Help! I Don’t Know My Design Style

With so many design buzzwords circulating it can be difficult to hone in on a specific style. Working with an interior designer can help you to understand your tastes and how to piece together a design that is perfectly you.

Professional Consults = Stellar Results

Everything Home assists clients in shaping their very own style story by first capturing how they live and how they want rooms to feel. This is accomplished through a design questionnaire and imagery presentation during an initial consult. Clients are encouraged to bring Houzz idea books, Pinterest boards, and other inspiration to illustrate their style preferences. From there, a team of professional designers curate custom color palettes, furnishings, decor, and more to express inpidualized style.

Perfecting The Palette

Sometimes you walk into a room and it wraps itself around you like a friendly hug…it just feels good, relaxes your busy mind, makes you want to stay awhile. Then there are those spaces that put you on edge, make you anxious, uneasy, and you find yourself wanting out as soon as possible. Color and pattern stimulate visual energy, carrying a lot of responsibility in a design. Everything Home utilizes a 6-palette process, inspired by Kohler, to understand a client’s color and pattern preferences. Style boards are presented to demonstrate unique color palettes, and designers utilize feedback to develop a custom color collection for each project.

6-Palettes:

Color- Bright Accent Colors

Pattern- Organic vs. Geometric Lines

Pale Neutrals- Light Beiges, Grays, and Other Neutral Foundation Colors

Smoky Sultry- Deep Grays, Dark Blues, Purples, and other Smoky Colors

Noir- Black and White Basics

White on White- White and White-like Color Pairings

Style That Speaks To You

While some clients prefer traditional designs with more ornate or detailed pieces, others have modern tastes opting for simpler clean lines. When clients like characteristics of both styles, designers work towards a transitional blended design. It is also helpful to keep a home’s unique architecture in mind when making design choices.

Everything Home designers use the following style types to guide our projects:

Style Types:

Farmhouse- Rustic, Chic, Shabby Chic

Industrial- Urban, Modern, California Desert

Art Deco- Soft Contemporary, Mid-Century

Craftsman- Bungalow, Cottage, Lake-house

Old World- Tuscan, French, Mediterranean

Stumped by style? Don’t fret! The designers at Everything Home are eager to help identify, develop, and showcase your very own design style. Contact us to set up a personalized design consultation.

Happy Home. Happy Life.

Design Elements: Where to Splurge and Where to Save?

Remember that time you splurged on home decor and then really wished you hadn’t? Maybe it was too trendy, low quality, or just didn’t bring you the joy you hoped for. There are several factors that go into making solid decor decisions. Below are some tips on how to achieve the most beautiful design for your buck.

Smart Splurges

Lighting is a large feature in most rooms, both illuminating and bringing warmth to a space. The fixture itself personalizes a design, and is not always easy to update. Splurge for high-quality timeless lighting in your design.

Countertops can last a lifetime, if chosen wisely. Splurge for long-lasting granite and quartz versus high maintenance marble and lower quality laminate. Select basic patterns, keeping in mind wall and cabinet colors may change over time.

Sofas are a sizable room furnishing and host a favorite pastime, relaxing. This is definitely a design piece to spend on. You can’t go wrong selecting something stylish, comfy, durable, and neutral. You won’t regret this splurge!

Window Treatments of all kinds garnish a lot of attention in a design. Indulge in well-crafted, drapes, blinds, shades, and shutters; durable enough to hold up to sun exposure and classic enough to weather passing trends. Think nicely made and neutral.

Savvy Savings

Accent Decor is subject to today’s trends and seasonal influences. Pillows, throws, and other room accessories are usually updated every couple years if not sooner. Be frugal when it comes to picking out popular prints and other fashionable room decor.

Dining Tables are a central feature for sure, but don’t necessarily have to blow your budget. Pair an affordable table option with upscale chairs for an upgraded dining set that makes you swoon without overspending.

