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gray sofa in living room

The New Neutral: Gray Sofas

To the surprise of absolutely no one, the gray sofa is THE furnishing for 2021. It’s everywhere right now, from high-end glossy design magazines to style influencers on social media. It’s easy to see why — it’s versatile and goes with everything, from era and motif to mood and vibe. There’s always a showstopping design element in a room (at least there should be) and this neutral sofa acts as a jumping-off point for creativity, color, and pattern. It’s a neutral blank canvas unbound by seasons or color palettes for layers that are bold and bright or luxe and textural. A gray sofa pairs well with Scandi or Japandi design, which have both become increasingly popular as we seek to create calming spaces in our homes. And if you’re a long-time gray lover and use it throughout your home, prevent a cold, austere look by dressing up the sofa with pops of color and playful decor. Our recent project at Rancho Palma is a great place to look for inspiration. Also, as a plus, a gray sofa is both kid and dog-friendly because dirt, stains, and pet hair will be relatively hidden. A smart design choice that’s also chic!

living room at Rancho Palma Plan 6 in San Bernardino, California

Subtle Contrasts Reign Supreme at Rancho Palma’s Plan 6

Sweeping panoramic vistas uplift and enchant at Rancho Palma by Trumark Homes, a gated community nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains in the Inland Empire, California. The muted yet refined colors of the surrounding terrain inspire the community’s Plan 6 model home, reflecting the spirit of outdoor adventure that awaits along jagged peaks and undulating hills only a short drive away. The home’s interior is a case study in subtle contrasts that creates a restful retreat with connections to the outside world. Our team was deliberate in our curated selection of natural materials and furnishings, like wood-encased mirrors, a jute rug, wood tables, and woven window shades. The living room looks and feels like a big hug with its textural elements infusing a cozy vibe that’s still refreshingly upscale. Here, contrasts are nuanced, like the interplay of sharp angles and rounded features. Tawny brown hues commingle with slate and onyx materials, offering a pleasing balance of warm and cool tones. Touches of burnt orange, a color reminiscent of late summer sunsets, suffuse throughout the bedrooms and loft. The effect is a lifestyle that’s sophisticated yet approachable and wholly inviting — a blend of cozy and modern for the at-home age where so many of us continue spending a lot of time in our living rooms, kitchens, and home offices.

blue and orange bedroom

Lovely layers

Much like we add layers of clothing to stay warm during fall and winter (and add a touch of the unexpected), layering in the home brings rooms to life. Just like you would throw on a scarf, wrap, or earrings to style an outfit, layering in interiors is an expression of character and personality. Without them, a room can look dull and flat, so it’s time to say goodbye to rooms that don’t inspire! Layering sounds more complicated than it really is, but the idea is simple. Think of a room’s major visual elements — flooring, walls, furniture, and artwork are some examples of layers that should all work together. It’s about thoughtfully selecting individual pieces that make a statement on their own while forming a cohesive look. For instance, color can be its own impactful layer and a jumping-off point for other elements that complement or contrast. Layering prints work well when the same color scheme is used in various scales. Adding in artwork infuses a space with dimension and personality. A gallery wall of abstract pieces or large-scale photography is a great way to achieve this. To further catch the eye, group décor pieces of varying heights and sizes together. Or simply throw a textural area rug on the floor for a pop of color or contrast. Layering is a cornerstone of well-styled interiors, and we love using this technique to create unique and distinctive spaces for our clients!

spaced them wall art in kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

Imagination Station: Kids’ Bedrooms

It’s October and we’re heading into the dress-up and decorated months of the year (our favorites!). We express ourselves and tell stories in our clothing and costume, and there’s no good reason why our homes shouldn’t do that too. In the spirit of make-believe and pretend play, kids’ rooms can be an extension of their personalities and style. Like grownups, they deserve a thoughtfully created space they can call their own. Unlike other rooms in your home where you might proceed with caution in design, kids’ bedrooms invite an adventurous ‘go for it’ attitude. They present an opportunity to experiment with vibrant color, pattern, and shape. Need a creative nudge? Start with a theme – one of their hobbies or interests will do – or even a fun piece of statement furniture. Bold walls are next, like bright color, a mural, decals, printed wallpaper, and stencils for unique paint accents. Don’t stop there — you’ll need places to keep their toys and books. And in a kids’ bedroom, simple storage simply doesn’t cut it. Fancy it up with a woven basket or two or shaped shelving and cubbies (clouds, houses, and geometric shapes are good bets). Before too long, they’ll enjoy a bespoke bedroom that’s as playful as their imaginations!

