Some will say that white walls are so rental… but when done right it can be simply great design. The idea of white as the inspiration for a room can work. However, if you are going to go this route you have to fully commit or not do it at all.

White can work as a foundation for a design when the color is layered. Be conscious of losing depth in the space which can occur when you use all the same shade. Try layering different tones of white throughout the space. This can create quite a stunningly fresh environment. A great example of the effect of layering tones of white can be found in the following rooms:

Still feel you need a little color? White can be the perfect backdrop. Try adding color with a few accent pieces that can easily be changed when you get tired of them. Ideally only one or two other colors should be added to the space. Otherwise you will run the risk of losing the sense of a focus in the room and it will just feel chaotic.

After reflecting on the color white I realized I originally turned to this topic because I was feeling uninspired. I chose a non-color and came full circle to the idea of white as THE color. There truly is inspiration in everything. 

My favorite white room of the bunch…

Enjoy!

If you regularly watch design programs on HGTV, the DIY channel, or read design magazines you often hear that eco-friendly paint was used in a home. But what does that exactly mean? It never seems to be explained. Therefore I thought I would share what I know…

First, what is a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)? On a very basic level it is a toxic gas that is emitted into the air from various chemicals found in paint products. It’s that wet chemical scent that you notice when painting indoors. According to the EPA the levels of Volatile Organic Compounds have been found to be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. These levels can sore to 1000 times higher in the period during and immediately following when you are painting the room. Also, a low level of toxins can be emitted for years after the application has been completed. Why is this a concern and how does a VOC affect your health?

In the short term it can have affects such as a headache or nausea. Perhaps your eyes will itch or your throat will feel a little sore. Some may even have a type of allergic reaction which includes itchy or irritated skin. There are various levels of negative health affects caused from a VOC. Unfortunately there is still a lot to be learned but we do know that in some cases VOCs can even be connected to cancer.  

Back to the original inspiration for sharing what I know about Low VOC paint and why it is an important element of paint product selection? First and foremost it is all around better for your well being and creating a healthy home environment. There are other added benefits such as the fact that many are not considered hazardous waste therefore it is easier to dispose of the remaining product and you can often recycle the can it came in. Also, Low VOC products rate well when it comes to performance which means they provide quality coverage and they are easy to clean (i.e. scrub).

Nearly every paint manufacturer offers an eco-friendly paint base that is considered a Low VOC product. I found a great nontoxic paint quick reference on eartheasy.com at: Non-Toxic Paints

As a closing thought, VOCs are present in more than just paint. Building materials such as hardwood flooring or carpet, glue or adhesives, cleaning supplies, and even our furnishings emit varying levels of VOCs. I don’t want to overwhelm you and I could potentially write forever about this topic so consider this information as food for thought for now. On that note I hope you will come back to The I.Design Box in the future for tips about what to look for, questions to ask, and recommendations for other eco-friendly products.

Additional great resource to learn more about VOCs: Indoor Air Quality from the EPA

Recently it seems I have had a surge in questions about how to select paint colors…perhaps it is because in these economically difficult times it is an economically uplifting easy change to make to a space. If there was one piece of advice that I can give it is as follows:

Always start with an inspiration. It could be a rug, a piece of art, a throw pillow, bedding, a photograph, or pretty much any physical object you are drawn to that will reside within the space. That object, or inspiration, should evoke the feeling you are looking to create within the room. Never start with the paint color and then try to build from it. You will surely have a hard time finding all the right accessories and pieces to coordinate.

Not sure what I mean by choosing your inspiration first? Perhaps the following visual example will help.

By starting with this photo I took recently I am inspired by the overwhelming feeling of warmth and nature.

It reminds me of fall, my favorite season, and the gentle warm breeze blowing through the fields…the very feeling I am hoping to replicate with the following paint colors.

