Blog

January 26, 2016

Home Design Trends // Farmhouse Sinks

The farmhouse sink has been gaining in popularity recently, in part because of its sleek look that goes well with transitional and even modern designs. The farmhouse sink, also known as an apron sink, has a deep basin and evokes an “apron” like feel with its exposed front panel that sometimes extends just beyond the counter top and cabinets. It provides an excellent focal point in the kitchen while still emulating a cozy feel, and is quite handy for avid cooks (or their designated dishwashers)! We love that it is available in different materials and colors, making it a seamless and functional fit for any kitchen.

Fireclay Apron Farmhouse Sink, Randolf Morris

Bria Copper Farmhouse Sink, Signature Hardware

Concrete Farmhouse 3018, NativeStone

Whitehaven Self-Trimming, Kohler

January 26, 2016

How to Maximize a Small Workspace

Whether at work or home, many of us aren’t able to have the corner office with the view that we had dreamed of. However, there are definite ways to make your smaller office space look, feel and, most importantly, function better. Here are a few of our favorite tips:

Lighting

One of the most important things when designing or styling an office is lighting. Whether natural or artificial, make sure you have plenty of it.

Pops of Color

Painting or using pops of color is great for an office, it makes it seem less stale. Certain colors like blue and green are found to enhance creativity and if you opt for some pattern, make sure it is only in a small area or accessory, as large patterned walls or large pieces can seem busy and make the space feel cramped.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Go Vertical

Maximize your vertical space for shelving, storing, and decorative objects that inspire you. Just make sure you don’t have too many things so the space doesn’t look cluttered.

Photo: West Elm

Stay Organized

Organization is key when it comes to making a small space seem bigger. Keeping files, papers, and accessories in their correct places can make the space seem more open. Utilize drawers, file holders, and decorative boxes to make the most of the storage areas.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Personalize the Space

Make your office space seem like it is yours by decorating with meaningful and inspirational pictures or pieces that will help stimulate creativity. Greenery is also a great way to add personality to an office space, whether real or fake.

Photo: Chameleon Design

January 26, 2016

Chameleon Design Featured Project: Aurora at Esencia, Plan 2 // Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Aurora by William Lyon Homes are a collection of nine buildings with five distinctive plans, surrounded by Esencia’s beautiful backcountry and coastal views. The homes showcase different variations of traditional Americana architecture and offer homeowners swimming pools, miles of biking and hiking trails and easy access Doheny Beach and San Juan Capistrano.

Plan 2 is approximately 1,400 square feet and boasts 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage. With modern furnishings and one of a kind furniture pieces, this inspired eclectic modernism designed home makes you feel like you have traveled the world and finally found home. With grass cloth wallpaper walls, grey wood looking tiled floors, and neutrals of stone grey mixed with ethnic prints of black and cream creates the perfect eclectic inspired style in this home.

Kitchen

Family Room

Master Bedroom

Kids Bedroom

January 12, 2016

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

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

January 12, 2016

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

January 12, 2016

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: Design Mom

Photo: Chameleon Design

Photo: Live Simply by Annie

December 22, 2015

Happy Holidays from Chameleon Design!

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

December 10, 2015

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

Front

Kitchen

Great Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bathroom

Office

Loft

Rear

December 9, 2015

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.

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

December 9, 2015

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: