Transitional Design

I planned on writing an article on this topic, however when I came across this by Steven Sabados I knew he had nailed it  so here it is.......

Not too fussy, not too stark: Steven Sabados breaks down the hard-to-define transitional design

How to build a balanced room that looks and feels just right

CBC Life · March 6

Transitional design has been described many ways: updated classic, contemporary decor, modern classic, modern traditional... many people have been trying to define it, but transitional seems to be the name that has stuck! Transitional most often describes the room as a whole. At the core of this style is the balance of modern and traditional design. The real appeal is the style's ability to have the best of both worlds – it's not too fussy, but not too stark or cold. Furniture pieces in varying applications can take on totally different looks, so this style is all about how they come together to create a harmonious and balanced space. Here is what Steven Sabados says to keep in mind to achieve the look.

Simple profiles

Transitional blends the comfort and coziness of traditional design with the clean lines and profiles of the contemporary look. The fastest and easiest way to begin to achieve a transitional look is with your furniture, providing you with a harmonious space that meets somewhere in the middle of traditional and modern.

For sofas, such as the one above, anything with a traditional line should not be ornate. This one has a relatively low profile and more contemporary nailhead detail. The gentle curves need to be balanced with something more rigid within the space, but in general, opt for a sofa with narrow and sleek arms so that you can get that nod to traditional design while still saving on space.

These low profile chairs are simple but not cold or uncomfortable in their design. Their rigid lines help balance out the softness of the sofa. The elongated legs make the chairs feel elegant and modern, and the print adds visual interest without adding a lot of distracting colour to the space.

It is always a great idea to round out the room with something right in the middle of the style spectrum. This chair has a timeless profile – it looks simple and sophisticated, but is still modern thanks to the vertical tufting, where tufted panels replace traditional button tufting for a sleeker finish.

Strike a balance with texture and finish

Any finish with a tactile appeal fits into transitional decor; think leather, chenille, linen, woven, wood, glass, chrome gold, and so much more. The challenge is not to go overboard or you'll lose the sleek elegance that at the core of transitional style.

Mix metals but keep your accents minimal, like the coffee table and end table that are simply styled. The interest comes from the finishes, not in the volume of accessories. The table has sharp contemporary lines, but still looks traditional because of its brushed brass finish. Its hidden base creates the illusion it's floating, adding another contemporary touch. This choice is balanced out with a stunning antique mirror at the bottom.

This lamp is another example of the perfect transitional piece – the column is traditional, but the solid glass column gives the lamp a contemporary edge making for a truly balanced piece.

A transitional palette

Warm neutrals tend to rule this look but are not the only way to go. The safer and most popular choice is always cream, tan, khaki, warm grey, and chocolate brown. But to push it a bit further, look to heritage or naturally occurring colours, such as forest greens, terracottas, or in our case, ocean blues. Choose clean and simple art; a tidy frame, large matting and fairly simple artwork will pull the room together nicely.

Overall impression

Above all else, a transitional space should feel comfortable and restful. All accessories are artfully placed, without going overboard. It's best to take a Goldilocks approach – the room shouldn't feel overdone, or minimal and cold, but just right!

The All White Zen like Bathroom

I love White when done right.  There must be texture and variety so it is not sterile.  Below are some all white bathrooms from Dering Hall .

Georgous All White Living Rooms from Dering Hall

I love White Rooms and found this collection on Dering Hall.

Pantonne Colour of the Year for 2017

 

PANTONE 15-0343. A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings. Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature's greens revive, restore and renew.


     

Welcome to 2017

Hi, I'm back.  It has been a while since I have posted here.  Christmas came and was busy and then winter set in and I don't know where the time has gone but I have not had a chance to write here.
We are now approaching spring and winter has sent us one of it's biggest snowfalls of the season.

This past weekend my husband and I drove to Belleville to pick up a special dog we had selected from a Rescue Organization that takes dogs from puppy mills in Ohio and finds them good homes. We were in love with her immediately.

Let's fall into Fall....

Now that fall has arrived, we start to think cozy and warm.   How great does cuddling up on a sofa http://www.arhaus.com/furniture/living-room-furniture/sectional-sofas/ on a cold night  sound?     You can have a very cozy space without bringing all that clutter you removed for a laid back summer, back into your space.  


courtesy of Country Living

Adding layers can warm up the area.  We need to realize that our homes are a 

reflection of our own personality so we should not be completely devoid of personal items.



How can we have a warm, cozy and inviting space without looking so cluttered you 

do not feel relaxed?  A little knowledge of a couple of the basic design principles can 

help guide you to create a fabulous cozy home.

The use of color creates an emotional atmosphere and should complement 

 the design. Darker shades, high intensity colors and warm hues have more weight 

than lighter shades, cooler hues and low intensity colors. This in turn creates the 

“feeling” of cozy and warm. 

