Blog

Highlights. Trends. Insights. We’ve got the scoop on everything you need to know about interior design right here in one tidy space!

March 10, 2021

Multi-Functional Spaces at Dover at Compass Bay’s Plan 4

The Plan 4 model at Dover at Compass Bay is a little modern masculine and a lot of casual luxury situated in the desirable city of Newark on the San Francisco Bay. Upon entry, you look through the dining area and into the great room. There is a lovely play of comfort, laid-back luxury, and masculine sophistication with the use of gray, black, and tan. Balanced with contrasts of textural and smooth, raw and refined that play off one another and encourage the eye to dance around the light-filled open-concept floor plan. A dramatic inky black wall and wood slice decor welcome you down the hall towards the garage entry/drop zone and beyond to the home’s main living areas.

Upstairs in the master bedroom, striking black tongue-and-groove paneling takes a turn three quarters up the wall, warm wood bedside cabinets, and a frosted glass chandelier offer moments of relaxation and repose. It wouldn’t be 2021 if we didn’t include some creative use of space, and multiple master closets allowed us to seamlessly integrate a stylish and cohesive workstation that can be more private when you close the black-framed sliding doors. The study room for parents and kids is a multi-purpose design done right. Kids can make the most of its layout with multiple workstations, a Zoom-worthy floating desk, and contemporary art background. The secondary bedroom and laundry room continue the calm and cool palette with warm wood touches, making this three-bedroom floor plan by Trumark Homes a welcoming retreat many families would love to call home.

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

March 10, 2021

Big on Style Multi-Functional Spaces

It’s been a year since we’ve been mostly home-bound, and if you haven’t gone out and purchased a larger one, chances are you’ve looked for ways to maximize the space you have. Our needs have changed and expectations of our homes have evolved, and sometimes there isn’t room to expand. Multi-functional spaces are a trend that isn’t going away any time soon, but it can be a real challenge keeping these areas looking great when they have to accommodate various purposes. But there’s nothing a little necessity and creativity can’t solve! Approach these spaces with intention and an air of ingenuity so they blend with the home’s existing decor. Think about matching functions, like adding a school/study area to a playroom, or game tables to the garage for some family recreation. We’ve even seen some creative (and brave!) parents add their workspace to the playroom. In 2021 layouts are more informal, and main living areas are now offices and makeshift home gyms, so adding storage furniture for laptops, other office items, and workout equipment will keep clutter down. Set your Zoom ‘stage’ in the room with the best light and background (great wallpaper or artwork is a plus!). Create a transitional space from indoors to outdoors to expand your living area. Make the most of your patio or deck with comfortable seating for working in the afternoon and dinner al fresco with the family. Thoughtful execution is key to stylish spaces that work for everyone. See how we’ve created multi-functional rooms for our clients for some inspiration!

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

March 10, 2021

Time to Shine—Drop Zones and Mud Rooms

We rarely read design accolades of a mud room/drop zone, and we think it’s time to give this workhorse of a space its due! If you’re fortunate enough to have one in your home (if not create one!), a mud room or drop zone is a place to shed the day away and drop all goods and go. It’s a transitional space, one where the family passes through for a brief moment on their way to the kitchen or family room or out the door. Make organization part of the design with a custom built-in or storage cabinet, a bench for putting on shoes, baskets, and wall hooks. Create a spot for mail, keys, and small odds and ends. All items should have a home that’s within easy reach when rushing in or out the door. Don’t forget to personalize it and make it your own! Add art, greenery, a rug, and objects that speak to you and align with existing decor. Make it a place you want to be in, even if only for a short time as you go on about your day!

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

February 3, 2021

Beauty Between the Lines in this Minimalist Art Trend

It’s always interesting to see artistic styles that dominate the collective and how they evolve over time. One trend that’s adorning many gallery walls right now is line art. True to its name, line art is a deliberate display of straight or curved lines against a plain or neutral background. The foundational element of artistic expression, the line’s representation in its most basic form is elegant in its singularity. Long, short, narrow, or thick. Straight, angular, or full of curve – line art often alludes to familiar silhouettes or abstract shapes. Pieces are minimalistic in nature as they embrace empty space with clean and bold lines with no or minimal shading.

While most express images in black and white, we’re seeing more color pop up in this trend as well as negative space drawings with white lines on a dark canvas. Its beauty also resides in its versatility, as these abstract forms complement any room in the home, from the family room and dining area, to the bedroom, bath, or home office. Break up your gallery wall and create some visual breathing room with this understated art trend. Here are some images from our own work to spark your creativity!