Justification for color selection starting from left to right: 

Sherwin Williams, Biscuit – Applied to the ceiling to reflect warm light into the room. Sherwin Williams, Downy – Applied to the trim for a crisp contrast and the same yellow undertone of all color selections. Sherwin Williams, Totally Tan – Applied to the walls to envelop the room in utter warmth. Sherwin Williams, Saguaro – Not necessarily painted on the walls but infused into the room with accessories, a rug, and such.

Are you still unsure? Many paint manufacturers now offer sample sizes. Pick up a few poster boards, foam brushes, and the paint samples you are considering for the room. Paint the poster board fully saturated to the edges and then hang it on the wall. Live with the color for a few days and look at it at all different times of the day. This should help to set your expectation of how the color will look and feel in the space. For a small investment of a few dollars you can trial and error on a small scale before taking on the task of painting the entire room.

Quick Tip:  Color is simply a reflection of light so be aware that the lighting and existing colors may somewhat skew your test sample color.

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and typically in the heart of the kitchen is the kitchen island. It can be the primary work space, entertaining area, and may even serve as a great place to dine. Considering adding an island to your kitchen? Then be sure to think about and be inspired by the following tips:

Tip One:The use of an island works best in a larger kitchen that has an L-Shape, U-Shape, or G-Shape layout. They will not work in a Galley layout and an island will become an obstruction if the kitchen is too small. You may also want to consider a movable island that will allow you to tuck it away when it is not in use.

Photo Credit: Houzz.com 

Tip Two:If the island is large enough and part of the built in cabinetry you may want to consider adding a second sink, the cooktop, perhaps the dishwasher, or even an under-counter microwave drawer. The addition of any of these options is typically driven by how you will utilize the counter space on the island. Will it be for baking? Prepping nightly dinners? Or a nice gathering space for extra dining? The use will help dictate the type of storage and/or appliances added to the island.

Photo Credit: Houzz.com

Photo Credit: Houzz.com

Tip Three:If you do consider adding a cooktop to the island don’t forget to provide proper ventilation with a hood overhead or a downdraft vent that is built into the cooktop.

Tip Four: Islands are a great opportunity to add extra storage space. Consider the open shelving on a kitchen island for cookbooks, the small appliances you would like accessible but may not use on a daily basis, or even an opportunity for an artful display of an accessory or two.

 Photo Credit: Ballard Designs.com 

Tip Five: Use the incorporation of the kitchen island as an opportunity to make a statement. It doesn’t have to match the rest of the kitchen. Perhaps it is a unique piece of furniture 0r a different finish or color. The countertop material can also be unique and does not have to match the rest of the kitchen. A great idea is a butcher-block top for chopping and prepping food. If you bake a lot you might want to consider granite or marble.

Photo Credit: Elle Decor.com 

If you select the type of  island for your kitchen  based upon the primary use and if it is designed correctly it can create a more functional and welcoming space overall. Follow your heart when choosing the style and finishes and your kitchen island will become the focal point and great gathering space for friends and family. Simply be inspired by the kitchen island and make the heart of your kitchen the heart of your home!

Photo Credit: Houzz.com

Something got into me, I was in the mood to decorate for Halloween and then got a little carried away. What first inspired me were these fabulous black and white pumpkins found on CountryLiving.com:

Photo Credit: countryliving.com

What a great idea! Something different, mildly classy for Halloween decorations, and it had to be easier than trying to carve intricate patterns directly into the pumpkin right? … well, once I got started I realized it wasn’t AS EASY as I thought. So I modified the plan. I started with two pumpkins, and three gourds. My intention was to paint an intricate design on each, I ended up with one spider. Painting directly onto the pumpkin is a multi-step process. A living thing is not designed to take paint easily therefore it resulted in several layers before achieving the look I was hoping for.

Here is what I started with:

Once each pumpkin was painted its appropriate shade of white I began the next step. It took a little effort and searching online to find a spider template I liked. After applying it to one pumpkin I decided that tracing it and then painting multiple layers of black paint on top of multiple layers of white paint was enough. Martha Stewart I am not. So I purchased a couple decorative spiders to sit intricately about the center piece.

