Source: Country Living Magazine

It’s hard to believe that the 12-day countdown to Christmas has already begun! Have you been decking the halls or are you scrambling to get your home ready for the man in the red suit?

Many of us get the holiday season rolling by putting up our Christmas trees up right after Thanksgiving, but neglect to decorate the rest of our homes. Well fear not, help is on the way. I have scoured Pinterest and found some of the best Christmas decorating hacks.

Since the Christmas gift list can severely put a hole in your pocket, I am a fan of finding ingenious ways to decorate for the holidays. And while that doesn’t mean you won’t need to spend any money on decor, there are creative ways to recycle ribbons, pinecones, candles, trays, lanterns, garland, candleholders and tin cans year after year.

If you haven’t started decorating yet or if you have a holiday party coming up these ideas are great for you. Below are some of my favorite Christmas decorating ideas on Pinterest.

Tip #1: Don’t neglect your dining room!

Source: Pinterest

I will be the first to admit that ignoring the dining room table is a big mistake. In fact, the dining room is often one of the first places I tackle during the holidays. In the space above, mercury trees and candleholders help to reflect artificial and natural lighting, while the ribbon and sprigs on the chairs add to the festive vibe.

Tip #2: Recycle those lanterns!

Source: Pinterest

I recently wrote an article on Tastefully Inspired Blog regarding lanterns. This versatile accessory can be filled with just about anything to dress it up. If you are an avid ornament collector like me, you have more than enough ornaments to replicate this look!

Tip #4: Spruce up a holiday favorite!

Poinsettias are the traditional flower of Christmas, but I love how this homeowner used a rustic box to display three of them with greenery. What a simple but effective way to decorate any table!

Tip #4: Wreath it out!

Source: Traditional Home

Did I mention that you can never have enough wreaths in your house? Well you can never have enough wreaths in your house! This dining room is void of Christmas colors but that wreath on the mirror lets us know that the homeowner is definitely in the holiday spirit!

Tip #5: Creatively display candles!

Source: Pinterest

Candles may seem like just your typical accessory until you add some other elements to them like in this rustic tray. The pinecones, the ornaments, the greenery and the glittered reindeer provide a beautiful foundation for this candle arrangement.

Tip #6: Decorate the Front Door!

Source: Pinterest

This Grinch themed front door reflects a fun homeowner. You may not love the Grinch decor, but nothing says Christmas is coming like getting your front door in on the action.

Ready or not, Christmas is almost here. Fortunately, you still have 11 days to create a winter wonderland!

The post 6 Festive Ways to Improve Your Holiday Decor Now appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Source: Freshome.com

Is your home in dire need of some charm? Building a home from scratch can be an exhilarating experience, but unless you’re going custom you may end up with a house with little to no character. The truth of the matter is that home builders often have a limited amount of floor plans, finishes and features, which means that every time you visit your next door neighbor, you can’t help feeling like you’re experiencing dejavu.

Character or charm in a home is essentially defined as all of the things that set your house apart from another house. Because character tends to be structurally integrated into a home, potential homebuyers can easily pick up on which homes have it and which ones don’t. When a home lacks character, a tour of the premises may feel uneventful, unimpressive and boring. Let’s face it – when we are shopping for a home, the things that make us coo, ooh and ahh are features like tray ceilings, built-ins and French doors.

The good news is that even if your builder grade home is devoid of this type of character, there is nothing preventing you from getting it. Whether it’s ornate balusters on the stairs, wainscoting in an entryway or a window seat in a guest room, adding architectural features to your home will take it from sterile and bland to unique and homey.

While there is no easy way to magically take your house from cookie cutter to a house overflowing with charm, there are definitive ways to up the charm on your abode. Try one of these five ways to introduce more charm into your new home.

Tip #1: Millwork Is In Order

Source: KVH Design

If you’re like me, then you love millwork. Millwork, such as wainscoting, bead board, picture frame molding, chandelier medallions, shiplap and crown molding, is not only beautiful but it can also make your home appear more luxurious and expensive. Some real estate agents ascertain that the value of a home increases if these features are in place.

Tip #2: Add Window Casing

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Ok so you may not be able to add palladium windows to your home after the fact, but you can make your windows look as polished and finished as possible. New age builders will often skip window casing, but fortunately this is an easy fix. If you are handy, you can complete this DIY project over the course of a few weekends.  If you have no idea what a miter cut is, leave this improvement to the professionals.

Tip #3: Redo Your Fireplace

Source: Houzz

If your fireplace leaves much to be desired, don’t be afraid to completely tile or stone it, change out the granite surround or add a mantel if it doesn’t have one. Your fireplace is a statement piece in your home and if it’s not making a statement, then this should be on the top of your list for home improvements.

Tip #4: Build Built-Ins

Source: Pinterest

Strategically placed built-ins can truly add value to your home. If properly installed, built-ins beside fireplaces, bench seating in launch rooms, banquettes in breakfast areas and bookcases in the study serve to distinguish your home from other homes in your neighborhood. Not only will these features make your home more desirable, they will make your home function better for your lifestyle.

Tip #5: Place Beams In The Ceiling

Source: Pinterest

If you have high ceilings, adding wood beams up there is an often-neglected way of making your home stand apart. If rustic is your go-to style, that is all the more reason to consider this option.

Once a home is built, it is nearly impossible to add things that are structural such as tray ceilings, coffered ceilings, vaulted ceilings, an additional or brand new fireplace, or wall niches. Still, these 5 tricks of the trade can make your house feel much more distinct.

The post 5 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Add Character to Your Home appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Source: Houzz

Let’s talk ceilings. Even though, they’re often tagged “the fifth wall” in interior design, they are frequently ignored. If you think about it – because I mean who doesn’t sit and think about this all day? – our ceilings occupy just as much square footage as our floors do. So why don’t we give our ceilings the attention they desperately deserve?

Well I decided that I’m not just going to blog about it, I’m going to be about it. So right in the middle of my mini-makeover for my beloved dining room, I have decided that my ceiling needs some design love too.

So between coordinating my wallpaper installation, begging my photographer to snap some quick shots, making an emergency call to my painter, and choosing some luscious paint colors in a hurry, I turned to Pinterest and Houzz for some inspiration. I must admit that I almost went off the deep end after going into Pinterest land, but luckily I caught myself before I drowned. If you read last week’s blog, you know that budget is king so I had to conserve the dollars. Maybe when I hit the lottery, I can revisit some of my initial wish list items.

But for now I am leaving you with some ceiling inspiration. Here are 5 different tips to make your ceiling next level.

Tip #1: Inject some personality into your space with bold color.

Source: Houzz

Nothing says “I love to have fun,” like having a bold color on your ceiling. People will immediately know that you have a wild side and that you are not afraid to show it.

Tip #2: Create an interesting pattern with paint.

Source: Freshome.com

This nursery just got 100x more interesting and exciting by adding that funky pattern onto the ceiling. If you walked into this nursery – admit it – you would never forget it.

Tip #3: Add strapwork details.

Source: Pinterest

Many moons ago, strapwork was just the thing to do. All the period rooms at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City have strapwork because I guess it was another sign of wealth, just like puddling. Since you do have to have a mini fortune to contract an artisan to do this type of ceiling treatment, this is definitely more of a splurge.

Tip #4: Wallpaper that fifth wall.

Source: Pinterest

Is that wallpaper up there? By golly it is! Of course, it is no surprise that I love wallpaper so adding it to the ceiling is definitely a no-brainer. If you want to go for this look, I recommend adding a risky pattern to the ceiling but toning things down on the walls like the designer did in this particular room.

Tip #5: Reverse your ceiling and flooring.

Source: Pinterest

Flip the script by putting wood flooring on your ceiling instead of your floors. No one can resist looking at wood, much less if it’s above your head.

With so many options, ignoring the ceiling is definitely not an option. Allow this integral part of your home to shine bright like a diamond.

The post Interior Design: 5 Ways to Get An Enviable Ceiling appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

It’s been a few weeks since the last time I blogged and I am thrilled to get back to the business of writing. My temporary hiatus hasn’t been in vain either; I have been diligently working on making several design changes to my own home. (Before pics coming soon…) In essence, this means that I am my own client and my own personal designer. Let’s see how long I can tolerate myself.

Being my own client has afforded me the unique opportunity to see what it’s like to be on the other side of the fence. After almost 3 years of living in our current house, I can honestly say that my house is not yet a home. Coming from a petite home in New York meant that we didn’t have much to work with in terms of furniture. The priority became purchasing functional furniture for each room in our house. Making things pretty took a backseat as we focused on creating comfortable accommodations for our visiting friends and family. This in turn has created some of the most amazing memories we could ask for.

Nevertheless, as an interior designer I can’t help but get excited about making my house a home.  If beautiful environments and spaces have the ability to make us feel comforted and happy, how much more impact do our own homes have on us?

Here are 5 important lessons I have learned since becoming my own client:

Get to know your home

The pressure of wanting to decorate as soon as you exchange keys at the closing can make you compromise on what you truly need. For instance, I initially wanted to use our loft space as a TV watching space. Fast forward to today and now I plan to use that area as my personal thinking space.

Instead of rushing through the process, get to know your home, its flow and its nuances. Do you really want to make that room an office just because the builder called it an office? Taking some time to gather your design thoughts can help you avoid some costly mistakes in the end.

The only exception to this rule is when you hire a designer during the construction process. A designer will gently nudge you to think about all of the ways your home will need to function just for you. This is especially important when it comes to adding additional structural things such as lighting and outlets.

Understand your lifestyle

Run through your day, your week, your year. What is it like? Do you find yourself entertaining more in your new home than you did in your previous one? This may mean that you need to consider stain resistant fabrics and kid-friendly furnishings. Is your heart set on a gorgeous open console when what you really need is a cabinet with doors to hide all of the kids’ sports equipment?  Making design choices that take your routine and lifestyle into account will only make your life easier.

Pace yourself

Rome, Italy

Unless you have a sizable budget right off the bat, pace yourself. Rome wasn’t built in one day and it is OK not to design your home in one either. Pacing yourself will allow you to get more of what you want. Take on one or two rooms at a time instead of your whole first floor. You will be able to afford more quality items that way.

Avoid trends

Think you will always love your jade green walls? Think again. Trends are meant to come and go. If something isn’t your cup of tea, do not feel obligated to conform. Be sure to only choose items, colors, furnishings and furniture that will appeal to you in the long run. Otherwise, you will end up spending more to get rid of that trendy green paint once it goes out of style.

Budget is king

We may all be trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents, but 15 cents is still 15 cents. Once we begin to make sense out of how much quality home goods cost, the challenging part of the process becomes creating and maintaining a budget. One way to avoid derailing the entire budget is to buy high and low or to design your home in phases. Buying high and low simply means that you will invest your money in things that are high impact such as well-made furniture or quality window treatments, while spending less on other things like accessories. Designing in multiple phases allows you to build up a reserve before you start decorating a new space.

Making a house into a home doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you remove or minimize unnecessary pressures, you will find yourself making the right decisions for your home.

The post Is Your House a Home? appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Pinterest.com

The interior design industry is just as fickle as the fashion industry. One minute skinny jeans are in, the next minute boot cut is the way to go. For years the color white has reigned supreme in interior design, but this year black has taken over as one of the most popular trends of 2017.

Unlike in fashion where the little black dress is a staple, using black in the home is considered very risqué. When it comes to attire, black conveys conservatism and seriousness; when it comes to design, black alludes to a rebellious nature.

Without a doubt, this dark, moody and powerful color creates instant drama in a space. Though far from a classic look, black can make a room look refined, sophisticated and intriguing.

If it is hard for you to fathom putting the color black in your home, feast your eyes on some of these interiors. It may just make you want to take a walk on the dark side.

HGTV.com

Even though all the walls in this living room are black, the abundance of light and reflective mirrors keeps this space from feeling cavernous. Instead the room feels cozy, intimate and elegant.

Pinterest.com

Not only are the walls in this dining room black, they are lacquered. This bold look is paired up with soft textures, metallics and glass, which stand up nicely to such a richly dark background story.

Pinterest.com

From the black beams to the black sofa, the color black in this study runs the gamut from matte to shiny.

Pinterest.com

This foyer is a absolutely stunning with its play on white and black. The full wall of mirrors keeps natural light bouncing around the space.

Clearly black is a strong color, but If you are brave enough to go for it I commend you. Your home will surely stand out in a good way!

The post Black Box: Ready to Go to the Dark Side? appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Hamptons Designer Showhouse 2014 – Lillian August

Are you playing the game of interior design the same way you would play the game of baseball? When it comes to baseball, we can barely contain our excitement when the umpire yells a resounding “SAAAAFE!” But if you play it safe with your design game, you might as well be “OUUUUT!” In the design world, safe is synonymous with boring and forgettable.

If the thought of going bold with your home’s decor makes you freeze in your tracks, you’re not alone. Whether it’s because we are intrinsically wired to play it safe or because risky choices can go really bad really fast, most people are terrified of making significant changes to their home!

But never fear, getting the home of your dreams is within reach if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone! Here are four ways to begin testing the waters when it comes to your home décor.

Finding Inspiration

Hampton Showhouse 2013

One of the best ways to find inspiration is to observe the extreme. While auto shows exhibit the most creative, conceptual and unrealistic cars imaginable, design showhouses expose us to the most experimental and sometimes outlandish décor and design around. Some of these spaces are so extreme that no one would ever consider doing half of these things in their own home. Still, since showhouse designers often push the boundaries of design, it is a great way to see how far you can go while still achieving incredible design.

Liven Things Up With Color

Mabley Handler Interior Design

Just because the builder put it on the wall, doesn’t mean that you have to stick with it. Builder’s basic is basically boring! Instead take a walk on the wild side by changing your paint color, adding bold color accents, creating accent walls or applying my all time favorite – wallpaper. These pops of color will have your house looking spectacular in no time.

Play With Pattern

Lowengart Showhouse

Mixing patterns can certainly be a challenge, but when it is done right it can truly set your home apart. Combining stripes, houndstooth, animal print, plaid or checks with abstract patterns is a foolproof way to break away from solids without going overboard. If you prefer a subtler pattern play, try introducing similar large vs. small patterns into the same space.

Try A Textural Touch

http://www.home-designing.com/

If using lots of pattern sounds like a horror movie to you, texture is another way to add layers of sumptuousness without the business. Fabrics like matelassé and mohair are excellent examples of textures that are fun and swoon-worthy, but less risqué than patterns. In this living area, the color palette is limited but the texture is abundant. Just feast your eyes on all of those wood blocks on the wall and on the coffee table. That feature makes the room!

When it comes to design, don’t play it safe. Even if you have to hire a designer to help push you out of your comfort zone, you will be much more satisfied with your home if you go big. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it!

The post Go Big or Go Home! appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Source: Elle Decor

Do black walls make you cringe or sing? For some people, black walls embody sophistication and glamour. For others, black walls make them want to run for the hills. When it comes to design, neither group is right or wrong.

We all have preferences. Usually we are all very accepting of this truth, except when you have to live day in and day out with a person whose preferences do not align with yours. In my case, my husband prefers a darker color palette, while I prefer a lighter one. Unfortunately for me, I actually begin to feel sad and gloomy when I am in very dark spaces for an extended period of time.

Our previous home (which was void of a lot of artificial lighting) taught me that I don’t like being in dark spaces (except for the movie theater of course). In our current home, we have light colored gray walls, off white furniture and lots of recessed lighting in our home. Meanwhile, our kitchen cabinets are a dark espresso color because that is more in line with what my husband likes.

More often than not, couples do not singularly agree on design choices. As a designer, it is my job to ensure that both parties are happy in the end. After all, they both have to live there! Avoid a lover’s brawl by implementing my 5 design tips for making the best out of a dark vs. light tug of war.

Tip #1: Paint a Dark Accent Wall

Source: Pinterest

If you and your spouse are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to color, accent walls are a great opportunity to introduce dark colors in small doses. Navy, black, emerald green and dark gray are excellent colors to pair with lighter gray, greige or taupe hues. Even though one of you clearly lost the war, at least you won a battle.

Tip #2: Mix Dark and Light

Source: Har.com

Have to have dark blue walls? If dark walls resonate with you but not your other half, pair them with light colored flooring, rugs, furniture and drapery. In the room above, almost all of the furnishings are off white in color. Disclaimer: Be sure to use performance fabrics on any light colored upholstered furniture.

If your coin toss results in light colored walls (believe it or not I do know of couples who make major decisions with a coin toss and it works), pair those faint walls with darker furnishings and flooring. You’ll get the best of both worlds.

Tip #3: Add Molding to Dark Walls

Source: Czmcam.org

White molding like wainscoting or beadboard is a great way to offset the boldness of dark walls. Wainscoting is an architectural feature that adds charm, a touch of luxury and often appeals to future homebuyers. Beadboard tends to feel more casual or rustic in a space. To further, break up the dark paint, use crown molding to frame the walls at the top as well.

As we can see in the photo above, the dining room doesn’t seem so dark with the addition of beautiful wainscoting and crown molding.

Tip #4: Darken Your Ceiling 

Source: Pinterest

When all else fails, use your fifth wall – the ceiling – to bring in a dark color. A dark ceiling above lighter walls can help a room feel cozy. Ceilings are often neglected in design, but they are great ways to make a statement. In this photograph, the ceiling becomes the showstopper in an otherwise mostly neutral room.

Tip #5: Cook Up Some Visual Interest

Source: Pinterest

There is no rule that says that all of your kitchen cabinetry has to be the same color. In fact, some of the most amazing kitchens are made up of different colors. When we were building our home, I wanted white cabinets and my husband wanted dark cabinets. I ultimately lost that battle big time.

One resolution for this difference in opinion is to make the island a different color, such as white cabinets with a dark wood island. Or you can make all of the upper cabinets one color and the lower cabinets another color. If the thought of splitting colors freaks you out, have a 3-D modeling company render it for you. This way you will be able to see exactly what you’re getting in the end.

Final Thoughts

Theoretically lighter colors reflect light, which gives the illusion that the space is larger. Meanwhile, darker colors absorb light, giving the illusion that the space is smaller. No matter what you decide to do in the end, be sure to have adequate lighting in all of your spaces. If a room receives a lot of natural light, you may be even more inclined to pull the trigger on dark walls or dark cabinetry.

The post A House Divided: Light Colors vs. Dark Colors appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Source: Zillow

It’s been a couple of weeks since my last blog and I am so glad to finally be back! Because of family commitments, out of town engagements and working on mostly the staging side of things, I haven’t been able to write as much as I wanted to.

When I am helping homeowners get their homes staged for sale, I often see my designer pet peeves in full blown action. If you know that you plan on selling your home in the future, these are design choices that should be addressed sooner rather than later. Trust me on this. Your house will be more marketable if you do.

Pet Peeves vs. Design Pet Peeves

Whether it’s maintaining the bathroom door closed, making guests take their shoes off at the front door or positioning dining chairs 4 inches away from the table (don’t judge me, this one is my dad’s fault) we all have pet peeves regarding our homes. After working on many different design projects, interior designers also develop pet peeves about particular design choices.

Unlike most pet peeves, which can be completely irrational, design pet peeves usually have a very rational reason behind them. Here are my top pet peeves in design in no particular order. If you are in violation of any of these, be sure to keep reading. We’ve got some work to do!

Ceiling Fans in Dining Areas

Source: Pinterest

I have said it before and I will say it again; I am not a fan of ceiling fans. In fact, most designers do not like to work with ceiling fans. Nevertheless, ceiling fans serve a practical purpose, especially for people who always seem to be hot (I happen to be on the other end of that extreme).

In general, I can live with a ceiling fan, if and when it is not in the kitchen, dining room or breakfast area. From a purely hygienic standpoint, having these dust collectors near food is a recipe for disaster, unless of course you have an affinity for eating dust bunnies. Not to mention, there is nothing fun or decorative about a ceiling fan. A chandelier, a flush mount light fixture or recessed lighting is the best option for these areas.

Un-Accentuated Tray Ceilings

Source: Homedit

Having lived in New York City, we were lucky if our ceilings were 8 feet high. That is why I can appreciate just how amazing tray ceilings are! It takes a bit of structural work to actually create a tray ceiling so when I see them I get really excited. Tray ceilings are wonderful opportunities to add a pop of color, to use gold or silver foil or to add wallpaper.

I have found that most clients are afraid to maximize their tray ceiling potential. Ironically, these types of ceilings are ideal for experimenting with colors and materials. Reclaimed wood, medallions and tin tile are perfect for accentuating a tray ceiling.

Carpet Overload

Source: HGTV

Not only is too much carpeting not aesthetically pleasing, it also isn’t beneficial when it comes to resale. Most home buyers are on the hunt for wood or tile floors, particularly on the main level. Too much carpeting can read like an expensive project to a potential home buyer.

Although wood and tile are initially much more expensive to install, they have remarkable staying power if they are well maintained. In comparison, carpeting usually needs to be replaced every few years. Still, because of its sound dampening qualities, carpeting continues to remain popular in bedrooms, recreational spaces, media rooms and bonus rooms.

Dim Lighting

Source: Pinterest

There is nothing like dim lighting to really put you in a funk when you enter a room. If your spaces lack sufficient light, it is also difficult to appreciate any interior design efforts in those rooms. Fortunately this is an easy fix.

If you have at least some overhead lighting in your room, you can change out the light fixture and/or increase the light bulb wattage. If general lighting is lacking, call in an electrician to evaluate your situation. He or she may be able to add recessed lighting, sconce lighting or a junction box to allow for a flush mount light fixture or a chandelier. In addition, adding table lamps or a funky floor lamp can help to increase the lighting in a space.

Disclaimer: If you happen to prefer dim lighting or mood lighting (like in the room above), put your light switches on a dimmer. That way if you ever need to sell your home in the future, this will not be a sticking point.

TVs Hung Too High

Source: Pinterest

Hanging televisions too high on the wall is a faux pas we have probably all committed. If so, you know all too well that your neck will hurt after a few hours of TV watching.

I am not completely against hanging a TV over a fireplace, but if you do, be sure that the distance between your seating area and the TV is far enough to offset the height. This way, your eyes, instead of your neck will be engaged in the process of watching TV. The TV in the room above is placed far enough from the main sofa for your viewing pleasure.

Designer pet peeves are subjective. Although these pet peeves are guidelines for helping you make the best choices around design or staging, some things work well if done well. For instance, while I do not mind, some designers absolutely hate TVs over a fireplaces. Moreover, while I prefer wood floors in all common spaces, I do recognize that people who have young children prone to falling need to have more carpeting in their homes. In addition, if you are moving in less than a year, don’t bother to put wallpaper in your tray ceiling. Taking stock of your current lifestyle, as well as future plans, will help you make the best call for your design situation.

The post Designer Pet Peeves: Avoiding These Pitfalls appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

The problem with safe is that it almost never gets you WOW. – Karina Jones

One of my favorite things about interior design is that I get to work on projects that have a beginning and an end. Unfortunately, it always takes way longer to bring a project to completion than I prefer.

Since the start of the year, I have been working on a very special dining room makeover. Dining rooms have become one of my favorite rooms to design because my husband and I spent so many years without one. Now that we have a dining room, I totally have an excuse to host major holidays and special events in there.

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

As you can see in the before picture, this particular dining room was already a beautiful space to begin with. Still, the homeowner wanted to take this prominent space in her home up a few notches.

Luckily for me (and the homeowner), this dining room has a slew of traditional architectural features including 9 foot square columns at the entrance, chair rail, picture molding, and crown molding. The traditional cherry wood table, chairs and server were a solid financial investment by the homeowner and will be incorporated into the final design.

The Design Plan

Source: Houzz

In order to get things rolling, I did an online search for a few inspiration images. Typically, clients send me their inspiration images, but I know this particular homeowner really well. I came across the above image and used it as a basis for re-designing the space. Before hiring an interior designer, you should collect 3-5 inspiration images. This is a clear way to communicate your vision to him or her.

Everything started to come together once we found the perfect work of art. Art is such a personal and subjective thing so I was elated when we found a canvas that really spoke to her. Although the dining room color scheme started out as cream and burgundy, the homeowner actually prefers colors in the blue-green family. My favorite color to decorate with is teal so I was all in with this color palette! In addition, the palette will also include a mix of gold and silver metal tones.

Initially, the homeowner was hesitant about using such a bold color in the space because strong colors can be off-putting. This reaction is completely normal; most clients tend to err on the side of safety when it comes to design. The problem with safe is that it almost never gets you WOW. My job as an interior designer is to gently nudge a client towards a bold choice without making them uncomfortable. Good thing I am a Libra! Ha!

Since this family of four is young and hip, we ultimately decided to go with a transitional design style. The transitional style is way less traditional since it marries both traditional and contemporary elements. The funky artwork, gold lamps, stylish mirror, colorful window treatments and a geometric rug will help to bring in some more contemporary touches. I like to ground a dining room with a rug for very practical reasons; the constant pushing and pulling of the chairs can really do a number on your wood floors.

The biggest changes in the entire space are the addition of a subtle but elegant wallpaper and a bold tray ceiling. The bold teal color is somewhat unexpected in a dining room, but it is also fun and youthful. Because the dining area is a formal space, we made certain to tone things down with neutrals, gold and silver accents.

Final Thoughts

Even though dining rooms tend to be these formal spaces that we barely ever use, they should always represent the homeowners to the fullest. In this case, we wanted the room to be elegant, but not overly fussy.

As I mentioned before, the project is taking longer than expected due to lots of backorders and a slight adjustment that the homeowner and I agreed needs to be made. But in the end it will be stunning! I guess that when it comes to interior design, good things do truly come to those to wait!

Stay tuned for the grand reveal in a few weeks!

Cheers!

Karina

The post Design Project Sneak Peek: Transitional Dining Room Makeover appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

No matter how large or small, a design project always begins with a vision and then several revisions. The case was no different with this small entryway project, which started with a client email and an inspiration picture.

The process of how a design project goes from the abstract to the concrete isn’t always pretty, but it’s an incredibly fun journey. This year, I promised myself that I would do a better job of documenting my design process so I am starting right here, right now with this entryway project.

I have worked with this client in the past so I am pretty familiar with her design aesthetic. She loves simplicity with moments of glam and a whole lot of brass! Although she is generally open to suggestions, she really does know exactly what she wants.

Drawing Inspiration

Source: Pinterest

Inspiration pictures are great starting points for a design project; in fact, designers love inspiration pictures so please keep pinning away! But it is also completely normal for a designer to deviate from the inspiration pic if the actual space presents its own set of unique circumstances, and this one did.

From the inspiration picture I concluded that certain things were in order, like a mirror and seating. An entryway is a vital part of the home since it is the first area guests see when they step into your home. The entryway sets the tone – good or bad – for the rest of the home so treating it with high regard is a must. In addition, it serves a pragmatic purpose – a place to put your keys down, a perching spot to lace on shoes (especially if you abide by a no shoes rule like we do) or to give yourself a once over before running out the front door.

The Design Challenge

Entryway: Doorway before

Entryway: Nook before

My client’s foyer is a healthy size, but the space we were designating for furniture was rather compact. While the inspo pic featured a full wall, the only usable wall in our space was intercepted by stairs. This created a 45 degree angle that made the idea of using a large scale mirror or a beefsteak console a total no-go. Not an ideal start, but onward we go.

The Design Plan

This is the part of design where the designer and the client do a back and forth dance involving choices. Some clients need a significant number of options (I would be that kind of client unfortunately), but this client makes decisions rather quickly (Sweet!).

A design board provides a nice jumping off point to get all of the main elements of the design approved by the client. In addition, a quick rendering of the proposed two options for the nook allows the homeowner to visualize the end result in all its glory. Since the doorway was also getting a quick face-lift, it was also included in the rendering.

I sent my client two options for the nook and she quickly decided on the second one. There were some changes in the end that didn’t compromise the design, but that were made to preserve the budget and to account for discontinued items.

The Design Solution

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

Capitalizing on the width, we selected a low console without a crossbar. For some reason, I had trouble finding an abundance of these types of consoles last year, but I finally did. We wanted to utilize the space below the console to accommodate two ottomans. If you notice, the inspiration pic had garden stools underneath, but the ones we went with are upholstered and have the added benefit of storage inside. This is ideal for throwing in those last minute toys or kid’s socks we notice just before we open the door for guests.

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

Since the console is simple, I added lots of accessories to glam up the space. An artificial orchid keeps things low maintenance, while the canisters, tray with accessories and lamp speak to my client’s love for gold. If we were using a console that was more complex, I would have definitely reigned it back in the accessories department.

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

Although the hexagon mirror is small, it follows the lines of the angle of the stairs and keeps things functional. The mirror was one of the design elements that changed in the end because the original choice was discontinued. I hate when that happens! But we still managed to make it work!

I initially toyed with the idea of a mini lamp (same exact lamp but just shorter), but my client went for the full size lamp and I am so glad she did. It balances the height on both sides of the console since the mirror and the lamp are relatively at the same eye level. A shorter lamp would have only served to further emphasize the obvious fact that the wall is angling down.

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

The doorway got a simple quatrefoil inspired rug with an artificial fiddle-leaf tree. I love real plants and flowers, but this busy family doesn’t have time to take care of them. And if my client is anything like me, she would kill the poor tree anyway. No green thumb here!

Final Thoughts

Photo Credit: Vic LeDan Photography

With some careful planning and simple but beautiful pieces, we made this formerly empty space inviting and welcoming for this young family. The entryway now sets the tone for this home, sending the message that this family is stylish but still very down to earth.

We are now on our way to making another space in this home beautiful – the dining room. I can’t wait to show you the before and after of that room!

Keep making your world beautiful… Until next week….

Karina

The post Before & After: Golden Glam Entryway appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Source: Alexa Hampton for Hickory Chair

Exhaustion doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel after attending High Point Market 2017. Between running from one showroom to the next, meeting fellow interior designers and attending informative workshops, I am physically beat. High Point Market may have ended on Wednesday, April 26th, but it has re-invigorated and energized many designers, including me.

Occurring twice a year for 5 days, High Point Market is the premier event for the home furnishings and furniture industry. The most talented furniture and accessories designers in the country gather here to display their newest collections. Meanwhile, some of the greatest interior designers, decorators, bloggers and press agents get firsthand access to incredible collections and amazing trends.

Tristan Butterfield, Creative Director of Baker & McGuire, and Karina Jones at High Point Market

Determining what’s a trend and what isn’t is a careful exercise in market research, taste and timeliness. In fact, the Creative Director of Baker and McGuire Furniture, Tristan Butterfield, shared with me that furniture design is not about arriving 15 minutes early, but instead arriving 3 minutes early. In other words, if the world is not ready for your design or if your design comes too late in the game, it won’t succeed on the market.

This couldn’t be clearer than when you are witnessing a consistency among new or continuing trends during the course of 5 or 6 days at Market. Here are 6 trends I observed during my time at High Point Market.

Metallics/Iridescents

Gold Dipped Plants

From metallic orchids to iridescent rugs, shiny metals were everywhere at High Point. The reflective qualities of metal work especially well in rooms with dark colored walls and in spaces where there is very little natural light.

Brass/Gold

Lighting by Regina Howard

Brass has been trending for many years now and High Point Market was no exception. Global Views, Regina Andrews, and Henredon were just a few of the companies that were featuring gold front and center. Not only is gold still considered very current, but mixing metals is another way to incorporate brass or gold if your home is mostly filled with nickel or bronze hardware.

Blush Pink

Source: Gravity Home

It’s no secret that blush pink has been very popular in the design industry, but it’s getting more and more exposure now. Full on pink sofas, chairs and even walls are on the horizon. One of my favorite ways to combine blush pink is with emerald green and neutrals.

Sunburst Mirrors/Sunburst Lighting

Source: Modern History

Sunburst mirrors are still all the rage. We often see sunburst mirrors in brass, but now they are hitting the market in silver, green and other colors too. Regina Andrew was featuring sunburst lighting, not only on the ceiling, but as sconces on the wall.

Rustic Furnishings

Source: Magnolia Homes

High Point Market made it evident that rustic furniture and furnishings are not going away any time soon. From Coaster Furniture to Magnolia Homes, rustic and distressed finishes were hotter than ever. These types of finishes are easy to take care of since any new dings or scratches look like they’ve been there all along.

Vintage Rugs

Source: Loloi Rugs

I have always been more attracted to contemporary or graphic rugs, but even I have to admit that I am starting to see the light. Vintage rugs, like Persian rugs, allude to the past but have more of a modern feel to them. Vintage rugs work especially well in mid-century modern, contemporary, Bohemian and modern spaces. Loloi Rugs and Feizy Rugs at High Point made this statement pointedly.

Final Thoughts

Trends have a way of coming and going in the design industry. Many of the trends I saw at High Point Market have been around for some time and they seem to be in it for the long haul. However, when looking at trends, be sure that the ones you choose to follow are ones that you can live with for a very long time.

The post High Point Market 2017: Discovering the Latest Trends appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Have you ever contemplated hiring an interior designer? If you are considering it, I can imagine just how daunting it is to hand over the keys to your kingdom to a semi-stranger. In essence when I meet a new client, I am subconsciously saying “Do you trust me to enter into your home, understand your vision, execute your vision and achieve all of this within budget?”

The client-designer relationship is at the core of any successful interior design project. While some clients are more open to being led than others, every client wants to know that they can trust you to respect their wants and needs. I have never had a client say, “Here is my checkbook, do whatever you want!” Ha! Instead initial meetings with new clients are opportunities to build and earn their trust. All professions innately build trust; doctors achieve it by keeping your medical information confidential. Designers foster it by listening intently to their client’s desires, as well as, by creating an ambiance of openness and collaboration.

Karina Jones, Principal Designer at Karina Jones Designs

The Heart of a Teacher

One of the unorthodox ways I work on trust building is by educating my clients on interior design and the process. I recently discussed this practice during an interview with LuAnn Nigara, a successful business owner, award winning design professional and talented podcaster who is highly esteemed in the interior design industry. In her popular podcast, A Well-Designed Business, LuAnn invites design professionals to discuss their best practices in an effort to inspire others to positively grow their businesses. She has a rich library of valuable insights from some of the greatest minds in the industry.

Reaching back into my prior career as an educator, I love to teach others what I know. This is the reason why I blog and also guest blog on Tastefully Inspired Blog. While I know it may seem anti-business, this approach works for me. One of my favorite things that LuAnn said is, “You know what you know and you take it for granted that others know it as well.”  The truth is that my clients don’t know what I know about design which is why they are hiring me in the first place! Throughout the project, my goal is to go beyond superficial explanations to help my clients buy into my professional recommendations. I know that I personally need to know a good bit of information before I can buy into something and I respect that my clients probably need the same.