Bed Linens can be beautiful without breaking the bank. Pick bedding that is cozy and classic, but not costly. Dress up basic bedspreads, duvets, comforters, and quilts by swapping affordable bed runners and pillows throughout the seasons.

Tile is a long-term commitment considering it is literally adhered to a room’s surface. Select classic, inexpensive tiles like basic subway tile for a lasting look that makes room in your budget for more significant spendings. Consider using big-ticket tile to accent a more affordable selection or incorporate it into a smaller design feature.

Splurging for an interior designer can actually save money too! An interior designer can help you avoid design pitfalls and navigate important decisions, like where to splurge and where to save. Let the professionals at Everything Home guide you on how to maximize your design budget. Contact us at info@everythinghomedesigns-staging.lc453fem-liquidwebsites.com for more info.

Happy Home. Happy Life.

Style and Function: Smart Home Technology We Love

Smart home technology can save you time, aggravation, and costly energy bills. Never leave your home in the dark while on vacation again, stop climbing ladders to open out-of-reach blinds, and quit searching for the perfect water temperature each time you take a shower. Lighting, sound, window treatments, faucets and more can all be operated through synced home automation systems accessed by sleek control panels, tablets, phone apps, and voice command speakers.

With today’s technology you can enhance your daily life without sacrificing the style you love in a room. No more clunky control panels and cluttered cables!

Here are some of the smartest, yet stylish home technology features available today:

Light Up Your Life

Whether home or halfway across the world, you can easily control indoor and outdoor lighting with the touch of a button. Automated lighting offers added functionality to turn lights on and off when you walk into and out of a room via smart sensors. Voice activated dimming and brightness is a popular feature too. Create the illusion you are home by programming custom light scenes, adding security and peace of mind while traveling or even just away for the day. Smart lighting can be built into new or existing lighting fixtures. Best of all you don’t have to sacrifice style since the mechanics of smart lighting is mostly behind-the-scenes.

Sound with Style

Messy media cables and style-sucking subwoofers are thankfully a thing of the past. Modern smart sound systems are built into walls and ceilings leaving very little footprint. Low profile speakers and cordless systems seamlessly disappear into a design, yet surround you with sound.

Motorized Window Treatments

Style doesn’t get much smarter than remotely controlled blinds and shades — a feature especially important for hard-to-reach windows. Schedule daily opening and closing of window treatments according to seasonal sun patterns and privacy preferences. Motorized window treatments are available in a wide-range of colors, textures, and finishes to compliment any room design.

Plumb Perfect

Some of the most beloved smart home features today involve plumbing and are available on a variety of stylish fixtures. You can now pre-set preferred shower temperature for each individual in the house and enjoy consistently comfortable water every time you step in. Remotely fill sinks or soaking tubs to your desired depth and temperature from anywhere. Hands-free faucets and toilet flushing are also possibilities at home. Bluetooth compatible showerhead speakers can help wake up your morning routine while you fine tune your favorite shower song.

It is important to consider product compatibility when building a smart home ecosystem. Contact Everything Home to learn how we can integrate stylish smart technology into your home design.

Happy Home. Happy Life.

Overlooked Design Elements That Make a Big Impact

Subtle design elements can be surprisingly impactful, but are sometimes overlooked. Use the fundamentals of space, light, line, texture, and print/pattern as a foundation in designing five-star style.

Space

Well-played color palettes and custom decor may be eye-catching, but negative space should not be underestimated in a design. Blank space void of art, furniture, and stuff is an equally valuable design feature. Openness in a room evokes calmness and emphasizes the physical elements present. Be intentional when planning negative space, using empty space as an opportunity to spotlight other features in a room.

Negative Space — not all shelves/glass front cabinets need content.

Light

Lighting is one of the most basic and important design elements, yet homes are often over or under-lit. Bad lighting washes out otherwise good design. Be mindful of both natural light and installed lighting, especially when making color choices. Color tones can change drastically in different light, so it is always a good idea to test your color palette from sun up to sun down before committing.