Color works magic by communicating with our emotions.  It creates an emotional 

atmosphere and should compliment the design. Color inspires, energizes, soothes, 

and enlivens.  See how switching from a cool color scheme to a warm scheme 

changes the mood of a living room. This can easily be done with cushions, throws, 

candles and floral arrangements.  Even the most modern space can be “cozy” in 

fall/winter by adding just these few elements.  Perhaps a new area rug in a darker 

hue for winter.  Books always add a wonderful feel to any room.

        

 

courtesy Design Savvy

Texture plays an important part in creating a cozy atmosphere.  Think of a nubby or 

faux fur throw.  Add some really soft cushions. Texture is essentially a tactile 

characteristic, but may be perceived by either touch or sight. Texture may be rough, smooth, 

bumpy, fuzzy, grooved, or prickly. Tactile texture is felt, while visual texture is seen, imparting 

impressions of textures. Visual texture is often referred to as pattern. A pine cone has a texture

one can feel as well a pattern one can see. Texture can be used to create different feelings in 

an environment—smooth textures seem cold and impersonal while rough textures seem warm 

and natural. 

This fall I will change up the throws, toss cushions, area mats, candles and some decor

items to warmer colours with more texture.  I will add bowls of pine cones, containers with sticks, and any fall like decor items I find,  I think books are a great addition to a space at any time of year, however in fall and winter they add to the layered and cozy look, not to mention that we are indoors more in the fall and winter thus  offering time for more reading. candles will be scented cinnamon and apple which conjures up a fall cozy feeling.  My rattan mats will be rolled up and replaced with woven, patterned mats. 

  courtesy Design Savvy

        

        courtesy house beautiful

Of course, it alll starts at the front door!

courtesy Design Savvy

Every year the various paint companies select a 'colour of the year'.  This year for 2017 Sherwin-williams has made the first announcement.  We will be hearing from the other companies later and then the Pantonne Colour of he year will be introduced near the end of 2016. What do you think of Poised Taupe as the SW colour of the year?

Sherwin-Williams has announced Poised Taupe as the 2017 Colour of the Year.

“Poised Taupe celebrates everything people love about cool grey as a neutral, and also brings in the warmth of brown, taking a colour to an entirely new level. Not cool or warm, nor grey or brown, Poised Taupe is a weathered, woodsy neutral bringing a sense of coziness and harmony that people are seeking,” says Sue Wadden, director of colour marketing for Sherwin-Williams.

As the Sherwin-Williams team attempted to make this year’s selection, it became clear that neutrals are beginning a transition from the monochrome grey of the past five years to a more complex taupe and brown. In a recent homeowner survey conducted by Sherwin-Williams, nearly 40 per cent of the respondents agree that they would like to incorporate warmer neutrals, such as warm greys, taupes or beiges, into their home décor. Additionally, more than two in five people identified taupe as a timeless neutral they would choose.

“Consumers yearn for spaces that feel welcoming and hug them as they enter. Earthen brown combined with conservative grey, creating Poised Taupe, embodies all of these emotions,” says Wadden.

In 2017, the subtle shift to warmer colours reaches commercial spaces too, which tend to move in more conservative colour cycles than residential or designer directions. Influences such as natural or organic materials, weathered and worn finishes and global cultural preferences have suggested alternatives to the primarily grey existence that has been the star of commercial colour direction over the past five years.

“Since commercial colour direction tends to enjoy longer life cycles, Poised Taupe is on the forefront of this trend, offering the ability to endure over time, yet complement a wide range of designs,” says Wadden.

Aligned with this burgeoning trend of moving away from the stark, cold and barren commercial environments, Poised Taupe gives developers, builders and interior designers a warm colour that offers dimension and complexity, but is neutral and subtle to work with for nearly all aesthetics.

https://www.canadianinteriors.com/interior-design/sherwin-williams-taupe-2017/1003737785/

Spring has Sprung

I haven't been writing for a while as the design business has been busy, however today offers some time.  As I look out to the beautiful sunny day I really feel that spring is finally here.  As we approach a long weekend many will be opening pools, going to open their summer homes or purchasing and planting our summer flowers and tending to our gardens.  As soon as it is possible I am outside with a throw and some heat, enjoying the outdoors which comes and goes much too quickly for my taste.  As we have been cooped up indoors it is a welcome change to be outdoors.  My own deck awaits me.

As we freshen up the outdoors we need to think of inside our homes and freshen them up as well.  I like to change up my colour scheme with accessories.  You can put new cushion covers on your toss cushions; change up your throws from heavy to something light and bright. This the time to take up any heavy and dark area rugs and mats and perhaps replace with summery sisal ones.  Pull back any heavy draperies and let the sunshine in. Wash and open your windows for some fresh air. Bringing in some flowers adds to the summer theme.

