tile; however, if you are updating and not completely remodeling your bathroom keep your flooring and, if it isn’t exactly compatible with the Southwestern Design Style, you can cover it with a rug patterned in a Native American motif.  

Walls should be neutral or white with subtle tone-on-tone patterned neutral tiles. You can add Talavera tile accents or cover an entire wall with Talavera tile as an accent wall. Tile the inside of the shower and enclose it in clear glass. For a brighter bathroom, use bold blue or turquoise tiles with Talavera tile accents.  

A vanity of natural wood can be distressed or weathered for a rustic look which is compatible with Southwestern Design Style. Add a marble countertop and look for a natural stone vessel sink in light turquoise. Surround a modern oval soaking tub with tile and install copper-colored taps in the bathtub and the sink.  

Look for hanging pendant lights with turquoise, copper and wood accents for the primary bathroom lighting. Hang a rectangular mirror above the sink and frame it with copper wall sconces. Recessed lights can be added in the shower enclosure and above the bathtub if those areas are shadowed.  

Place baskets of varying sizes in the bathroom to hold rolled up washcloths and hand towels, soaps and lotions, and to serve as a clothes hamper. Bring in potted plants for a splash of color and vibrancy. In most rooms decorated in Southwestern Design Style, cactus and other desert succulents are recommended. For a high humidity bathroom, aloe vera, croton petra and rattlesnake plant may be better choices.  

A Southwestern Design Style bathroom does not need to be overflowing with motifs and symbols to celebrate the style and its influences. A small room can be easily overwhelmed with too many patterns, so keep it subtle and allow the Talavera accent tiles and patterned rug to speak for the design. 

Interior Designers Houston – Southwestern Design Style Kitchen

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, what better room is there for a makeover in the warm and cheerful Southwestern Design Style? Influenced by indigenous tribes that were the earliest inhabitants of the region, Spanish explorers who passed through on their way to find the Pacific Ocean, and early Mexican settlers, the warm colors and rustic charm of this style is perfect for casual dinners and relaxed game nights with family and friends.  

The color palette draws from natural features of the American desert southwest. Browns, tans, light reds and rust echo the colors of sand and the striations of canyons and mesas. Sage and dusty green evoke desert flora. Pops of bright turquoise, orange, gold and deep red recall a desert sunset.  

Paint your walls in a warm neutral shade. You can use a texturing technique to make them look like stucco if you wish, highlighting the Spanish influence of Southwestern Design Style. If you have exposed brick in your kitchen, leave it in its natural warm hues. Colorful hand-painted Talavera tiles applied to the backsplash and, if desired, behind the range give the kitchen a focal point while adding warmth and vibrant colors to the room.  

Hardwood floors are the popular choice in most design styles. If you already have hard wood floors in your kitchen, keep them intact. If you are planning to replace your flooring, you can certainly choose hardwood, especially warm wood like maple, oak and pine. There is, however, a flooring choice for this design style that is more desirable than hardwood and that is Saltillo tile. These warm, terracotta-colored tiles are closely identified with Southwestern Design Style and add a sense of nostalgia, a stunning color and a pleasing asymmetrical pattern to your kitchen. 

A cabinetry in a rich, warm natural wood finish will usually be found in a Southwestern Design Style kitchen. If you choose a dark neutral for walls, you may want to paint your cabinets a creamy off-white color to brighten the room. A kitchen island in the same wood tones as your cabinets, with wood and leather barstools will give you extra work, storage and seating space. Granite or wood butcher block countertops are good choices; however, Spanish mosaic tile will make your countertops sing. If you used Talavera tile for your backsplash, use it on your countertops as well. These beautiful, colorful tiles in the kitchen, especially in conjunction with Saltillo tile flooring, conjure up a small-town Mexican fiesta that should put a smile on your face whenever you enter the room.  

Appliances can be modern stainless steel, brightly colored retro style, or a mix of both. A generic sink can be replaced with a farmhouse style sink, or a modern apron sink in copper tones. Look for pendant light fixtures with copper accents or, to further evoke a Mexican or Spanish town square, vintage wrought iron hanging fixtures.  

The finishing touches in your Southwestern Design Style kitchen include a jute rug or a plush rug with Native American patterns. If you have exposed beams on your ceiling, use them to hang strings of peppers and bunches of herbs to dry. Use hand-woven baskets to hold napkins and other kitchen necessities. Hand-thrown pots can hold desert succulents or kitchen herbs. Hang southwestern style art, tapestries or textile hangings on the walls.  

Following just a few of these suggestions can turn your kitchen into a warm, colorful, vibrant room that will truly be the heart of your home.

Interior Designers Houston – Asian Zen Design Style

If you are looking for an interior design that promotes tranquility and harmony in your home, you will want to investigate Asian Zen Design Style. This style is a blend of traditional Asian design and Zen philosophy. It incorporates objects, patterns and colors from Asian traditions in a minimalist design, creating an atmosphere of balance and calm tranquility. Before committing to this design, be aware that it eschews technological distractions. Televisions, computers, phones and game systems compete with the balance and serenity of Zen philosophy. 

An Asian Zen Design Style room is an uncluttered, elegant space imbued with materials, fabrics, colors and scents found in nature. The room should have softness to it, both physical, with soft rugs and plush upholstery, and visual, utilizing soft colors, smooth, gentle lines, natural light and soft, warm artificial lighting. This creates a soothing and inviting ambience.  

The colors in an Asian Zen Design Style room are neutral shades of white, beige and gray with earthy blues, greens, yellows and browns as accents. Walls are usually covered with matte white or neutral paint and the ceiling with reflective white paint. For an elegant touch, encircle the room with a Chinese frieze around the top of the walls. 

Floors made with ash or silver birch wood are ideal for an Asian Zen Design Style room. Windows should be covered with translucent curtains or traditional shoji screens to diffuse direct sunlight, which can sometimes be harsh, while still allowing natural light into the room.  