Lighting — large windows=natural light, overhead lighting, and mirror to bounce light around room

Line

Specific line use creates unique visual interest. Horizontal lines seemingly enlarge a space, making rooms feel wider or longer. Vertical lines offer the opposite experience, lengthening a space to feel higher or taller. Diagonal and zigzag lines produce energy and excitement, while curved lines are more organic, providing a soft balance. Recurring line-type creates a clean and desirable design. Matching the horizontal line of a sofa back with a landscape art feature above, is a classic example of line guiding good design.

Line Repetition — horizontal line in blinds, crib w/ art above, horizontal stripe wallcovering

Print and Pattern

Pattern is one of the most powerful design tools, capable of creating energy from dramatic to tranquil. Color choices, shapes, and textures all reflect different emotions. Bold polka dot prints can put one in a playful mood while simpler solid patterns may relax a busy mind. Repetition in pattern is a purposeful and attractive design decision. For instance, matching the vertical lines of staircase balusters with similar stripe-like throw pillows or window treatments illustrates design cohesiveness.

Texture

Texture plays an important role in making a space feel natural and satisfying. Balancing hard textures like wood, concrete, glass, metal, and marble with soft textures like silk, leather, fur, and sheer inspires a sense of touch. Contrasting textures keep the eye moving and make each design piece stand out individually.

Contact us to learn more about Everything Home’s interior design services and how we can make a big impact on your space.

Happy Home. Happy Life.

High Point Market Recap

Earlier this month we attended High Point Market, the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world! Over 75,000 professional designers, architects, and home furnishing buyers gather in High Point, NC for this semi-annual event. Approximately 11 million square feet of stunning showroom and more than 2,000 international vendors are all featured under one roof. On this trip we also had the unique opportunity to meet the makers of some of our best-loved custom furniture. The vibe at market is invigorating and we are thrilled to share what styles we found most inspiring.

What’s Poppin’ – Color Trends

Impactful colors like lipstick red, citron green, coral pink, and goldenrod yellow were all highlights at this season’s market. More subtle selections like soft blue, navy, emerald green, and olive also shined in the show rooms. Jewel tones left a lasting impression too. Throws, pillows, and accessories provide vibrant ways to pop these fun color trends.

Clean Lines, Mixed Metals, and Fabrics Finds

We love all the layered details we saw at market. Simply stated, clean furniture lines embellished with mixed metal frames, legs, and nailhead stood out. Track arm sofas and accent chairs offset by organic live edge dining tables were popular picks as well. Fun fabrics like velvet shared the stage with timeless debuts from industry-inspiring Crypton Stain Resistant Fabric’s. We are eager to begin specifying all for our clients.

Off the Wall Art

At market classic art extended from canvas into more practical pieces. Adventurous accessories can be both artful and purposeful in a design. We were especially intrigued by artistic coffee table and end table installations.

Field Trip!

During our visit we embarked on an exclusive tour of Wesley Hall furniture. Their family-owned and operated business boasts unwavering commitment to quality and careful attention to detail. We were fascinated watching their skilled craftsman utilize a true eight-point hand-tied spring system to create the exceptional pieces they offer. It is important to us that the furnishings we use are loved and lasting, Wesley Hall proves this time and time again with their high standards for design and construction.

Everything Home is dedicated to providing our clients a curated and quality assured experience. Attending High Point Market and touring manufacturing facilities is an exciting and important part of procuring the industry’s best. We would love to incorporate stand-out decor from this season’s market into your style story, Contact us to learn more about our custom design services.

Happy Home. Happy Life.

Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Living Spaces: Considerations Before You Begin

Bringing the “outside in” utilizes natural textures to create timeless indoor design. But what about bringing the “inside out”? This hot trend extends interior style to outdoor spaces. Fantastic fabrics, comfy cushions, classic chandeliers, and dressy drapes are not just for your living room anymore. Adding these layers to your backyard living space increases home value and provides the ultimate oasis for your family and guests. Interior designers are increasingly working with builders and landscapers to design luxurious outdoor living environments.

Here are five points to consider as you’re designing your ideal outdoor living space:

Zoning Spaces and Creating Outdoor Rooms

Prioritizing a list of design elements you desire is step one in perfecting outdoor living. If you entertain frequently or have a large family you will probably want to include both a dining area with 6-8 chairs and a lounge space with an outdoor sectional or something similar to seat a crowd. Those with a pool may desire sunning space, a changing room, and perhaps even an outdoor shower will make the list. A grill master will insist on outdoor cooking equipment and an island or bar for serving. Fused flooring, area rugs, string lighting, and well-designed abstract walls all help to zone independent spaces and create practical traffic patterns.

Creating Privacy and Controlling Bugs

The buzz of pests or a pesky neighbor can both be bothersome. There are plenty of unique screening options to make the outdoors feel private and pleasant. Ceiling fans circulate air keeping bugs at bay and people more comfy too. Manual and motorized roller shades or sun-blocking fabric drapes are widely used to prevent pest invasion and create a shady secluded space. Living walls and dimensional screening also help to privatize a patio.

Under Cover vs. Under the Stars

Intense sun and rain can quickly send people back inside. Whether it be a covered porch or patio under a pergola, think about shelter to keep folks cool and dry. Sun sails and umbrellas can help when out in the open, but require regular repair or replacement. Alternatively there is no therapy quite like de-stressing under the stars, so designing some space with no cover is a clever idea for those who take particular delight in a moonlit night.

Functional Favorites

Backyard movie nights and watching sports while grilling-out are fun opportunities. Consider building weatherproof cabinetry for electronics like televisions and budgeting for waterproof speakers too. Spend time strategizing outlet placement for devices dedicated to use outdoors. Mother Nature is unpredictable so plan for high winds and harsh weather. Purchase custom covers for furniture and incorporate storage for accessories during storms and the winter off-season. Consider ongoing maintenance when picking out furnishings and splurge for durable textiles like fade and mildew-resistant fabrics for upholstered pieces. If you are planning a fireplace, design an area for stacking wood or opt for a gas flame to provide effortless ambiance.

Styling the Seasons

Change style each season by alternating accessories. Build a neutral backdrop that compliments your interior color palette, then accent with pillows, lanterns, throws, weatherproof art, and other trendy touches. Carefully placed container gardens seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces and can be refreshed all-four seasons.

Everything Home is eager to design your best backyard living space. Let us turn your wants into wonder. We can guide you in concept design, fabric selection, functional furnishings, and everything else it takes to create the perfect outdoor space. Contact us to learn more.

Happy Home. Happy Life.

Working With an Interior Designer: Your Top Questions Answered

Did you know you can call on an interior designer for almost any decorating need? From style board visioning to full-on construction planning, and everything in between. Having an interior designer navigate the process can save you time, money, and headaches too. There are only a few things you must decide first, the scope of your project and of course budget. From there a designer can help shape your very own style story.

If you haven’t worked with an interior designer before you may be wondering…

How do I choose an interior designer? Step one, scan Pinterest, Instagram, Houzz and other savvy sites for designs that makes you swoon. Then search local portfolios and galleries for designers that reflect your style preferences. Personality and responsiveness are also important traits when working with a designer. You and your designer will be in constant communication, so it is essential you hire someone you also find enjoyable.

How much does it cost to work with an interior designer? Final project costs depend on the scale of a project. Full renovation involving construction will likely require a larger budget than traditional room decor design. By sharing your budget first, an interior designer can show you what can be accomplished. Sure to fit every budget, Everything Home offers three unique design services:

e-HOME Design If you thrive on DIY design but need creative guidance, consider Everything Home’s e-HOME Design services. Through this process, you will work remotely with experienced designers to gather information particular to your project. In return, you are provided a concept for creating a professionally designed space or even a whole home design if desired. This process provides a room layout, style storyboard, and shopping list to implement at your own pace.

