Using Natural Light in Your Design

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One of the greatest gifts a designer can leverage is natural light sources.  Understanding the natural light opportunities in a room can guide material selections and what types of artificial lighting is added.  Here in Arizona, S Interior Design likes to incorporate SolaTubes and strategically placed clerestory windows in homes and offices so our clients can enjoy the abundant natural sun shine without loosing heat and privacy controls.    Below is  a guest post about windows, natural light and window covering options to consider.

Using your window space to the best effect

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While the structural architecture and design of a room can have an effect on its atmosphere and mood, it is the lighting that truly brings it to life, enhancing the room’s design and décor, as well as creating the mood. Lighting patterns, colors and targeted illumination can create a variety of moods, from cool, restful and relaxing, to warm, active and cheerful. Both artificial and natural lighting can be used creatively to bring out the best features of a room and distract attention away from more negative areas.

 

Artificial lighting is an part of interior design, but natural lighting, courtesy of windows, is often overlooked or seen as something to work around. Natural lighting, however, is not only better for the eyes; it is also the best light to see accurately, see colors and tones and is a natural mood-enhancer. Choosing the right window coverings and treatments to allow natural light in to the best effect is an important step in truly finishing a room.

Window decorating and natural lighting

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There are a variety of different types of window coverings and treatments to choose from. Selecting exactly which to use depends on the room that the windows are in and the lighting effect required.

 

Window treatments in the bedroom need to be functional in some way, whether it is blinds that can be adjusted or shades that can be easily raised or lowered. Drapes and curtains are also frequently used in bedrooms; many being made from the same fabrics and trims as the bed linens. Room darkening and heat and sound insulating, these types of window coverings have the added benefit of creating a romantic and relaxing mood, particularly when made from luxurious fabrics and materials, such as sheers, brocades or velvet.

 

In the main living areas of the home, letting in natural light while maintaining a measure of privacy is the key. Covering only a portion of the window is an ideal way of admitting natural sunlight while maintaining privacy. Plantation shutters, along with other styles of window shutter, are a great way to accomplish this lighting effect. Covering only the lower pane or portion of the window, plantation shutters may be opened as desired to let in even more light. Even when closed they allow plenty to come through while keeping the room’s occupants screened from the outside world. Shutters fit in with almost any interior design, in particular country styles and Victorian design, as well as modern and eclectic looks.

Kitchens frequently do not have large windows or have windows with unusual shapes, so finding suitable coverings and treatments that are stylish, yet functional, may prove difficult. In addition to shutters, which also work well here, café curtains are a very popular window covering. Functioning in a similar way to the shutters, café curtains leave the upper part of the window nearly bare, allowing plenty of natural light to come through, while also ensuring a degree of privacy. Café curtains are available in a variety of styles and fabrics.

Bathroom Design Trends

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S Interior Design loves remodeling bathrooms for their clients.  When we were asked to host this guest blog post on Bathroom Trends, we said YES!  Fun, contemporary design ideas to inspire you.

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Bathroom Trends: Glass Mosaic Tile (via)

Bathroom trends to me start with the tile work. In this case, one of my favorite examples is the Copper Color Bisazza Glass Mosaic Tile. It gives you that contemporary look and serene feeling to your bathroom. Other trendy styles of tile you should consider for your bathroom redesign project are natural stone, pebble tile, stone mosaic tile and stainless steel tile. If you’re doing budget-conscious remodeling, use designer tile sparingly in the form of cut-out tile accents, to give you that designer tile design cue.

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Turquoise Painted Glass Vessel Sink (via)

Vessel sinks are very much trendy these days. Walk into any high-end restaurant’s bathroom, and you’ll likely see a vessel sink. Depending on the style, they can also be very affordable. Personally, I like the above vessel sink made of glass, and painted turquoise.

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Trendy Shower Doors: Neo-Angle Frameless Shower Enclosures and Glass BathTub Screens

If you couldn’t tell from the glass vessel sinks and the glass mosaic tile recommendations, glass is in style when it comes to the bathroom. One of the reasons for that is because glass allows for the passage of light. That means a lot of glass, opens up an otherwise small looking bathroom, and makes it look more spacious. Also, if you have fancy tile work in your bathroom, there’s no better way to show off that tile work than with beautiful low-iron glass (in which the green hue has been reduced by taking out the iron content).

Nothing looks drabber than cheap, toxic, vinyl shower curtains. In these examples, the neo-angle shower enclosure is the trendiest and most expensive shower enclosure on the market. It’s frameless, so the metal hardware is barely visible.

On the other side, is the glass bathtub screen. These are very trendy in Europe, and are starting to make their way over into the United States. In Europe, people aren’t afraid of a little bit of water splashing out of their tubs. At the end of the day, both a full shower enclosure and a glass bathtub screen are great options for a trendy bathroom.

