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How to Decorate with Neutrals

We love those beautiful white rooms, however it can be tricky decorating with only neutral colors. Here are some simple ways to keep the design of your home interesting and beautiful while using only neutral colors.

Hues

Using varying hues of the same color gives your neutral room personality and depth. Using a broad range of shades from the same palette keeps the look cohesive and ties it all together if used throughout the whole house.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Texture

The more textures that you add, to walls, couches, beds, tables, the more interest you add to the design. Layering textures with pillows and blankets adds a rich element. You can also add textures with ceramics, rugs, and accent pieces.

Photo: Lexington Company

Photo: Lexington Company

Metals, Woods and Plants

Plants, metal and wood elements serve as a great way to mix up the style while still staying in a neutral zone. Adding live plants to your décor can give a nice pop of color to keep things lively.

Photo: softandchic.com

Architecture

Accentuate architecture or find furniture pieces with tasteful lines and architecture. If your house boasts beautiful architectural features, make sure that you highlight them by styling around them to make them stand out.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Chameleon Design Featured Project: Aurora at Esencia, Plan 3 // Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Plan 3 at Aurora in the village of Esencia is a 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home designed with a transitional style, including accents of rustic woods that enhance the updated Farmhouse styling at Aurora. Warm wood flooring was taken up the walls in the living and dining rooms and offset with beautiful porcelain tiles on the floors in order to not have too much wood in the decor. The master bedroom has a soothing feel with creamy linens and whites, while the little boy’s room has pops of golden maize. The girl’s room is adorable with a bright persimmon wall and accents of white and maize.

Family Room

Dining Room

Master Bedroom

Girls Bedroom

Boys Bedroom

 

Photo: Magicdreamlife.com

Home Design Trends // Exposed Wood Structural Accents

Though usually hidden behind drywall and paint, when wood structural elements are left exposed, they can be a beautiful added benefit to your design. Bring in a natural, organic feel to any room by making it a statement piece, not just a structural element. Here are some of our favorite examples:

Photo: Magicdreamlife.com

Photo: Magicdreamlife.com

 

Photo: Design Mom

 

Photo: Chameleon Design

Photo: Chameleon Design

 

Photo: Live Simply by Annie

Photo: Live Simply by Annie

Happy Holidays from Chameleon Design!

chameleon

Gift Wrapping Style

If you’re in need of some fun ideas for wrapping gifts we have you covered! Here are some of our favorites that you’ll find underneath our Christmas tree this year:

Ornament Toppers
This is really two gifts in one and the options are endless. We love using simple and inexpensive brown kraft paper so the ornament stands out as the star.  Another thing to note is that ornaments are typically on sale the week of Christmas.

Photo: Little Market

Go Green!
Google a how-to video on the Japanese art of Furoshiki (fabric folding) to wrap up your gifts.  You can use anything from vintage napkins, scarves or fabrics to wrap the most beautiful (and simple) presents using this technique and the best part is that no paper will go to waste.

Photo: Green Living Ideas

Trim Your Tree:
Since we’re nearing the end of the holiday season, I’m sure your tree won’t mind lending you a few snippets of greenery to deck out your gifts. All you need for this idea is some simple paper, twine, string or ribbon and some greens to place on top.

Photo: Odessa May Society

Kitchen

Chameleon Design Featured Project: Artisan Collection, Lot 11 // Ladera Ranch, CA

Artisan Collection, by William Lyon Homes, is a collection of 14 homes nestled in the guard gated community of Covenant Hills. With Plan 11, you get the old world charm that is quintessential Provence style, updated with warm materials that will make you so at home you’ll never want to leave.

This home is all about the details! From authentic curved walls with a cat face finish that are trimmed with stained wood casings to wood-paned French casement windows to replicate the original. There are also hand forged iron railings and one of a kind handpicked chandeliers throughout. At the entry you’ll find a subtle patterned French limestone accompanied by French oak planked floors that run through the rest of the home. The interiors spaces flow right out to the exterior living spaces which creates a perfect place for entertaining. Upstairs you’ll find the kids rooms and a large loft-style retreat where they can kick back. There is a private suite for a nanny as well, with a separate entrance from outside.  And just when you think you’ve seen it all, climb one more flight of stairs to the “Sky Room” which is really the parents retreat. It makes a great place to relax and enjoy the perfect sunset or even view the ocean on a clear day.

Artisan Collection Lot 11 – 73 Bell Pasture

 

nationals-silver-2017-logo

Front

Front

Kitchen

Kitchen

Great Room

Great Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom

Master Bathroom

Master Bathroom

Office

Office

Loft

Loft

Rear

Rear

How to Get Your Dining Room Holiday Ready

The holidays are here and if you’re not excited about hosting dinner in your dining room, we have some ideas that you can easily pull together in a matter of days. These updates will ensure that your dining room gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be proud to show it off.

Go Bold
Whether you choose to paint your walls or trim in a surprising hue, or you’d rather make a statement with your tabletop accessories, artwork or rug, the dining room is the perfect place to take a chance-especially if you don’t use the space every day.

Find the Perfect Rug
A beautifully designed rug is the perfect way to anchor any room, including the dining room. It adds visual interest and you can showcase pattern and color.

Add Statement Lighting
​ A gorgeous chandelier or statement light hanging directly over the table will do wonders for an otherwise simple space. If you’re only going to splurge on one thing in your dining room, this is safe bet.