Look for furnishings made of unvarnished wood with the gentle curves and simple, clean lines inspired by traditional, ancient Asian furniture. Include a free-standing shoji screen and/or sliding shoji screens on the windows. Upholstery should be soft, natural fabrics like cotton and linen in light, natural colors.  

Lighting should be soft and warm, and come from various sources. Small table lamps, floor lamps, candles and fairy lights all have a place in any Asian Zen Design Style space. This style tends to avoid bright, harsh lighting that will upset the balance and serenity of the room.  

Decorative accents should bring nature into the room. Begin with leafy houseplants in ceramic pots painted with traditional Asian motifs. Consider a bonsai tree for the vitality of the plant, the calmness it induces and the patience it teaches. Pebbles and other small items from nature can be used as decorative accents. A miniature Zen Garden placed on a tabletop provides a soothing activity while a tabletop water fountain provides a soothing sound. Include sprigs of lavender, beeswax candles and reed diffusers with natural aromas in the room for their fresh scents.  

An Asian Zen Design Style room is an oasis of calm serenity that provides a respite from the stresses of the modern world and restores emotional balance after a day filled with the constant barrage of phone calls, messages and information that are a byproduct of technology. 

 Interior Designers Houston – Asian Zen Style Living Room  

A living room designed in Asian Zen Style should be a serene space that inspires peaceful contemplation. To achieve this, begin with a neutral color palette of soothing light beiges, grays and whites, with light earthy hues as accents. These colors encourage a sense of calm and tranquility. Make sure to give your room a soft look by using soft colors and textures. 

Asian Zen Design is a minimalist style that is closely connected to nature. Floors will be natural wood or stone tiles with bamboo rugs. Walls will be paneled, painted in natural colors or covered with shoji screens. A Chinese frieze wrapping around the top of the walls adds an elegant touch to the room. Ideally, wall art will be traditional bamboo hangings or silk wall scrolls depicting traditional Asian scenes. Other options include paintings, prints and photos of peaceful nature scenes or calligraphy art. Windows should be covered with either traditional shoji screens or translucent curtains, such as white linen panels, that will diffuse strong sunlight to a soft natural light. 

Look for furnishings inspired by ancient Asian designs, with unvarnished wood accents and soft, comfortable upholstery. One designer advises to incorporate ‘quiet’ furniture, which means clean, smooth lines, superior workmanship and a sophisticated, yet subtle appearance. A simple modular couch in a light, solid neutral color is a good start. Stick with natural materials for furniture as much as possible, wood, bamboo, glass and natural organic fabrics. Limit furnishings to what is strictly necessary, in line with a minimalist aesthetic. 

Lighting in your Asian Design Style living room should be soft, warm and come from several different sources. For overhead lighting, look for fixtures with clean, curved lines or hang Japanese lanterns. A modern, abstract bamboo floor lamp can also serve as functional art. Small ginger jar style table lamps can be used along with Himalayan salt lamps. You can also include sleek sconces, fairy lights and candles. Purchase lightbulbs that emit a warm, soft glow and use various combinations of light sources to create different moods in the room.  

For decorative accents aside from the wall art covered above, keep it sensory and simple: a bowl of pebbles and a miniature Zen Garden for touching, a small wind chime and a tabletop water fountain for listening, houseplants and a bonsai tree for seeing, a beeswax candle and reed diffuser with natural scent for smelling. (For tasting, bring a soothing cup of tea into the room with you.) 

When your room is complete, it should be a haven of serenity that engages all your senses and fills you with a sense of well-being.  

Interior Designers Houston – Asian Zen Design Style Bedroom

The bedroom is the most logical room in the house for Asian Zen Design Style. With its emphasis on calm, tranquility, well-being and soothing sensory accoutrements, it makes sense to utilize this design style in the one room where relaxation is not only desired but required. 

The warm neutral, earthy color palette is the first step in attaining a Zen-like quality. Shades of cream, gray, beige and tan provide a soothing backdrop, while accents in light greens, golds and blues add a connection to nature. Large windows with filmy curtains to diffuse bright sunlight endow the room with an airy ambiance. Floors of ash, maple or silver birch wood can be partially covered with traditional tatami mats for a soft, springy surface that brings comfort to aching feet. 

Furnishings will often be low-profile with simple, clean lines; a platform bed with a shoji screen for a headboard, a tansu chest used as a nightstand as well as for extra storage, and a minimalist dresser can be natural unvarnished wood or black lacquer. Keeping surfaces free of clutter will help keep the mood of the room calm. Bedding and decorative pillows should be natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, bamboo and silk. 

Lighting should be provided by more than one source. For overhead lighting, look for a fixture with natural wood accents and traditional Asian design elements. Use dimmable light bulbs that provide a soft, warm glow. Other light sources should diffuse the light; Himalayan salt lamps, Japanese lanterns and rice paper lampshades all work well in an Asian Zen Design Style bedroom.  

Embrace the minimalist aesthetic of Asian Zen Design Style in your bedroom decor by being intentional in your choices and avoiding cluttered surfaces. On the walls, traditional bamboo wall art or simple calligraphy art. To soothe your senses, a simple bowl of small decorative stones; a miniature Zen Garden; a reed diffuser with a fresh, natural scent like lavender; a small wind chime; a tabletop water fountain and a small Buddha statuette. And don’t forget the plants: orchids, bamboo and a bonsai tree bring nature into the room and don’t require a lot of maintenance.  

An Asian Zen Design Style bedroom is a room that allows you to retreat from the noise and chaos of the outside world into a private space that embraces you with a sense of calm serenity and relaxes you with fresh scents and gentle, soothing sounds.  

