Niche Interiors Blog: Inspiration and advice for creating a well-designed home
Posted on January 19th, 2012 by Kerry
We love simple and clean interiors here at Niche, but sometimes a space needs a little push towards perfection. Below are three spaces that are nice and neutral but a little yawn-inducing. With a few adjustments in texture, color and shape you can boost your home’s interior from blah to beautiful!
Creating calm in a bedroom can be achieved with simple, graceful furniture and a soothing color palette. However, taking it too far can really make for a sleepy design. Incorporate bedding with delicate patterns in soft colors and add organic shapes to bring warmth to a stark interior.
Serena and Lily Wyeth bedding, Arteriors silver leaf iron table lamp and Yanagi butterfly stool
This dining space has an airy, modern feel with a neutral color scheme and modern dining table and pendant. Unfortunately, the empty wall misses a major opportunity to inject color into the space. An abstract painting adds color and movement, while drapery panels incorporate softness into the room.
Fontana Arte’s Teso console, West Elm Scribble Lattice Window Panels, and Painting by Maxine Solomon (currently showing at Art Haus)
A warm, neutral living space can be inviting but it can also become a beige bore if you’re not careful. Infuse color and pattern to break up large neutral pieces such as an oversized sectional. Consider accessories with repetitive details and lighting with interesting profiles.
Surya’s Fallon rug in Venetian red, West Elm’s drum sconce and Tucker Robbin’s Albert mirror
*Need professional help? Contact us to learn more about our San Francisco Interior Design Services!
Posted on January 4th, 2012 by Jennifer
Let’s kick off 2012 with photos of our brand new project! A new design direction, airy color palette and contemporary fabrics transform this space from lackluster to chic, while incorporating many of the client’s existing furniture pieces.
Posted on January 2nd, 2012 by Kerry
Ready to kick your decor up a notch? Modern, printed wallpaper is the perfect way to add big impact to the small spaces in your home. We especially love using paper in the entryway, kitchen nook, powder room or study.
This Ferm Living wallpaper makes a great first impression. It is light, airy and welcomes guests with subtle tones of gold and turquoise. Add pieces with simple lines and a natural feel to create a welcoming place to hang your hat.
Above: Blu Dot Splash Coat Rack, Championes Wool Rug, Arteriors Glass Lamp, Mitchell Gold Hayes Console Desk and Ochre Coco Mirror
This Erin Jonquil paper sets the tone for a fresh spot to enjoy morning tea. The song bird theme in yellow and beige is best mixed with natural, delicate pieces.
Above: Wishbone Chair, Room and Board Delano Cabinet, Random Light by Moooi and Hickory Ingold Center Table
The study is the ideal place to create a cozy atmosphere. Curl up in a comfortable lounge surrounded by this Cavern Plume feather printed paper in a rich gold hue.
Horne Calvo Side Table, Ochre Divine Recline Chair and Stool, Oly Stell Shelf and Ochre Scorpion Wall Light
*Ready to transform your home in 2012? Contact us for information about our San Francisco interior design services!
Posted on December 16th, 2011 by Kerry
Need an excuse to get out and shop in person this holiday season? These three new home stores are sure to deliver the perfect gift for the decorator in your family.
March is a calm respite from the Union Square madness. Homemade almond butter is stacked neatly on shelves next to collections of dinnerware in earthy hues. Furnishings and accessories are simple, straightforward and stylish.
Bliss Home specializes in luxury bedding and furniture. High-quality upholstery with traditional details are paired with 600 thread count Egyptian cotton bedding and unique lighting.
Aldea Home opened its doors this October, offering a fabulous mix of John Robshaw linens, quirky accessories by Jonathan Adler and the new Dwell Studio furniture line.
Posted on December 14th, 2011 by Jennifer
We are so thrilled to be featured in the January 2012 issue of Romantic Homes magazine! The tween bedrooms from our Sea Cliff project were included in this special bed & bath issue. See below for photos, or pick up a copy ~ on newsstands now.
Posted on December 7th, 2011 by Kerry
What – huge red velvet bows and tinsel don’t do it for you? Opt for these understated (but absolutely festive) ways to deck the halls this season!
Greet your guests in the entryway with the scent of cloves and oranges in a simple footed bowl. An opaque glass console turns festive when paired with an ornate wood mirror and saturated hues. Drape cranberry garland over your mirror and switch out a neutral runner for a richly colored rug.
Above: Crate and Barrel Footed Serve bowl and Cranberry Garland, Horchow Console, Viva Terra Mirror and Garnet Hill Rug.
Choose one wintery color such as icy blue and exaggerate the theme by adding accessories in similar hues. Add satin ribbon to hang existing mirrors or scatter ferns in glass bowls to add interest without overpowering the existing decor.
