Black walls? really?

There was a time in interior design where black walls could have been considered taboo, often associated with death, witchcraft,  austerity or even oppression! Thankfully, in the world of fashion black has  been a symbol of elegance and refinement. Today, black is very trendy in interior spaces, and is often the all-important solid accent that anchors the room……and more and more we are seeing black on the walls and floors!

Just as in this beautiful dining room, lighting is a strategic element and must be well thought through in order to achieve the right effect and ambiance. Black hardly reflects any light (one of the reasons a high gloss finish was chosen for this floor) so I will share with you interior spaces that are well lit naturally and artificially.

You cannot successfully decorate with a black wall without a great amount of courage and coherence!

They say an image is worth a thousand words, so I will share with you the key strategies that designers use in creating spectacular spaces that are as varied in style as they are in intensity.

In many of the rooms you will see furniture and other elements that are vivid or pale in color as well as decorative features that soften the impact that black walls can have. I hope that you will at least discover the amazing potential of this non-color: Black which as dramatic as it is classic!

The Living room

There are many tone on tone patterns to choose from in wallpaper.

Although both of the above spaces are beautiful, you can see the difference in ambiance between both rooms.

Because our living rooms are more often frequented by us and our guests  I usually recommend a more tempered hand in the use of black.    In the above space, you can see how the curvy lines of the wallpaper as well as the transparency and lightness of the white sheers soften the ‘feel’ of the space. The window treatment, the floor, the ceiling and the furniture are all very pale or white. Dining rooms are usually night time rooms so my clients frequently request a moodier shade and atmosphere. You should think about the times in the day that you use the space.

I’ll use this opportunity to elaborate a little more on wall covering options that are out now.

In any zone it is absolutely vital to create visual interest with color or texture (relief texture or tone on tone patterns). Some of the new wall coverings are ideal for having fun with this idea and thankfully there are products for every budget and style. Here are a few of them that I find particularly captivating in black!

3D  Relief Wallpaper…

This is a thermoformed 3D relief wallpaper by Élitis

 Wall decals in vibrant colors but on BLACK walls…

I love what Peel Monkey is putting out. Simple but vibrant!

 Traditional Wallpaper in black…..

Even though this is black, you must admit it is still classic and quite reserved.

 Stone…..

If you use dark stone, make sure you balance it out with natural woods or pale colors.

 The NEW wood paneling (thank heavens)…..

The new generation of wood paneling. This one is stained in black!

 Tiles….

Black tiling always injects elegance into a space. Accessories add the color!

 The Floor

I always point out to clients that the floor (as well as the ceiling)  is the largest surface in the space therefore when choosing black you should counter-balance it with a pale area rug or lighter furniture.

There are many choices in floor covering such as wood, tile, engineered products, carpeting and rugs. If you are thinking of changing your floors and would like information on our renovation services or references to trusted trades people, please click here.

 The floor INSIDE…..

Here is an example of a dramatic yet elegant dining room. This type of look is in high demand by my clients:

The look would have been too austere without the honey colored wood to warm it all up.

Notice in the above photo the amount of natural light flooding the space, as well as the clever use of elements that sparkle such as chrome, crystal, mirror and glass. In situations like this I also recommend the addition of a lighter area rug to anchor the seating.

The floor OUTSIDE….

Creating a beautiful space outdoors is not entirely the same as indoors. Outside there are no walls. The sky, the trees and even the lake are your background. You have to throw your traditional notions in design right out the window, so to speak. Fabrics can be as vibrant as you want them and you can choose any style chair. In the following space, my client trusted my advice and is delighted with her black floor and shutters. She would not have been so bold indoors. Here is the result:

The Master bedroom

This zone is very private and not exposed to guests, therefore my clients often prefer being a little moody, dramatic, and intimate with the shades and lighting. Here are two fine examples, one being classic and the other more contemporary:

Go ahead and be more dramatic in spaces that are private!

In case you do not want to commit 100%

The office

Dark gray walls, a nice compromise…….

Dark walls and wallpaper on the ceiling! Designed by Caldwell Flake

Girl’s room

As we can see here it is possible to create a delicate room with black. In this case with Benjamin Moore paint, a huge rectangle as well as the corner chest of drawers were painted . In addition to creating a focal point at the head of the bed, black serves as an all important anchor to this otherwise very pale room.  Small butterfly decals contrast nicely from black to white and add a feminine touch. This is a very economical project!

Rectangle on the wall…..

Benjamin Moore Extreme Black 2132-10

The  kitchen

Do half of a wall……

Half of a wall can also be nice.