That said, Martha still inspires me. I love this table setting on her website:

Photo Credit: marthastewart.com

The lunch plate in Martha’s table setting reminded me of vintage style plates that I recently picked up for a few dollars at HomeGoods (you have to love that store for inexpensive inspiration!). Again, realizing that I am no Martha Stewart but I do have my own style and take on things, I decided to try my hand at combining these two ideas to see what I could create.  Behold, here is the end result…

It wasn’t what I initially had in mind but it was still fun and worth the effort!  … not to mention I can use one of the pumpkins and all three gourds to decorate for Thanksgiving (it’s all about re-use).

 Check out more tablescapes on Tablescape Thursdays at Between Naps On the Porch

P.S. Sorry about the photo quality. I’m working on it.

Typically I like to think outside of the box and try something new with a design project to see if it will work. However, in some cases it is still best to adhere to basic rules of design. After all there are reasons they exist right?

For example, I’m currently working on a suggested space plan for a Design Inspiration Box (DIB). The room is an enclosed kitchen that is in much need of a re-work to be light, bright, and open. In an effort to minimize some of the major construction I elected to keep the sink as close to it’s original location as possible. Primarily this decision was to reduce the cost of moving plumbing which can be expensive. I labored and labored over how to layout the room, choosing what I “thought” was the best location for the sink. When I thought I had completed the preferred kitchen layout it still felt wrong. So what did I do?

Like any good designer we rely on what we have learned through formal education, experience, and sometimes trial and error (most won’t admit the latter). In this situation I turned to what I learned in design school and after reviewing the basic rules laid out by the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) I realized I was so caught up in saving money I overshot the simple rule of the work triangle.

What is the work triangle? Some of you may have never heard of this before and in that case you are hearing about something completely new today. However, for those who have a mild interest in interior design, have purchased a home, enjoy cooking, or simply watch HGTV on occasion realize there is this thing that everyone calls a work triangle. If you have heard of it already you may also be learning a little something new today because I’m sharing with you a real and actual “rule” of good kitchen design:

There are three major work centers in any kitchen: ONE the primary sink, TWO the primary cooking area, and THREE the refrigerator. The sum of the three distances you travel between each primary work center should not add up to more than 26 feet. Additionally, no single leg of the work triangle should measure more than 9 feet or less than 4 feet. If this seems like just words perhaps the following image will help to clarify:

Just simple math right? I’m sure most have never REALLY stopped to actually measure the work triangle but you have definitely noticed when a kitchen doesn’t work efficiently. When this formal rule of design, the work triangle, is applied you will find that the kitchen simply works.

Thankfully, all I had to do was move the sink to the left by 24 inches and all was resolved… not to mention all other kitchen design rules also remained in tact.

Below is a picture where you can see a work triangle that will definitely work. In kitchens such as this one it is often simple to see efficient use of simple design rules, even without having them defined in black and white.

Photo Credit: HGTV, Kitchens by Jean Alan, Interior Designer,  Jean Alan Inc.

Just a few months ago one of my favorite design magazines Domino went out of print. Thankfully I learned from a close friend that a new online magazine developed by Michelle Adams, Editor and Patrick Cline, Photographer has bloomed in its place. The new online publication, Lonny Magazine, is filled with accessible design inspiration from the most affordable to extravagant. Nearly 200 pages are filled with feature homes, interior design ideas, do-it-yourself tips, gardening guidance, and fashion inspiration. You can click through product images straight to the source which couldn’t be more accessible! The best part is it is free.

