All About Interiors » A full-service, interior design and decorating firm in Connecticut

9.2.13

Design Trends for 2014

It is my job as a designer to keep ahead of what’s up and coming design trends for 2014. Interior design is ever changing and never stands still. Even though there are still several months to go in 2013, it’s time to take a look and see what is up and coming in 2014.

Tracking trends is all about observation of what is happening in a variety of industries from fashion and travel to what is lining the store shelves in the upcoming months and years. Because it takes time to produce and manufacture products, you may just now be noticing in stores, what trend watchers saw 12-18 months ago. So what is trending for 2014?

Color

Recently you may have noticed bright colors of pinks and orange popping up everywhere. But as appealing as those colors can be, most homeowners have found it a little difficult to decorate with orange and pink. These colors may still linger over the next several months but the color yellow will definitely be taking their place as the next uplifting color.

Neutralizing these bright colors, homeowners will be using softer shades of natural, organic colors to pair with these pops of color.

Yellow is the trending leader for 2014. This color can be quite tricky. Too strong and it can be blinding, too light and the punch can be lost. Try pairing it with grey, taupe and sand to get the perfect accent color in the space.

Source: sweet-living-home-inspirations.blogspot.ca

Teal Blue is still a popular choice and is a wonderful color to combine with most other colors. Update this look by pairing it with the still popular spa blue.

amybutlerdesign.com

Red continues to appear on runways however, instead of a bright red, a toned down, darker apple red is being paired with a medium blue and butterscotch that provides an Americana style.

ElleDecor

Khaki sends an organic color message. When combined with other colors such as cognac, black, brown, sage greens and water blue it offers an appealing decorating palate. Khaki has a wonderful stability for being the dominant color with strong gravity to pair it with a brighter color.

 

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Patterns

Strong geometric patterns have been seen on fabric and furniture for the last 3 years. In 2014 we will see those dominating lines softened and classic, floral patterns replacing the angles. Try updating your current look by introducing floral pillows to your existing decor. Pairing geometric patterns with soft floral as you see below (from Kravet fabric), will work well. Go for it and have fun!

Some of the stronger floral patterns can be overwhelming for some. Ease into the bolder floral prints by combining them with a white or neutral background. Consider a solid white sofa with floral pillows or a floral inspired rug if you are easily “the faint of heart” regarding floral.

glamcheck.com

Texture

Designers have become very particular about what touches our skin. Our home interiors need to feel good as well as look good. We want to be as pleased as much in the touch and texture as the color. Natural elements such as warm woods, soft comfortable fabrics, textured tiles that bring dimension and smooth sleek surfaces will be the main focus for 2014’s home decor. Notice the focal point of this bathroom is the textured wall.

www.houzz.com

Male Influence

Trends are an illustration of what is occurring in various aspects of our society. As men are spending more time in the home they are becoming more interested and involved in decorating their home. Although they still lean towards comfort rather than appearance, the good news is they finally understand there is more to a beautifully designed home than an overstuffed recliner. A male’s decorating style is similar to a well tailored wardrobe. It is strong, sturdy, and robust in deep color tones. A style both woman and man can embrace equally.

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Personality

Accessories tell a story about the people who live in the home. They should reflect your true personality, whatever that may be, eclectic, quirky or traditional. The most exhilarating homes are the ones that are decorated with objects that inspire and provoke conversations. Now is the time to pull out your travel memorabilia and collections to display and tell a story to all that enter your home. What is your story?

For assistance with updating your home in CT, contact interior designer, Melanie Langford of All About Interiors.

Filed in: Design Trends in 2014 | Trendy Trends
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September 4, 2013 - 5:22 pm

HP - I totally agree about the male point of view of design being sturdy and deep in color.

September 4, 2013 - 7:37 pm

Melanie Langford - Hello~
Thank you for responding! More and more, the male role plays a part in design. Fortunately, most females agree with this design concept. Thanks again! Melanie

September 30, 2013 - 1:02 am

mohan sharma - Its amazing…..:)

October 2, 2013 - 10:19 am

Melanie Langford - Thanks for stopping by my blog! I hope to see you here more often! Love your input! Enjoy your day. Melanie

October 7, 2013 - 2:15 pm

Melanie Langford - Thanks so much for sharing my blog post! ~AAI

8.26.13

Hanging Vignettes In Three Steps

Often, I am asked questions about hanging vignettes so today, I am talking about how to do it in three simple steps. I am posting this tidbit of info for all those out there who have also asked the very same question. I hope this is helpful!