PLAN 3 IMG# 06

Chameleon Design

Photo: Lonny Magazine

Expect the Unexpected
A plain wooden dining table surrounded by matching wood chairs might be an easy way to furnish your dining room but it won’t make a big impact. Instead of going for that matching set, consider a popular trick- getting chairs in 2 or 3 different styles. Or if you don’t want to mix up the styles, just make sure the table and chairs are made of different materials.

Create an Artistic Focal Point
Put the finishing touches on your dining room by bringing in eye-catching artwork.  A gallery wall, or even a large-scale piece of art, will make the room feel complete, and add an extra layer of aesthetic appeal.

Photo: Nate Berkus Design

 

Photo: Lonny Magazine

 

Show Off Your Favorite Serving Pieces
Don’t keep your beautiful tabletop accessories hidden away in the cabinets. Plan for shelving or a sideboard in your dining room and put your pieces on display.

Photo: Chameleon Design

 

Take Tips From Your Favorite Restaurant
Nothing beats having a fancy meal at your favorite date night spot, so why not recreate that same feeling in your own home? Keep your lights dim and to create an atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a special occasion.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Home Design Trends // Factory Windows & Doors

Factory windows are simply black metal-framed windows and doors that have been around forever, but have more recently made a big comeback in both residential and commercial design. They bring an edgy and effortlessly cool style to any space, and will work in more traditional or modern rooms alike. Aside from being versatile and looking great, they’re also very practical! Need a space definer and don’t want to loose any light or feeling of openness? They’re the perfect solution as a room divided by glass still feels spacious and bright. Here are some of our favorite inspiration pics:

Photo: Studio Wonder

Photo: Studio Wonder

 

Photo: Amber Interiors

Photo: Amber Interiors

 

Photo: Jute Interior Design

 

Photo: Elizabeth Garrett Interiors

 

Happy Thanksgiving from Chameleon Design!

Happy Thanksgiving (1)

 

If you’re in need of a simple, yet colorful and festive, cocktail to serve your guests, here are some fun ideas. Click on the name of the cocktail to view the original recipe. Cheers!

 

BY LARK & LINEN
INGREDIENTS
  1. FOR THE BLACKBERRY SYRUP
  2. 1/3 cup blackberries, plus 8 more for garnish
  3. 1/3 cup water
  4. 1/3 cup sugar
  5. FOR THE COCKTAIL
  6. 1 bottle of prosecco or champagne
  7. FOR THE GARNISH
  8. 4 sprigs of thyme
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. 1. In a small saucepan, bring the blackberried, water and sugar to a boil. Turn to low and let simmer for 10 minutes. Strain blackberries and let syrup cool.
  2. 2. Add 2 tbsp. of syrup to the bottom of each glass. Top with champagne and add in a sprig of thyme and 2 blackberries!
BY RIP & TAN
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
To Make the Thyme Simple Syrup:
  1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan on the stove. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and stir, dissolving sugar into the water. Throw in a handful of thyme and let cool. Can be refrigerated for up to a month.
To Make the Cocktail:
  1. Combine persimmon juice, lime juice, thyme simple syrup and tequila in a pitcher and stir well. Let guests pour over ice and enjoy!! Garnish with thyme or limes, optional.

 

 

BY MARTHA STEWART
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup pear nectar
  • 1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) Champagne

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, pear nectar, and orange-flavored liqueur. Slowly add Champagne. Serve over ice.

Home Design Trends // Ceramics

Picking up on a boho vibe, hand-thrown pottery and ceramics are enjoying a resurgence in home decor. Ceramics of any shape or color are great pieces to beautify and accent any room. You can also go trendier by choosing textured ceramic pieces like vases, candle holders, or lamp bases that come ribbed or decorated with patterns like scales or flowers. Whatever your preference, there’s a wide selection there to choose from.

Table Lamp, West Elm

Mini Pot, Rennes

Vase, Jenni Kayne

Votives, Up in the Air Somewhere

Basic Design Principles of Modern Decor

Modern decor has been quite popular for years now and the look is not going anywhere! Creating a modern feel in your home doesn’t have to be difficult but there are a few basic rules to keep in mind if you want to go this direction. If you go overboard in any one area, you may end up with something that’s cold or uncomfortable, when what you really want is warm and relaxed. It’s possible to get there if you follow these simple guidelines and before you know it, you’ll have a modern decor that you’ll love:

Simplicity
This word describes modern design better than anything, so make sure that you’re always considering it when decorating your space. As we mentioned, don’t go to the extreme and think you only need a few items in each room. But do go for an uncluttered look, with clean lines, which will naturally simplify things and be more cost effective in the long run.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Functionality
Once you’ve nailed the simplicity by using clean lines and minimal artwork and accessories, you also need to make sure everything in the space is functional. This will vary from room to room, but the key is being able to walk into any area and easily access the items in it. For example, the room below utilizes extra wall space for a built-in desk/computer area that’s not at all out of place in the open family room.

 

Open Spaces
If you are going with a modern decor, then you will want to have lots of open space in your home. This won’t be as easy if you don’t have an open concept but you can still create the appearance of open spaces by using color, fabrics and furniture. You can also keep windows coverings that are light in color and airy in feel to create an open feel in to the room even if it isn’t.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Character
Last but not least, don’t forget to always inject character in each space. Whether it’s done with color or a fun pattern added to an otherwise neutral palette or an incredible statement piece such as a chair or chandelier that packs a punch, don’t neglect to add some personality to each room.

Photo: Chameleon Design