What I truly love about this new publication is that you can find fresh ideas for all design styles. What’s even more intriguing is that while most design magazines can feel out of reach for those of us on limited budgets, in Lonny Magazine something for every pocket book can be found.  If it is too extravagant simply think of it as inspiration. Some of my favorites from the premier issue include:

From Jayson Home and Garden:

Photos Above Credit: jaysonhomeandgarden.com

From West Elm:

Photo Credit: westelm.com

Throughout the magazine there are a number of feature homes. The home that stood out for me was that of Grace Bonney, the mastermind behind Design Sponge (another Box Fave blog).  Bonney created a headboard from a beautiful embroidered Otomi Fabric from Jacaranda:

Photo Credit: Lonny Magazine, Taken by Patrick Cline

Look for The I.Design Box feature favorites to come with each issue and please be sure to check out Lonny Magazine for inspiration! 

The fall chill is in the air, the leaves are changing colors, and Halloween is a mere 25 days away! It’s time to break out the pumpkins and these ideas from Martha are simply divine…not to mention doable for the Martha challenged.

 My favorite pumpkins perfect for the front step, porch, and gardens:

Photo Credits: marthastewart.com

Check out Martha Stewart’s website at marthastewart.com for nearly 50 pumpkin decorating ideas. Most had simple how-to instructions…or be inspired and try it out on your own!

Wallpaper is not a NEW trend but it is still current and doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon.

We all have memories of the wallpapers from days past…intricate little flower patterns in shades of mauve and hunter green, 1980s inspired graphic prints, and almost always nothing but country-country-country. Well, the trend of today’s wallpaper is FAR from what our past stereotypes may have been.

Think of wallpaper as art. No need to cover every inch of every wall within a room. The pattern doesn’t even need to repeat. Look for a design scale that suits the space. Not sure how to do this? Stop and ask yourself, can I stand back and take in the whole of the design or is it overwhelming to see the entire print at a glance? Is the print so small and quaint in a vast space, so much so that it almost makes me dizzy? This is just food for thought when selecting a wallpaper pattern.

 Photo Credit – Ballard Designs

Look for hand painted designs or a new take on a traditional design pattern. Almost anything goes in terms of color scheme including metallic finishes. Be sure to select paint colors for adjacent walls that complement the wallpaper. In other words, choose your wall paper first and THEN your paint colors.

Photo Credit – Paul Montgomery Studio 

Want to get your feet wet with wallpaper but not fully commit to an over the top style? Look for textures that create a sense of depth in the room, select a neutral or classic color scheme that will never go out of style. Grass cloths are a great option for the more conservative or traditional design.

Have a bold side? Think of your wall as a canvas. For the very modern design choose an image that can be stretched to the size of the wall. There are companies that specialize in this very option by taking a high resolution photo and creating a large scale mural to fit the size of the wall. Quick tip…this is a great idea for a loft. 

 Photo Credit – Decor Place

And one final note on what NOT to do. Please, please, please… abandon the idea of using a border. This at no time is okay in current design trends.

If you love the idea of using wallpaper and you are not sure of where to start or how to choose one that is right for you please consult with a professional.

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What is the “I” in The I.Design Box? Technically it is “Interior” as in Interior Design Box…but truly it stands for “Inspiration”.  What is design after all but inspiration?  We find inspiration in so many things including color, art, nature, form, function, architecture, people, culture, music, our lifestyle, a feeling, anything and everything from the simple to the most complex.

 All good design starts with one simple thing…inspiration. What inspired the end result of the design? What inspires you? What inspires me? At times it is nothing more than the divine shade of blue of the sky on a clear crisp fall day. On other occasions an entire room, even home, can be designed around a priceless piece of art that is near to the heart of the people who live there and treasure the artful inspiration.

With every project and every intention for a design I look to what inspires the desired environment for the space. In the coming days, weeks, months, and beyond I will share with you what inspires me and what inspires design in my world. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to learn about what inspires you.

I will close for the day with two photos I took recently that were inspired by a new-to-me lighting technique I picked up in a photography class…

What do you see in these photos? I’d love to hear from you.

Would you like to receive email notification of new posts? Email me with the subject “Email Postings” and I’ll add you to the list: darcy@theidesignbox.com  

… or go to the RSS tab and click on “Subscribe to this Feed” and you will automatically receive an update that you can view in Internet Explorer and other programs.