STEP 1 This step goes back to elementary school when tracing objects was essential. Place the mirrors (or frames) on thin craft paper and trace around the outside. Cut along the traced edge.

 

2 Affix a small loop of painter’s tape to the back of each piece of paper and stick on the wall in the arrangement you want. This is so easy even a NON DIY-er can do it!

3 Mark on the pieces of paper where you want the nails to go then hammer them in. Try to avoid your fingers. Once the nails are in, rip the paper off and hang up your mirrors/frames.

bing, bang, boom — just like that, you have a perfectly hung wall vignette! Simple, easy and now stand back and admire.

What do you think, darling? Easy enough?

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Stylishly yours,

Melanie

 

 

Filed in: Accessories
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8.19.13

The Benefits Of Hiring An Interior Designer

There are so many benefits of hiring an interior designer. Decorating is not as easy as it may seem. A person can’t just pick a paint color, some fabrics and move the furniture around and call it “decorated”. There is a science to decorating and if not done properly, often times, can look like a mixed up, mumbo-jumbo mess with either too much furniture or over sized furniture.

Benefit #1: A good Interior Designer can assist you in making the right choices in furniture, color and design so the outcome makes sense and looks beautiful.

www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com

How many times have you gone into someone’s home only to see the exact same sofa you’ve seen in another person’s house? Benefit #2 An Interior Designer has access to many “Trade Only” resources that can give you a one-of-a-kind look for your home that matches your family’s lifestyle and personality.

When you need to have some renovation done to your home, do you just go to the internet or phone book and start calling contractors and hope for the best? Benefit #3 An Interior Designer has a Rolodex of many resources for all kinds of reputable contractors that they’ve used and rely on. You can feel confident that you are going to get a contractor that will not only be reliable but do amazing work with the Interior Designer overseeing the project.

Benefit #4 An Interior Designer can save you a LOT of money. Yes, you read that correctly. When not assisted by a professional designer, mistakes happen… often. Every year the phone rings from someone who tried to “do it themselves” and failed and is now needing a designer to correct their mistakes. Whether it be an expensive rug purchased that was too small for the space or a sofa that doesn’t fit the area or style or the artwork is all wrong for the wall space…. the mishaps are many.

HGTV

Benefit #5 Designers have access to lower “To the Trade Only” discounted prices that the public is not offered. All About Interiors offers discounted pricing to their clients as a benefit of doing business with us. When hiring All About Interiors, our client’s will never pay above retail price and most often, they pay far below. Again, the financial benefits and piece of mind when hiring an Interior Designer certainly out way any fee the designer may have. For assistance with your design dilemmas, contact CT Interior Designer, Melanie Langford.

 

 

Filed in: The Benefits of Hiring An Interior Designer
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8.12.13

How to Create a Great Kitchen

Today I welcome a wonderful guest blogger, by Jim Ingersoll who will talk about how to create a great kitchen. A great kitchen is one that is not only functional but comfortable and inviting. Kitchens tend to be the hub of the home where guests and family congregate for conversation and gatherings. It becomes the most important room in the house because of this factor. Jim knows remodeling a kitchen is a great investment. In his blog he recommends three big components to what make up a great kitchen. A big thank you to Jim for his efforts and for contributing to my blog!

How to create a great kitchen Jim Ingersoll

“I recently did a twitter poll on the most important room in the house and overwhelmingly the most popular choice is the kitchen. Everyone wants nice space when preparing meals, entertaining and making family memories. No one wants old, dumpy cabinets, gross appliances and boxed in space for kitchens. Yes, kitchens are expensive, but they are worth your investment.

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Here are the 3 key components of your kitchen renovations.

1. Cabinets - If the cabinets are solid and have not experienced water leakage from the sink, you may be able to save a bundle and have them painted and then install all new hardware (hinges, pulls, etc.). If the kitchen has a dysfunctional design, worn out cabinets or is missing a dishwasher then you are likely going to want to demo and start over.

The nice thing about starting over is that you can start with a clean slate and move plumbing and electrical to accommodate a super efficient layout. Have your interior designer or kitchen cabinet supplier take measurements and professionally layout your kitchen space to properly place appliances and utilize right-sized cabinets to maximize storage. There are a lot of cabinet options available in a wide variety of sizes, depths, pantry style, etc. If you have higher ceilings you will be able to take advantage of 36″ or 42″ wall cabinets and don’t forget the crown molding and toe kick to let your cabinets shine!

