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Design Insight

5 Ways to Add Style to Your Staircase

Commonly overlooked, the staircase has a visual presence that can completely change the look of a room. Its placement in a high traffic and high visibility area of the home allows it to make a statement if done correctly. So rather than see it as just a path from one level to the next, spruce up your staircase with these fun ideas:

Replace, Paint or Stain Your Balusters or Spindles

Painting spindles or balusters white will add more light to a dark staircase, while staining wood ones can give your staircase a more rustic feel. If you want to go towards modern style, adding modern horizontal spindles to a staircase can change the look completely.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Add a Runner

If you don’t have the time to do a full stair makeover, taking away full carpeting and adding a runner, or painting on a faux runner, is a great way to add depth to your staircase. This is also a great way to provide a pop of color!

Photo: Vogue Magazine

Wallpaper, Paint or Tile the Risers

Adding a pop of color to risers by using wallpaper, paint or tile will give your staircase a unique facelift that is sure to draw attention to it.

Photo: Camille Styles

Refinish or Repaint the Handrails

Handrails lose their sheen quickly because they are constantly being used. Making sure they are clean and shiny is an important part of a great looking staircase. If they are cracked or wearing, you can refinish, stain or repaint them in your desired shade. We personally love a contrasting dark wood handrail with white balusters!

Photo: Chameleon Design

Change the Newel Post

The newel post, or the end post on a staircase, is what shows the design style of the staircase. Making sure that this piece matches the rest of your style, or changing it and repainting can make the staircase look like it was remodeled in its entirety.

Photo: Utah Style and Design

How to Style Your Bed

Who doesn’t love the look of a perfectly styled bed? Beds that are clean and crisp with all the right tucks and folds can make any bedroom look great. The good news is that the look doesn’t need to be reserved for luxury hotels and professionally designed homes! With a few simple steps anyone can easily style a bed like a pro. Here are our tips for creating a bed worth dreaming about:

Invest in a Decent Set of Linens

The basis for any good bed is the linens. No matter how many pillows you top it with, if your bed’s duvet, sheets and pillowcases aren’t dreamy, you may as well stop there. The biggest misconception is that nice linens come with a hefty price tag, which is not so! You can find great sets at Bed, Bath and Beyond (check out their “Hotel Collection”) and companies like Parachute, who offer quality pieces at very affordable prices.

Style Your Comforter

Once you’ve got your linens the next step is putting everything together with style. When it comes to the comforter, there are 3 ways we like to arrange ours:

Partial Roll-Down:

The half way rolled down comforter gives you the option to display sheets or blankets that are typically hidden underneath. If you have patterned sheets or a patterned coverlet, this look will allow for a nice pop of color or texture. If you love the crisp white sheets, this is also a great way to show those off!

Photo: Chameleon Design

Full Roll-Down:

The full roll down, a hotel fave, is best in warmer months and really allows throw pillows and blankets to take center stage. The comforter provides a nice contrast for onlookers by making a band at the bottom of the bed.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Tightly Tucked:

The tightly tucked comforter gives a clean and crisp look, and will show off off a beautiful bed frame like the clean, modern looks that are popular now. This can also be done in combination with the other two styles to give a band of color contrast to the bed.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Pay Attention to the Pillows

Once you’ve got the comforter figured out, the pillows are the icing on the cake. If you skip this step you’ll be missing the easiest way to complete the look. Our favorite tricks with bed pillows are:

Create Tiers:

Arranging your pillows from largest in the back to the smallest in front will create an instantly styled look. We like to have at least three tiers with Euro sized pillows along the back, King, Queen or Standard pillows in the middle (these are the ones you’ll sleep on) and something decorative in the very front.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Go for Color,Texture and Pattern:

When choosing decorative pillows, make sure to use different textures and colors to add variety. If you have a back wall that serves as a focal point of the room, you will want to use simple linens and pillows so as not to overwhelm the room. You can’t go wrong with crisp, white bed linens, which give you a lot of room to get creative with your accent pillows. Select pillows made with fabrics that are different in texture and color from the other linens- this is key in completing the look of a truly styled bed!

Photo: Chameleon Design

Complete the Look: Three Tips for Accessorizing

One of the most difficult aspects to master in interior design is achieving the right balance when accessorizing a room. The right accessories can make a room look effortlessly beautiful but too many accessories can make it look cluttered and not enough will make it look barren. Finding the right balance for each room is key. And these three tips will help to complete the look of any room:

Vary height and shapes

When accessorizing tables, bookshelves, or mantels, the best thing to remember is to vary the height and shapes of your items, which will keep the eye moving. Using unique items or items that have meaning to you will also make the space more visually stimulating.

Photo: Erin Spain

Photo: Erin Spain

Layering

Layering works well for creating depth in a room. This can be done with a variety of pieces, from layering blankets and pillows on a couch or bed, to layering a lamp or vase beside framed pictures. Mirrors are also a great way to create more depth, especially if you layer objects in front of them.

Photo: HGTV

Photo: HGTV

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: Meredith Heron

Photo: Meredith Heron

Pops of Color

Using pops of color in your décor will make the room stand out and add interest. However, be careful to not use too many colors in one vignette, as you don’t want to overwhelm the onlooker with a rainbow palette. If you’re more of a neutral person, a great way to add color is to incorporate plants or some fresh flowers.

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

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

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

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

Photo: Chameleon Design

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

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

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

 

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

 

Design Essentials for Every Home

Every home should be different and reflect the personality of its owners, but there are definite style rules that every designer lives by. These are things that every home should have and we come back to them again and again because they just work. Our essentials to build the foundation of a beautifully designed home add up to more than a few, but here is a basic checklist that’s simple enough to get anyone started on their way!

A Well-Organized Bookshelf
Look at your bookshelf as a wall of endless decorative possibilities. It’s the perfect place to store your favorite books, but it can also be a great way to display a personal collection, a bold black accent piece, and even family photos, all of which can be tweaked over the years as your preferences change.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Black Accents

Just as with clothing, the same rules apply to using the color black in home decor- it never goes out of style and goes with anything! Black pieces will accent the other colors in the space, while adding definition and sophistication. Remember that you don’t need a lot to make this work, one or two pieces is all you need.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Mixed Textures
Materials are easy to mix and will add lots of depth to your spaces. Whether a room is bold and colorful or subdued and neutral, a truly designed look involves a mix of textures. From fabrics like linens, silks and sheers to materials such as wood, metal and glass, a mix is always the way to go.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Photo: Chameleon Design

Living Plants
A space doesn’t feel truly finished unless it includes some greenery to give it a sense of life. If you don’t have a green thumb there are plenty of options that aren’t high maintenance and will flourish indoors.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Personal Touches
Every space should have at least once piece that speaks to a sense of history with some personal meaning. These types of items will assure that nothing looks too perfect in a room, which is something to watch for. Furniture and accessories are one way to go, but simple vintage details like moldings or sconces will also give your home a great look.

Photo: Chameleon Design

A Mid-century Piece
Trends come and go but mid-century will always feel current and timeless. We’ve talked before about how you never want your decor to be to matchy-matchy and by adding a punch of modern style you won’t run into that problem. An easy way to add modern pieces is through seating- chairs or tables will look stylish and keep the room from feeling too formal.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Photo: Chameleon Design

 

 

Art You Love
Art stays with you for a lifetime, and each piece marks a place and a memory. Start collecting pieces one by one and grow your collection over the years. The pieces don’t have to cost a fortune, they just have to speak to you.

Photo: Chameleon Design

Photo: Chameleon Design