Gorgeous Space Saving Doors

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design6 Comments on Gorgeous Space Saving Doors
Do you live in a home that’s a little tight, compartmentalized and short on floor space? Compared to an open and more free flowing floor plan, compartmentalized homes tend to have a myriad of doors that swing in to one space and out from another – wasting some valuable floor space.  Typically a standard door occupies anywhere from 7.5 – 9 square feet of floor space – and upwards of 18 square feet of clearance needed for a French door application.  Door swings can inhibit traffic flow and often times impede on the placement of furniture. Don’t get me wrong. Privacy is a necessity – particularly in bedrooms – baths – and offices.  Incorporating pocket doors into your plans would do the trick, but some demo and construction is required to re-frame of a portion of the wall to accommodate the concealed pocket door itself. Sliding doors or barn doors are a great way to grab some extra square footage, and at the same time instantly infuse character into your home.  No construction is necessary. They are hung on a surface mounted rail system above the original opening (can be exposed or concealed behind a valence) and slides to one side leaving the entryway free and clear.   The best part is it’s only a few inches thick and every inch counts. You may even want to take the time to enlarge the opening of your space slightly to improve traffic flow and increase the convenience from room to room – as the doors can be manufactured in custom sizes. These sliders can be re-claimed, rustic, contemporary or custom.  They can be installed in hallways, kitchens, baths, family rooms, bedrooms and closets – anywhere! Create a beautiful detail and focal point to your space. Here are just a few fabulous ideas.

These custom floor-ceiling sliding doors cleverly conceal the washer and dryer in the kitchen.  They provide such great texture to this space.

With two different entry points into this sunken living room space, the barn doors close off the corner in a very clean and unobtrusive way.  Doors swinging into the space would be very inefficient – particularly when floating off the floor.  A great solution!

This reclaimed door closing off the pantry in this kitchen is a perfect example of infusing “instant” character into a space!  Particularly with the chalkboard painted walls.  How fun.

A more contemporary door design in a loft-like space provides an interesting juxtaposition between the materials.  A crisp and clean finish – don’t you think?

This serene bedroom utilizes the sliding louvered doors to create a sense of separation and privacy between the sleep and lounge area of the space and conceals the rail system beneath a custom valence.

How great is this?  This antique barn door has found the perfect place to rest – transitioning the bedroom to the bath. What do you think? Stay Inspired! I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Pantone’s Color For 2011

Posted on Categories Remodeling2 Comments on Pantone’s Color For 2011

I think it would be an absolute thrill to sit in on those brainstorming sessions with researchers at the Pantone Color Institute– and listen to how they analyze the emerging trends from the home and fashion industries – and determine “the” color choice for the new year. According to executive director Leatrice Eiseman at Pantone, this is why they selected a bright reddish-pink color for 2011. “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues. Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum. The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer”. Compared to last year’s cool and escapist color of the year Turquoise (which I adored by the way), this year’s Honeysuckle is a very warm, uplifting and empowering color that pumps up the psyche and helps us face the daily challenges of life I have to say that as a designer I love the idea or introducing honeysuckle as accent color to punch up and update a foyer, living room, dining room or bedroom and bring it into 2011.  Accessorizing with objects, vases, throws, pillows and linens will instantly give any space the “Pretty In Pink” infusion a client may want.   I do think however that using too much of this color will undoubtedly “date” the space within a year or two and timelessness is very important when designing living environments. Honeysuckle works well with neutrals such as white, navy, black, charcoals and grays – and the complimentary greens, browns and wines as well.  The bonus here is that it happens to look spectacular with most metals – particularly brass, chrome, silver, nickel and even oil rubbed bronze. Ok, so having said all that are you ready to think pink this year and be a trendsetter? Take a look at some of these beautiful interiors for inspiration.  These are my favorites so far.

This very French inspired living room interior gives us just enough splash without taking itself too seriously  – just a kiss of pink.

This spectacular dining room with its glazed wall surface makes every element within the space pop!  Why not try painting out the walls in your dining room or foyer that perfect honeysuckle color to compliment your furniture.  When you tire of it – just change the paint.