Interior Designers Houston – Asian Zen Design Style Bathroom  

With its emphasis on creating a serene minimalist aesthetic and its adaptability to a small room, an Asian Zen Design Style bathroom transforms a purely functional bathroom into a tranquil personal spa customized to your available space.  

Begin by choosing a color palette in muted neutral or natural colors. For a natural palette, choose muted shades of sand, slate, sage and taupe. For a more neutral palette, choose from shades of cream, tan and beige. You may prefer a monochromatic palette, in which case choose one color from the neutral palette and look for different hues of that color. Whatever palette you choose, the colors should inspire a calm and peaceful mood. 

Natural materials are encouraged in Asian Zen Design Style. In the bathroom, this mostly means wood and stone elements with perhaps a bit of bamboo added into the mix. Some flooring choices include bamboo, large stone tiles and mosaic tiles created with pebbles or river stones. Walls can be simple drywall painted a muted shade from your color palette, or stone tiles. You can add a wood accent wall if you desire.  

A large window looking out to a private scenic view is the ideal. Asian Zen Design Style prefers diffused light for a soft ambience, so only leave the window uncovered if it is not in direct sunlight. Whatever the size, windows in direct sunlight should be covered with gauzy linen curtains or a traditional shoji screen to allow soft natural light to enter the room.  

Incorporate a few different types of lighting in your bathroom to create different moods. There are lighting stores online that offer a variety of ceiling lights and sconces compatible with Asian Zen Design Style. Overhead light fixtures can have elements of traditional Asian art or evoke nature. Look for sconces with clean lines and gentle curves. Place a Himalayan salt lamp and a few pillar candles on a floating shelf.  

Furniture and appliances can have a big impact on an Asian Zen Design Style bathroom. Look for a wood vanity with clean lines and gentle curves. Add a marble countertop and a wood or stone vessel sink and hang a large round mirror above the vanity. If you have a walk-in shower, use large stone tiles for the shower walls and floor and enclose it in clear glass. Your bathtub should be a statement and the centerpiece of the room. If you have a large window, place a stand-alone bathtub in front of it; otherwise, place large potted plants around the bathtub to create the illusion of bathing in nature. Your bathtub can be bowl shaped, square or oval. It can be made of copper or wood in the style of a traditional Japanese soaking tub. It can be a recessed bathtub that you step down into. There are many options; choose the one that best fits your vision of an Asian Zen style bathroom. Place a wooden stool near the bathtub to hold your favorite bath products, a book, candles or a glass of wine. If you have a large room, place a small teak bench in an alcove. A moveable shoji screen may be placed in the bathroom to partition off areas for privacy. 

Decorative accents should include a large basket to hold plush white towels. Place a wood or bamboo bath caddy across the bathtub. Bring ferns, bamboo and orchid plants. Place a bowl of pebbles and a reed diffuser with lavender or another natural scent on the vanity countertop. Hang a small wind chime in front of an open window or an air vent. Fill your Asian Zen bathroom with air purifying plants, fresh, natural scents and gentle, comforting sounds for a relaxing, spa-like experience. 

Interior Designers Houston – Asian Zen Design Style Kitchen  

An Asian Zen Design Style kitchen incorporates traditional Asian design elements from countries across Asia including China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. These design influences are combined with principles of Zen philosophy such as balance, openness, minimalism, and a connection to nature to create an understated room with an air of tranquility. 

The color palette in an Asian Zen kitchen is connected to nature: green, gray, brown and tan in soft, muted hues, black and white details, and accents of silver or gold. A kitchen in this design style is often monochromatic using varying shades of one color from the palette. Pops of color should be minimal and come from nature; a bowl of lemons on a countertop and a few small plants are sufficient. 

With its connection to nature, it should be no surprise that an Asian Zen Design Style kitchen utilizes natural materials. You will find wood, stone, bamboo and rocks throughout the room in floors, cabinets, backsplash, countertops and, occasionally, even the ceiling. A wood plank ceiling is gaining in popularity in Asian Zen kitchens. 

Floors are generally wood or bamboo, although it’s not unheard of to see a natural stone tile floor in an Asian Zen Design Style kitchen. Paint walls in muted natural tones from your color palette using matte paint. The backsplash can be natural stone, concrete tile or pebbled. Windows are ideally large, not divided into panes and uncovered. Work with what you have, though; keep the windows uncovered or use a bamboo Roman shade that can roll up to leave the window unobstructed.  

While Asian Zen Design is an understated style, you can add a touch of drama with your kitchen lighting. Look for ceiling fixtures that incorporate elements of Asian design or pendant lights. Install a light switch with dimming capability so you can have bright lighting while preparing meals and soft lighting while enjoying meals. You can also supplement it with recessed lighting. 

Choose cabinetry that has clean, straight lines and is uniform in height and size and install them in a symmetrical arrangement to achieve the balance and harmony of Zen philosophy. Shaker cabinets are ideal for an Asian Zen Design Style kitchen. Cabinets can be natural wood tones or painted in one of your palette colors as long as they are all the same. Hardware should be simple and sleek. Select countertops in natural materials such as marble, granite, quartz or wood. Countertops should be kept clutter free.  

Appliances should not stand out but be in harmony with the rest of the room. Modern, streamlined appliances in stainless steel complement Asian Zen Design Style well. The sink should also blend seamlessly into the kitchen design. A stainless steel, undermount sink preserves the balance and harmony of the room. 

Fabrics should also be natural; organic cotton and linen, wool and even silk can be incorporated into your kitchen in rugs, towels, placemats and tablecloths.  

Since Asian Zen is a minimalist design style, few decorative accents are needed. Calligraphy art on a wall, a decorative bowl of lemons and/or limes on a countertop, and floating shelves containing small pots of aromatic herbs such as basil and rosemary, orchids and perhaps a bamboo plant keep the kitchen from looking bland while maintaining balance and harmony. 

