TUESDAY’S TIP: Bedside Table Manners

Q: How high should your bedside table be?
A: The same size as your mattress height.
Standard bedside tables typically measure between 24-28" in height (depending on the style of your bed - contemporary beds tend to sit much lower than traditional).  

Not only will an ideal table height make your mornings easier when reaching for that snooze button, but perfectly sized bedside tables will also keep your room in proper proportion.
It's a domino effect.  When your tables are too small, people tend to overcompensate by placing enormous lamps on them to fill the space (creating an Alice in Wonderland look), and when your tables are too large, people tend to place tiny table lamps on them (creating weirdness).  

Both these options will detract from a flowing and "pulled-together" look.  Hope that was helpful - see you next Tuesday for another tip.

August 31, 2010 | Tags: , |

The Closer

I always enjoy seeing one of our pieces make it to the big screen. Production designers definitely seem to share some go-to items with our line, but this is the firs time that our Lucca Chairs were ever featured - and at the scene of the crime nonetheless! Here's a campaign shoot featuring Kyra Sedgwick and Lucca Chair for The Closer.

August 25, 2010 | Tags: , , |

TUESDAY’S TIP: Where to splurge and where to save?


When it comes to taking on a design project, there are many factors and choices to consider before moving forward. One extremely important thing to consider before starting the process is budget.
A good way to budget for a project is to figure how much money you will be spending on each piece. Think of it as the design equivalent of wearing a Forever 21 top with your YSL Stiletto’s and J Crew blazer. Mix High and Low for a pulled together, sophisticated yet fun and stress free look.
Personally, I am a big fan of lists. I like to have a list that covers all items needed. Here’s a peek at how I organize where I would suggest spending your money...

SPLURGE ON THIS:

Anything that you will sitting/sleeping on, high use wood pieces like dining tables, outdoor fixtures that are subject to the elements:
Dining Chairs
Dining Table

Sofa
An amazing mattress
Bedding
Pillows
Silver frames
Crystal
Formal China
Statement Art that is placed at a major focal point
A truly beautiful timeless entry hall table
Statement Area Rugs for formal rooms
A fantastic bronze sculpture
Table clothes and good napkins

SAVE ON THIS:

 Anything that is very much the look of the moment, trendy and funky pieces or things that are far outside your color comfort zone. Spending less on these things will allow you to test them out without buyer’s remorse.
 Accessory Pillows
Wallpaper
Funky and trendy objects
Bookends
Everyday dishware
Filler art (for hallways and bonus rooms)
Outdoor Dishware, table clothes and napkins
Area rugs that will be used in high traffic areas
Mirrors

August 24, 2010 | Tags: |

TUESDAY’S TIP: Cover it with a Console


In situations where the back of a sofa faces the entrance to a room, I will often install a console in that space.  

In addition to offering a more visually appealing welcome than the boring back of your sofa, a strategically positioned console will also:

1. Offer opportunities for accessories
2. Formally divide a room where needed
3. Allow space for additional table lamps
August 16, 2010 | Tags: , , , |

Houndstoothe Check

Bold enough to be the focal point of a room, I used a houndstoothe fabric on this project as the outside upholstery and throw pillows on Plush Home Gatsby lounge chairs.

I love houndstoothe fabric for my wardrobe and upholstered furniture because of its classic nature. There is something both bold and modern about this pattern that I adore and unlike tattoo-inspired prints, houndsoothe won't go away or be featured in a VH1 "What were we thinking?" fashion special five years from now. It was given its name because its pattern resembles a dog's tooth - its name is French is pied-de-poule, which means 'hen's foot'.

August 15, 2010 | Tags: |

TUESDAY’S TIP: How to choose the perfect sectional

A sectional sofa is exactly what its name suggests. It is a series of "sections" put together to create a connected sitting area. If you specify the right size and style, a sectional can be the perfect answer to your home entertainment needs. But like most everything in interior design, if you don't properly plan it out, it can lead to a big upholstered disaster.
The biggest mistake that people make when selecting a sectional for their space is deciding on their sectional style (L-Shape, Sofa with Chaise Return, U-Shape, etc..) before considering the actual space it will live in. This is a big NO NO that will lead to a non-cohesiveness lounge area.  