A very clean, simple and sophisticated bedroom infuses a splash of color by introducing a vibrant fushia throw and an elegant pink floral arrangement into the crisp setting.

Accessorizing made easy.  Add some throw pillows on a neutral sofa, chaise or chair, a pair of lamps in your foyer or bedroom or some fabulous new wallpaper in your powder room for a quick 2011 update! Stay Inspired! I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

HOME DESIGN – What’s Hot For 2011

Posted on Categories Development3 Comments on HOME DESIGN – What’s Hot For 2011
Happy New Year!  It’s hard to believe that a year ago I wrote an article “What’s Hot And What’s Not For 2010”.  I had such a huge response to this piece that I thought it was only fitting to share a similar version of the home building, renovation and design trends that are topping the charts for this year. Whether you’re customizing a recently purchased home, making the changes needed to update your existing space or are simply interested in increasing the overall value of your home, keep these ideas in mind when tackling your 2011 home improvement projects. WHAT’S HOT: Smaller Homes For those families purchasing new homes, many are looking for more modestly sized properties than the McMansions of the past.   Being more attracted to the space they need rather than the space their ego wants – is on today’s agenda.  It’s all about being more value conscious and living authentically. Although some newly built homes may be shrinking in size – by only about 10-15% (reducing overall room sizes), the high-end materials and finishes are in no way compromised. Rooms are becoming more multi-functional than in years past and therefore it’s more important than ever to maximize every inch of space – within the existing footprint – and provide creative and integrated storage solutions throughout your entire home.  Less clutter and greater organization will contain your “stuff” and still allow your home to feel more spacious and uncluttered. There is a return to a more simple, warm, natural and clean-lined design reminiscent of mid-century modern architecture. A blending contemporary and traditional styles – resulting in a chic transitional design style.

Greener, Healthier and Smarter Homes The current scene is definitely green. Energy efficiency is fast becoming the hottest and most desirable trend or “shift” in the home design and building industry. You can go all the way and completely reduce your carbon footprint or simply begin by introducing energy-efficient windows, lighting, appliances, tank-less water heaters, low-VOC paints, stains and sealants into your next home renovation or building projects. With a one-year extension of energy efficiency tax credits, it only makes sense to take advantage of this offer and incorporate these products along with more durable and sustainable materials when you’re updating your home. Easy maintenance, high quality materials and integral smart systems make for an easy transition for the changing family.  Integrating state of the art or “Smart” technology into our homes is a very hot trend that continues to blaze.  It’s about making our lives easier.  Controlling kitchen appliances, lighting and your entertainment systems from a centralized panel will soon be foreshadowed by the apps from our smart phones where we’ll be able turn on our lights, have our fireplace crackling and our dinner cooked to perfection the moment we walk through the door.  Sign me up! Universal Design Renovating your existing home by removing interior walls not only improves the flow, it also creates an open and flexible floor plan, which is more comfortable and versatile for families who love to entertain – particularly in kitchens which now serve as multi-functional environments incorporating cooking, dining, gathering, entertaining and even working together in one open space. Re-designing your home’s overall layout and introducing some Universal Design principles into your renovation could include wider doorways, main floor master suites, and user-friendly kitchens and baths.  These subtle tweaks make even the smallest homes feel more spacious and appeals to an enormous segment of the population –Baby Boomers and Gen Xers alike.

Work Spaces The homeprenuer trend is not just growing – it’s intensifying.  With an unstable economy comes the opportunity for more people to work from home either part time or launch home-based businesses. Today’s technology makes it easy to be as productive at home as in an office-based location. Since most home-based businesses must co-exist with families, separating the living and working environments can be a challenge.  If you’re lucky enough to have a separate guesthouse, a detached carriage house, or space above your garage then designate that space for the ideal office location.  Otherwise, like the vast majority of home-based businesses provide a space within the home itself – an unused bedroom, space beneath a stairway, or corner of the kitchen or family room.  Either way – select an area where noise and traffic are at a minimum and privacy is optimum!