Loft

Just a black vertical band…..

A focal point was created with a simple black vertical stripe heading up the wall at the head of the bed. Oh and here’s a designer’s trick…if you want to multiply the existent natural light, use mirror. Here is full wall with mirrored tiles but consider carefully what is being reflected…more clutter or more light?

Behind the bed a focal point is created in black and mirror to the right reflects everything.

To conclude……

You must inject color and pattern when using a lot of black.

I am leaving you with this mood board with examples of accessories, pattern and an accent color (yellow) to inspire you with more ideas. Try to imagine a different accent color such as turquoise, etc. Just as I mentioned in the beginning, courage and coherence are in order but with the right dose of both beautiful results can be achieved for every style and budget. If you need a simple color consultation for your home or office give us a call, and check out the service by clicking here.

It’s up to you now to determine whether you will

commit 100% or not!

3 Clutter Busting strategies to be organized

ONCE and FOR ALL!

 The Pareto Principle says that we use

20% of our belongings 80% of the time!

 Whether it be for your  homestaging project for quick and profitable property sale or simply because you are truly DONE with all the clutter and general disorganization, here are 3 strategies for FINALLY getting rid of what you no longer NEED or even LIKE !

Clutter-Busting strategy #1 : Act Like You’re Moving

Say you had to uproot and relocate. What would you take with you? You don’t actually have to pack anything up — just set aside the few things that you love and use and see what’s left over.

Seriously, don

Try this with your cookbooks: Pull out the ones that are tenderly tattered due to years of use, then look at the ones still on the shelf. Ask yourself if you would pay someone to haul away those you’ve been keeping because they were gifts or because you felt ambitious when you bought them . If not, sell them to a used-book store or donate them to friends, family or your local library. You can always photocopy a few recipes or take out the pages you want before giving it away!

Extra help:

  Envision your home as a prospective buyer might: Uncluttered spaces make the best first impression. They’re also a lot easier to keep clean and dust-free.

  Imagine the potential buyer (or worse, a relative) going through your closets or drawers. What would you not want him or her to see?

  Buy containers and baskets only after you’ve decided what to keep. This way you’ll have a much better sense of the kind of storage you need.

Why it works:

  You don’t have to get rid of things you love or need — you just have to determine what those things are.

  If you’ve ever packed and paid for a move, the motivation for paring down your possessions will be all too clear

Clutter-Busting strategy #2: Shop in Your Closet

Before running out to shop, are you certain what you were looking for isn

Next time you’re putting away laundry or dry cleaning, grab an armful of clothes that you haven’t worn since you can’t remember when and try them on in front of a full-length mirror. Put the ones that you would want to buy again back into circulation; donate the rest.

Extra help:

Make sure you have configured the proper amount of shelving for YOUR needs!

  The keepers must fit, be in style, and not need major alterations or repairs.

  Don’t let the mere fact that you paid a lot guilt you into keeping something. Your closet is prime real estate.

Why it works:

  You have to deal with only a few items of clothing at a time — not your whole closet.

  If your weight has fluctuated over the years, this method lets you pinpoint what fits now and bag memories of your body-size history.

  You might enjoy it, especially if you unearth a long-buried treasure.

Clutter-Busting strategy #3: Make Organizing a Team Event

Find  a friend or two who support your organizational goals and who have decluttering needs of their own, and then take turns organizing each others homes: Your house this weekend, your friend’s the next. If you can’t find a willing friend, consider teaming up with a professional organizer such as The Versa Style Design team– it could be money well spent.

Break that isolation and team up!!!!!

Extra help:

  Make sure everyone is compatible and knows the difference between encouragement and coercion.

  The owner of the item in question should have the final say on whether it gets tossed.

  Have team celebrations when you’ve reached a certain goal. When the kitchen is done, for example, you all get to go out for dinner.

Why it works:

  Your friends don’t have the same sentimental attachment to your stuff that you do.

  Organizing takes less time with more hands.

  It’s fun having someone to listen to the story of why you’re so emotionally attached to, say, a chipped bowl — before you put it in the giveaway pile.

In conclusion……..

Perhaps it IS true that we don’t progress due to a lack of motivation.

The goal of this article was to inspire you with some tried and true working strategies.

If you would like to view some really sensational and economical storage ideas, consult our FACEBOOK photo album.Here is the hyper link to access it:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150576690910792.441658.403577645791&type=3

When working on a home improvement project, you have to know YOUR NUMBERS!