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

February 3, 2021

Moments of Calm: How to Create Them in Your Home

It’s always fun and eye-opening to review our most popular blog posts of the year, and looking back over 2020 we definitely noticed a trend. Posts that featured calming and soothing decor and ideas, like neutral paint colors, curved furnishings, soft textures, and moody bedrooms enjoyed the most views. And because 2020 was, well, 2020, it’s no surprise. With all of the upheaval and turbulence happening around us, it’s natural to want our homes to feel safe, serene, and peaceful. As we’ve turned our focus inward, our homes have become our safe harbors, places of refuge, and retreat to enjoy calm, quiet, and some much-needed zen. We’re seeing more interest in creating the resort or staycation experience at home, like private spaces for yoga, meditation rooms, pools, and spa-worthy bathrooms.

It’s also easy to add elements of calm without committing to a renovation or remodeling project. Consider the power of paint to set the mood of a room, from creamy whites and alabaster to luxurious dark hues. Wood furnishings warm up a room and create connections to the outdoors. Sheer curtains diffuse natural light and cast a lovely glow. Treat yourself to little luxuries that offer special moments of rejuvenation and joy. Make up the bed in ultra-soft sheets and a washed linen duvet and bring sumptuous and oversized towels to the master bath. And never underestimate the restorative potential of a well-placed candle, pillow, or potted plant. Elevate the every-day in the home to reground, uplift, and enhance well-being!

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

February 3, 2021

Classic Cottage Style Gets a Modern Upgrade in Gardens Plan 3 at Lantana

This three-bedroom townhome, from the Gardens Collection at Lantana @ Beach by Brookfield Residential, lives large in all the right places, with a refined cottage style and carefully curated experiences throughout. Upon entry, we created a terrific school/work-from-home space in this “fun-sized” den. Your Zoom meetings are sure to be a hit with the powerful yellow & white patterned wallpaper and cleaver shelving as your backdrop. The pegs create a pseudo drop zone for backpacks or coats and the buffet is a perfect place to grab the keys, grocery bags or dog leash on your way out.

Pine wood luxury vinyl plank was used to create a larger more continuous feel on the second floor. Rustic white wash and pine pieces feel modern because of their clean lines. Crisp white, calming gray and vibrant yellow are super hot as Pantone’s Colors of the Year. The interplay of color and pattern encourages the eye to move around the room, and features like a textured sisal rug and raffia-wrapped bar stools add to the organic cottage style and contrast beautifully against the bright white kitchen. This soothing color scheme creates moments of relaxation and happiness! Sleep and rejuvenation is what the third floor is all about. From the daughter’s room who loves horses and all things natural and free, to the son who loves camping in the wilderness and on into the master suite, complete with the right sized deck where you can enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine. It’s all the details in this striking townhome that create effortless Orange County living!

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

January 4, 2021

Happiness Hack: How to Tell Your Story in Home Design

Designer hot take: Want to know how to truly make your home your own and a happy place you’ll love every day? Make it all about you! A home that’s full of character is one that authentically reflects the personalities of its inhabitants. And one of the things that makes people who they are is the stories they tell about themselves, like past experiences, achievements, relationships, and interests. If you’re not sure how that all translates into a cohesive and put-together home full of beautiful spaces, try asking yourself a few of these questions:

What was your favorite vacation?

What’s your favorite mantra or affirmation?

What item in your closet do you reach for the most?

Where would you live if money weren’t an option?

What sorts of activities make you lose track of time?

Use your answers as a jumping off point for your creativity. Create a mood or Pinterest board with color palettes, themes, photos, and mementos. There are many fun ways to incorporate these things to reflect what you love and create happiness every day. Arrange a vignette on a console table with a beloved collection, photo gallery, or aspirational signs. Surround yourself with those you love the most with a large family and friend photo wall. Entertain in style with a fun bar cart al fresco or a next-level game room with all the embellishments. Show off your personality using interesting paint details, like colorful ombre stair risers or mood-boosting horizontal stripes. If you love the outdoors, bring some of it inside with a heart-shaped succulent wall. Big or small, these individual touches tell your unique story and make your home a source of happy moments. Our homes should joyfully reflect the stories of our lives, so make the motto, do more of what makes you happy, your design mantra!