Porches and Decks With the trend of downsizing our homes comes the idea of expanding our interior living spaces to the outdoors.  Homes with charming porches and decks naturally transition the interior to the exterior instantly expanding your living space. It extends the summer season almost forcing us to live outdoors before the really cold weather sets in. Porches can define a neighborhood, and recapture a sense of community. Decks can be as simple or elaborate as the home they’re attached to.  Multi-leveled or single, built in seating or casual seating areas, hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits – all of which create added living space and provide a vacation-like atmosphere. Design your porch or deck to compliment the character of your home’s exterior architecture. Give it some thought in planning.  It should be proportionate to the size of your home and property and make sure to include energy efficient solar or LED lighting.

Keeping abreast of these home design trends will help guide you when it comes time for you complete your “to do” list.  Families grow, people mature and our needs change.  It’s all about re-inventing your home making it feel as though it was built just for you. Stay Inspired! I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Hot New Kitchen Styles For 2011

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
It is cold outside! Inside, people are curling up by the fire, working on their final preparations for the holidays and cooking for family and friends.  If you are among those hosting this year’s Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve party then you may be spending an inordinate amount of time in your kitchen.  This is when you discover what works and what doesn’t in your current kitchen – and for many – make the commitment to bring your outdated kitchen into the 21st Century.   Whether you undertake a huge home renovation project or a moderate kitchen remodel in the new year, the overall objective is to enhance your quality of life and make your home more enjoyable. I highly recommend taking a look through the current issue of Distinctive Kitchen Solutions Magazine for fabulous kitchen and bath inspirations from real-life homes designed by expert designers and architects throughout the country. I’m very honored to be one of those experts with two featured projects in the most recent Spring 2011 Issue. You’ll notice these entertaining kitchens are perfect for everyday family living and holiday parties and at the same providing you with great insights into the new kitchen styles and home design trends for 2011. Wishing you a very Happy Holiday Season!! Stay Inspired! I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Inspiring Kitchen Products of 2010

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design
I’ve come across so many terrific product lines over the past year and I wanted to share some favorite kitchen appliances and products of 2010 with you.  From faucets to pot racks these are definite must haves in your next kitchen renovation project.

Contemporary Pot Filler For a sleek and sophisticated look Moen’s ShowHouse Modern wall-mounted pot filler would be a great addition to any contemporary kitchen renovation.  It adds a luxurious professional touch and practicality at the same time.  It expands over your stove easily reaching all burners. Available in both chrome ($655),and stainless steel ($900). showhouse.moen.com.

One Smart Faucet This Talo faucet by Brizo and its optional SmartTouch system changes the way we operate in the kitchen.  Just tap any part of the faucet to turn the water on and off. When on, an LED light indicates the SmartTouch system is activated and when tapped off the light turns off. This faucet is available in chrome ($570), Venetian bronze, brushed bronze and stainless. brizo.com.

Dish Drawer Perfection I’m in love with Fisher & Paykel’s dish drawers.   But it gets even better with their new energy-efficient 36″ Single DishDrawer.  It is almost an extra foot wider than their previous drawer-model.  The “DishDrawer Wide” is spacious enough for 9 place settings can easily accommodate larger pots as well.  Perfect when installed under the counter, within a built –in wall unit or can be seamlessly integrated with cabinetry. Available in stainless steel ($1,200) or customized panel-ready.   fisherpaykel.com.

Indoor Rotisserie For the serious gourmet cook and entertainer who can’t do without the crème de la crème comes the first full-scale gas vertical roasting spit or built-in rotisserie. I’m in love with this!  La Cornue, the legendary French Company takes holiday entertaining to an entirely new level with the Flamberge built-in rotisserie. Roast up to 4 chickens at a time and make your kitchen the hottest new restaurant in town. Available in 20 porcelain-enamel colors and 5 trim options. ($11,000) purcellmurray.com

All-Clad’s Pot Rack Finally a pot rack with the strength and durability of All-Clad!  Constructed of solid stainless like all their products, this rack measures 36″x 22″and is fabricated in a polished mirrored finish. The MagnaTrack technology system keeps the 12 magnetic hooks in place when the pots are removed eliminating the frustration of the old flexible hooking system.  The best part is it holds up to 300 lbs. of cookware. ($600)  surlatable.com. So if you’re planning to update your kitchen in 2011 keep some of these spectacular products in mind to give you the working kitchen that you’ve always dreamed of. I also wanted to take this time to wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday Season and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! So enjoy your holiday celebrations and time spent with family and friends – and gear up for a great and exciting 2011. Stay Inspired! I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