An Asian Zen Design Style kitchen is a tranquil, balanced room where you can focus your creativity on meal planning and preparation without distraction. A peaceful, balanced kitchen makes a calm, balanced cook and a calm, balanced cook makes delicious balanced meals. 

Interior Designers Houston – Asian Décor Design Style  

Asian Decor is a design style that incorporates elements from across Asia. When hearing the term “Asian Decor” in the United States, we tend to automatically think of art and design influences from Japan and China, but Asia has a huge diversity of cultures. There are so many choices to choose from, it makes defining Asian Decor Design Style difficult at best. The goal is easier to define: Create a harmonious blend of your favorite elements from multiple Asian cultures. The aesthetic you want to achieve is the calm and harmony of minimalist decor, the airiness of open spaces, the use of asymmetrical placements to provide balance and an overall air of serenity.  

Color palettes will vary depending on which areas you base your decor. The most common palettes are based on East Asian countries and South Asian countries. For an East Asian palette, your objective is to create a serene, minimalist space. To achieve this, use a nature-based color palette of earthy neutrals (white, cream, beige and gray), pastel floral tones (green, yellow, blue) and natural wood and stone tones. For a South Asian palette, your goal is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The palette for this consists of vibrant colors of deep red, blues, greens and golds.  

Natural materials will be used throughout Asian Decor Design Style, including wood, bamboo, stone and natural fabrics. Using natural materials promotes a connection to nature which is enhanced by the color palette.  

Flooring is generally wood, with light woods like maple complementing the decor. Bamboo floors are also popular. Natural stone flooring may be used with South Asian design, but it’s not the norm. Floors may be covered with Oriental rugs, whether Persian, Turkish or Chinese, or traditional tatami mats.  

Walls may be painted white or neutral shades or covered with murals or chinoiserie wallpaper or shoji screens. Large windows are ideal, as natural light is important to Asian Decor Design Style. Aside from large windows providing natural light, the lighting in your room should be soft and diffused to mimic natural light. Japanese lanterns, rice paper lamp shades and Himalayan salt lamps can all be used to create diffuse lighting. Candles are also desired in this design style.  

Furniture that is low to the ground is popular in all Asian Decor Design Style spaces for comfort, to create a spacious and open effect, and to ground the design. Multi-purpose furniture with storage capability is useful for maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. A decorative chest can serve as a coffee table while providing storage space. Shoji screens and decorative floor screens are often used. Although natural wood tones are encouraged, you may choose to include some traditional black lacquered wood furniture, which will beautifully complement a bamboo or light-colored wood floor. Use natural textiles such as cotton, linen, bamboo, silk and wool for upholstery, as well as household linens, rugs and window coverings where needed.  

Furnishings and decorative accents should include a variety of textures such as wood, glass, rice paper, stones and pebbles, lacquer, silk, jute, rattan and pottery, while still adhering to minimalism. An example for a texturally layered Asian Decor Design Style living room is a lacquered chest used as a coffee table, silk scrolls as wall art, a jute rug, a small bowl of smooth pebbles, rice paper lampshades, a rattan chair, carved wood wall panels and ceramic pots containing orchids and bamboo plants. Other decorative accents you may want to include are chinoiserie elements, cloisonne details, bamboo wall hangings and a tabletop water feature.  

Whatever culture you draw from, an Asian Decor Design Style room should exude balance, serenity and a warm welcome to all who enter. 

Interior Designers Houston – Asian Décor Design Style Living Room

A living room in Asian Decor Design Style incorporates design elements from throughout Asia and blends them into a harmonious and balanced space. Begin with a neutral color palette in cream, gray, beige and brown and accents in either pastel floral shades or warm earth tones, and a wood or bamboo floor. Wall colors or covering will depend on which Asian cultures you choose. For a minimalist look popular in Japanese design, paint the walls white, cream or a light neutral shade or cover them with shoji screens. For cultures that tend toward ornate decor, a mural or chinoiserie style wallpaper may be used. For traditional Chinese and south Asian cultures, warm red, gold or other earthtones may be used. Wall art may include traditional silk scrolls, carved wood wall panels, Chinese calligraphy art, and bamboo scroll hangings. Remember to keep it minimalist. 

Natural materials are used throughout the design, regardless of which Asian cultures you are using. Wood and bamboo flooring are the most widely used but some designs may do well with stone flooring. Tatami mats are a traditional Japanese floor covering. They’re made with natural materials like rice straw and rushes and provide a comfortable surface to walk on and a good surface on which to place furniture. Oriental rugs are also very popular in Asian Decor Design Style, with choices ranging from Persian to Turkish and Chinese. Rugs should be made from natural materials like wool or silk. 

Large windows are preferable in this design, as natural light is prized. Windows should be left uncovered if possible or covered with bamboo Roman shades that can be rolled all the way up to let in as much light as possible. Gauzy linen panels or shoji screens allow diffused sunlight into the room. 

Furniture tends to be low profile to provide a spacious feeling, an open appearance, and a grounded design. Sofas and chairs should have clean lines and a simple, sophisticated look. Depending on the aesthetic you are trying to create, upholstery can be white or neutral, soft pastel or rich earth tones. Choose natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, bamboo, wool and silk for upholstery, window coverings and decorative pillows. Other furnishings should be wood, either natural or lacquered. Asian Decor Design Style embraces minimalism, so look for multi-purpose furniture that can serve as hidden storage space. A lacquered Chinese chest can be used as a coffee table and provide storage. Folding floor screens and traditional shoji screens are often used in this design to partition rooms. 

You will want soft, warm diffused lighting that mimics natural light in your Asian Decor style living room. Install a dimming light switch and purchase light bulbs with the soft and/or warm words on the package. Overhead fixtures can have a traditional Asian look, a modern abstract design or you can look for pendant lights that complement the aesthetic of your living room. Another option is Japanese lanterns which provide soft, diffused light. Table lamps with rice paper shades, Himalayan salt lamps and candles are also good choices. Combine several different types of lighting in your living room, remembering to keep the room balanced.  

