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Design Insight

Tile Style to a T

Never underestimate the big impact of a little tile. One of our many style secrets is thoughtful and strategic use of this versatile material. Whether it’s for a statement-making accent wall or simple kitchen backsplash, tile creates a foundation on which to layer and build to support a room’s style. Use bold-patterned or brightly colored tile as the star of the show, or select a muted neutral hue to serve as a supporting actor to subtly round out a space. Subway or herringbone are on trend yet timeless and Insta-worthy. A thoughtfully selected motif on floor tile creates a dramatic sense of arrival. From sophisticated and classic to modern and whimsical, tile options are practically limitless.

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

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Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Spruce up Your Outdoor Space

Enjoy the great outdoors safely, responsibly, and from the comfort of your home. Today’s prime real estate? Your own backyard or outdoor space! As we all stay home to help flatten the curve, getting some sunshine, fresh air, and vitamin D is crucial to our health and wellbeing. It’s time to create your staycation oasis to namaste (or rosé) the afternoon away. Not much space? No problem. Whether your home includes a yard, deck, patio, or balcony, you can trick out your space to make the most of what you’ve got. Comfy seating, a table, outdoor rug, water feature, fire pit, candles, and your favorite playlists are just a few ideas for creating an outdoor retreat. Take advantage of the spring season as much as possible. Take your next Zoom meeting on the patio. Break out the Kindle and a cocktail. Go ahead, set up that hammock. And don’t forget the front of the home. Get out there and do some yard work or gardening, and wave to the neighbors and passersby to maintain community connection. We’re all in this together!

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

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Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Styling the Face of Your Place: the Entryway

We love a good entryway because it presents an opportunity to make a first impression and create a sense of arrival. Big, small, or somewhere in between, the entry introduces the style and character of the rest of the home. Hang a statement-making chandelier or a modern wire pendant in a grand entryway with lots of volume, or play up a more intimate space with bold wallpaper or paint for visual appeal. And it’s a great space to take a bit of a design risk with a creative vignette, a larger-than-life wall covering, eclectic art, statement pieces, or a ceiling treatment. 

An entryway can also be functional and serve as your family’s drop zone to stow personal items as you head in or out for the day. Thoughtful, well-considered storage and organization are crucial to maintain a stylish and clutter-free space. Place a decorative basket beneath the entry table for recycled mail, add a tray for keys and sunglasses, install a bench with storage for shoes and bags as space allows, and include a coordinating canister for wet umbrellas. And don’t forget a mirror for last-minute touch-ups before heading out the door!

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

Designing Community Experiences

Today’s reality of siloed modern life – work, commute, etc. – coupled with head-down device distractions, means people are craving in-person community like never before. Residential developers that are in tune with these evolving homebuyer priorities are answering the call by creating new communities with well-designed shared spaces to encourage residents to connect, offering living experiences that are social and increasingly more sustainable.

Having a dedicated space for neighbors and community members to enjoy facetime (the old-fashioned kind, no iPhone required!) is a real perk for families in the market for a new home. Think of these spaces like a destination-style resort, complete with many opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Our installations like The Lodge at Riverstone in Madera, CA, and Belcourt at Seven Oaks in Bakersfield, CA, include fitness clubs with group classes, recreation centers equipped with games for kids and grown-ups alike, and kitchens and bars for socializing. Other resident-forward amenities include vegetable and herb gardens with neighborhood harvesting and farm-to-table events, splash pools for tots and larger-scale outdoor venues for events like farmers markets, concerts, and neighborhood campouts. High-rise home developments are also getting in on the community amenity action, offering residents communal rooftop terraces constructed with lounge seating, grills, and cabanas to enjoy the outdoors and incredible views. 

And a communal space doesn’t have to be large to encourage community socializing: use the space you have and incorporate well-scaled pieces, vibrant colors, and greenery to create an energetic yet cozy feel. Maximize indoor-outdoor living areas with intention to inspire residents to create connections and make memorable community experiences.

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

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Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

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Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Teen Scene – Bedrooms and Hangouts that Make Staying Home Cool

Designing a teenager’s room can be a tricky business, because you’re creating a space that meets the teen’s needs and desires, while passing the parent test. All while crafting a stylish masterpiece that’s comfortable and in sync with the rest of the home. It’s a design tight-rope-walking tango, a balancing act of priorities that are sometimes at odds. 