 

spaced them wall art in kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

forest themed kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

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shark themed kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

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yellow and blue nursery by Chameleon Design

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skateboard theme kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

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classic blue and white beach kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

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dog themed kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

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rabbit themed kids’ bedroom by Chameleon Design

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blue wallpaper with cloud mirrors in nursery by Chameleon Design

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camp theme kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

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bright blue accent wall in dog theme kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

yellow and white horse theme kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

dinosaur theme kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

yellow and white striped walls in living room by Chameleon Design

Off the Wall Paint

It may seem like we’re getting down to design basics when talking about paint, but hear us out. It’s no secret that paint’s a low-cost way to enliven and freshen up a space, but it also has the power to be truly transformative. When you think about it, our homes’ walls are a kind of a blank canvas on which to express our style and personality through color. So much potential! Think beyond accent walls and wallpaper (though both are wonderful, too) and use paint to create shape, pattern, and texture. Paint techniques like stenciling, adding geometric shapes, creating stripes, and rag rolling (it’s a thing!) let your walls do some of the design talking and tell a story. Combining paint color and technique creates a one-of-kind space that’s uniquely yours. And don’t let the walls have all the fun. Nearly any architectural feature in your home is a candidate for some paint color. Imagine colorful doorways, railings, archways, and mantles. Painted stairs are having a moment and add some unexpected intrigue — definitely a ‘step’ in the right direction when experimenting with playful paint.

 

yellow and white striped walls in living room by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

blue surfboard decal in kid’s bedroom by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

white and brown diagonal paint in home office by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

white shapes on grey wall in horse themed bedroom by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

grey orange and white paint in sports themed bedroom by Chameleon Design

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color wall panels in home office by Chameleon Design

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geometric shapes on bedroom wall by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

green grey and white stripes in golf themed bedroom by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

colorful stripes in kid’s playroom with built-in bench by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

yellow and white painted wall with moon decal in space themed bedroom by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

sun and ocean painted wall mural in work space by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

blue and green wall with white stripes in bedroom by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

white and green geometric wall paint by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

living room at Madrone Plan 1 in Pomona, California

We Took the Lucky 13 to this Year’s SoCal MAME Awards

To say 2020 and 2021 are years to remember is no understatement. This year had its own unique challenges, which is why we couldn’t be prouder of our dedicated and hardworking team for the level of creativity and innovation they bring to each and every client project. We’re absolutely thrilled to share that we had 13 finalists and 3 winners named in this year’s SoCal MAME Awards on October 8, 2021! This accomplishment is a true team effort in every way, and we are privileged to have collaborated with 5 incredible home builders across 7 different categories. The SoCal MAME Awards program recognizes and honors achievements in home building design, marketing, and sales in addition to individual professionals, projects, and spaces. Entries are evaluated and judged by industry experts at the top of their fields, which is another reason why we were honored to be part of this select group of finalists chosen from so many fantastic entries. We’re still shaking off the glitter and basking in the afterglow of all the love our projects received from the judges and our industry peers. Want to see what all the buzz is about? Check out our finalists and winning projects that made the cut!