When deciding on decorative items for your living room, look for a variety of natural textures like glass, stone, jute, rattan and pottery. Include items that engage the senses such as a bowl of smooth stones for touching, a small water feature or windchimes for hearing, a reed diffuser for smelling, and orchids, bamboo plants and a bonsai tree for seeing. 

The key to an Asian Decor Design Style living room is to create an open, inviting space with uncluttered surfaces and a sense of harmony and balance.

Interior Designers Houston – Asian Décor Design Style Bedroom

Asian Decor Design is a minimalist style that strives to create balance, harmony, calmness and serenity. While most people equate an Asian style room as Japanese or Chinese decor, Asian Decor Design Style borrows elements from cultures across Asia including India, Iran Turkey, Vietnam, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal and Jordan, just to name a few. Chinese and Japanese are the most popular of Asian styles; you can design your room to be predominantly Japanese or Chinese while incorporating elements from other Asian countries.  

Natural materials are the rule in Asian Decor Style, regardless of the country or culture that dominates your design. Wood, stone, bamboo, rattan and natural fibers prevail. The color palette will differ depending on the cultures you want to fuse in your bedroom. In general, a neutral palette of cream, beige, gray and white is used, with pastel accents. If your taste leans more toward south Asian countries, a warmer palette of red, gold and rich earth tones is used for a warm and inviting look.  

The floor is generally hardwood, wood plank or bamboo. For an East Asian aesthetic, cover the floor in tatami mats. To add vibrancy and depth to the room, place one or more wool Turkish, Chinese or Persian rugs on the floor. Paint the walls in neutral or warm earth tones, cover them with chinoiserie patterned or mural wallpaper, or use shoji screens as wall coverings. Shoji screens or floor screens may be used to partition areas of a room. Wall art should be sparse and can range from simple Chinese calligraphy prints to silk or bamboo scroll art, to Indian carved wood wall panels.  

Windows play an important role in Asian architecture as a means of connecting the interior space to the outdoors and as a conduit for natural light. A connection to nature and an abundance of natural light are both features of Asian Decor Design Style. Diffused light is preferable to harsh sunlight; translucent curtains or shoji screens soften the quality of sunlight without blocking it from entering the room. 

Lighting should be soft, warm and diffused. Rice paper lamps or lampshades, Japanese lanterns, Himalayan salt lamps, and candles are all sources of diffused light that complement Asian Decor Design Style. Multiple sources of light may be used and are, in fact, encouraged. Overhead light fixtures can mimic traditional Asian shapes, evoke nature, or lean toward modern or abstract designs.  

As a minimalist style, Asian Decor Design Style is partial to plenty of open floorspace and only necessary furniture. Furnishings in the design overall are wood, bamboo or rattan and have a low profile. In the bedroom, this means a low platform bed and low nightstands, a dresser and, perhaps, an armchair. Wood furniture can be natural wood tones or traditional black lacquer. Upholstery should be soft natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk. Bedding should also be natural fabrics, layered to add interest to the room. Combine organic cotton sheets with a linen duvet and silk covered with throw pillows.  

Choose decorative items carefully, to enhance the Asian Decor design of your bedroom without overwhelming the minimalist style with clutter. Include objects that connect with nature while engaging in the senses. A small water feature, even if it’s a tiny tabletop fountain, offers peace with the sound of gently falling water. A tiny tinkling windchime hanging in a window carries soothing music on the breeze. Incense or reed diffusers transport you to aromatic fields of lavender or a peaceful grove of sandalwood trees. Orchid plants delight the eyes with lush green leaves and vividly colored flowers. 

The result of designing an Asian Decor style bedroom is a soothing retreat filled with soft textures, sweet aromas, gentle sounds and an air of tranquility that encourages relaxation and restorative slumber. 

Interior Designers Houston – Asian Décor Design Style Bedroom  

As a room where relaxation and a sense of well-being are key, the bathroom is ripe for an Asian Decor Design Style update. If you don’t want a complete bathroom remodel, you can update your existing room’s color palette and replace textiles and decorative items for a quick upgrade. For a complete redo, begin with the floors and walls.  

The color palette for an Asian Decor Design Style bathroom is soft, earthy neutral tones of beige, light brown and pale green. Walls can be painted or covered with enamel tiles in one of the palette colors. Use pebble tile for a backsplash for a soft statement. The floors can be well-sealed wood or, for the look of wood without the worry of water damage, vinyl plank flooring. Bamboo is a popular flooring choice for this style, as are stone tiles and pebble tiles. 

Natural materials are important to Asian Decor Design Style. The bathroom should feature elements made of wood, bamboo, stone and natural fabrics in earthy tones and varied textures. A wood vanity with a marble countertop is a good beginning. Take it up a notch with a slatted wood countertop holding a natural stone vessel sink and hang a large round mirror above it. Look for a vanity with large, deep drawers for storage, and be creative in finding other hidden storage solutions. The shower can be covered in natural stone or pebble tiles and enclosed in clear glass. The bathtub should be free-standing. Look for a modern bathtub made of copper or stone or install a traditional cypress wood Japanese soaking tub. Sliding shoji screens can be used to partition areas of the bathroom for privacy. 

Natural light is prized in this design style for providing balance and serenity, so large windows are an Asian Decor staple. In most rooms, windows are left uncovered or are lightly covered to allow for privacy. In the bathroom, privacy is often required while natural light is still desired. Frosted windows, glass block windows, stained-glass windows or gauzy linen curtains can meet both the requirement and the desire. Because the sun doesn’t shine all the time, you will need other sources of light in your bathroom. Look for fixtures that align with the aesthetics of Asian Decor Design Style, with clean lines and a balanced appearance. Lantern style fixtures complement the design nicely. Purchase lightbulbs that say “Warm” or “Soft” on the package. 