Start by giving teens the space to express their identity by creating a focal point around a favorite hobby or interest. Display sporting equipment, a piece of art, concert poster, or school or team memorabilia to ground the overall vibe of the room, then layer and add elements around it. Don’t be afraid to go bold with color, pattern, and texture- a wallpaper print, area rug, accent wall, and bold bedding or throws add touches of whimsy or drama to the room. Add some floating shelves so they can swap out photos, art, and mementos, and keep the clutter controlled with multi-functional storage pieces, like a foot-of-the-bed bench, storage cubes that double as extra seating for friends, and a small dresser for a bedside table. 

If the home’s floorplan can accommodate, create a hangout space outside of the bedroom for homework, movies, gaming, and lounging with friends. Give them a space that feels like their own without having to retreat to their bedroom. Make it cool, cozy, and comfortable, with lounge-style seating, a laptop nook for studying, a docking station for music, and some family-friendly games (hello, mini fridge!). Who knows, maybe with such a welcoming design, they’ll even share it with the rest of the family! #daretodream

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

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Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

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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

Bathtub Bliss

When you get the opportunity to use a freestanding bathtub in a master bathroom, you take it! 

Is there anything more luxurious? It’s upscale, considered, and adds a relaxing focal point to the room. A large soaking tub signifies retreat and relaxation in equal measure, a place to get away from it all after a long day. A freestanding tub also opens up the area around it for functional and thoughtful decor, like additional storage space or stools for soaps, shampoos, and candles. Add a rustic ladder for towels or floating shelf for books for a cohesive look. 

A versatile piece, the freestanding tub comes in a number of designs from clawfoot to slipper to seamlessly work with most any style. The perfect marriage of form and function that’s also good for the soul, because there’s nothing a hot bath can’t cure. Say hello to your new spa staycation!

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

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Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

When in Doubt, Bunk it Out

In today’s world, there’s a movement toward smaller home designs, while family sizes are staying about the same. Several generations living under the same roof is becoming the new normal: college kids moving back home, an older parent requiring care, and extended family stays mean more bodies in less square footage. A fun design challenge to be sure!

We’re seeing more siblings or twins sharing bedrooms these days, and it’s possible to bunk in style. The placement of two twin beds in a room is a fantastic opportunity to play with a symmetrical design that looks polished and put together. Easily transform the vibe of the room through bedding, pillows, lamps, and rugs. Go playful and fun for younger children and more classic, sophisticated, or modern bohemian for teens or older children. 

And if spreading out isn’t an option, go up! Bunk beds are a great way to take the design vertical to help keep floor space open and reduce clutter. Plus, it’s no secret kids love them. A design win-win all around!

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

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Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Bring the Great Outdoors. . . In

In our hyperkinetic, fast-paced world, it’s tough to dedicate the time to get out and experience the outdoors on the regular. Embracing the natural elements in design is becoming necessary to maintain our connection to the serenity and beauty of what’s outside, especially in our age of seemingly endless screen time and number of indoor dwellers (Americans spend 93% of their time indoors! – Environmental Protection Agency study).

If our jobs, schedules, and habits don’t allow us to embrace our planet’s natural beauty, then let’s all bring the outside in. Let nature literally be your guide and choose pieces that make you feel calm and tranquil or invigorated and curious – whichever side being outdoors brings out in you. Think back to some of your best memories spent outside, from family camping trips to beach bonfires – and draw on those experiences to select materials and pieces that speak to you.

Wood is, hands down, one of the most accessible touches to feature in design – flooring, wall treatments, tables, nightstands, the list goes on. Wood also adds a lovely warmth to a space and works equally well to complement white, neutral, and vibrant color palettes. Whether finished and glossy or rough and reclaimed – the finish, type and application are up to you depending on the mood and style you’re going for. Reclaimed wood pieces are having a well-earned moment and are a fantastic and sustainable alternative to using virgin wood from first-generation forests. Do good, look good. If you truly want to embrace all-natural elements, incorporating floor-to-ceiling organic-based materials is possible. Think wool and jute rugs, tree rootball and live-edge tables, rattan dining chairs, and hanging macrame planters. The earth and sky are the limit to gorgeous 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

We’re Heading to the 2019 SoCal Awards!

We are so EXCITED to announce that we have ten finalists in six different categories at this year’s SoCal Awards! To work with such incredible clients in the homebuilding industry is an absolute dream, and to be recognized for doing what we love is just icing on top of the cake. We’ve had such a wonderful and fulfilling year working and collaborating with various builders on the design of their model homes and sales centers, and we’re so proud to give these projects and everyone who was involved the spotlight they deserve!

