Niche Interiors Blog: Inspiration and advice for creating a well-designed home
Posted on October 18th, 2011 by Kerry
Are you tired of seeing the same light fixtures again and again? We are too! Whenever inspiration is lacking we look to the showrooms for designer fixtures that can be customized for our projects. Below are a few handcrafted chandeliers that we are drooling over at the moment…
The hand-blown glass Infinity Cluster by John Pomp has a beautiful iridescence that can’t be achieved with machine-made glass. It can also be customized to include any number of pieces. (We are anxiously awaiting this fixture for our project in downtown San Francisco.) Available to the trade at De Sousa Hughes.
The Infinity Cluster and John Pomp working in his studio
The Oseo Chandelier by David Weeks is beautiful in both look and construction. Made of powder-coated steel, each lamp adjusts direct light for a practical and streamlined approach. Available to the trade at Ralph Pucci.
David Weeks' Oseo Chandelier and elements from his studio
Rock crystal and bronze are perfectly paired in the Esterel chandelier from Pagani Studio. Boasting a diameter of 38″, this is a great statement piece for a large dining room. Available to the trade through Holly Hunt.
Pagani Studio Esterel Chandelier I
* Contact us for more information about our San Francisco interior design services (including access to the San Francisco Design Center). *
Posted on October 13th, 2011 by Jennifer
Ready to hire an interior designer but not sure where to start? You are not alone. Many of our clients have never worked with an interior designer before and wonder what to expect when they first pick up the phone. These basics will help guide you to the right designer in a jiffy!
• Agree with your significant other on the project basics before calling a designer. You need to discuss and agree on the budget (yes, you need to think about this at the beginning!), scope of work, and timeline before enlisting a professional. Ensuring that your family is on the same page will get your design project started on the right foot.
• Ask the potential designer about the company’s billing and business practices. How do they charge — by the hour or a flat fee? Do they offer purchasing services or will you be responsible for this? How many employees do they have — will you be working solely with the principal designer or with junior designers and assistants? Make sure your objectives line up well with their services.
• Chat it up! Learn a little about your potential designer. You will likely work with this person closely for many months – it’s a lot more fun if you connect and enjoy their company.
• Call an interior designer before mapping out the work you need done. Which rooms do you want to tackle? What types of services are you interested in: Floor plans, paint selection, window treatments, remodeling etc?
• Try to ask for design advice during the initial interview. The purpose of the first meeting is to determine if your project needs are a good match for the designer. Don’t jump ahead, no matter how excited you are to get started.
• Think a designer can make miracles happen. Don’t call a designer in November and expect your home to be completely furnished by Christmas. No matter how quickly a design firm works, there are certain lead times that are unavoidable.
Hopefully, these basic guidelines will help you begin a wonderful working relationship with an interior designer in your city. If you live in the Bay Area, contact us to learn more about our San Francisco interior design services! **Like us on Facebook for more decorating tips and tricks!**
Posted on October 6th, 2011 by Jennifer
I always enjoy hearing what clients love about their homes when a project is complete — sometimes the answers surprise me! Recently, a client told me that his favorite thing in the entire house was a custom pillow fabric we selected. Alternately, a project can also be inspired by a treasured piece of artwork or furniture that the client already owns.
Personally, I have a sprinkling of items in our home that bring a smile to my face everyday. The vintage Kofod-Larsen armchair I finally tracked down is by far my favorite piece of furniture, framed by a large-scale oil painting (that I admire every night). Other favorites hail from the flea market or antique shops – such as an odd fish bowl that is perfect for holding lipgloss, or initials I used at the photo booth of our wedding which now live on our bookcase.
I spilled my beans. Now tell us: What are the favorites in your home?
Posted on September 27th, 2011 by Kerry
Barbara Barry’s candid discussion at the San Francisco Design Center last week illustrated how she truly lives by her design philosophy: “I live unabashedly for beauty.” Barry emphasized how our surroundings affect our state of mind and shared how she delights in the simple beauty of her home – always keeping a snippet of flowers from her garden bedside, and artfully arranging the contents of her fridge (to resemble a still life). Barry’s presentation prompted us to pay homage to the women in design who have inspired us and paved the way for our success.