Natural textiles will be added to the design in the form of jute or bamboo mats beside the bathtub and in front of the shower, a small Oriental rug in front of the vanity and cotton or bamboo towels. Decorative items can include plants (particularly orchids and bamboo plants) in handmade ceramic pots, traditional Japanese art or Chinese calligraphy prints on a wall, a small Hindu or Buddha statue on the vanity a few candles on a floating shelf, and a couple of sensory items such as a bowl of smooth pebbles and a reed diffuser with a natural scent like sandalwood or lavender. 

When you are finished with your Asian Decor Design Style bathroom remodel, you will have a tranquil, balanced room that, through its clean lines, natural materials, soothing colors and fresh scents, evokes the serenity of a spa that you can enjoy anytime. 

Interior Designers Houston – Asian Décor Design Style Kitchen

The kitchen should be a happy space where meals are prepared with love and families gather to enjoy them. Movies and television programs often depict the kitchen as a boisterously happy place; an Asian Decor Design Style kitchen, however, is a quiet space filled with natural light, organic materials and clean lines. There is balance and harmony in the room that takes a step beyond boisterous outward happiness and encompasses serene inner joy. 

Asian Decor Design is a minimalist style. Cabinetry, furniture and decor exude a sleek, sophisticated simplicity. Countertops are free of clutter, keeping the room free of distractions. Colors are natural, soft earth tones, generally beige, gray, light brown and jade green, with dark or black accents. Monochromatic kitchens are also popular, usually in shades of brown, making natural wood tones part of the color palette. Most of the materials will be organic and include wood, stone and bamboo.  

Floors will most often be traditional hardwood or wood plank, with bamboo flooring running a close second. Stone floors are rarer, but not unheard of. For a surface that combines comfort and durability with ease of cleaning, some will choose wood-look vinyl plank flooring. 

Walls will be painted in soft neutrals or pale jade. Add wood accents if desired, remembering to keep harmony and balance in your design elements. The backsplash can display a gentle touch of drama with the use of pebble tile, exotic wood or red paint with a glass cover. A growing trend in Asian style kitchens is to cover the ceiling with wood planks. 

Because natural light is highly desirable in Asian Decor Design Style, large windows are preferred. Keep the windows uncovered or lightly covered with gauzy linen curtains that allow diffused sunlight into the room.  

All rooms in this design style should include a variety of textures, and the kitchen is no exception. Wood cabinetry, bamboo flooring, a pebble backsplash, a jute rug, bamboo fabric linens, and handmade ceramics can be incorporated into an Asian Decor Design Style kitchen without upsetting the minimalist aesthetic, the harmony, or, with careful placement, the balance of the room. 

Shaker style cabinets work very well with this design style due to their simple, sleek lines. Cabinets may be painted and, if desired, lacquered black or white, or they may be left in their natural wood tones. For an Asian Decor style kitchen with a Japanese lean, mix light and dark stained wood throughout the kitchen in a balanced manner. Keep the hardware minimalist. Countertops should be a natural material such as granite, quartz or wood. A black granite countertop balances natural wood tone cabinets, while a white quartz or wood/butcher block countertop will balance black lacquered cabinets.  

Appliances may be the most current modern design, energy efficient models. Stainless steel will blend into the decor without distraction. The sink should be a simple, undermount style that does not attract attention to itself.  

Lighting is another way to introduce a touch of drama in an Asian Decor style kitchen without causing a disruption in the tranquility of the design. Look for hanging pendant light fixtures and install dimming switches so you can alter the ambience from brightly lit meal prep to softly lit meal consumption. Add recessed lighting for times you need to illuminate shadowy corners or see if the cookies have that perfect golden-brown outline around the edges.  

As a minimalist style, an Asian Decor Design Style kitchen does not require much in the way of ornamentation. Plants are ideal for this purpose; an exotic orchid on the kitchen island, a small bamboo plant on a floating shelf, and aromatic herbs on a windowsill, all in handmade ceramic pots will add the perfect touch to the space.  

By using the principles of harmony, balance and minimalism, your Asian Decor Design Style kitchen will be a welcoming room with a serenity that enhances the inner joy of all who spend time there. 

Interior Designers Houston – Feng Shui Design Style  

Feng Shui, translated as Wind and Water, is more of a method used in interior design than a design style of its own. It’s a Chinese philosophy that, in the world of interior design, emphasizes the placement of objects in the home to create balance and facilitate the flow of energy. This is accomplished by balancing the five elements of Feng Shui throughout your home.  

Wood, which represents growth, is associated with the colors green and blue and rectangular shapes. 

Fire, which symbolizes passion, is associated with red and triangular shapes. 

Earth, which represents stability, is associated with the colors brown, orange and yellow and square shapes. 

Metal, which represents clarity and focus, is associated with white and metallic colors and circular shapes. 

Water, which symbolizes wisdom and spirituality, is associated with the color black and irregular shapes. 

Incorporating these colors and shapes into your home while removing barriers such as clutter will, theoretically, bring balance and allow positive energy to flow throughout space. Even if you discount the spiritual element of Feng Shui, living in a clean, clutter-free space has been proven to increase focus, emotional stability and general well-being.  

To transform your home into a place of growth, passion, stability, focus and wisdom using the principles of Feng Shui, begin at your front door. Clean the outside of the door the steps leading up to it and the porch (if you have one) and give the welcome mat a good shake. Scrub away moss that has encroached on the steps and the outside of the house and door. Next, declutter the entryway and remove any barriers that prevent the door from opening all the way. Clean your storm door, as well as any windows in the entryway. When completed, the entrance will be an inviting area that welcomes visitors to your home. 

