Lee Haik

December 5, 2019

Holiday Shopping Inspiration

Lee Haik

December 5, 2019

10 Gift Ideas From Our Showroom

It’s that time of year again.

Our showroom is filled with items that would make perfect gifts. We’ve rounded up a collection of our favorites. This year, skip the boring gift cards and give your family and friends a unique piece from one of our luxury lines. They’ll be impressed with the extra thought you put into giving them such a personal gift.

Here are some ideas to get you brainstorming.

Windwood Farm Goat Milk Soap

Handcrafted soaps from a local business make the perfect stocking stuffers. Load up on all the different scents and colors.

Mina Victory Plush Collection

Don’t forget the littles. These ultra fluffy stuffed animals will be their new favorite toys. Give them their favorite animal to play with and cuddle.

Silver Ribbon Dance II Sculpture by John-Richard

Artistic sculptures like this one would make a great gift for someone who is on the hunt for the perfect home accent. Make sure you know their taste before picking one out.

La Sieste Tranquillité Eye Pillow by Branché

A silk eye mask is the perfect gift for those who are looking to get their beauty sleep over the holidays.

Jean Baptiste Hand Soap by Niven Morgan + Ceramic Bathroom Accessories

For the host or hostess on your list, help them keep their guest bathroom in tip-top shape with luxurious hand soap and stylish bathroom accessories.

Offering Bowls by Uttermost

These matte black bowls would make a trendy table centerpiece. They fit a glam style, so pick one up for the fashionista with décor to match on your list.

Paloma Pillow by Global Views

This eye-catching pillow would be a great gift for someone on your list looking for a statement piece. It fits a variety of tastes, from contemporary to artsy.

Le Blanc Linen Wash

Keep those linens in shape with this wash specifically made for linens. Anyone on your list could use this. Why not give the gift of clean and fresh bedding?

Charmeuse Silk Pillow Case by Branché

This could be paired with the eye masks above, or stand alone. The luxurious silk pillowcase even promotes skin and hair health.

Patina Bowl Onyx

Another idea for those looking for accents, this bowl would match a variety of styles.

Now that you’re inspired, it’s time to grab your list and get shopping! You’ll have those gifts under the tree in no time.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Lee Haik

November 14, 2019

In the Details

Lee Haik

November 14, 2019

The Importance of Accessorizing

In a bustle of fabric memos, sofas and rug samples, the accessories can get lost. They are the final touches. They seem like minor details. In the end, though, they make all the difference.

Good design is in the details.

Accessories are a way to let the room play. One of the best ways to show your personality, they add splashes of individuality. Sculptures, clocks, books, bowls and statues dance around a room to tell a story. They must be used tastefully, but accessories could be what your space is missing. Whether you want to choose a single statement piece or several accents, our showroom is filled with options.

Get Inspired By Some of Our Favorite Accessories

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: James Décor

Lee Haik

October 1, 2019

Interior Design Software

Lee Haik

October 1, 2019

Popular Programs Interior Designers Use

Photo: Hand sketches, from https://www.needpix.com/photo/856996/technical-drawing-architecture-project-rules-autocad-scale-work-interior-design

We are in a new era of interior design.

Gone are the days of painstaking, hand-drafted floor plans. Computer software allows for easy, painless drafting and visualization. Plans can be made infinitely more quickly. Innovations in design software have created a whole new world for interior designers and architects, expediting the entire design process.

Curious about what design software is out there? Read on to learn about four popular programs.

AutoCAD

AutoCAD was first released by Autodesk in 1989. CAD stands for computer-aided design. Interior designers depend on this tried and true software. This is often the first software designers learn, and it takes some effort to learn all the commands and the way the software works. Once a designer has it down, though, it makes drafting a breeze. Users can create 2D floor plans or 3D models of furniture, among other things. AutoCAD is a flexible tool that allows users to play and see many design possibilities.

Learn more: https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview

Revit

Revit is similar to AutoCAD in some ways, but there are key differences. This is the software architects and engineers frequently turn to. While AutoCAD specializes in 2D renderings, Revit is more suited for 3D renderings. AutoCAD is a drafting tool, and Revit is a modeling tool. Revit takes the drafts a step further and identifies the physical properties of the building components displayed on a rendering. Modifying drawings is easier, as Revit will automatically apply all changes to every view of a rendering. This must be done manually with AutoCAD. Revit does not allow for as much freedom as AutoCAD, however, as drafts must follow certain rules.

Learn more: https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/overview

SketchUp

Like Revit, SketchUp is also modeling software. This means 3D models are its specialty. Users can make realistic looking models. While AutoCAD and Revit must be paid for, SketchUp offers a free web-based version. Some argue that SketchUp is a little easier to use than other programs, but it really depends on what users are using it for. SketchUp is a great tool for dreaming up design possibilities and bringing them to life.

Learn more: https://www.sketchup.com/

Homestyler

The best part about Homestyler is the price—it’s free. While professionals may want to stick to the other programs, this website is especially useful for those wanting to play around with different design ideas. It may not allow for design specifics that a contractor would need, but it gets the job done for those who simply need to visualize something. Users can even decorate with real furniture products. Homestyler also has a handy mobile app.