LuAnn Nigara, Co-Founder of Window Works NJ and Podcaster at a Well-Designed Business

One of my former clients described me as a person with high integrity and that was one of the greatest compliments I have ever received. Beyond presenting a space that wows, I want my clients to know that when they hand those keys over to me, they can trust me.

It was such an honor to chat with LuAnn about how I use my teaching background and my role as a blogger to build credibility with clients. Here are some of the topics we discussed during the show:

Show Notes:

• Learn how you can use an education degree to help you and your client have a better relationship
• Find out the three things that should always be included in a blog
• Learn the secret to Mark and Karina’s key to success on the blog they have together, Tastefully Inspired
• Learn what the key component to the final product of a blog is
• Understand the importance of balance of family is important and how this works out for Karina and Mark
• Hear why having a schedule for a blog is not always best
• Discover how to enhance your learning from this episode

I invite you to listen to the entire podcast, below. As always, please feel free to send comments my way!

Until next time,

Karina

The post Building Trust with Clients appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Kitchen islands or peninsulas are like magnets when guests come over. If your home is anything like ours, most of your friends and family congregate around the kitchen island. If that’s the case, stools are definitely going to come in handy around your home.

Stools come in a range of heights, sizes and materials, but the most frequently used ones are counter stools and bar stools. Counter stools are suitable for counters that are approximately 36” high, while bar stools are appropriate for counters that are 42” high, which is considered bar height. The seat of a counter stool is 24″ above the floor, whereas the seat of a bar stool is 30″ above the floor. Twelve inches of clearance is ideal between any counter and a stool so that your knees and legs have sufficient breathing room.

After considering the height of the stool, the most important thing you will have to decide on is whether you prefer backless or back bar stools. If you are unsure which way to go, we will grapple with the pluses and minuses of each one here.

Back Bar Stools

Counter Stools

Back bar or counter stools have a back, which is usually upholstered, wood, metal or iron and serves as a comfortable support for a person’s back. Because of this, people tend to spend a lot more time sitting at these types of stools. Moreover, upholstered stools provide you with a myriad or color options and designs. My absolute favorite counter stool is this one from Ballard Designs.

One drawback of stools with a back is that they are often much more expensive than backless stools. Pricing can range anywhere from $175 to upwards of $1,000 for a custom version. Another disadvantage is that if the back on the chair is very high, it can disrupt the sight lines to your beautifully designed kitchen. In addition, you must have an adequate amount of space to accommodate these stools so they don’t work well for tight spaces.

Backless Stools

Source: www.homedit.com

Unlike bar back stools, backless stools lack a back, think 24 hour diner stools. They tuck nicely under the overhang of a counter, which makes them perfect for areas that are short on space but big on style. Kids tend to enjoy sitting on these kinds of stools because of course, they have no back issues! When it comes to pricing, backless stools are much easier on the wallet. You can find them for less than $100 if you do your research.

The biggest drawback of backless stools is the fact that they don’t have a back! If you have back issues, a backless stool will not give you the type of support you need for extended sitting. And you can bet that grandma and grandpa will most likely make a mad dash for the sofa instead of sitting on one of these all night.

Final Thoughts

We recently purchased new stools for our kitchen and we decided to go with back counter stools. We enjoy eating dinner casually at our kitchen counter so our new stools are comfortable enough to spend a lot of time in. When I am cooking dinner, my son can sit at the kitchen counter and I can keep my eye on him as he colors, draws or ask me a zillion questions.

Ultimately, stools can look amazing whether you purchase them with or without a back. If you do not use your kitchen counter very often or lack space, backless stools may be the way to go. If your island is massive and you love to gather around it, then stools with a back will make you and your guests much more comfortable. Either way, I guarantee that either type will remain occupied all night long.

The post Stools for Your Kitchen: Backless vs. Back Bar Stools appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Source: Pinterest

In the winter months, it is easy to neglect the exterior of our homes. But with the weather warming up in many parts of the country, we can no longer put off addressing the exterior of our homes. Last week in Part I of this blog, we made high impact outdoors by mulching our yards, trimming back shrubbery, adding plants to our décor and pressure washing our walkways. This week, we are going to continue sprucing up our homes in preparation for the summer season.

I must admit that this post only covers cosmetic needs. If your exterior is in need of a serious uplift, hiring a professional landscaper, general contractor or remodeling company should be in your near future. Now that we’ve covered that, here are 4 more tips to upgrading the outside of your home.

1. Replace Numbers or Doorknobs

   

   Source: Pinterest

How many times have you gone to someone’s home and you cannot find or see the house numbers? Stand at the curb of your home and take a look at your front door. Are the numbers visible? Are any of the numbers missing? Are the numbers rusty looking? If so, run to a home improvement store and pick up some a new set of large numbers to replace the current ones. While you’re at it, see if your doorknob or doorknocker is rusty. Replace those as well if they are.

2. Paint Your Door

Source: Pinterest

After a while, the paint on your front door loses its luster. If this is your case, have the door repainted to give it a fresh look. Better yet, if you feel like taking a walk on the wild side (and your HOA approves it) change the color of your door altogether. Be sure to select a color that coordinates well with your shutters and your siding. It will make your house stand out in a good way!

3. Add a Doormat

Source: Pinterest

A doormat is a functional home good since it helps capture dirt that would otherwise end up in your house. The size of the doormat should be appropriate to the size of the door. If you have double doors, then you need a very large and wide doormat or you will risk the mat looking like a postage stamp. Frontgate is my go-to for doormats; it has an amazing selection.

4. Get Your Weeds Under Control

   

   Source: Pinterest

It doesn’t matter how beautiful the outside of your home is, if you have a weed problem, that will quickly downgrade your curb appeal. If it’s just a few weeds, you should be able to pull those in a few hours, whereas if the problem is plentiful, you will have to use a weed killer on your lawn. If time is an issue, call a lawn specialist to come and address this unsightly problem.

With these 8 tips, your home should be the envy of the block. If you missed last week’s post, check it out here!

The post 4 More Ways to Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior – Part II appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

It’s been said that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to our homes, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, when selling a home, curb appeal is the first thing that attracts potential buyers to your home. So clearly it’s important. Even if you’re not putting your house on the market any time in this century, maintaining the outside speaks volumes about your abode.

In a recent blog, I noted 5 ways to freshen up the interior of your home. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out here. Since we’re already in the spirit of spring cleaning and freshening up, it’s as good a time as any to turn our attention to the exterior of our homes. Sprucing up the outside of a home is relatively inexpensive and simple to do. Here are 4 ways to get the outside looking as good as the inside.

1. Mulch Your Yard

Source: Pinterest

It is incredible what some new mulch or pine straw will do to upgrade your yard. Replacing the mulch around trees, flower beds and shrubs helps to control weeds and retain moisture, not to mention it just point blank looks better.

On the flip side, mulch can prevent plants from absorbing sunlight and can attract insects and pests so it’s best to only use a thin layer of it (approximately 3 to 4 inches). In addition, keep the mulch 2 to 3 inches away from the plant stem or trunk.

