Design Trend 2015: Navy

Navy utilized as a neutral is right on trend in the design world. It is a rich, saturated hue that makes a statement in any space and can be incorporated in many different ways, from furniture to accent walls and even cabinetry. 

Thinking out of the box, try a bold navy shade on your ceiling for added drama. Navy base cabinets in your kitchen give a cottage, nautical feeling and soften the space.  Accent your room with yellow and gold shades to compliment your bold shades of navy.

Model Home Perfection

I was reviewing photos of my very first model home design and I was having a proud moment that I needed to share! When creating my own design firm, I never would have imagined the success I could achieved and the fulfillment creating beautiful spaces would give me!

 

 This model home has been layered with texture and pattern to create an inviting feel for potential home owners. Being an open concept floor plan, the great room had to have an instant wow factor and this was achieved by the high impact kitchen design. With unique chrome pendants hung above the 8 foot rustic slate grey island and the contrasting painted white perimeter cabinets enhance the ever growing design trend of 2015, two toned kitchens.

DESIGN OF THE WEEK...

ASPEN RETREAT

This stunning Aspen chalet has the ideal mixture of soft and hard finishes to create a relaxing neutral space. The focal wall features a wood burning fireplace surrounded by concrete and mosaic tile with a balance of wood cabinetry flanking on either side. 

COLOUR SPOTLIGHT

TURQUOISE

Turquoise has been on trend for interiors the past couple years and I am absolutely loving it!

BENJAMIN MOORE: BIRDS EGG, CLEAR SKIES, GOSSAMER BLUE, ICEY MOON DROPS, OCEAN AIR, PALLADIAN BLUE, SEAFOAM, SERENITY, TRANQUIL BLUE

Pair this striking blue, green shade with a neutral, such as gray or white, and you instantly have a stunning combination.

By introducing turquoise on a small scale, such as accessories, pillows or an area rug, it allows the versatility to change your accent colour in the future, inexpensively. I love the look of the turquoise cabinetry in this stunning kitchen but you have to be fully committed to the colour.

DESIGN OF THE WEEK...

Laguna Beach House

What a creative way to make use of the space beneath an open staircase, not to mention how stunning this kitchen is with its use of high gloss white cabinetry and walnut waterfall countertop.

houzz.com

 

The Shaker Door

One of the most popular and versatile cabinetry door style is the shaker door. With a clean rail and a 90 degree profile this door is not only simple but very pleasing to the eye. Whether trying to achieve a traditional or a modern design, the shaker door is perfect and with a slight adjustment in the finish and the hardware your look is easily completed!

Contemporary 

 

 

Traditional

 

 

Transitional

 

Design Timeline

Are you building a new home or are you renovating your existing home? Here are some great tips on selecting your finishes in sequence to ensure a cohesive overall design in an organized manner.

1. Exterior Finishes

When selecting your exterior finishes first think about the overall look you would like to achieve. Select your brick, stone, stucco, siding or a combination of these, then decide on a colour schemes for your window trim, soffit, shakes and shingles to compliment the main features of your home. 

A Traditional Exterior with board & batton, stone accents and
contrasting windows, trim and soffits.

2. Select your appliances

When designing your kitchen cabinetry exact sizes of appliances are needed in determining the perfect, functional space. Whether designing a modern kitchen with a stainless steel hood or a professional kitchen with a 60" wide refrigerator and range, all of these decisions need to be made before moving forward with cabinetry design.

3. Cabinetry Design

Whether designing custom cabinetry or standard box cabinetry there are many options and it may be an overwhelming process. I suggest searching for some inspiration photos and pick some elements that you love and the design style that works best for you and your home. Cabinetry for your kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room should all coordinate throughout but may have different finishes.
Countertops and backsplashes should also be selected at this point.

A farmhouse kitchen design with crisp white cabinets, white subways
tile backsplash & granite countertops 

4. Flooring

Once the cabinetry is determined it now time to move onto the flooring selections throughout your home. This would include hardwood, carpet, tiles and wall tiles for your bathrooms. Create a unique tile look in your ensuite shower by combining standard rectangular tiles infused with a mosaic design.

5. Doors & Trim

There are many different styles and finishes of interior doors and trim. Select a style and finish to best suite the rest of your selections thus far and that will coordinate with the overall design style of your home.

6. Paint Selections

At this point selecting your paint colours for each room becomes easier when most of your finishes have already been determined. I suggest only choosing 3-4 colours to carry through your entire home to allow a proper flow from room to room.

7. Lighting

Determine the amount of light that is needed for each space and select statement fixtures that add interest and style. There is an abundance amount of lighting fixtures available that it may be an overwhelming task to select for your entire house. Stay tuned for an informational post on everything lighting.

Standard lighting options are not always the best choice. I love the chandelier in the middle of the ensuite and two sconces flanking the mirror.

  8. Bathroom & Kitchen Fixtures

When selecting fixtures for your bathrooms and kitchens make sure the finishes coordinate with all of the hardware on the cabinetry that has already been selected. Remember to never forget the details such as a great shower head, hand held shower fixtures and unique faucets.

9. Furniture

Furniture throughout your home can be a very personal thing. By this point in the process the design style should already be determined and by carrying this style through in the furniture will allow the entire home to look cohesive and flow together nicely. Arrange your furniture in a functional way and select larger pieces that are neutral that will withstand the test of time.

10. Window Treatments

In keeping with the design style of your home choose a window treatment that is again neutral in colour and timeless. Determine the amount of light that you would prefer to allow into the room and the amount of privacy needed for the space. Drapery panels in a pattern are a fun way to add personality and design to a room and are easy and cost efficient to change out.

Building and renovating a home can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. If you require professional interior design assistance to create a stunning home please contact me today to set up an initial consultation.