Interior Design Perhaps you would prefer to have a professional drive your design from start to finish. Everything Home offers clients conceptual design through project implementation as part of full-service interior design. Through careful collaboration an initial design study jumpstarts the process where function, aesthetics, and budget are all considered. A physical design is then created using a custom color palette, choice fabric selections, and new and existing furnishings. Full-service interior design also includes ordering, tracking, installing, and staging. This truly white glove service is wrapped up on a very exciting reveal day!

Build and Remodel Design Gain the advantage of an artistic eye and utilize a specialized interior designer from the beginning when building or remodeling your space. Everything Home can coordinate your dream design from conception through construction. Build and Remodel Design services include space planning, review of architectural drawings, introduction to skilled craftsman, one-on-one material selection, and timeline management. Involving an interior designer in the construction phase of a project returns superior style.

How long does the process typically take? Remotely coordinated DIY designs are usually achieved in 6-8 weeks, while full-service designs could take a few weeks longer depending on delivery of specially sourced goods. The timeline for designs involving construction is heavily based on permits and ease of renovation.

Do I pay wholesale or retail for merchandise when working with an interior designer? Working with an interior designer benefits you in purchasing goods at below retail prices. Flat-rate design services allow you to maximize your budget with physical decor.

Why use an independent designer vs. free retailer design services? It is tempting to work with a retailer for interior design, especially when their services are offered for free. Consequently though you are confined to purchasing goods from only one retailer, often yielding a duller design. A carefully curated space utilizing selectively sourced decor is more exclusive and exciting.

Does my project require a designer or an architect? It is best to hire a designer that has a solid working relationship with architects and construction firms when demo-ing, building, or remodeling. If structures are being altered, utilities are affected, or intense hard goods are being added, consider a specialized interior design service like Everything Home who has experience working with clients across the spectrum.

If you have additional questions or curiosities regarding working with an interior designer, we would love to answer them! Contact us to learn more.

Happy Home. Happy Life.

Timeless vs. Trendy: Finding The Right Balance For Your Home

Traditional to Transitional

Have you ever yearned for that perfectly printed accent chair, and then there it is! Your eyes twinkle, you do your happy dance, and you splurge big because it boasts unparalleled style and is exactly what you have been dreaming of. Then in five years you are completely sick of looking at it, annoyed at how overdone the print has become, and before you know it you are back on the very same hunt again…and again.

Identifying the differences between temporary trends and everlasting appeal is challenging and at times even surprising. While timeless designs may feel too typical, fad designs can be fleeting.

Being confined to 100% neutral is no fun, but remodeling with every passing trend is a drag too! We’re here to guide you in blending tried and true with terrifically new to create a balanced design that is flexible and forever fashionable.

Big ticket items like cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, flooring, and other hard finishes must endure trends over time. Large furniture pieces and mounted lighting also fit this category. These items are often expensive to replace, so be cautious and make classically resilient choices.

Natural materials like stone, wood, marble, glass, leather, and linen are rooted in timeless design. Nature presents staying power inside and outside the home. Neutral colors and natural textures are also perennial picks over highly stylized patterns. For example,

Clean lines and simple styles seemingly stay fresh forever. White shaker cabinetry is a testament to timelessness as opposed to cabinets with ornate molding and dating finishes. Likewise wood furniture can quickly be updated with paint, but the fundamental design of an object is not so easily altered.

Bold color palettes and playful patterns are indeed intriguing. If you are pining for a patterned tile feature, consider it for a smaller statement like in a powder room which is easier to update should your tastes change.