Whether it be for home renovation projects or short and and simple consultations, it seems every week a client is asking for advice on the positioning of their furniture or the ideal height for a counter or the length of drapes etc…..

Here are the magic numbers you need to know about!

General living space.

In order to be able to circulate freely, individuals usual need 30 inches of personal space. High traffic areas, like hallways must be a minimum of 3 to 6 feet in width.

The dining room.

Are your chair backs the proper height next to the table? Calculate 8 inches between the chair back and the height of the table’s surface.
An area rug should extend at least 2 feet from the table in order to allow enough room for all 4 chairs legs to remain well anchored on it.
In a room with 8 foot ceilings, install a hanging lamp 30 – 36 inches above the table’s surface. Add another inch to this figure for every extra foot of ceiling height.
The area around the table should be a minimum of 20 inches for somebody seated, and add another 12 – 16 inches for the chair to be pulled out when leaving the table, for a grand total of 32 – 36 inches between the wall and the table. On the service side, allow 44 inches to circulate.
Flowers should be double the height of their vases. A decorative table center must be low enough to allow diners to easily converse and see each other. This arrangement should be at least 2 inches below the average person’s eye level.

The kitchen and bathroom.

Great bathroom design by Delpha in Europe

For greater comfort, install a bathroom counter at 38 inches from the floor.
Ceramic back splash tiles are typically distanced 1/8 of an inch apart (this is less than floor tiles).
When purchasing tiles for walls or floors, order 10% extra which will allow for breaks during cutting or installing?
Before positioning your central kitchen island, allow enough space for easy circulation and food preparation, especially if there is more than one person in the space. I recommend a minimum of 3 feet around the island. Also keep in mind that the shape of the island should conform to the shape of your kitchen.

A fridge for two people should contain at least 12 – 14 cubic feet. For additional family members add another 2 cubic feet per person.
These days, a lot of home owners are installing laminate counter tops. They are available in 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 foot lengths; they come with an integrated back splash and rounded edges. Counters are commonly 22 – 24 inches deep.

Family rooms, living rooms and basements.

The higher a tv screen is positioned, the further the seating must be.

Multiply by 3 the diagonal length of your television screen in order to properly position the seating. The exception to this rule is when the screen is higher than average (like over a fireplace, for instance). For posture and comfort you should back up the seating even further away from the screen. The higher the screen, the more distance needed for seating.

Walls.

Add an extra 4 inches when calculating a single roll of wallpaper. This extra 2 inches on each side will help you cut and install with less stress knowing that you have a little extra on hand.
For visual balance, framed pictures should be 2/3 the length of the sofa, and please hang pictures at eye level. Most home owners hang them to high up on the wall.
A gallon of latex paint usually covers 400 -450 square feet of wall.
If you’re looking for the positioning of the wooden posts behind your wall, they are usually 16 inches apart.

Area rugs.

Madeline Weinrib Rugs

If you would like the rug to cover the maximum floor surface in a particular zone, then try position it 1 foot from the wall. If not, it is preferable that at least the front legs of upholstered furniture rest on the rug. I see all too often tiny area rugs placed under a coffee table, and the seating seems disjointed and separated.

Lighting.

The Niagara Chandelier.

When installing lighting, occasionally the following rules are broken. When the lighting is chosen to be the focal point or star of the space it is often purchased over-sized, but in general, here are the following measurements for you to consider.

For the proper diameter of a hanging light, multiply de width of the space by 2 and replace the word FEET with the word INCHES. For example, if the room is 8 feet wide x 2 = 16 inches diameter for the lamp shade.
You’re in the dark when it comes to choosing a light bulb? Calculate 2 watts (for a regular bulb) of incandescent lighting for each square foot of a space. If your space is 80 square feet ( 8 x 10) then you should have at least 160 watts of lighting. This could be a 100 watt bulb lamp and a 60 watt bulb lamp, for instance. Or use 3 lamps containing 60 watt bulbs each. It’s always better to have too much lighting than not enough.
When lighting a reading zone you must have adequate lighting about 20 inches from your book.

The home office.

Before converting a table into a desk for your home office set up,  make sure it is 28- 30 inches from the floor.

Windows.

Your curtains will have more fullness (when closed) if you have 2 ½ times the width of the window in fabric. You can go up to 3 times the width if you have very thin fabric like sheers, for instance. Be sure that you allow for enough space on either side of the window for the fabric when the curtains are open.

Bedrooms.

Fabrics by Kravet.

