Charming Farmhouse Style

If you crave rustic woods, wicker, checks and plaids, and distressed items, you love farmhouse style. From iron baskets to wood furniture, farmhouse furnishings are distressed and antiqued, even chipped, so the character of each piece stands out.  The result is a comfortable, warm, space that feels lived in and loved!

Some of the key elements of farmhouse style are:

 1. Benches. Whether they are at the foot of the bed or as seating for the kitchen table, they are casual, comfortable, and oh so chic. 

2. Rustic wood.  Wooden crates are fab for storage and display.  Hang wood signs made from barn wood. Install shiplap on an accent wall or backsplash.  Update a piece of furniture with white paint and distressed lettering to create rustic storage or display. Top it with aged lamps, a round wooden mirror, some wicker baskets, rustic ceramic pieces, and place it on a cozy sisal area rug.

3. In bathrooms,  open. shelving looks fabulous with white folded towels and Mason jars that store toiletries and personal care items. Kitchens with rustic wooden shelves, stacked ceramic dishes, and patinaed copper pots are warm and comfortablek

4. Mix metal and glass in light fixtures.  Create island lighting with mason jars or use colanders and buckets to create pendant lighting over your table or countertop.

5. Wire  baskets are ideal for folded coverlets and throws, magazinnes, and even kitchen and bath items. Toiletries, napkins, potatoes, onions, and more store well and look great! I keep a "gift basket" in my guestroom with small samples of homemade soaps, hand cream, a face cloth, and some essential oil sprays that add a personal touch for each guest. 

6. Use ceramic crocks for wooden spoons and even pantry staples. I’ve found fabulous ceramic pieces at thrift shops.  If you're lucky enough to live near a potter, you might be able to get castoffs for pennies on the dollar. You'll think they're perfect but the potter won't!  

    Hadar Iron Work

7. Change your cabinetry. Switch out your center panel in cabinet doors to chicken wire, or even fabric.

8. Build your own wooden island or storage center. Already have an island? Clad it with rustic wood. You can create your own rustic wood by painting wood with a  vinegar/steel wool/water mixture That gives a  beautiful grey color.

8.  Instead of traditional tile, opt for a more casual style.  Create a beadboard  backsplash. Using acrylic paints in a satin sheen will give you plenty of protection, or you can opt for more protection by adding a coat of matte sheen urethane.

Fern Creek Cottage

Can you mix styles?

Most homes are built in a specific style. The architectural elements generally guide you as to what that style is. Those elements - moldings, flooring, fireplaces, cabinet doors style - are usually reflected in the exterior as well as the interior.  People often make their purchase based on a love of the architecture.   

When considering an update, be sure you tie in existing elements with what you change or add so the finished result looks as though it has always been part of the home. Style and architectural elements should relate to one another throughout your home.  That’s not to say you can’t have a modern style living room and a Tuscan style kitchen, but it can be incongruous.

So, what are the basic styles?  They’re traditional, modern, and transitional. Within each of those, there are periods of styles that include Arts and Crafts, Renaissance, Minimalist, Baroque, Mid Century Modern, Industrial and so much more. 

Transitional style is popular today. It is pared down with cleaner lines than ornate traditional styles.  It is comfortable, casual, with classic elements that enable it to be sophisticated but unfussy. It has features of modern design and traditional styles and the result is an  uncluttered, and timeless style.  This kitchen is the perfect 
blend of classic shaker style cabinets, updated colors and scale, creating a beautiful transitional room. 

Modern style is edgy and often stark with simple lines, neutral colors and furnishings without detail. Rooms are heavily edited, with open space and every item has a purpose. 

In this modern style dining room, there are strong geometric lines, unembellished furniture, and clean minimalist lighting.

Traditional style tends to be detailed and often ornate. This living room is a traditional style with rolled arm chairs, blue and white, brass and glass, and classical landscape and portrait art.

Can you mix styles? Yes.... you can create a wonderful blend so that all elements of a space blend seamlessly.  My team and I combine classic architecture with the function and aesthetics of transitional style to create comfortable, sophisticated, spaces.  

Roasted Sweet Potato Ball Jar Salad

I love ball jar meals for breakfast and lunch because eating on the go is a constant in my life. The more creative the recipes, the tastier, and healthier they are. Always vegan!