Once your design layout is established, you can pick your door design. Raised panels and arch tops cost more, but are really nice. There are a wide variety of colors and finishes available. Be sure to stay in your budget and select colors and style that match the house you are working on. Also select some stylish hardware to make your kitchen look stylish and new.

 

2. Counter-tops: The options available for counter-tops are changing a bit.

Here are some counter top considerations:

Granite - Granite counter tops continue to be the most popular and best selling counter tops. Granite has incredible natural color, is super hard and a nice solid surface for your kitchen. You can design it with a variety of edges including bull nose, bevels, double ogee and ogee They are not completely maintenance free and the lighter colored tops can be stained, so buyers beware, but Granite sells best! To save some money on granite you may be able to go with a thinner slab or keep the edge profile standard.

Quartz - Quartz is a super durable, solid surface counter top. Quartz counter tops are typically 95% quartz combined with 5% polymer and that formula provides a great option for consumers. Quartz comes in a wide-variety of colors and patterns and has been exploding in popularity the past few years.

Laminate - Formica type counter tops have been around for many decades. Laminate tops continue to be the cost-effective leader. They can be fabricated in square edge or a pro-form style with a variety of edges. The colors and patterns are now mimicking granite counter tops, which is blurring the edges between laminates and solid surface counter tops. With laminate, you can get a very cost effective counter top that can look similar to solid surface quartz or granite. You can save a bundle with laminate if your budget does not allow a solid-surface granite or quartz.

3. Appliances - How can you make your kitchen look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks? Add in basic stainless steel appliances. They do not cost much more then white or black appliances. If you want to save some money on your appliances, watch for the sales in your local paper.

If you have an upgraded kitchen design with solid surface counter-tops, then use an upgraded appliance package with a side-by-side refrigerator or bottom freezer design. Be sure to always use a nice appliance package.

Kitchens are the most important room in most houses. Establish your budget and work the design features to maximize appeal.”

Thank you so much Jim! Some great information for my readers to start thinking about updating their own kitchen. I hope you enjoyed this blog, until next week… Happy decorating! ~Melanie

Filed in: Kitchens
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September 5, 2013 - 10:12 am

Creative kitchen remodel ideas - [...] I would suggest having a read of this great blog post from our friends at All about Interiors on ‘How to create a great kitchen’, this article includes some great advice along with some easy to follow tips and I urge you to [...]

September 5, 2013 - 10:17 am

Melanie Langford - Thank you so much for your wonderful recommendation! I am so glad you enjoyed the blog and look forward to seeing you on here more often! Thanks again! ~Melanie

8.5.13

Decorating Essentials That Every Home Should Have

When a couple moves into a home, there are several must have decorating essentials that the home should have.

photo via source

I have written many times on this blog, how the home should always reflect the family’s personality, lifestyle and comfort level but beyond that, functionality plays a very important role.

pic via source

Take into consideration the following… How many members are in the family. How often do you entertain and is it for large or small groups? Do you want a formal or casual feel in your home? Consider what colors look good on you when choosing paint color and fabric choices. Do you like bold color or neutral palate?

Okay, so that in mind… The Nest has spelled out some decorating essentials that are must haves in a home. I hope you enjoy! Read on…

~All About Interiors, Melanie Langford

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, none of these lovely images you see are mine. I do not take ownership of anything unless otherwise noted. This is an inspirational blog for personal use only. Please see links for credit and to give credit to the images and where they were found. If you own any image you see on here and don not approve, please let me know. I will be happy to remove/accommodate. Enjoy and thank you!
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September 8, 2013 - 10:01 pm

aubrey bucher - the link from the first photo is not working and i would like to find where this rug is from.

September 9, 2013 - 7:31 pm

Melanie Langford - Hi Aubrey
I am sorry about that. I am working on fixing it. However, I can not find the manufacturer for the rug.
Thanks for your interest.
Enjoy & keep reading!
Melanie

September 10, 2013 - 11:56 am

Melanie Langford - Hello
The link to that picture is http://www.mlinteriordesigns.com/gallery?page=1 The designer is ML interior designs. I hope that was helpful. The link on my blog has been corrected.
Hope to see you on my blog again!
Melanie