Barry established a residential design firm in Los Angeles in 1985 and immediately began re-designing used furniture with the help of a local upholsterer. She went on to become one of the most well-respected American women in the interior design field, with furniture collections for Baker and Henredon, and a new fabric line for Kravet. Her timeless and effortless interiors just ooze sophistication.
Eileen Gray was born in Ireland in 1878, her father was a painter and energized her love of art and design. In her early years, she was introduced to lacquering and moved to Paris permanently in 1906 to continue learning the art of lacquer. Gray turned to architecture during a time when the industry was almost entirely male dominated. Her style was inventive and her designs aimed to make spaces multifunctional. She is most well-known for her adjustable E-1027 side table (shown below) and the Bibendum chair.
Dorothy Draper grew up in a wealthy circle and had the opportunity to initially showcase her talents by designing the homes of family and friends. Her lavish, over-the-top style can be found in numerous hotels such as The Carlyle in New York, Chicago’s Drake Hotel, and the Venetian room in San Francisco’s Fairmont. Draper has been credited with “professionalizing” the interior design industry by establishing the first interior design company in the United States in 1923. (Although, some might argue that Elsie De Wolfe accomplished this in 1905).
Draper’s Neo-Baroque glamor is carried on by modern designers such as Philippe Starke and with more exactness by followers such as Carleton Varney. She died in 1969 but proteges like Varney and his designers keep her name alive by continuing to “Draperize” residences and hotels.
Posted on September 22nd, 2011 by Jennifer
It’s hard to believe that we will soon be seeing Christmas decorations! Now is the time to plan for your year-end family gatherings. While there isn’t time for full-scale remodeling, there are many improvements that can be made to your dining room, living room, and guest quarters before the holidays hit. Read on for 5 tips to make your home shine.
Tip #1. The holidays are often spent around a dining table. Nothing encourages guests to linger more than comfortable chairs. If your wood dining chairs are less than comfy, consider purchasing new upholstered chairs and keeping your existing table. This is a cost-efficient way to make a big impact.
Tip #2. Enhance your views both inside and out with custom-designed window treatments in your dining and living room. The fabric and style options are endless – choose pinch pleat or inverted pleat drapery styles for formal dining rooms and more casual styles such as grommets for informal gathering areas.
Tip #3. Update your powder room with a new mirror, lighting, a new paint color, or wallpaper for an easy makeover. We love Osborne & Little and Cole & Son wallpapers for their wide range of graphic and whimsical prints. Try Fermlivingshop.com and Burke décor.com for wallpaper that is available online.
Tip #4. Be voted the most fabulous host by adding special touches to your guest bedroom and bathroom. Update the bedside lamps with a new style and three-way bulbs (or a dimmer) for reading. Purchase crisp new bed linens and fluffy towels. Provide an ipod docking station, a carafe and glass, and a vase for fresh flowers.
Tip #5. Rearrange your furniture, rugs, and accessories for a quick update and add color with decorative pillows. Niche Interiors can create new furniture layouts to help you determine the best way to utilize your space for entertaining.
Please let us know how we can help you plan for the holidays. Since Fall is our busiest season, don’t wait to schedule a consultation. Contact us today!
Posted on September 12th, 2011 by Jennifer
This month we found inspiration from our usual sources, Elle Decor and House Beautiful, as well as California Home + Design. The magazine’s new direction led by editor Erin Feher is featuring a number of exciting, forward-thinking projects. Let’s hear it for local design!
Stunning Napa Valley bedroom featured in California Home + Design. Love the wood beams and that wild light fixture.
Master bathroom in the same home designed by Erin Martin. The Moroccan accessories add just the right unexpected touch.
I’m obsessed with the color palette and the inventive space plan in this Washington D.C. home designed by Barry Dixon. Featured in House Beautiful‘s September issue.
Courtney Cox’s restrained, modern Malibu home took center stage in Elle Decor‘s August issue. I especially like the master bedroom’s sitting area: crisp white + gray + wood tones = perfection.
Posted on August 23rd, 2011 by Kerry
We LOVE designing rooms for our youngest clients, but it’s not as easy as you think. Not only do you need to design a room for your child’s current needs and age, but also for the inevitable progression of their tastes and hobbies. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure a successful design that will grow with your child.