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

January 4, 2021

One of Our Fave Hues: Silver Award Recipients Chameleon Design Received 7 Honors at The Nationals 2021

We love what we do and need to pinch ourselves daily for the privilege of working with our wonderful clients. Recognition from our deeply respected industry experts and peers is icing on the cake, which is why team Chameleon is incredibly honored to have been recently named Silver Award winners in seven categories at next year’s The Nationals! Established in 1982, The Nationals is the National Association of Home Builders’ most prestigious awards program, recognizing the nation’s top achievements in categories including homebuilding, new home communities, residential architecture and interior design, sales experience, and marketing. Judging is administered by a select panel of top industry leaders and professionals, including homebuilder chief executives, design firm principals, and head designers. Entries are considered and awarded based on their overall innovation, functionality, relevance, and ease of realization. We are very proud to be among this select group of awards finalists, and we look forward to the announcement of Gold Award winners during The Nationals Gala in February in conjunction with the International Builders Show. Here’s a peek at our award-winning projects!

Emerald Park at New Haven Welcome House by Brookfield SoCal | Best Sales/Leasing Center

Bright color pops in this cheery sales office and highlights the fun lifestyle promised in this new home community.

Photo by: Chameleon Design

Tracy Hills Welcome Center by Integral Communities | Best Community Welcome Center

A well-appointed modern farmhouse-style welcome center features opportunities to explore and engage with tech-forward elements.

Photo by: Chameleon Design

Indigo at Canvas Park Plan 1 by Brookfield SoCal | Best Interior Merchandising of a Model Priced $375,000 to $500,000

Calming neutrals with pops of color and an organic theme highlight the ease and functionality of this three-bedroom townhome.

Photo by: Chameleon Design

The QUE at Vibe Palm Springs Plan 1 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Model Priced $500,000 to $600,000

A sleek and modern townhome with bright yellows reflective of iconic Palm Springs sunshine offers luxe desert living.

Photo by: Chameleon Design

The QUE at Vibe Palm Springs Plan 2 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Model Priced $500,000 to $600,000

Layered neutrals and natural embellishments accentuate and soften the light-filled volume of this incredible Palm Springs townhome.

Photo by: Chameleon Design

Flair at Miralon Palm Springs Plan 1 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Model Priced $600,000 to $700,000

Mid-century furnishings and styling enhance the ease and comfort of this luxurious single-story home in Palm Springs.

Photo by: Chameleon Design

Flair at Miralon Palm Springs Plan 4 by Woodbridge Pacific | Best Interior Merchandising of a Model Priced $700,000 to $850,000

A retro masculine theme rich in warm woods and matte black creates an upscale living experience and frame show-stopping views of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Photo by: Chameleon Design

January 4, 2021

Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year Are How We’re All Feeling

December is an exciting time in the design community. Not only is it an opportunity to reflect on the year’s trends and predict what’s going to be popular in the next, but it’s when Pantone makes its annual Color of the Year announcement. Their big reveal set the design world aflutter because their team of color experts selected two distinct hues instead of one for 2021 (only the second time in its 20-year history) — Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (bright yellow). Designers often embrace the language of color to communicate a theme, motif, or narrative, and this duo channels the ambivalence and uncertainty of our times, as one tumultuous year comes to an end and a new one of possibility begins.

“A message of happiness supported by fortitude, the combination of PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is aspirational and gives us hope. We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter – this is essential to the human spirit.”

The pairing of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating channels a message of resilience and hope, satisfying our need for constancy and strength as we look ahead to a brighter future. Gray is grounding and a lovely neutral base, while bright yellow is vibrant, full of life, and a shining beacon for a better tomorrow. The combination is versatile, striking, and adapts equally well to residential and commercial environments. We could easily see it paired beautifully in a living room or conference room, on products or packaging, in textiles, building products, paint, and clothing. And while none of us knows what 2021 will bring, embarking on the new year with a mindset that reflects strength and optimism is a good way to begin.

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

December 2, 2020

Sustainable by Design: Rattan, Cane, Bamboo & Rope

If you’ve scrolled through your favorite home decor hashtags on Instagram for more than a minute, you know that rattan, cane, bamboo, and rope furniture and furnishings are back in a major way. People are becoming more environmentally aware, which is influencing their consumption preferences and buying decisions. In a recent National Retail Federation study, 57% of respondents would change their purchasing habits to reduce negative environmental impact! In other words, when it comes to home design and furnishings, people are seeking out more sustainable materials and earth-friendly products. Eco-conscious and renewable materials like rattan, cane, and bamboo are at the top 2020’s trend list for good reason. They add warmth, accessibility, and freshness to living spaces and give off a chic organic vibe. A 70s boho nod interpreted for 21st century tastes, woven furnishings bring some of the wonderful outdoors into the home, and who couldn’t use a little more of that these days!