 

Madrone Plan 1 by Van Daele Homes | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced Under $600,000

Pops of orange and blue, along with a lively Southwest-style rug, punch up the creamy neutrals in this open great room at Madrone.

living room at Madrone Plan 1 in Pomona, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Madrone Plan 3 by Van Daele Homes | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $600,000-$900,000

A pleasing blend of traditional and industrial elements, coupled with a cornflower blue accent wall, make this transitional kitchen and dining space sing.

kitchen and dining room at Madrone Plan 3 in Pomona, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Iridium Plan 3 by Far West Industries | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $600,000-$900,000

A deliberate mix of materials and textures take elevated neutrals to a whole new level in this open concept great room at Iridium.

kitchen and living room at Iridium Plan 3 in Rancho Mirage, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Flair at Miralon Plan 1 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $600,000-$900,000

Furnishings of stone, glass, metallics, and leather reimagine mid century modern for today’s Palm Springs revelers. Cocktail, anyone?

great room at Flair at Miralon Plan 1 in Palm Springs, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Flair at Miralon Plan 3 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $600,000-$900,000 – WINNER

Low-back furnishings are for a luxuriously laid-back desert lifestyle, and rich jewel-toned accents (hello, velvet chairs and barstools) create cozy comfort.

great room at Flair at Miralon Plan 3 in Palm Springs, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Flair at Miralon Plan 4 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $900,001-$1.5 Million

A palette of rich chocolate, inky black, and soft gray ground and balance glass and wood in all the right places in this living room at Flair.

living room at Flair at Miralon Plan 4 in Palm Springs, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Loden Plan Seven by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced over $1.5 Million – WINNER

Eclectic embellishments of wood and stone invite the eye to dance around this sophisticated yet casual family room of rich neutrals and pops of black.

living room at Loden Plan Seven in Encinitas, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Indigo Plan 2 by Brookfield Residential | Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000

A classic blue couch adds instant character to this townhome living room with textural boho touches.

living room at Indigo Plan 2 in Ontario, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

The QUE at Vibe Plan 2 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000

Feel the textural and organic details in this bright and open living room at The QUE, with mingling layers of white, cream, and beige.

living room at The QUE at Vibe Plan 2 in Palm Springs, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Lantana at Beach, Gardens Plan 1 by Brookfield Residential | Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000

Modern and masculine, this transitional living room at Gardens features touches of mod with clean lines.

living room at Lantana at Beach, Gardens Plan 1 in Stanton, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Lantana at Beach, Gardens Plan 3 by Brookfield Residential | Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000

Boho accents in sunshine yellow fill this home office full of energy, while multi-purpose shelving maximizes every inch of the smaller room layout.

home office at Lantana at Beach, Gardens Plan 3 in Stanton, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Flair at Miralon Plan 4 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Home of the Year – WINNER

This sumptuous living room invites modern luxury and a relaxed vibe with its combination of rich neutrals, wood, leather, and glass.

Flair at Miralon Plan 4 in Palm Springs, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

TruDIY Video Series by Trumark Homes | Best Innovative Use of Technology

Our team had the privilege of collaborating with client Trumark Homes and Kovach Marketing on a fun and informative video series that inspired home buyers to bring great design into their new homes.

video series screenshot at Trumark Homes in San Bernardino, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

living room at Splash Plan Two at One Lake in Fairfield, California

Playful Sophistication in the Plan Two at Splash

Effortlessly chic and welcoming, the Plan Two model at Splash is thoroughly modern and full of personality. Its energy is only matched by its location at One Lake, a socially minded and outdoor-focused master-planned community in Fairfield, California. Complete with a lake clubhouse, boathouse for paddle boarding and easy access to wine country, this community is all about effervescent life. In Plan Two, a classically feminine palette gets reimagined with shades of rose blush, gray, and creamy neutrals. Understated elegance is found in the details, like curtains adorned with a delicate pattern, sofa pillows of various weaves and textures, and select matte black furnishings that anchor the eye as it travels throughout the open concept floor plan. Earthy and bohemian features, like a neutral jute rug and rattan seating, balance the spaces’ ethereal and dream-like quality, and highlight the unique wood and stone look of the tile floor. In the kitchen, soft gray shaker cabinets and warm gold hardware offer a pleasing contrast of cool and warm tones. The understated ethos continues throughout each room with shades of gray and rose, striking gold light fixtures, textured bedding, and lively patterned tilework. It’s all softness and light in this top-selling floorplan—a beautiful reflection of the community’s vibrant lifestyle that awaits lucky Northern California families!

set of two wall planters by Chameleon Design

Natural Wonder: Biophilic Design

If you’ve ever felt reinvigorated after a walk in the woods or a stroll through a park, you’re not alone. It’s well known that spending time in or being near nature is linked to health benefits and an increase in overall wellbeing. It’s no wonder we’re drawn to biophilic design—the integration of nature in the built environment.