Mix sophisticated, timeless furniture with vibrant colors and patterns. Purchase upholstered furniture in versatile, solid fabrics. Swap out patterned pillows, bedding, and accessories to update or change the look of the room without starting over.
Avoid creating a theme room. Instead, choose a few colors, textures or prints from the desired theme to inspire your design. The boy’s room below takes on a nautical motif with bold stripes and tones of blue. Just add age-appropriate artwork and accessories to complete the look.
Above: Tolomeo Floor Lamp, Bookcase by Duc Duc, Chair by Serena and Lily, Bedding by Serena and Lily and Rug by Madeline Weinrib
Saturated colors are paired with classic upholstered pieces and girly patterns. A velvet rose settee works well with storytime or gossiping on the phone.
Above: Settee by Horchow, Headboard by Ballard Designs, Lamp by Ballard Designs, Bedding by Serena and Lily and Rug by Madeline Weinrib
Posted on August 12th, 2011 by Jennifer
We usually focus on what you should do in your home and overlook the critical don’ts of interior design. While it’s hard to tout universally applicable decorating rules, the following faux pas are undoubtedly design sins in any home!
Thou Shall Not…
1. Paint every room a wildly different color. Your home should not feel like a rainbow. When it comes to paint, think restraint! You should develop a cohesive paint scheme for your entire house before compulsively painting your dining room hot pink. Select colors in the same family and always go a little lighter than your initial selection.
2. Hang artwork on every wall. Resist the urge to “fill up” all the empty space on your walls. Create focal points by hanging an arrangement of artwork and photos on one wall in a room. This will help guide the eye on where to focus in a room, preventing a chaotic and disjointed experience.
3. Buy a matching bedroom set. This went out of style a long time ago. Avoid purchasing your bed, nightstand, and dresser from the same store. Your home should be a a unique reflection of your family, not a photo from a catalog. Pair coordinating nightstands with an unpholstered bed and a dresser in a similar wood tone.
4. Purchase furniture before taking measurements. Impulse furniture shopping rarely ends well. Start with a basic floor plan of your space with overall dimensions of the room, including window and door placements. Take this with you when purchasing furniture. Consider the scale of all the pieces in the room before pulling the trigger.
5. Install “boob” ceiling lights in every room. Why in the world has this become the norm? Not only are these fixtures unattractive, they also don’t emit flattering light. Select appropriate ceiling mounted fixtures for each room and avoid relying on the overhead fixture as the solitary light source. Mix in table and floor lamps as needed.
*Need professional help? Niche Interiors offers interior design services in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Posted on August 10th, 2011 by Jennifer
Are you stuck on designing your home office? We’ve done the legwork and found some inspiring examples to get your creative juices flowing! Read on to discover your style match…
Vintage Modern. Re-create this look with pale gray walls, a mix of artwork and mid-century furniture.
Crisp and minimal. Keep it simple with exposed shelves and a cantilevered desktop. (Be prepared to keep your workspace nice and tidy!)
Eclectic collector. Re-purpose old library card catalogs as overhead storage for an eclectic vibe. Add well-worn accessories from the flea market and vintage-inspired lighting to complete the look.
Glamorous style setter. Kelly Wearstler’s home office combines heavy doses of symmetry, shiny metallics and dramatic accessories to achieve a sophisticated workspace.
Masculine clubhouse. Grasscloth wallpaper, a leather chair, and black accents create a distinguished office.
Posted on July 18th, 2011 by Kerry
Window treatments can enhance the architecture of your home, make a dramatic statement or solve a difficult dilemma. Choosing custom window treatments ensures a flawless fit and quality construction that will last for decades. Below are three reasons to go custom.
1. Rods and hardware that are tailored for your window. The curved wall of windows requires a custom rod and professional installation but the outcome is well worth the additional cost.
2. Select the perfect fabric to complete your room. Striped fabric that coordinates with the upholstered bed is applied horizontally for a more casual appeal. The ceiling mounted track draws the eye upward and elongates the room.
3. Layered treatments that provide function and flexibility. A pair of drapery panels add softness while the roman shade provides privacy.
Contact us today to get started on your custom window treatment design.