Above: A bottle collection like this one from Aldea Home, Pottery Barn Mirrors, Paper Source Peacock Silk Ribbon, Etsy Flocked Pillow, Twenty 2 Wallpaper and West Elm Shagreen Frames.
Aren’t holidays about the kids too? Get their bedrooms in the spirit with playful holiday themed artwork or a tree decorated with cotton balls. Wreaths made of paper doilies are a perfect kid-friendly project.
Above: Martha Stewart Wreath Craft Project, 20 x 200 Print, West Elm Mongolian Pillow Cover, Garnet Hill Baa Humbug Sheeting and West Elm Tree Cutouts.
**Like us on Facebook for more decorating tips and tricks!**
Posted on December 1st, 2011 by Jennifer
With the New Year approaching, it’s the perfect time to explore the interior design trends for the upcoming year. Cheers to happy & healthy homes in 2012!
GREEN DESIGN. The availability of eco-friendly home products continues to grow, along with interest in creating healthier homes. A few green product highlights: Flooring: Cork is a rapidly renewable and durable flooring option, now available in a wide array of colors! Countertops: Paperstone is made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Lighting: LED technology is advancing rapidly – expect to see more fixtures with this energy-saving option.
JEWEL TONES. We are loving this trend of rich jewel tones such as amethyst, sapphire, and citrine that are popping up on the runways and in décor magazines. For the most impact, use variations of one jewel tone in a room, with supporting neutrals such as gray, taupe, or ivory.
MENSWEAR MOTIFS. Houndstooth, pinstripes, and tweed are all finding their way into new fabric lines. Not sure you want to commit to a houndstooth sofa? Consider accent pillows or throws.
GLORIOUS GOLD. For the past few years silver metal finishes such as chrome, nickel, and antique silver, have reigned supreme. It looks like gold tones are coming back around! Designers are mixing metals more than ever, with brass being a favorite. Look for satin or brushed brass fixtures rather than polished brass, which tends to look too shiny and ostentatious.
Ready to tackle the problem areas in your home? We are here to help! Contact us today to start planning your interior design projects for 2012.
Posted on November 17th, 2011 by Kerry
Lacking inspiration for your tabletop decor this year? No problem! We created three easy looks to make your dining room shine this holiday. Happy Thanksgiving and happy decorating!
This retro modern dining room comes to life with jewel tones and untraditional dinnerware.
Above: West Elm’s Smoked Amber Stemware, Jonathan Adler Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers, West Elm’s Purple Votive Holders and CB2′s Graphite Dinnerware.
This preppy contemporary dining room sparkles with clear glass and gold accents.
Above: Crate and Barrel’s Delfina Glass Jars, Jonathan Adler’s Greek Keyed Dinnerware, Etsy’s Grey Zig Zag Table Runner and Crate and Barrel’s Starburst Bowl
A modern eclectic dining space deserves a comparatively unique tablescape.
Above: DWR’s Kin Votives, Crate and Barrel’s Salamanca Centerpiece Bowl, Z Gallerie’s Delfina Charcoal Dinnerware and Z Galleries’s Amber Sphere Glassware
Posted on November 9th, 2011 by Kerry
Remodeling your kitchen is a daunting project and a major investment — most homeowners grapple with the fear that a material or fixture will become outdated in a few years. While there is no absolute safeguard for this, the first step to ensure a timeless design is deciding on a clear concept and color scheme.
Gather images of kitchens you love, and explore what you grabs you about each one. Is it the natural wood tones, the colorful hue of the backsplash, the contrast between materials, or the lighting? Before committing, ask yourself these three questions:
1. Do the materials fit with the architecture and overall decor of my house?
2. Are these tones and colors ones that I’ve loved for more than one year?
3. Are the flooring and countertop materials durable? What type of maintenance is involved?
Below are some images and ideas to get you started!
Combine various wood tones with polished marble and nickel fixtures for a warm and modern space.
Consider comfort: Add a custom dining banquette or built-in for additional seating.
When in doubt go with white! Add contrast with darker countertops and open shelving.
Add a subtle pattern with backsplash tile and no upper cabinets.
*Need professional help? We offer interior design San Francisco services and kitchen remodeling San Francisco.
Posted on November 1st, 2011 by Jennifer
November was a slightly disappointing month for decorating magazines. We found a few inspiring images in Elle Decor and House Beautiful along with two unsightly illustrations of what not to do…
Lowlights
Where do I start? Dated, ugly, and matchy. The worst combination!
A collection of kitschy salvage does not qualify as interior design.
Highlights
Kelly Wearstler fabric adds a graphic punch in this guest bedroom.
Crisp and minimal done right.
Masculine chic.