Are you thinking of getting a bigger bed? Queen size beds are 60 x 80 inches and king size beds are 76-80 x 80 inches. Look for models that have 375 – 450 springs for adequate support.
You should also have 24 – 30 inches around the bed for easy circulation, and more to allow for cupboard doors that swing or fold out on hinges.

In conclusion…..

I want to mention that we are often obliged to improvise or to make compromises due to a lack of space or as a strategy that compensates for another element in the space that is lacking.

In addition to this, sometimes it is beneficial from a design point of view to exaggerate the proportions of an object or accessory due to its visual impact in the overall concept of the space.

What I have provided here is a general guide, but you should consult a professional when in doubt, or when there are limitations that prevent you from following these measurements and proportions.

A multifunctional basement is always defined with ‘Zones’.

 When you bought your home, you promised yourself that you’d get started on that basement finishing project as soon as you came up with the time and money.  So the time has come and now you’re ready!

The two PRIMARY elements that will create ambiance or mood in your space are LIGHTING and COLOR.

 The primary question you need to ask yourself is:

What exact functions do I want to give to my basement?

A games area? A quiet reading or studying nook? A social area for friends or adult get togethers?  An organized  home office? And why not consider a home entertainment centre. 

Others will take the opportunity to put in a second bathroom, a  laundry room or additional storage space. Wine enthusiasts may want to install a wine cellar to preserve those precious vintages. If you have young children, set up a playroom that will allow you a bit of tranquility upstairs!

Most of the time, my clients desire a multifunctional space with various ‘zones’ attributed to each important function. Essentially, I believe it is best  to consult a professional in order to establish your priorities and to evaluate both your long- and short-term needs.

When I take on basement projects with my clients, the most often asked question is:

How do I define all these zones in my open space?

Rest assured, it’s not necessary to spend the family fortune to create a fabulous room and one that makes wise use of the space with psychological divisions. Yes, I do a lot of basement renovations and  reconfigurations, but I always begin discussions with options that are simple, less expensive and accessible to most families.  A little planning, good tools and teamwork should see you through.

Here are a few strategies that have been used in the past…….

Try something different like color blocking: Be adventurous!

Color blocking is a hit of color strategically placed in the room to create a decorative feature. Beyond standard wall covering, you can create great effects with the low cost of just a pint of paint.

You are basically using varying shades on the same wall, or on different walls. It is used to define architectural features, framing artwork, or defining zones.
Color blocking is also a great solution for those who would like to use a bold color, but not on a wide expansive wall!

Paint is the cheapest and quickest way to transform a space. Define zones with color blocking.

Not quite color blocking, but still very creative: Idea Paint

Idea Paint can be applied in a small corner for the kids to draw on, and dry-erase effortlessly!

 Consider adding cabinetry to increase storage, and to create visual accents.

Custom made built-ins that house the television, conceal electronic components and display collections are great, as well as store bought shelving……

Purchased shelves for the play zone on the right, and a built-in on the left for the adults and media.

Cabinetry that is the same color as the walls and the proper use of mirrors will make the space seem more expansive….

Try to harmonize the cabinetry so the space doesn't seem as broken up.

You don’t feel like hiding away the laundry room when the cabinetry looks this good!

These custom cabinets will brighten up any corner, even in an open plan concept.

 And with cabinetry, you can optimise every available space!

Two winning strategies: Spiral staircases are great space savers, and shelves can be built in practically anywhere!

Use curtains to hide away the clutter in an instant!

I love this basement with the great use of color and pattern, here is the space with kid zone opened up for playtime……

Create a wall of fabric to define and hide away the kid zone like Jacqueline Corea did here.

 ….and here it is closed for adult time ( I also do this to hide away an office space).

Toys are easily hidden away behind a wall of fabric.

Don’t forget your walls

Think you might create your own workshop or storage room? I strongly recommend that you maximize vertical wall space in order to free up the floor or the hallway. Wall mounted systems like this one are also great for the garage:

I love wall mounted storage such as this one from Proslat!

When working on your basement it’s important to not get too serious, or sophisticated, after all, the basement is typically an informal space. Remember to consider the function of the space first and foremost!!

And yes, sometimes basement renovations (even minor ones) can greatly improve your living space (and also increase the market value of your property). For more information on this, I suggest you read one of my blogs titled: Renovation can be broken down into 3 really well planned phases

 In this article we explored solutions that can be applied without renovations, but regardless of the scope of your project, it is certain that any improvements made to the basement will quickly simplify your life, allow family members a space away from the main floor, but will also create an environment in which the entire family will be able to connect and enjoy their respective activities all together in an esthetic and functional basement!