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Granite Countertop (via)

Granite countertops are a popular décor trend both in the bathroom and the kitchen. They provide the perfect backdrop for the aforementioned glass vessel sinks. And if you’re going to spend the “dough-re-mi” for a solid-slab granite countertop, utilizing clear glass vessel sinks might be a good idea in order to better showcase the granite. If you’re looking to save money, you can also do a DIY project and use a granite tile kit, which is a third of the price of buying the solid slab of granite, as seen above. They both provide that trendy, natural, solid-stone look for one’s bathroom.

About the Author

Shahab Shokouhi is a glass design expert at www.dullesglassandmirror.com, an innovative manufacturer of glass table tops, glass shelves, and all other glass and mirror products. Follow Dulles Glass and Mirror on Pinterest or on YouTube to see how they’re changing the way glass products are manufactured, customized and delivered.

4 Home Trends For Summer Time

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I am excited to share this guest blog post that high- lights design ideas to implement both inside and outside for summer time enjoyment.

4 Interior and Exterior Home Trends for Summer

2013 has seen a whirlwind of changes in interior design style and this season we are seeing four interior (as well as exterior) trends that we feel truly captures the essence of summer. Some of these trends have been seen in the world of fashion but unlike the latest print dress, these styles are here to stay for the summer and through to your next big home renovation.

  1. Stripes and Geometrics Patterns

Last year we saw the implementation of several floral designs over the summer season but now stripes and geometric patterns are taking center stage. Outdoor patios can feel welcoming and stylish with a custom striped patio cover and even windows are seeing a change with fabric awnings featuring geometric or stripped designs.

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Inside the home, guest half-bathrooms are dressed up with geometric wall paper, creating the illusion of space and the fact of style. Bedroom accent walls are being painted with vibrant natural chevron patterns and striped ceilings are fun, inviting and lengthening. While stripes and geometric patterns may not be for everyone; their bold designs, inviting nature and vibrant natural colors are reminiscent of a comfortable and fashionable home.

  1. Neutrals and Naturals

Stripes and geometric patterns may be bold but they are off-set this season by the trend of neutral colors and natural materials. Eco-friendly designs are proven to be sustainable, resulting in a celebration of organic space and conservative style. More is less with this summer approach as interior designers are creating spaces with light colors, wooden accents and greenery. The more neutral colors and natural elements, the less the home feels stuffy and uncomfortable.

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  1. Flora and Fauna (decks, interior walls)

To contribute to the natural furniture elements found within the Neutrals and Naturals trend, floral designs are becoming a large part of interior design for 2013. We see full interior walls showcasing fresh herbs, flowers and ferns. The introduction of plants into the home creates a natural atmosphere where guests and family feel truly relaxed. We are also seeing this trend on patios, decks and outdoor living spaces. Large modern pots, elevated gardens and balcony planters each are filled with flora and fauna, creating an outdoor oasis for homeowners.

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  1. Bold Pops of Color Indoor and Out

Many homeowners are noticing the latest summer designs of bold colors. For the last several years, we’ve seen pops of neon color but as interior style tones down; we see neutrally painted rooms with natural furniture elements and then the sudden pop of natural color. Whether it is in the form of a bright purple orchid, a navy blue accent pillow or a yellow vase, these pops of bold color bring brightness, lightness and color to a simplistic room.

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On the exterior of the home, we are also seeing brightly painted doors, planting pots and colorful window awnings, adding personality to what would normally be considered an average home. These splashes of color in conjunction with elaborately floral decks create a unique home look that unparalleled throughout any neighborhood.

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Your Home This Summer

The latest changes to interior and exterior design truly capture the essence of summer and we hope that this season you have the option of designing your home with one of our favorite designers, Suzanne Lasky of S Interior Design.

Photo Credits

Chevron Room      Bathroom

Striped Awning   Hanging Greenery

Deck      Neutral Bed Set

Natural Room    Outdoor Color with Blue

 Bright Door      Fabric Awning

High Point Highlights- Spring 2013

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Some great design tips and ideas from the High Point, N.C. Market which just passed.
Colors, neutrals, patterns, floral, geometric, organic……….all were represented.  There is no 1 right way to design, there is not the 1 trend to follow.  This illustrates what S Interior Design always tells her clients “the only thing to be aware of is what you like and want,  don’t worry about what is trendy or in.”

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Take a look at this video from one of my favorite celebrity designers Candice Olson speaking at Surya Rugs and Textiles.   When stating from ‘scratch’ in a room, beginning with the area rug selection is often a great way to begin the design.

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Here is a link to a blog by ‘Design Addict Mom‘ who shows us great images from her time at Market .

 

 

Spring Cleaning

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Get you home in shape for Spring and Summer-  good article from  HOUZZ to help you with ideas and check lists.  I would add seal your granite counter tops and travertine floors to the list.

 

LED Lighting– Good to Know

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An article from HOUZZ describing the benefits of LED lights and showing some of the most common applications.  As  designer, I am specifying LED lighting for all of my remodel projects.

Create A Personal Space to Nest

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