So You Have Decided to Hire an Interior Decorator… Now What??

After you have made the decision to hire an Interior Decorator for whatever project you are undertaking, you will now be asking yourself and the decorator – what now?

• The decorator can take over the entire project from start to finish.  They will do up a floor plan, source furnishings, fabrics, window coverings, paint samples, arrange for trades to do any work involved and present this to you for your input and approval.  It will also be the responsibility of the decorator to act as the project manager.  This method works well for those who do not have the time to go about the business of “sourcing” and “managing the project with trades”.

• Another method of working with a decorator is more hands on for the client. If you have the time and wish to be involved in the sourcing, etc. you can pay your decorator for their time to take you to different suppliers, especially those which are “trades only”, where you are able to find items which are not available through retail available to you the consumer.  Your decorator can either arrange for trades or offer you some options, or you may in fact have someone you wish to use.

• A third alternative is to have the decorator compile a selection of ideas for the space along with some samples and retail sources available to you, and then you can in turn,  take it from there.  This method works especially well with the “Do-it-Yourself” type client; someone who enjoys the entire project and wants to tackle it themselves, however they may require a little professional guidance from the decorator.

The above are only three ways of working with an Interior Decorator.  Everyone has their own business style.  The most important part of this entire process is to find someone you feel comfortable with; someone who listens to you and your ideas; someone who respects what you have to say; and can understand the type of look you would like, even if you cannot actually verbalize it in “design speak”; and ultimately someone who can offer cost effective alternatives to décor solutions.  After all, this person will be re-creating your personal space,  which will be a reflection of you, so it really is essential to have a “good fit”.

There are many different approaches to working with a decorator.  You, the client, should have continuous input and, in the end, the final say.

Usually when you first contact a decorator there are questions asked about the type of project you are undertaking, the scope of it, with discussion relating to your preferences, lifestyle, and ultimately the cost involved along the way.

Your decorator will discuss their fee, which is usually an hourly rate or depending on the type of undertaking, could be a total project rate.  For example, if you were having an entire basement renovation and finishing, there could be a project fee based on the total amount of work involved.  For obvious reasons, this is best discussed at your home when outlining the scope of the project. Having discussed fee, the next step is an in home consultation for which payment of said fee is due at the end of the consult.

Now comes setting up a meeting at your home with the decorator.  Many decorators offer the flexibility of evenings and weekends, however you may be required to meet during the daytime, much as you would if you had a repair person coming in or if you were going to the dentist.  This is something based entirely on your decorator’s schedule and method of work.

At the time of the consultation the decorator will sit down in your home with you and discuss your plans.  If you have ideas, these will be noted along with a brief outline of what ideas the decorator may be able to put forth at this initial meeting.  Depending on how much work is to be done now or in the future, the decorator should also be taking a walk through your home to get a feel for your lifestyle and how you use your space.  This is particularly important so as to be able to mesh the newly decorated space with the current surrounding spaces. 

Ultimately an Interior Decorator can take you from discussion and ideas through space planning, sourcing furniture, fabric, floor and window coverings, accessories and art, paint selection, kitchen and bath plans & renovation ideas, appropriate lighting, contracting trades, to managing the project.  You have the choice as to which part of their expertise you can utilize!

  

Your decorator will give you ideas of their own on how to approach any project.  Depending on your budget you do have much flexibility here. 

How do Interior Decorators create that perfect space?

There are many variables involved – the correct use of colour, textures, lighting along with space planning and creative furniture placement, in order to maximize rooms to their best potential. 

Colour and lighting; whether natural or artificial can impact on how we feel in the space.  By using cool or warm hues we create a feeling for the space.  A variety of textures add interest and depth to the space.  There is no right or wrong opinion about neutrals vs. colour; it’s all a matter of applying the colour in an appropriate manner.

Decorators are able to create functional yet fabulous designs, both being equally important.  A decorator can lend that polished look, with attention to details, creative lighting, custom millwork and window treatments.

A decorator creates innovative designs, manipulating the scale of furnishings and prioritizing features for both function and style, especially in small spaces.  A decorator can transform your space into the dream you have always envisioned. A decorator can take your ideas, make suggestions and in the end transform them into a perfect space.

An Interior Decorator can offer a full range of residential design options such as Color Consultations, Space Planning, Furniture Selection, Custom Draperies and Soft Furnishings, Flooring, Wall Coverings, Kitchen and Bath Planning, New home specifications and preparing the home for Resale, as well as Selection of Artwork and Accessories.  A decorator can assist in the Refreshing of a room by Repurposing and Repositioning pieces to create a new look.

There is great deal of flexibility when working with an Interior Decorator.

A decorator will work with you to develop a decorating plan and establish a realistic budget.  Any project can be broken down into manageable pieces to be completed at a later date.

Ultimately an Interior Decorator’s job is to add the icing to the cake.