WHAT TO HAVE ON HAND

1 small sweet potato washed but unpeeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces
1 T avocado oil 
1/4 cup quinoa
1/2 cup black beans- if canned, rinse well 
1/4 red pepper, diced
2 cups greens - love mixing Kale and spinach but any favorite green is fine
1 tablespoon dried cranberries or raisins OPTIONAL
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds for crunch OPTIONAL

FOR THE DRESSING

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons water

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400ºF.  Place the sweet potatoes in a bowl, add oil, and stir to coat.  Spread evenly on a pan, and roast for 25 minutes stirring periodically so they roast evenly and the potatoes are soft. Cook the quinoa in half a cup of water in a covered pot on high. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender  Allow the potatoes and quinoa to cool to room temperature. If you need to add salt & pepper, mix into your quinoa or sprinkle on the potatoes before adding to the jar. I like to grind fresh black pepper on the potatoes as I layer them. Start layering the salad in the jar beginning with the black beans. Add the cooked quinoa, and pour the mango balsamic vinaigrette on top. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries or raisins, sunflower seeds, red peppers then greens in that order. The greens will be soggy if they’re not on top. Screw top on securely, and store in the fridge. I often make three days worth and the greens are still crisp if they’re placed on top.  When you’re ready to eat, shake the jar to mix!

Bar Carts!

Growing up in the mid ‘70s, was a time of jazz music and neighborhood get-togethers at my house. My dad had a jazz band that practiced every week. The neighbors would gather for a performance on Saturday nights, all dressed up, while I watched from the hallway. Part of the festivity was rolling out the bar cart. With chic martini glasses, decanters with colorful liquids, cool stirring sticks, stainless cocktail shakers and an elaborate ice bucket, that cart meant wonderment to me. I especially remember Babette. She was a glamorous and stunning woman. Her long blonde hair was always twisted up in a knot and her beautiful nails were flashing as she made drinks for everybody from the bar cart.

Then, cigarettes and martini glasses in hand, the guests would groove to my dad and his jazz band. At the end of the evening, my mom would rinse out all of the glasses and leave them turned upside down on the bottom of the bar cart, storing it in the corner of our dining room. It was a beautiful piece of furniture, and I have always loved using a cart for drinks, tea, lemonade, or as a beautiful vignette next to a sofa. 


Cart styles range from mid century modern with oak tops and tripod metal legs, to retro steel & metal styles, to rich mahogany or cherry woods styled with little brass wheels. 

As we all know, the mid-century aesthetic is the current and hot influence in home design today. The bar cart is an icon of the era. Swank, sexy, adorable, a cart will transform any room into an entertaining space.

With so many options available, it’s easy to find a cart that suits your style and storage needs. Don't forget to dress up this stylish accessory with glassware or collectibles. Paired with your bar cart should be a drink table. Once you serve your sumptuous beverages, you need a place for them to sit.   Add a table in a different shape but with similar elements. You might even consider one that is artistic  so it stands alone wherever it is. .

White In Design

White is an ideal color for small spaces. We love to use a monochromatic palette in varying shades of white. It allows light to bounce off surfaces and visually expand the space. White rooms are bright and clean during the day yet warm and cozy in the evening. 

Layer different shades of white in fabrics, furnishings and finish materials.  Pare down your accessories!

A white backdrop enables updates for season, mood and when your style changes!  The subdued palette is sophisticated and flexible.  When there are unusual architectural elements in a room, making them all white creates cohesion. 

Improve your indoor air quality

With so many pollutants in our home, what’s the best way to improve your indoor air quality? Opening your windows for fresh air isn’t the most feasible option in the winter. Many healthcare organizations promote healthy, easy remedies to freshen the air in your home during the coldest months of the year.

Houseplants and blooming potted plants help fight pollution indoors. Research shows that some remove formaldehyde from the air, while others do a better job removing chemicals like benzene. The University of Minnesota Extension lists a variety of house plants on its website that help combat indoor pollution.

Make your home a smoke-free zone.

Know the products you are bringing in. Some furniture is made with materials that off-gas toxic chemicals. Others are finished with products that off-gas. Adhesives, pets, stains, manufactured wood, artificial fragrances, and many more should be carefully considered  before you bring them inside your home.

Test your home for radon, an invisible gas that causes lung cancer. Every home should be tested as radon may be found in any home. If your home has high radon levels, you can fix the problem with a radon mitigation system.

Keep humidity levels under 50 percent. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner as needed, and clean equipment regularly to prevent additional pollution.

Fix all leaks and drips in your home. Standing water and high humidity encourage the growth of mold and other pollutants.

Avoid burning wood because it pollutes the air indoors and out.

Don't use scented candles or fragrances to cover odors. Essential oil diffusers are better.

