Posted on May 10th, 2011 by Kerry
Have you ever tried to tackle an interior design project and felt disappointed with the way it turned out? Does the sofa look WAY too big for the room, or does the space feel too coordinated and static?
Read on for three ways an interior designer can help create your dream home, while helping you avoid common pitfalls along the way.
1. Scale and Proportion: Big house, little furniture. Little house, big furniture. Either way it makes a large space feel empty and a small space feel cluttered and claustrophobic. Interior designers have a well-trained eye for scale and proportion.
Above left: Two overstuffed sofas overlap each other and block the entryway. Above right: The tailored sofas and larger armchair create a sitting area that feels intimate and allows for easy circulation.
2. Matchy-Matchy: Catalogs do this quite well. However, your space should reflect your individual personality. A collection of pieces that suit you do not have to match perfectly; they can vary in color and pattern. Interior designers combine these elements in an intentional and stylish way.
Above left: The drab wall color and rug are too similar in color, and the only pattern in the room is repeated on both chairs. Above right: A neutral sofa and a light rug allow just enough breathing room between a mix of bold patterns.
3. Cohesive Style: A cohesive design comes from a focused concept. Interior designers develop a scheme, which considers the client’s practical and aesthetic requirements, and use this when selecting each piece for the space. This requires restraint, attention to detail and ingenuity.
Above left: A disjointed concept confuses the eye. Above right: A neutral palette with black accents give the space a masculine and contemporary feel.
When in doubt, ask an expert! Contact us for more information about our San Francisco interior design services.
Posted on May 4th, 2011 by Jennifer
Room Service, the retro L.A.-based furniture store, has opened up shop on Hayes Street. If you dream of living in the 60′s and 70′s then this store was made for you.
Vintage reproductions, bright and bold accessories, and lots of lacquered furniture!
The biggest bonus: Room Service offers the full range of Benjamin Moore paints for all their lacquered furniture. What more could a designer ask for?
Room Service: 549 Hayes Street. (P) 415.829.8022
Posted on April 29th, 2011 by Jennifer
I stopped by H.D. Buttercup today to finally see what all the fuss is about! I’m often asked what I think of this relatively new store that took over part of Limn’s showroom space in SOMA.
I will admit: I love the merchandising and the vignettes created throughout the HUGE showroom! There is a great mix of contemporary and traditional, vintage-inspired and quirky. The price points are very reasonable.
I would recommend this as a go-to source for casegoods, dining tables and chairs, light fixtures, shelving, and accessories. The quality of the upholstered goods left a little to be desired.
Check it out for yourself: H.D. Buttercup: 209 Townsend Street, San Francisco. Ph: 415.820.4788
Posted on April 28th, 2011 by Jennifer
Tired of wall lamps and sconces that put you to sleep? Here are a few appealing alternatives!
Prouve Potence Lamp
Serge Mouille Two Arm Wall Lamp
Havana Boom Arm Wall Swinger by Jonathan Adler
Posted on April 23rd, 2011 by Jennifer
Elle Decor takes the cake with their feature of this beautiful retreat in Sonoma county.
Gorgeous guest room!
I want to work in this office.
The oversized artwork packs a real punch in this living room also featured in Elle Decor.
An alluring dining room from House Beautiful: The purple velvet chairs prevent it from looking too traditional.
Posted on April 12th, 2011 by Jennifer
We are excited to introduce a new segment on the Niche Interiors blog:
Design Patrol: Read on for tips on how to prevent your house from being busted!
First up is one of my biggest pet peeves: Overly saturated primary colors combined in one room. The only place this might be appropriate is in a nursery school…
Instead of combining a range of bold hues, stick to a more limited color palette in the same family. Use more restrained colors on the walls and add bolder punches of color with accessories.
Posted on April 4th, 2011 by Jennifer
It’s time to spruce up your home for Spring! Read on for three easy tips for a seamless transition.
1. Switch up your bedding. Wash and store heavier blankets and bring out lightweight duvet covers in fresher, brighter colors.
Ideas: John Robshaw Ludoli bedding & Dwell Studio Batavia Citrine duvet set.
2. New season, new scent. Swap out earthier home fragrances for floral and citrus based scents.
Ideas: Diptyque Freesia candle & Archipelago Diffuser in Honeysuckle.
3. Let the sun shine in. Ditch the heavy drapes for sheer panels and give your windows a good cleaning.
Ideas: Restoration Hardware Open Weave Sheers & West Elm’s Ikat Ogee linen panels.
Need professional decorating help? Niche Interiors offers interior design services in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tell us about your project today!
Posted on March 24th, 2011 by Jennifer
We couldn’t be happier: Niche Interiors is the featured design firm on Elle Decor’s Designer Registry today!
Posted on March 23rd, 2011 by Jennifer
I have a confession: I love designing dining rooms (can you tell from our projects?). Finding the perfect combination of a table, well-proportioned chairs, and unique light fixture is a fun challenge. I’ve noticed that too often the function of a dining space is overlooked in order to achieve a certain look. A truly successful dining room design must have the following:
1. Stylish and comfortable seats for your guests. This is the hardest one: Be sure to take a sit test before purchasing.
2. Adjustable lighting to set the mood. Please, please install a dimmer.
3. A table that compliments the chairs but doesn’t match. Try mixing woods that have similar undertones.
Following these basic guidelines (and throwing in some interesting guests) is the easiest way to ensure a triumphant dinner party.
Modern dining chairs can also be comfortable. These have nicely curved backs.
Introduce some pattern with a graphic rug. Contrasting armchairs at the heads of the table add drama.
Use artwork to create a focal point in the room.
Mix up the chairs to create a more eclectic vibe.
Need professional help? Niche Interiors offers San Francisco Bay Area interior design and decorating services. Tell us about your project today!
Posted on March 9th, 2011 by Kerry
Spring is in the air in San Francisco — well, almost! We wanted to jump start the warm weather by creating vignettes inspired by local flowers that are just beginning to bloom.
The Poppy: Bright, happy, and sculptural
Featured Products: Arne Jacobsen Swan chair, Rosy Angelis floor Lamp by Flos, Oly Priscilla Side Table, John Robshaw Jamu amber Fabric
Lilac Bush: Feminine & Intricate
Featured Products: Marie-Louise Gustafsson Manana floor Lamp, Williams Sonoma Carlyle Chair, John Robshaw Arjun White Fabric, Oly Pipa Side Table
The Clarkia: Graphic & Tailored
Featured Products: Donghia Hollywood Fabric in Fountain Peach, Philippe Stark Prince Aha Stool, Hans Wagner Lounge Chair, Century Furniture Floor Lamp