Biophilic design is more than adding a few houseplants, though greenery is an important element. It’s about leveraging architecture and interior design to create healthier spaces that make us feel as we do when immersed in nature: connected, safe, curious, and refreshed.

So what exactly is biophilic design, and how can you incorporate it in your home? Some key elements include:

Natural light. This could involve a home’s orientation, window placement and size, and any design that helps blend the boundary between inside and outside.

Biomorphic design. There’s an emphasis on furnishings that imitate objects and forms found in nature, like curves, rounded shapes, waves, leaves, and rock. The use of natural materials – wood, rattan, stone, leather – reinforces the outdoor connection.

Color palette. Think shades of green and lots of plants as well as other hues that are commonly found in nature, like browns, creams, grays, and warm terracotta shades.

This design style is proven to make us happier, more productive, and even healthier, with its focus on better air quality and light to improve sleep-wake cycles. It soothes, calms, and revitalizes, and who couldn’t use more of that in their life!

blue abstract rug in living room by Chameleon Design

Rugs That Have Us Floored: Bold is Better

Staring at the floor will be your new favorite hobby once you set your sights on that gorgeous area rug in the room! Rugs are essential as they blend function and style in space. They provide a softer surface to walk on, offer noise insulation, and protect hard flooring from foot traffic and spills. But beyond that, they can be design superstars by adding dimension to a room through color, texture, print, or pattern. A well-placed area rug can define a space, create a sense of intimacy, and add character, especially in open floor plans. Transform a neutral living room into a calming oasis with a bright blue area rug or elevate your sectional with a bold patterned rug and complimentary throw pillows. Slide a rug under the bed in a bedroom for texture and softness underfoot. You can place one outdoors as well to define and add color to a deck or patio. When selecting a rug, consider how its size, material, and color work together in the room’s design. Pay attention to scale too. A rug that is too small can visibly shrink a room, so don’t be afraid to go up a size or two to ensure it fits beneath most furniture! Layer one on any floor for even more texture and dimension to break up the wall-to-wall look. Like art for your floors, rugs can be focal points, conversation starters, or finishing touches, and we love how they tie our clients’ rooms together in a way nothing else can.

Iridium Residence 3 Defines Desert Cool

This model home by Far West Industries is influenced by the desert way of life and all the comfort and style that comes with it. Placed in one of the most high-demand areas of Rancho Mirage, this model home has a color palette of greys and blacks to create a sleek, refreshing interior as a perfect juxtaposition to the desert heat outside. With the addition of the pale cream tones resembling the arid desert landscape, this luxurious residence is sure to impress.

Upon entry into Residence 3, you are instantly welcomed by the great room, and its desert modern interior with luxe amenities and cool neutral furnishings. We included a unique bar area with a wine refrigerator and plentiful accessories to add a standout entertainment factor to the space. Moving through, a sense of balance is created with the simple shagreen coffee table and the dark, sculptural light fixture above, as well as the sleek black bar stools distinctly placed against the Calcutta Classique quartz island and matching backsplash.

With geometric patterns, modern abstract artwork, and sculptural accessories throughout, there is no corner that does not radiate modern desert chic.

The residence not only has a beautiful interior, but a relaxing outdoor oasis as well, complete with a pool and spa as well as the perfect patio for entertaining or late evening relaxation. The playful, geometric design of the patio furnishings keeps guests captivated, and the outdoor dining area is the perfect place to take in those cool desert nights.

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