Ditch toxic cleaning products.  Baking soda, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide clean everything without toxicity to you!Make your home a toxic free zone.

Ten Ways To Add Style For Under $100

It's not hard to add style or freshen up your home even if you're on a budget. Just like with your wardrobe, you can refresh your style with a new accessory, adding color, and mixing things up a bit.

1. Freshen up with a pattern. You can do this with draperies, an ottoman, pillows, accessories, and so much more.  Do you have solid colors? Bring in florals, stripes, and prints. Got stripes? Add a vine pattern. A rule of thumb in pattern matching is to watch the scale; mix a small pattern with the large and vice versa instead of keeping everything the same size. Keep the colors similar to make it easy or use complementary colors - opposites on the color wheel - for drama.

2. Bring in a new accessory in a different color or shape and make it a focal point. Blue and white is classic and timeless. Most discount stores have bowls, candlesticks and canisters for under $25. It will truly make a statement and add a bit of glamour. How about a fabulous mercury glass vase? Take a look at Target, HomeGoods, and Marshalls for pieces under $20. Come check out our San Diego showroom. 

3. Update a light fixture. If you can't stand what you have - bath bar fixtures are easy to DIY -  and refinishing with spray paint - as in an old brass chandelier transformed to bold red -  is not a good option, you can find nice fixtures in any style at www.LampsPlus.com

4. Bring in some new pillows.  This alone could completely change the look of your living room or bedroom. Almost all of the big-box stores have great selections for  $17-$25 each. I went shopping with my client at IKEA and found fabulous options for under $15. You can purchase just the pillow cover and use the fill that you already have.

5. Add to throw to your bed, sofa, or your favorite lounge chair. For about $25, a wonderful textured throw will keep you cozy and make a chair or bed more inviting. I found some fabulous faux furs at www.Amazon.com and know that they'll make a great gift.

6. Paint an accent wall or a piece of furniture in a new color. You can buy 'oops' paint for five dollars a gallon at Home Depot. Whether you already have the chair, nightstand, or find from a garage sale, changing just one piece will make a style statement.  

7. Set your dining table. Having your favorite dishes on display will make you feel wonderful. Mix them up for a creative and personal style. Place seasonal greens or findings – like acorns, pine boughs, leaves or pinecones - in a bowl or tray in the center. Add a candle or two and you'll create a beautiful display. 

8. Add candles to table tops, your credenza, the mantle and even bookshelves. There's just something about a candle that provides terrific ambiance. Use flameless candles since they don't need a candleholder, they're safe, and the realistic waxes look good by themselves. There always seem to be good options at www.Amazon.com.

9. Bring in something metallic.  I love mercury glass, and the new votive holders in my shop are under $5. Pillows with beading are a fabulous way to add silver or gold and be festive for the holidays. One of my favorite ways to add sparkle is with a bowl full of silver or gold ornaments. For about $6 you can get a pack at a craft store like Michaels. Mix in potpourri, greenery, to create a pleasing and seasonal display.

10.  Rearranging your furniture is a freebie. Reposition the largest piece of furniture first work in your other pieces. That alone should make a big difference in how your room feels. Even swapping tables or nightstand from living room to bedroom and vice versa can create a totally different style.

Lighting Design

Well designed lighting makes every space more beautiful. Light is a fundamental design element that brings depth to indoor and outdoor spaces. The right lighting maximizes a room's natural light and has a purposeful style that is as gorgeous as it is functional. Lighting design should NEVER be an afterthought. The intersection of healthy living and being good for the environment has opened the door for LED fixtures and bulbs.  

With low wattage LED bulbs, the design of fixtures has been opened up. You CAN have great design, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money on utility bills. The flexibility in designing light fixtures using LED technology means you can completely hide housings, can run many fixtures on lower wattage, and customize every aspect of lighting and lighting controls.

Designs that were once impossible are now being made thanks to LED technology. Sometimes a light fixture needs to do its job without being visually invasive. Other times, a beautiful statement fixture sets the tone for the personality of the homeowner and the design a of space. An amazing array of fixture shapes and styles are available with customized color rendering and light output.  LED technology enables manufacturers to mold unique shapes out of acrylic, glass and paper and use them safely. Automating lighting has become easier and new lamping enables us to mimic natural daylight. 

Light plays a role in your well-being;  Studies show that lighting directly affects mood. Warm output LED bulbs (2500-3000 Kelvin) have helped us move away from incandescent and halogen bulbs and save money in the process. People love natural light and 5000 Kelvin LED bulbs enable a natural daylight effect. Vibrant white light energizes us in the morning and warm candle light relaxes us in the evening. 

An improved ability to control light and adapt the type of output has been wildly successful. Automated fixtures, bulbs and systems can be purchased online and installed in minutes. Outdoor lighting is more flexible without formal power sources - many are solar powered - and artistic fixtures can be made to withstand the elements.

So what is the future of lighting? We are still moving towards improved technology, more elaborate designs and unique features. As manufacturing techniques and more  accurate calibration advances,  we will see fixtures that gives a specific quality of light.  As more people accept the impact lighting can have on health, they will demand more natural looking light.  "Smart lights" will be intelligent and intuitive; they will slowly brighten in the morning and dim in the evening without the flip of a switch. As those concepts advance, so too will flexibility and customization in lighting. You'll be able to create a lighting experience the same way you use music to set a mood. 

Update a bath without a remodel

Finding ways to transform a dated bathroom without a full remodel can be challenging.  Here's a compilation of  ideas that will give your bath a major facelift.

1. Nothing changes a room faster than color. If you have an old oak vanity, consider painting it a neutral color, perhaps one that matches your tile. A new coat of paint on the wall can create a more open, fresh space. 

2. Add an area rug. Even in a damp environment, wool rugs perform well. Rather than using a standard bathmat, add a luxurious and classic wool rug.

3. Update with fabric. One of the simplest ways is to change your shower curtain. Use a PVC free liner and add a decorative curtain to add pattern and texture.  If you have a pedestal sink, using Velcro, your fabric to the sink edge for hidden storage space underneath.

4. A fabulous way to achieve  a transformation is to update your cabinet hardware. Go from knobs to pulls and install them vertically. Change the finish from brass to brushed nickel. If you have finger pull doors and drawers, add knobs or pulls to dress them up. 

5. Change your light fixture. Update to a  style that will completely change the look of your space. Go modern in a traditional space. How about a rustic style fixture in a modern bath?

6. Tack 1/2" wide molding onto to a plain door for instant character. 

7. Frame your plain mirror with a wide molding to add architectural detail. Swap your mirror with a new style. Go round!

8. If you have a bit of space, bring a piece of furniture in that can also serve as storage or seating. Many baths have room for narrow console, bookcase, or bench. 

9. Find a beautiful basket or other storage container with a lid, and place all of the small toiletries that normally sit on your counter inside. Eliminating clutter will be refreshing and you will stay organized with everything at your fingertips.

10. Don't forget artwork. Posters, canvas prints, and architectural elements can be used in a bathroom. It adds character, personality and color. 

Five Enduring Kitchen Trends

As an interior designer, I create kitchens that are comfortably sophisticated, rich and relaxed, and that inspire my clients daily through perfected details and balance. To fulfill each clients desire for a beautiful and functional kitchen, I develop their style, coordinate with  their budget and lifestyle, and consider the environment in the selection of every element used in the design.    There are five elements in kitchen design to consider so your project is
as timeless as possible

Better Homes & Gardens

1. Today's kitchens need a functional layout that includes working spaces for cooking, family gathering, crafting, doing homework & paying bills, TV watching and entertaining. To incorporate lifestyle changes and new technology, that also means designating spaces for charging devices, home automation, Internet access, cameras and monitors, and much more.

Entirely Design 

2. Mixing cabinetry to incorporate a combination of stained woods, exotic veneers, paint, thermofoil, stainless steel and even glass, allows each client to express their unique style. Whether that means staining the island and painting the surrounding cabinets, or using sophisticated wood veneer in combination with glossy thermofoil, it's   all about personalizing the style of your kitchen instead of making it just a place to cook.

3. Maintain openness with the formal dining area. In the past, open plans included removing walls with the adjacent great or family room. Changing lifestyles, family sizes, and multigenerational living arrangements, people prefer to have access  to their formal dining room for casual everyday use as well as elegant entertaining.

BHG

4. Double islands are popular for three main reasons. The additional island is key for entertaining, it serves to separate adjacent spaces, and it adds much needed storage. Without a sink, a second island will have an expansive countertop that serves as an extra eating surface, a place to serve food when entertaining, and can have slightly different cabinetry from the rest of the kitchen to make it more a like a piece of furniture, and conceal amazing and creative storage.  The main island is the 'work horse' for prepping, cooking, and typically has a second sink and dishwasher.

Laura DeFrew 

5. Comfortable bench seating combined with traditional chairs is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Built-in benches are still popular, but imagine a tufted high back vegan 'leather' piece  that can withstand children climbing, pets jumping, and any food stain, yet look sophisticated and elegant.