This will be the process for every room in your house. Remove the clutter and obstacles and add items that make the room more inviting. Choose the colors and decorative shapes for each room depending on either the cardinal direction it is facing, in concert with the Bagua Map (a Feng Shui guide for individual rooms), or on the purpose the room serves. 

These are simplified suggestions, as a full understanding of Feng Shui takes many years to master. If you delve deeply into Feng Shui philosophy, you may eventually decide to change some of these suggestions. If, however, you just want to update your interior design to a minimalist style that encourages positivity and balance, these ideas will be helpful. 

Interior Designers Houston – Feng Shui Design Style Living Room

Before transforming your living room into a Feng Shui space, it’s important to know the five elements of the Feng Shui philosophy. 

Wood, which represents growth, is associated with the colors green and blue and rectangular shapes. 

Fire, which symbolizes passion, is associated with the color red and triangular shapes. 

Earth, which represents stability, is associated with the colors brown, orange and yellow and square shapes. 

Metal, which represents clarity and focus, is associated with white and metallic colors and circular shapes. 

Water, which symbolizes wisdom and spirituality, is associated with the color black and irregular shapes.  

The beginning of turning your living room into a Feng Shui space is interpreting the energy or purpose in the room and matching that to an element. For instance, if your living room is a center for family gatherings filled with creativity, vitality and growth, its element is wood, the dominant color will be blue or green and the furniture should be rectangular in shape. Sort through the items in the room and remove things you don’t use and general clutter. Divide the room into a yin (private, quiet) space and a yang (active, public) space to create balance. 

Walls in this design style can be painted white or a light neutral shade chosen from the appropriate Feng Shui element colors. Windows should be left bare to allow ample sunlight into the room. If the position of the window makes the sunlight harsh, hang linen curtains that allow diffused sunlight into the room without blocking the energy that comes with natural light. Open the windows for several minutes every day to remove stale energy from the room. 

Furniture should be inviting and comfortable. Place the sofa in the command position, which in Feng Shui Design Style means facing the entrance of the room. Arrange other seating around the couch in a conversational grouping. Layer the lighting by including various sources of light such as ceiling fixtures, table lamps, wall sconces, candles and uplighting.  

Choose wall art carefully to match the energy of your Feng Shui Design Style living room and avoid hanging it low on the wall. If you want a television in your living room, purchase a flat screen set and hang it on a wall to prevent the feeling of clutter and the blocking of positive energy flow. Hang a round mirror on a wall, positioned to reflect a beautiful view or, if that is not possible, the conversational grouping of furniture where friends and family gather. 

Strive to include all five elements in the room. For example, wood furniture, candles to represent fire, plants to represent earth, metal wind chimes, and a small water feature.   

Clearing space is a common practice of modern Feng Shui, comparable to burning sage to bless a room. It is accomplished by cleaning, airing out and decluttering the room, the use of incense or essential oils, incorporating natural elements like living plants, and chanting mantras or ringing small bells. Hang small wind chimes in a window or above a vent, bring in many plants, and fill the room with a natural aroma using incense or a reed diffuser.  

When you have finished transforming your living room into a Feng Shui space, it should feel comfortably balanced, light and airy and filled with fresh air, soothing sounds and natural scents. It will be a place of tranquility and relaxation, welcoming all who cross the threshold.  

Interior Designers Houston – Feng Shui Design Style Bedroom

The principles of Feng Shui developed in China around 5000 BC with entire towns being designed to create harmony with the environment. Interior designers often use the principles of Feng Shui when placing items in a room to achieve balance and harmony and encourage the flow of energy.  

In the bedroom, Feng Shui is used to create a calm environment by encouraging peaceful yin energy and keeping active yang energy, which is beneficial in other rooms, out of the bedroom. Some of the methods used in this endeavor include keeping televisions, cell phones and computers out of the room, minimizing the number and types of books in the room (no war stories or other books with lots of action), refraining from using the area under the bed for storage, avoiding exercise equipment in the room, and keeping reflective surfaces from directly facing the bed.  

Choose calming colors to create a serene atmosphere in your Feng Shui Design Style bedroom. Natural colors in soft blues, greens and grays work well. Avoid overly bright colors and busy patterns. Use natural materials like wood, bamboo, cotton, linen and silk. Be selective about the art you display. If you’re looking for romance, choose artwork depicting couples and moving photos of your family to another room. Hang a mirror to reflect the view out of the window; do not allow the mirror to face the bed, as it could disrupt your slumber. 

To create good Feng Shui in your bedroom, place the bed against a wall and in command position; you should be able to see the bedroom door from the bed, but the bed should not be in a direct line to the door. Some designers avoid metal bedframes as metal is considered an energy barrier. A solid, sturdy wooden headboard is a symbol of strength and stability. There should be floor space around both sides and the foot of the bed to encourage the flow of energy through the room. Select matching or similarly shaped and sized nightstands on either side of the bed for symmetry and to balance energy. Furniture should have soft rounded edges. 

Lighting in a Feng Shui Design Style bedroom should be soft and comforting.  Natural light is highly desirable; large windows lightly covered in gauzy curtains are the ideal. Harsh overhead lighting is discouraged. Create a cozy ambience by layering warm lighting from matching bedside lamps, symmetrically placed wall sconces and candles. 

Textiles should be natural, and the bedding should be soft and comfortable. Cotton, linen, silk, bamboo and wool can be used in sheets, duvets, curtains and rugs. Place a plush rug beside the bed so it’s the first thing your feet touch in the morning.  

A Feng Shui style bedroom is a clutter-free space that does not require much in the way of decorative accessories. A reed diffuser with a natural orange or lavender scent, a few candles and a vase of fresh flowers are good choices. There is some disagreement among Feng Shui practitioners concerning plants in the bedroom. While plants are encouraged in other rooms for their air purification abilities, they are also a source of energy. You will want to limit the number of plants in the bedroom to achieve a balance between energy and a good night’s sleep.  

