A master bedroom design that blended the husband's minimal style with his wife's love of texture and red.

1. Find common ground. Gather inspirational images from interior design magazines (and websites such as Houzz.com) independently. Make notes about why you like each image, with specific comments about colors, textures, and furniture. Sit down with your significant other and share your images — you might be surprised that your tastes overlap more than you thought.

2. Choose your battles. Make a list of absolute “No go” items – and keep this list as concise as possible. Zone in on the design details and styles that you just can’t live with. Hate tufting or Louis XV chairs? Throw those in there. Can’t stand orange, purple or stripes? Put them on the list. Share the lists with each other so you understand how far you can push the other’s design boundaries.

3. Consider what is right for your home. If you live in a San Francisco Victorian, chances are that sleek, ultra-modern look isn’t going to jibe well. Start with writing down the commonalities that you found with your inspiration images, then ask yourself which of these styles would fit best with the architecture of your home.

Good luck on your decorating journey. Just remember, you can always contact us if you need to call in the professionals!

Fiber Content: 100% wool, jute, cotton and other natural fibers are ideal. These are all renewable resources which won’t off-gas harmful chemicals into your home.

Dyes and Adhesives: Many companies offer all-natural or organic dyes but some chemical content is necessary to preserve more saturated colors. If you want to avoid chemicals altogether, make sure to inquire about the dye content.

Backing: Traditionally, latex is used for carpet backings. Natural latex rubber is its more natural, green counterpart. Jute and cotton can also replace latex backings.

Mill Practices: Does the manufacturer use wind power or recycle production waste? Do they use child labor? While not a “green” component, this is part of the larger issue of purchasing a responsible rug.

Companies to look for:
Peace Industry. Peace Industry’s felt rugs are made of 100% lamb’s wool and natural dyes. They practice fair trade and the company’s Turkish facility is run and operated by the husband and wife team (who also make their employees lunch everyday!).

ABC Carpet. Each rug has specific sustainable qualities and are labeled using ABC Carpet’s icon system. For example, the “goodcolor” icon indicates that low impact dyes with fewer harmful chemicals are used or the “goodthread” icon, which means that organic or bio-based fibers are used.

Earth Weave. Earth Weave carpets can contribute to LEED points in the Regional Materials and Recycled Content categories. Their BIO-Floor line is made of chemical free wool, jute and cotton backings and adhesive made from rubber trees. Earth Weave manufactures their products in Georgia.

è bella rugs are made of made of 100% alpaca yarn. They are biodegradable and organic dyes are offered.

Certifications to Look for:
Global Organic Textile Standard
GoodWeave
Carpet and Rug Institute

Jennifer knew we were budget conscious (who isn’t these days), but that didn’t throw her.  She picked out at least three options at different prices for every piece.  It allowed us to put our money towards the items that were important to us and save money on things that weren’t, while still creating a cohesive design. The couple of times we had a miscommunication or a problem it was quickly addressed, taken seriously, and solved to our satisfaction.

We have already recommended her services to multiple friends and look forward to working with her again!  We have two bedrooms and a bathroom remodel with her name on it!

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!

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!

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.