5 Simple Ways To Take Your Home From Bleak To Chic This Winter

Posted on Categories Architectural Interior Design1 Comment on 5 Simple Ways To Take Your Home From Bleak To Chic This Winter
With the temperatures plummeting and blizzards pounding the Midwest, now is the best time to escape indoors to your own private winter hide-away.  It’s easy to cozy up your home with some chic and affordable finds to suit your family’s lifestyle and your design style. 1.  Fireplace Nothing makes you feel more comfortable and cozy than a roaring fire on a cold winter day.  A fireplace instantly infuses character and charm into any room and gives the space its personality.  But to give it the winter makeover you’re after – pack up the old accessories adorning the mantle and swap them out for some new seasonal ones.
  • Be your own photographer, bundle up and head outside to capture some black and white photos of some winter scenes.  Blow up your favorite image and frame it in a simple black, metal or white frame and set it on the mantle.
  • To one side of your new winter scene, cluster a collection of three antiqued or vintage silver urns (or similar) in varying heights – and include some eucalyptus, feathers or other greens to give the composition added volume.
  • On the other end situate some natural elements like a birch vase, pinecones, candles or dull greens to flank that artwork as well.
  • Keep the accessories in the center to a minimum and very low. Perhaps a metallic framed photo or two.  Either way, make sure there is some height on each side of the wintery photograph.
2.  Furniture Layout If you’re lucky enough to gather around your living room or family room fireplace this winter you may want to consider a quick change to the furniture layout or floor plan – cozying things up a bit.
  • If your fireplace is centrally located within a wall and is flanked by windows or bookcases that are the same dimensions on each side, then you’re dealing with a more traditional space and personality – which speaks to a more traditional furniture layout.
  • Pairs are important here. To take advantage of the roaring fire flank a pair of comfortable and inviting chairs on either side of the fireplace which will keep you and your guests warm and cozy.
  • Place your sofa directly facing the fireplace for a comfortable conversation area and a great view of that crackling fire.  After all it’s the focal point of the room.
3.  Flooring Whether your home has carpeting, hardwood, stone or tiled flooring there are some quick and easy solutions to cozy up your space.
  • Add more layers for warmth.  Right on top of your existing flooring material don’t be afraid to layer one or even two area rugs for texture and color.
  • Incorporate a deep striped pattern, textured sisal or even a faux animal hide rug on top of the original flooring.
  • Relax the formality and potential stiffness with some colorful patterns and textures.
4.  Draperies Again it’s all about layering and adding weight to the walls particularly if your window treatments are sheer, billowy and romantic.
  • If your window coverings are sheer or simple blinds, add heavier fabrics overtop those fabrics for an entirely new treatment.
  • Find some ready made panels to attach over top your windows in a velvet or brocade fabric.
  • Remember if you love the look of winter white install some off-white or cream velvet panels for the ultimate in winter chic.
5.  Accessories This is a simple quick fix.  Remove all your existing accessories, store them and re-visit them again for another season.
  • Look for vintage blankets, throws and pillows and blend textures.
  • Mix and match your blankets from plaids to knits, to faux fir and drape them over sofas, chairs and ottomans throughout your home.  They will keep you all warm and cozy during those frigid nights.
  • Replace your old sofa pillows with knit sweater pillows, tea towels and even printed burlaps for added interest pattern and texture.
  • Natural elements are all around us.  Bring the outdoors in – even now by incorporating, birch trunks, light green foliage, pine cones and candles and sprinkle these elements in with family photos, framed in metals or whites for that monochromatic sophistication.
So light that fire, grab some hot chocolate and enjoy cozying up in your winter chic home. I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

5 Simple Ways To Freshen Up Your Home In The New Year

Posted on Categories Remodeling2 Comments on 5 Simple Ways To Freshen Up Your Home In The New Year
After all the fanfare of the holidays die down and we are done purging, cleaning and reflecting on 2010, its time to breathe some new life into our homes and give ourselves a well deserved design infusion to rejuvenate and restore our souls for the upcoming year. Giving your home some TLC doesn’t have to cost a fortune or become a long and arduous process.  Here are some very simple and highly effective ways to freshen up your home in this New Year. 1.  De-clutter it! (Degree of Difficulty – easy) We build our lives, save our memories, and document every nuance of our children’s growth.  The next thing we know we’re inundated with stuff we’ve accumulated over the years and can’t part with.  Living in a home that is cluttered and disorganized will immediately drain your energy – without even realizing it. To eliminate the mess and get you to a peaceful resolve start by going through every bin, shelf, drawer and cabinet.  Gather all the papers, old toys, books and back issues of magazines – and get rid of them!  Don’t shuffle the clutter from one side of the room to the other.  Purge and remove everything from the space you’re about to redesign.  Only once everything is cleared away, you can start your project 2.  Re-arrange it! (Degree of Difficulty –easy) Once you’ve de-cluttered your space start moving things around.  Take inventory of the furniture in each room and start experimenting.  Maybe your adorable bedroom chair would look even better in the living room, and those pair of table lamps would revitalize your bedroom ambiance.  Paint out the entry chandelier in a sleek finish and re-introduce it in the dining room.  Don’t be afraid to move your sofa and chairs and swap out the accessories from room to room without spending a dime. 3.  Paint it or Paper it! (Degree of Difficulty – easy to moderate) For a fresh new look introduce splashes of color back into the home.  With a huge focus on hearth and home, natural colors will be dominating interiors this year.  From earthy browns, buttery yellows to tomatoes, pumpkins and greens or the dreamy glamour of a more pale, frosted and opalescent color palette may be more your style. Another new trend to freshen up your home is the application of wallpapers. I’m thrilled to see the resurgence of grasscloth!  This natural wall covering that was popular back in the ‘70’s has returned with even more elegance and sophistication than before.  The endless selection of hemps, silks, linens and metallics, are striking in both traditional and contemporary interiors – instantly adding texture and character to the space.  This material is the epitome of understated Eco-Chic. – Love it! 4.  Welcome it! (Degree of Difficulty – easy) Enhance the front entry of your home by welcoming and exuding a positive energy flow into your home for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.  Sound good?   Start by simply creating a focal point somewhere in your foyer.  A simple console table with a favorite piece of art hanging above, highlighted by a sophisticated table lamp – will evoke a positive feeling each time you and your friends walk through your front door.  Add a small water element or a mirror on the wall perpendicular to the door will only help in creating a well-balanced, healthy and prosperous life. 5.  Flower it! (Degree of Difficulty – easy) Adding fresh flowers to your home décor is the piece de resistance in any design project and an instant pick-me-up! Next time you’re shopping for groceries or at your local farmer’s market pick up some fresh flowers and create some fun and unique arrangements. You don’t need to spend a fortune, just look for what’s in season, well priced and colorful enough to enhance your mood.  Place them in colorful glasses, pitchers or clear bowl and sprinkle these arrangements throughout your home.  I do this every week – it makes me happy. I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