2. Trim That Shrubbery

Source: Pinterest

Since many of us run in and out of our homes through the garage, we may not notice when our shrubbery has gotten out of control. Give those shrubs and low lying plants a much need haircut, especially if they overhang the walking path to the door. I use a pair of shears from Home Depot to cut my shrubs back, but if you employ a landscaping company, this should definitely be on its list of things to do.

3. Add Plant Boxes or Flower Pots

Source: www.homestratosphere.com

In the spring and summer, nothing looks more inviting than having some bright flowers in plant boxes or flower pots on the porch or steps. Avoid the tendency to go too wide on flower pots; if they are too big, they become distracting and a hindrance to getting to the door. An easy trick for just right flower pot decor is to place a ready-made hanging basket (without the hanger) in a nice pot.

4. Pressure Wash Your Walkway, Driveway and Porch

After a few years, air pollutants can leave your walkways, driveways and porches looking grimy and discolored. Hire a pressure washing company once a year or every two years to get your walkways and driveways looking like new. If you have siding or shingles on your home, pressure cleaning can also help give new life to your exterior.

Implementing these 4 tips should kick your curb appeal into high gear. Join me next week for part II of this blog, where we will explore more ways to make your exterior looks its absolute best.

The post 4 Ways to Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior – Part I appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Cyber-shopping is probably one of the greatest inventions ever. We can pretty much buy anything at the touch of a button – groceries, Christmas gifts or e-cards when we’ve forgotten an important birthday. But that doesn’t mean we should buy everything online. There are simply some things that need to be tested out before we actually swipe our credit card.

As an interior designer, I have placed online orders for all kinds of interior design items, including mirrors, coffee tables, patio sets and lighting. Even so, there are some things I would personally never order on the internet to ensure that the fit, look and comfort is right.

In general, any home products that commands a significant amount of money should be purchased in person. Below are 5 things that I would strongly advise you against buying online:

1. Sofas

Sofas are one of the biggest investments you will ever make for your living room. As such, you need to sit on your potential sofa for a few minutes to ensure that you are comfortable with the feel of the seat, the height of the back and the depth of the sofa. I am very tall so I like a very deep and high sofa. Inversely, you may prefer a different depth and height than I do.

2. Mattresses

Like sofas, mattresses are another huge investment that we make for our homes. If you need to indulge in an extra expensive mattress for medical or health reasons, then that is all the more reason to buy this home good in person. Unless you are getting a two-week free trial offer from a reputable online company, don’t waste your time or energy ordering such an important item online. Your back will thank you for it.

3. Custom Drapery

This one is interesting because there are a lot of amazing companies offering custom draperies. It may sound good in theory to order custom drapes online, but in actuality it is isn’t much cheaper than having a company come out to you. The whole point of custom draperies is for them to hang perfectly so it is preferable to let a professional installer come out and take the measurements for you. Disclaimer: I have ordered roman and woven shades online, but because floors are usually never level in a house, I wouldn’t recommend this option with drapes.

4. Tile

Many companies offer tile for flooring and back splashes online. Before ordering any of these items, it is best to see them in person to confirm the texture, the color and the grain in the tile. Flooring is something that is quite costly especially when you are considering a wood floor or a natural stone. Because of that, you need to be sure that you can see the product in person before committing to it. Disclaimer: Some companies allow you to order samples before you make your purchase. If that is the case, this option may work.

5. Paint

I have addressed paint many times in the past, but just as a reminder we should never buy paint without testing it. Since paint colors are impacted by the light in a space, we need to purchase a few samples and try them out on the wall to confirm if a particular color will work in our home. Although paint is not expensive, it is a pain to have to paint again so it is always better to get it right the first time.

When ordering online, always be sure to order from a reputable company that has a fair return policy. Any company that doesn’t allow you to return or exchange is not worth spending your hard earned money on no matter how inexpensive the home good is.

The post Cyber-Shopping: 5 Interior Design Items You Should Never Buy Online appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Even when we’ve landed upon the perfect wall color, found an enviable drapery option and finally installed the wood flooring of our dreams, we still need to consistently freshen up our homes. Freshening up our homes ensures that the entire house looks clean and updated. After all, don’t we all want our homes to be in mint condition or better?

Lately I’ve been reminded that even designers are guilty of letting certain things fall by the wayside. After living in a home for a couple of years, it’s easy to get comfortable and forget to do some spot checks on ourselves. But no worries, I have compiled a list of areas that we need to pay attention to before our realtor, in-laws or that really honest friend reminds us of it.

Today, I’m only going to address the interior of your home. We’ll post something in the future about freshening up the exterior of your home because that’s just as important! Ready?

Tip #1: White out those wall marks!

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has passed by a mark on the wall and thought, “I really need to touch that up.” We all think it, but how often do we get around to it?

Pick a weekend to become a weekend warrior and get your mini paint roller out. Get your kids or friends involved by having them put blue paint tape anywhere they see black marks on the wall. Then go around with your trusty roller and touch each of those areas up! In fact, every 4 to 5 years, you should have the whole house spackled (if need be) and repainted (even if it’s the same color) just so that the house has that brand new look. Disclaimer: If you have anything but flat paint on your walls, have a professional painter come and do the touch ups. It will not turn out well if you just roll over the marks because it will end up looking streaky.

Tip #2: Tackle your trim and molding!

There’s no way to get around dinging up the wall trim and molding in our homes. If you have children or pets, it’s even harder to keep white trim clean. Every couple of weeks, hit those dark spots with some Magic Eraser. That thing is really like magic! If the spot is too stubborn to get out with the magic one, consider having a professional painter come in and paint over the spots for you. Again, any paint with a gloss is going to require a professional in order to look seamless.

Tip #3: Revive those flattened throw pillows!

Throw pillows look so full and plump when you first buy them but after crashing on them for an extended period of time, they tend to lose their vitality. In order to revive a throw pillow, you have to purchase pillows where the insert is separate from the lining. Then purchase new inserts every time you notice they’ve become deflated. If your pillows are 20″ x 20″ inch pillows, invest in an insert that is 22″ x 22″. It will make the pillows look even more robust!

Tip #4: Fix that crackling caulking!

This one is probably going to be a bit more of a challenge, but if you’re somewhat handy you can handle it. If not, hire a handyman to remove your current caulking and replace it with some new clear or white caulking. Which color you choose depends on what was there before and the color of your counters or bath surrounds. This will instantly give your counters a clean and refreshed look.

Tip #5: Clean those ceiling fans!

I am personally not a fan of ceiling fans (yes, pun intended) because I prefer chandeliers. However, I know that there are great benefits to using them – keeping the air moving, reducing the costs of cooling a home, etc. One drawback of ceiling fans is that they are huge collectors of dust and so it is super important to keep up with them. Every couple of weeks, take the time to get on a ladder and clean off the blades. This is especially true when the ceiling fan is very close to areas that house food like a kitchen or dining room.

The post 5 Ways to Freshen Up the Inside of Your Home appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

When lighting a room, the focus tends to be on general or ambient lighting like a flush mount light or recessed lighting. Sconces are an under-utilized lighting option that can add another dimension of light to our spaces.