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Interior Designers Houston – English Country Design Style

An English Country design style tends to draw from a rural setting and uses natural materials.  The style will typically include stone and wood and some woven textures.   The idea allows taking what you would generally expect to be an outdoor look and taking it into the interior of the home.  The English Country design style utilizes wool and linen giving a layered look.  Even the colors draw from the outdoors by pulling from colors you would generally expect outside in nature and recreating them on the interior of the home.  Many styles draw from what we would generally expect to see in nature and recreating in the style and the English Country design style is no exception to this rule. What we find in nature tends to translate well to the interior because we can simply look to all the natural colors that are part of nature and find a way to duplicate those colors indoors.  Walking around the neighborhood will serve as inspiration for what can be brought into the English Country design style.  Beams are a good start for this design style. Typically, a fireplace can be found that dates from an earlier time.  The English Country design style will often feature authentic wood floors and doors.  Sanding a wood floor and taking off the finish will help create the look and feel.  Using solid wood furniture and furnishings is a good idea.  The pricing for such solid wood furniture can be expensive but will go a lone way to creating an English Country design style. An English Country design style will marry timeless qualities with a current design to complete the style.  Oak furniture is perfect to feed into the design. A trip out to the forest will give inspiration for the colors available for the interior.  A beam or a beam structure will create the architectural features needed for this design.  It is not unusual to find beams throughout the house for an English Country design style.   A vintage décor is one of the indicators of the English Country style.  The art in the home can be vintage and may even act as a central point for the living space.  The cabinetry can be a warm but high-quality oak but mixed in with more modern pieces capture the style. Shaker cabinet doors can be used in this setting.  Vintage bookcases and vintage bookshelves are common in this space.  Another feature of the space is plenty of soft fabrics and curtains.  Linen also softens the style and simple ruffles.  Everything throughout the house should have a purpose and flow together.  Curtains in the kitchen with pleats and ruffles can help add a vintage style.  An English Country design style can look as if a barn has been converted to a living space.  The art can be practical that evoke happy memories from a certain time from the past of the family.  Wood wall paneling is making a comeback, and you can see that wood wall paneling in English Country design style.  The furniture while using wood can also give the impression that it was built in an older factory.  An older Grandfather clock can also help create the mood of the style.  It is not unusual to see a colorful kitchen full of prints or wallpaper.  Those prints may include flowers and patterns.  The green tones in colors are very typical to recreate the outdoor look of this design.  A flower garden or basic landscaping will help to inspire the English Country design style.  The English Country design style will have a heavy emphasis on coziness and warmth.  The home will have a feeling and look of being lived in and have a practical layer to it. Antiques will give the impression of being welcomed into the home.  The antiques can be clocks or even a side table in the living room.  Books in such a space may be naturally warned over time.  A blanket thrown over the sofa will add a gentle layer.  Each room will give a gentle mix of indoor and outdoor décor.   The whole of this design is typically favored by a person that likes antique shopping on the weekends.  In addition to wood and stone, English Design Style will make use of bricks.  The bricks can be displayed on the fireplace or on an interior wall in the living room.

Interior Designers Houston – English Country Design Style Living Room

English Country design style will make use of antique furniture in the living room.  The furniture may be distressed or maybe slightly warn.  Vintage wooden tables can be mixed in with Windsor chairs.  The floral pattern might be viewed on the wall with wallpaper or may show up in curtains or upholstery.  Dishes with floral patterns might be featured on the walls.  Plaid and Gingham can be used for upholstery or throw pillows.  A side table might feature a table linen.  A sofa that is green might highlight the outdoors and bring it comfortably into the home.  The inspiration for the living room of an English Country design style might come from a walk in a garden or by passing by landscape.  A walk around the block of a country neighborhood or a walk through a forest might inspire in a way that can translate to your living room.  Deeper greens that can be found out in nature are preferred.  You might also have a rich red that highlights red roses, Chrysanthemums, marigolds, amaryllis or alstroemerias or warm yellows that highlights the look of a daffodil, goldenrod, forsythia, lantana or daylily.  Blue flowers such as cornflower, iris, butterfly bush or oxford blue can serve as an inspiration for colors that work in an English Country living room.  Exposed beams will be featured on the ceiling in many English Country living rooms.  The exposed beams will allow for a rustic look in the living room.  The fireplace in the living room will feature either a brick or stone giving the room a feeling of warmth and a cozy appeal.  Throughout the room you can see signs of vintage on display which can include antique clocks or even porcelain figurines.  An antique mirror might be on one of the walls. Layered textures might be used with rugs, upholsteries or throw pillows.  China is a strong feature, and it might include mixed China that is mismatched.  The mismatching might continue into the kitchen with tableware or glassware.  Comfort is and cozy are highlights of the English Country design style and therefore a sofa is an important feature.  The sofa may end up being a central feature of the living room.  The items placed around the sofa such as an antique chair will enhance the English Country appeal.  Printed florals can be on the wall in wallpaper but also might be on a blanket on the wall created by grandma and passed down generations.  Organic shapes and natural elements are recreated with elements that are inspired by flowers and greenery.  Inherited pieces can be added to the living room.  The inherited pieces will allow for memories but also add to the antique vibe of the room.  The English Country design style has a purposed mix of shapes and sizes in the style.  The spaces are filled with natural elements.  A careful merging of indoors and outdoors will create the English look.  The English Country design style will have the same style you would expect in Queen Elizabeth’s home. A throw pillow in the living room might appear as a random decoration.  Blankets can be layered multiple times.  A natural fiber rug may be featured right under the foot table.  Natural stone and wood might be featured in the furniture. Heavy drapery will also be a dominant feature.