Jeffers Design Group dazzles us again with a luxurious and moody room with layers and layers of texture in their Maker’s Mark Retreat.

I usually don’t swoon for rooms with ornate gold ceilings or puddling drapes, but something about this space designed by Catherine Kwong really did it for me. In a BIG way. Maybe it was the floor treatment inspired by Cy Twombly…

Applegate Tran’s teenage girl’s room was a welcome departure from the standard hot pink stylized floral madness. We loved the map of London on the ceiling, acid yellow, black and white color scheme, and especially that custom desk!

While we aren’t sure about the “eco-friendly-ness” of using 60 yr old Monterey pines in the salon designed by Leverone Design, we’ll admit their impact is grand.  White moldings + lovely architectural details + tasteful modern furniture = winner!

artMRKT brings together contemporary and modern artwork from 70 galleries from around the world, including some of our own local Bay Area galleries. May 17-19 at the Festival Pavilion in Fort Mason Center.

ArtPadSF showcases the best of the emerging contemporary art talent in the funky Phoenix Hotel in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District.  Edgier and smaller than artMRKT, come prepared to mingle and check out people, along with artwork from 40 national and international galleries. May 16 – 19th. Enjoy!

Cohesive color palette. One of the easiest ways to effortlessly mix patterns is with a restrained color scheme.  You can still have vibrant color – just stick to varying tones of two or three colors. In the living room above we opted for a cool color scheme of blues and grays with orange and ivory accents. The large scale rug works well with the smaller scale patterns in the pillows. 

Scale is key. DO: Mix small prints with medium to large scale patterns. DON’T: Mix patterns that are the same scale. Why? They will compete with one another and feel too busy. The above patterns work well together because the green fabric has a 1.5″ repeat and the fuchsia fabric’s repeat is over 6″.

The formal living room is going to be a stunner! The A. Rudin tete-a-tete chaise lounge provides a sophisticated way to relax and enjoy the view or to join the conversation. An oversized coffee table in a cerused finish adds warmth and grounds the space, while two barrel back armchairs add a little curve to the clean-lined room.

The cool color palette consists of gray, blue, and ivory tones. We can hardly wait for install day!

The formal living room is a large blank slate (with dated fixtures).

First up: Staining the floors a darker, richer tone and painting the walls a warm gray.

It took 14 samples to find the perfect tone.

Next up: Selecting a floor plan. We presented two floor plan options to our clients for each room. They decided to go with the below option for the formal living room, which has a fabulous treetop view.

The final floor plan maximizes the view and provides plenty of seating.

Stay tuned for more developments! Furniture, rugs, fabrics, and window treatments are just around the corner.

Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a common waste product of mining industries – companies like Caesarstone have turned it into a premium, sustainable product. Adhesives used in Caesarstone Quartz contain polyester and acrylic epoxies that have either low or no VOC emissions.  Naturally nonporous, it prevents the growth of surface molds without being treated with harmful chemicals.

Stainless Steel
Often used in commercial kitchens, stainless steel is making it’s way into more and more homes.  Stainless steel contains at least 60 percent recycled content and is 100 percent recyclable. It creates a sleek contemporary look and it’s resistance to rust and heat make it a low maintenance option.  Stainless steel is non-porous therefore will not harbor germs; it requires non-toxic, mild soap for clean up.

Recycled Composite Paper
Paper composite countertops are made from recycled post-consumer paper waste, bamboo fibers and salvaged wood fibers/cellulose compressed with petroleum-free resins. Although prone to mild scuffing and scratches, it is heat resistant and easy to maintain.  Similar to natural wood, paper composite countertops will naturally patina over time intensifying in depth and color. PaperStone is FSC-certified and comes in a variety of colors.

A 1960s ranch house was given a fresh update while maintaining its original, casual vibe. An outdated kitchen with an awkward layout was transformed into a bright, modern space with ample room for cooking and entertaining.

Opening up the wall to the living room allows our clients to keep an eye on their three-year-old while enjoying the spectacular Marin views. A statement light fixture and modern painting ground the dining area.

The sectional sofa and ottoman provide a comfortable spot for family movie nights. Forgiving fabrics and leathers are designed for life with young children and active dogs.

The original brick fireplace was replaced with gray Venetian plaster and built-in walnut shelving. Mid-century inspired armchairs create a cozy conversation area by the fire.

This green project in San Francisco featured zero-VOC paints, natural fabrics, and a custom eco-friendly, non-toxic sofa.

Green or eco-friendly interior design focuses on improving indoor air quality as well as reducing the impact that furniture purchases have on the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that most Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.

It’s crucial that we pay close attention to the products that we bring into our homes. Paint, cabinets, rugs, and upholstery all have a big impact on indoor air quality. One of the biggest obstacles faced right now is the California Technical Bulletin 117 that requires upholstered furniture to be made with harmful flame retardant chemicals. This NRDC video does a great job of illustrating the urgency of updating this law, which will be coming up for review shortly.

Check out our green interior design page for detailed tips on improving the health of your home, or contact us for professional eco-friendly interior design services in the San Francisco Bay Area. Go green!