New Remodeling Trends For 2011

Posted on Categories Remodeling
Interior architecture and design is a continually evolving industry.  Just like fashion, we can’t help but notice the ever-changing design trends of the season particularly when magazines, newspapers and television shows keep us abreast as to what’s hot and what’s not from one year to the next.   Technological advancements together with popular culture tend to set the stage for these new trends in the home design industry.  Implementing every newest craze into your home renovation or design project isn’t what’s important – the goal is to incorporate those trends that have the staying power and that become the new lifestyle standard without ever appearing dated. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating a charmer, or adding some extra space, homes are becoming smarter, smaller (than the Mc Mansions of years past) and simpler.  Easy maintenance, high quality materials and integral smart systems make for an easy transition for the changing family.  In many instances homeowners are adding some extra space in order to meet the needs of aging parents (or for themselves “aging in place”) and re-designing their home’s overall layout by incorporating subtle Universal Design principles. Creating more open and flexible floor plans with wider doorways, main floor master suites, and user-friendly kitchens and baths are becoming increasingly important to the Baby Boomers. Kitchens are the core and heart of the home. And the truth of the matter is according to a recent survey conducted by General Electric 60% of homeowners are eating out less and spending more time dining at home – and more than half of them are actually cooking six to ten meals per week for friends and family.  This speaks to the overwhelming trend in creating the entertainer’s kitchen that is well designed, impeccably detailed and beautifully appointed.  So if you’re one of those serial entertainers and are planning a kitchen renovation, then its time to transform your kitchen into the hottest new restaurant in town! The current scene is definitely green.  You can go all the way and completely reduce your carbon footprint or simply introduce energy-efficient windows, lighting, appliances and tank-less water heaters in your home renovation project. Utilizing recycled and sustainable products has never been easier to incorporate into your home remodeling plans.  Keep in mind that the green scene is here to stay and eco-friendly homes are important to Baby Boomers and GenXers alike. This is a new era in the home building and renovation industry.  Keeping abreast of the home renovation and design trends and incorporating these new standards into your project – will keep your home in good standing should you ever decide to sell. I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Another Valuable Online Resource For Your Home Renovation Projects

Posted on Categories Renovations
Are you thinking about tackling your own home renovation project over the holidays?  Are you petrified to begin and would love to have someone help guide you? Homerenovations.about.com is a great site to help you with that and more.  Whether you’re a first time DIYer or a serial remodeler will help steer you in which ever direction you’re headed – at the same time empowering you with great tips, insights and design inspiration to help navigate you through the renovation world.

I want to thank Lee Wallender for featuring one of my renovation projects as one of the 10 Sexy Bathroom Remodels featured on his site today.  Check it out here. So if you plan to upgrade or renovate any part of your home first check in with Lee and browse through the site.  You’ll find everything you need to know. I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

2011 Home Design Color Trends

Posted on Categories Renovations1 Comment on 2011 Home Design Color Trends
As a Designer it’s so important to be well versed on all upcoming home design and renovation trends – from building trends to paint colors and everything in between.  Benjamin Moore’s 2011 Color Forecast was released to Architects and Designers last month – and I wanted to share their findings with you. Each year the color expert team at Benjamin Moore declares their predictions for the upcoming year by tracking the more recent social, cultural and political conditions and how they directly impact fashion and design trends.  What they discovered was an overwhelming desire for a sense of balance coupled with four underlying themes: The Farm, Order, Escape and Tribe. 1.  The Farm There is a major focus on hearth and home for obvious reasons and most are anchoring themselves within a new reality.  Earthy colors straight from the farm will be dominating interiors this year.  Just take a look at your local Farmers Market for inspiration.  From earthy browns, buttery yellows and milky whites – to tomatoes, pumpkins and greens. Also look for handcrafted fabrics, burlaps, tea-stained materials, and all types of petrified, bleached and natural woods – which suggests a return to life’s simpler things.

2.  Order We are craving a sense of balance and order from the chaos of the past couple of years.  This is interpreted by infusing red, blues, yellows and greens to juxtapose with more monochromatic variations of black, white and gray.  Geometric patterns with crisp stripes, dots and spirals uplift our spirit and improve our mood.  These days it’s all about making ourselves feel happy.

3.  Escape The world has been a little harsh lately so escaping into a dream world full of hope and optimism for the future– is extremely appealing at the moment. The dreamy glamour of sheer draped fabrics, metallic finishes and softened textures coupled with a more pale, frosted and opalescent color palette can be just the remedy for overcoming adversity.

4.  Tribe A focus back to our ethnic communities and much like the farm, we are aching to return to the simpler things in life yet in a more soulful way. The spicy color palette of the land such as rich berry, cinnamon, saffron and fire orange are anchored with bronzes and charcoals.  There is a huge focus on patterns, stencils, hand embroidery and beading, So how will you seek that order and balance in your life?  Will you be returning to the hearth, escaping into your dreams or focusing on your community when gathering your home design inspiration for this year?

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.