In wardrobe terms, this would be similar to buying a size 10 dress off the rack (just because you liked the color) and assuming it would fit your size 6 body....or the other way around. Like I said...NO NO.

So unless you're cool with a random fraternity lounge area look, keep reading...

A Park Avenue Sofa with a Chaise Return

Here are my top tips on choosing the perfect sectional:
- Let your space should dictate the shape. Invest in a roll of blue tape (or cut up some butcher paper) and actually lay out sectional options for you to consider. Make sure that the sectional doesn't overpower the room and become the focal point of your space. Also make sure you allow for enough space for end tables and a coffee table or ottoman(s).
- Extra sleeping. You may not want to advertise this on Facebook, but assuming one side of your sectional is large enough, you can have it custom built with a queen size pull-out bed for guests.
- Let the pillows pop. Since it's a lot of upholstery, I normally specify solid fabric on large sectionals. Save the patterns and colors for your throw pillows - this way you can switch them when you're in the mood for something new.
- Screen it. If you're using your sectional for a media space, make sure the largest portion of your sectional is facing the television.
- Lay it down. Place an area rug in front of your sectional to add symmetry to your space and complete the look.

An L-Shaped Sectional Sofa is basically two sofas connected by a corner piece

August 10, 2010 | Tags: , , |

TUESDAY’S TIP: Double Trouble

In spaces where you are utilizing lots of seating, don't let your coffee table look like a postage stamp. If it's appropriate to the design, you can customize it larger (as long as it doesn't cross into the Alice & Wonderland zone) or you can double it up. Don't be shy to install two similar coffee tables side by side or across from one another.

As shown, Plush Home custom Carlisle Ottomans with removable wood trays. The upholstery is a faux kid and pet friendly leather.

August 3, 2010 | Tags: , |

TUESDAY’S TIP: Don’t Paint First!

Among the most common mistakes in home design is starting with a paint color.  Yes, you read this right: starting with paint = no, no. This may be okay for some commercial projects, but if you rush out and paint your dining room before you select your furniture, you're really backing yourself into a corner by limiting your fabric choices.

There are literally endless paint colors to select from. But there is really only a limited amount of fabrics that may work for your design scheme (color, pattern, budget, availability).

I always begin by selecting the main fabric for a room (usually drapery or sofa). This fabric selection will be the basis for all other fabrics, finishes, and paint color. So, if you have a general idea of what color you would like a particular wall to be (ie. red), then start by searching for a fabric that would work well with red. Once you've finalized this fabric choice, then you can select the perfect shade of red that works with your fabric. Trust me, it's a lot more cost efficient to custom mix a paint color (many vendors won't even upcharge you) then it is to make a custom fabric.

July 27, 2010 | Tags: , |

Tuesday’s Tip: How to make a grand front entrance

No need for a grand turnaround driveway or 15 foot tall door to make a statement with your front entrance. Of course all exterior design decisions are based on the style of your house, the vibe of the neighborhood, and also what's going on inside as well -- but for the most part I do like flanking a front door with impressive sconces and topiary planters. Depending on the rest of your scheme, a red, black, blue, or chocolate brown door can also add interest and warmth to your entrance.

July 20, 2010 | Tags: , |

TUESDAY’S TIP: Where to add color

If you're in the mood for a little color, but are afraid to commit to an overall scheme that you may get bored of in a year, try adding splashes of colors in your accessories, artwork, throw pillows, and/or focal point furniture pieces. I designed our Sofia Chair just for this purpose. It's available in any lacquer color you can imagine and has been a loyal piece for me to bring character and architectural interest to an otherwise colorless and boring spaces.

Plush Home Sofia Chair

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July 13, 2010 | Tags: , , , , , |
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