Sconces are wall-affixed light fixtures that require electricity to function. It’s not often that we see sconces inside the home because people probably view them as more of a need than a want. Sconces also have to be pre-planned for with a designer, a builder or an electrician so that the wiring is placed inside the wall.

Sconces can be used in multiple spaces. They usually come in pairs, although that is not always the case. If you are looking to make a statement with sconce lighting, but are not sure where to begin, I have compiled a list of 5 spaces where they work really well in the home.

1. Above a Console

Source: Pinterest

Using sconces above a console to flank a beloved piece of art or a mirror makes these pieces appear even more prominent. Dining rooms and entryways are ideal areas to use sconces above a sideboard or console.

2. Flanking the Bed

Source: Houzz

If you want to break the mold and diverge from using lamps on your nightstands, sconces are an excellent alternative. With your light fixture off of the nightstand, you can actually keep your books, reading glasses and pitcher around without worrying about creating too much clutter.

3. Above the Mantel

Source: Houzz

Similar to placing sconces above a console, this lighting option adds visual interest above the mantel. They can be placed on either side of artwork or a mirror, or they can go into molding that is framing a fireplace. Either way, sconces look spectacular in this setting.

4. Along the Staircase

Source: Houzz

If you have a staircase that is somewhat dark or not completely open, then sconces will help light the way. Two or three sconces that do not protrude too much will provide enough light to keep the space safe and bright.

5. Along a Hallway

Source: Decorpad.com

Sconces are often used in the long hallways of a hotel. If you have a long hallway, one way to add interest is by adding a few sconces along the way. If hospitality can do it, why can’t we?

The post Sconces: Lighting Up the Way in Interior Design appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Source: Houzz

One thing I love about interior design is trends. Trends are the reason we can’t wait for High Point Market to come around every year, why we read design magazines cover to cover and why we scour Pinterest for new home décor ideas. Trends keep us inspired and enamored with the design industry.

The year 2017 may have just gotten its start, but I have already compiled 5 trends that I can’t get enough of.

1. Skirted Sofas

Source: Pinterest

The skirted sofa trend has a tendency to come and go, but for now it is here to stay. If your ideal design style is rustic, farmhouse or cottage, a skirted sofa is a good start. Options like nail heads, banding and welting help you customize the skirted sofa to really make it your own.

2. Brass and Aged Gold

Source: HGTV

Brass isn’t necessarily a new trend; it’s been around for like 8 or 9 years now, but let’s face it some of us are still catching on. If you’ve been holding on to your precious brushed nickel or chrome accents, it’s time to give brass a try. But if you just can’t bear to part with silver, aged silver and champagne have also made a strong comeback this year.

3. Wall Moldings

Source: Better Homes and Garden

This is probably my favorite trend of all. It makes me want to grab a nail gun and go to town on a wall somewhere in my house. Wall molding is one of the most transformative things you can do in your home. It creates a focal point that is hard to take your eyes off.

4. Pastels and Vibrant Color Pairings

Source: Pinterest

This one is not exactly a trend, but I want it to be one. Pastels scream spring, while vibrant colors are reminiscent of summer so why not pair them for one unique color palette? I recently wrote about this eclectic pairing of pastels and vibrant colors here. While this color inspired “trend” is not for the faint of heart, it certainly makes a statement in an Andy Warhol sort of way.

5. Blush Pink

Source: Pinterest

Blue may be the world’s favorite color, but pink – actually blush pink – is moving on up. This pale color first made its appearance last year and now it’s back for an encore. Piggybacking on another popular trend, blush pink is often combined with gold or brass accents.

The post Interior Design Home Trends You Can’t Help But Love appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.

Whether you own a built-in tub or a freestanding tub, the bathtub has the ability to put us in a relaxed state of mind. Filled with some extra warm water, bubbles and Epsom Salt, this home object can provide a momentary remedy for a stress-filled day and grant us some much needed alone time.

I’m not talking about the tub/shower combo kind of bathtub either. Although they are practical and space savers, the combo unit typically does not have the wow factor that an independent bathtub does. And let’s face it; when it comes to interior design, practical is not always synonymous with pretty. We design aficionados want pretty!

Well if pretty is what you want, pretty is what you’ll get. Both the built–in tub and the freestanding tub can be beautiful. Nevertheless, both of these tubs have advantages and disadvantages to them.

The Built-In Bathtub

Under-mount built-in bathtub

The Advantages

I have a built-in tub nestled between our two vanities in my master bathroom. It is a drop-in tub, which means that the rim of the tub fits over the built-in surround. The other option you can go for is an under-mount tub. This is similar to the idea of an under-mount or drop-in sink.

Having a tub surround allows you to keep items you may need within reach, such as candles, soap dispensers, razors and wine on those rough days. Built-in tubs are also easier to clean than freestanding ones and the fact that you can sit on the edge may make it safer for you to get in and out of the tub.

When it comes down to price, the built-in tub is usually more cost effective and that’s even in cases where you have to get a carpenter or general contractor to build the surround. Also, all of the unsightly plumbing is hidden and there is no need to purchase those notoriously expensive stand-up faucets.

Drop-In Built-In Bathtub

The Disadvantages

Built in tubs are often not as aesthetically pleasing as freestanding tubs, but they do come close. Moreover, most built in tubs have to be placed on a wall or in a corner, which means you cannot put them anywhere you desire in the bathroom. In addition the stone on the surround can get expensive if you go with a natural stone option.

The Freestanding Bathtub

Freestanding Bathtub

The Advantages

When we hear freestanding tub, we may automatically think of the claw foot tub. However, in today’s market there are so many options available for lovers of the freestanding tub. From modern to traditional, there is something for everyone.

Freestanding tubs can make a statement all on their own and they do not require hiring additional subcontractors to create a surround. Another advantage is that they can literally be installed anywhere in the bathroom, as long as the plumber does his or her job correctly.

Freestanding tubs are usually made of durable materials such as cast iron, stone resin or fiberglass. The cast iron option can be refinished to its original luster in the future.

Freestanding Bathtub

The Disadvantages

There are several disadvantages to the freestanding tub, but that should not deter you from purchasing one if that is your heart’s desire. First, the freestanding tub tends to weigh much more than the built-in option. When it is full of water, it makes the tub tremendously heavy (especially if it is made of cast iron). This can be dangerous in scenarios where the tub is located on the second or third floor of a home or in a building. The floor below must be reinforced by a contractor in order for it to withstand the heavier load. If this sounds expensive, it is.

Unless the freestanding tub is in the middle of the bathroom, it is also more difficult to clean. If the tub is located near the wall, it may be next to impossible to clean between the wall and the tub. Also, these types of tubs require freestanding tub fillers, which are very expensive. The plumbing may end up being somewhat visible if the space doesn’t allow for relocation of the pipes.

In terms of price, well ouch is all I can say. I recently went on the hunt for a freestanding tub and they are quite expensive. But then again, whoever said being beautiful was cheap?

The post Bathtub Wars: Built-In vs. Freestanding appeared first on Superior Interiors by Karina Jones.