Save trendy touches for transient pieces like wallcoverings, lamps, accent chairs, throws, pillows, and other accessory pieces which can easily and economically be switched out over time. Design trends usually last 3-7 years so unless your budget allows for frequent updates, layer in current picks carefully while being considerate of their costs.

A room assembled over time with a collection of classic style pieces from vintage to modern can feel grounded and graceful. Eclectic designs are elusive and not easily pinpointed to a time period.

Curated spaces like this often showcase the things we love most and are reflective of our lifestyle. A mix of ageless heirlooms anchored to a classic design foundation continues to be current.

Ultimately the best design for you is one that makes you feel good! Together we can shape your style story. Contact us to learn more about our custom interior design services.

Happy Home. Happy Life.

Elements of Style: Fall

As promised via our Instagram @everythinghomedesigns post yesterday we wanted to take a few moments to show you how one might embellish the space shared for the fall via elements of style.

We developed two different color stories for the same space. We then wanted to inspire our audience on how one might style the space for the season. We went about this space in an alternative way. We didnt source a color palette in oranges, cranberries, golds and browns often associated with falls natural beauty. Instead, we concentrated on building the space with patterns like plaids and chevron, and textures like fur and soft wovens. We focused on bringing in natural colors like moss green, saturated charcoals, and earthy blues.

Scenario #1 & #2:

Scenario #1 Left:

Scenario #2 Right:

Now that you have seen the signature pieces composing our space, see our recommendations for layering in stylish elements for the fall.

Elements of Style:

We selected elements that compliment the furnishings, their fabrics and colorways. These particular elements provide structure, they soften the space, and show one that its okay to mix finishes, textures, colors, etc. In addition, we kept in mind that we started off with a natural color palette so we incorporated elements visible in nature like green boxwoods, birch logs, and natural driftwood. Simple. Casual but sophisticated.

Now, where is the warm apple cider and a good book? I could totally sit in this dreamy space for hours with a nice warm fire watching the fall leaves change right before my eyes.

We hope you leave feeling inspired. Happy Fall Y’all!

Happy Home. Happy Life.

Bar Cart Styling 101

Bar Cart Styling

Bar carts seem to be a hot new entertaining piece popping up in spaces all over the home. They function as great serving pieces for holiday gatherings and for year-round entertaining. But if cocktails aren’t your thing, know these pieces can also be styled as practical consoles.

We have 3 great styling tips to help you get started:

1. Evaluate color, pattern and texture.

When styling your bar cart, seek bottles with design savvy labels and complement them with playful coasters and linens. Also ensure you are mixing up sizes and shapes for an aesthetically pleasing layered look.

2. Mastering the mix – old with new.

When styling your bar cart, find a nice blend between those beloved family heirlooms you have been dying to display and unique new pieces. In doing so, your end result will be timeless and refined.

3. Blend feminine and masculine elements.

When styling your bar cart, consider the cocktails you may be serving. You will want a nice variety of glassware to support both the more feminine and manlier cocktails. You may also want to consider mixing metal finishes, and even incorporate some leather and wood finishes. Lastly, fresh flowers are always a nice finishing touch.

Below some examples of bar cart styling elements:

And for those seeking tips for styling your bar cart as a console, we would still recommend the same tips listed above. You will want to ensure color, pattern and texture have a presence. In addition, you will want to blend old and new treasures and definitely find a good balance in feminine and masculine elements.

Items to consider when dressing your bar cart as a console:

Table LampVase with Botanicals / GreensBooksStructural Elements

Console Styling

So as a quick recap to those styling their bar cart as a bar, source unique liquor bottles, bar tools, cocktail recipe books & glasses—old and new. To those styling their bar cart as a console, find a nice blend of mixed finishes as well as shapes and sizes providing contrast in scale. As a finishing touch, we recommend supporting the piece with complementary artwork or wall mirror to complete the vignette. And there you have it, easy styling for successful entertaining time and time again.

Cheers!

Happy Home. Happy Life.

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