We look forward to celebrating with our fellow peers and nominees at the award ceremony on September 28th! Take a look at our nominated projects below: 

Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced $750,000 & Over: Modo at Novel Park Plan 3 

Builder: William Lyon Homes

Marketing Director: Tracey Long 

Design: Chameleon Design

Modo Plan 3

Modo Plan 3

Modo Plan 3

Modo Plan 3

Modo Plan 3

Modo Plan 3

Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000: Verge at Novel Park Plan 3

Builder: William Lyon Homes 

Marketing Director: Tracey Long 

Design: Chameleon Design

Verge Plan 3

Verge Plan 3

Verge Plan 3

Verge Plan 3

Verge Plan 3

Verge Plan 3

 

Best Sales or Leasing Office: Novel Park Sales at Great Park Neighborhoods

Builder: William Lyon Homes

Marketing Director: Tracey Long 

Design: Chameleon Design

Novel Park ‘Pathfinder’ Sales Office

Novel Park ‘Pathfinder’ Sales Office

Novel Park ‘Pathfinder’ Sales Office

Novel Park ‘Pathfinder’ Sales Office

Novel Park ‘Pathfinder’ Sales Office

Novel Park ‘Pathfinder’ Sales Office

 

Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $900,001 to $1.5 million: Echo at Novel Park Plan

Builder: William Lyon Homes

Marketing Director: Tracey Long 

Design: Chameleon Design

Echo Plan 4

Echo Plan 4

Echo Plan 4

Echo Plan 4

Echo Plan 4

 

Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000: The QUE Plan 1 

Builder: Woodbridge Pacific Group 

Marketing Director: Karen Spargo 

Design: Chameleon Design

The QUE Plan 1

The QUE Plan 1

The QUE Plan 1

The QUE Plan 1

The QUE Plan 1

The QUE Plan 1

 

Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $600,000 to $900,000s: The QUE Plan 3 

Builder: Woodbridge Pacific Group 

Marketing Director: Karen Spargo 

Design: Chameleon Design

The QUE Plan 3

The QUE Plan 3

The QUE Plan 3

The QUE Plan 3

The QUE Plan 3

 

Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000: Centerhouse Plan 2 

Builder: Trumark Homes

Marketing Director: Carola Cherief & Meagan Gomez 

Design: Chameleon Design

Centerhouse Plan 2

Centerhouse Plan 2

Centerhouse Plan 2

Centerhouse Plan 2

Centerhouse Plan 2

Centerhouse Plan 2

 

Best Sales or Leasing Office: Emerald Park Sales Office

Builder: Brookfield Residential

Marketing Director: Lauren Stuart 

Design: Chameleon Design

Emerald Park ‘Welcome House’ Sales Office

Emerald Park ‘Welcome House’ Sales Office

Emerald Park ‘Welcome House’ Sales Office

Emerald Park ‘Welcome House’ Sales Office

Emerald Park ‘Welcome House’ Sales Office

 

Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $900,001 to $1.5 million: Chateau Estates Plan 2 

Builder: Melia Homes 

Marketing Director: Amber Whaler 

Design: Chameleon Design

Chateau Estates Plan 2

Chateau Estates Plan 2

Chateau Estates Plan 2

Chateau Estates Plan 2

Chateau Estates Plan 2

Chateau Estates Plan 2

 

Best Website – Associate

Marketing Director: Eve Lowey 

Design: Taylor Digital

Chameleon Design Website

Making the Most of The Bonus

They’re as American as Levi’s. The universal multipurpose room, the secondary family room, not to mention the game, music or hobby room. And who could forget the home theater?

We got the chance to feature a very nontraditional version of a bonus room – the garage! Decked out with all the moto accoutrements for tinkering and a sofa/tv set up for watching the game, this hideaway is the definition of a man cave. The possibilities are open and virtually endless when it comes to personalizing a bonus room or an extra space in the home.

Built-ins give a room so much opportunity. Picture a built-in kitchenette for cocktails or storage. Add a mini fridge for drinks and snacks (especially for those third-floor bonus rooms.) A cut out for a chair makes a great homework space for the kids, or a built-in seat with a cushion against a window can create a cozy reading nook. No matter how you style it, the bonus room or loft is the perfect opportunity to try something new.

 

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