Learn more: https://www.homestyler.com/int/home

Design software creates exciting opportunities for interior designers, architects and homeowners alike. With visualization tools like these, the sky is the limit. Use these four programs, or one of the many other options out there, to bring design ideas from your imagination to your home.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Lee Haik

September 28, 2019

Fall Home Inspiration

Lee Haik

September 28, 2019

Bring a Taste of the New Season to Your Home

Fall.

A season of change. A time of reflection.

Subtle hues, toned down from the blaring brightness of summer, create a dreamy mood of nostalgia. Burnt orange, crimson red and golden yellow mimic the landscape of trees transitioning to winter. Moody neutrals, like black and mocha, create a dim but comforting atmosphere.

To spice it up, throw in some texture. We love metallics and furs.

Let cozy furniture and accessories like these set the mood as you slow down to get ready for winter’s rest.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Lee Haik

September 12, 2019

Back to School Home Organization Tips

Lee Haik

September 12, 2019

Think Outside the Classroom

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rubbermaid/5093615082/

September is here, and the new school year is officially in full swing. Kids are getting used to new teachers and classrooms. Morning routines are in place. Bedtimes are set. Now, you have a little bit of time to think about something else to make your schedule run even more smoothly: organizing your home.

During this busy time of year, stuff has a way of getting piled up. It starts with a pair of soccer cleats thrown over here, then a backpack slung over there. Before you know it, everything you own is scattered throughout the house. Nothing has a place of its own.

It may not seem like a big deal at first. Over time, however, this can lead to ongoing stress. Our environments are frequently blended into the background of our lives without so much as a thought. What we don’t realize is that they are of infinite importance to our well-being.

It starts with the structure of the home. Floor plans, lighting and finishes all make an impact on us. It then goes to the furnishings chosen for the home. Sofas, table and their layouts make a difference in how we live. The final layer? Organization of items within the home—our focus today.

5 Essential Home Organization Tips:

Give Everything a Home

Containers and baskets and shelves, oh my! Group your stuff into categories first. Put all those scrunchies into a pile. Arrange those books into neat stacks. Gather up all those loose toys. Once they’re all grouped, you’ll be able to tell how many storage containers you need. Stock up and get those items stashed away. When everything has a place to belong, picking up is way simpler.

Photo: https://www.needpix.com/photo/591447/shelf-container-rack-food-shelves-store-people-market-industry

Break Cleaning into Small, Daily Tasks

Instead of letting chores build until it seems like an insurmountable task to get the house clean, break everything up into small, daily tasks. For example, you could make your task of the day be vacuuming. Tomorrow, it could be cleaning the bathroom mirrors. What was once an overwhelming undertaking now seems manageable. It’s also a great way to get kids involved, who can get in the habit of doing one small chore a day.

Make it a Game

Speaking of getting the kids involved, a great way to do this is to make it a game. Make it a race to see who can get their toys picked up the fastest. See how many days in a row they can go without forgetting to take out the trash. Another idea is to create a reward system.

Plan Ahead

Oftentimes, a little planning is the key to keeping your home organized. Schedule cleaning times. Get in the routine of cleaning every day at a certain time. Routines are especially helpful in the morning. Lay out outfits and pack lunches the night before. This prevents the closets and kitchens from turning into madhouses in the morning rush. In the mornings, there often isn’t time to put things back, so the mess builds. A little planning will take care of the problem.

Deep Clean Every Six Months

While small, daily tasks work for most chores, there are some things that don’t need to be done as often. You can save these things for a deep clean about twice a year. This is also a great time to get rid of any clutter that has built up in the past months. Sift through what you haven’t touched in the past six months, and donate it.

Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flat-lay-photography-of-calendar-1020323/

These incredibly simple tips can get your home in tip-top shape. Mornings will be a breeze, and evenings will be more enjoyable. What are you waiting for? Get organizing. It’s not as hard as you think.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Lee Haik

August 22, 2019

The Dog Days of Summer

Lee Haik

August 22, 2019

Cool Color Inspiration to Help You Beat the Heat

It’s the time of year when even a quick swim or run through the sprinkler isn’t enough to make the sticky heat enjoyable. The crisp days of fall seem just within reach, yet aren’t close enough to touch. Hot and humid air is here to stay, at least for a little bit longer.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some inspiration from our showroom to cool things down. Cool colors like blue, green and purple bathe a space in refreshing calmness. Mix the shades in with your warm and neutral colors, or even let them stand on their own. Use them anywhere—accents, artwork, linens and furniture.

Feel the breeze yet? The dog days of summer just got a little less humid.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Lee Haik

August 6, 2019

Interior Design Around the World

Lee Haik

August 6, 2019

Japan

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/apartment-view-interior-room-3564955/

One of the best ways to step out of your style comfort zone is to try an interior design style from another country. There is an endless world of design possibility out there. Most of these design styles have trickled to the United States in one way or another, but their uniqueness is still not as well known.

The Japanese interior design style is one that would suit those who enjoy clean, modern spaces. Minimalists feel at home in spaces like these. The Japanese style puts more emphasis on space than it does on the things filling a space. This is the opposite of most European styles, which are known for specific accents or types of furniture. Japanese principles include balance, order and natural beauty.

What else? Read on to discover more attributes of Japanese interior design.

Layout

Japanese interiors emphasize open space. Don’t make things crowded; use as little furniture as possible. Many Japanese spaces don’t even use interior walls to split things up--they opt for movable screens instead. This keeps the entire space open.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/asia-live-living-room-japanese-4209448/

Textures

Much of Japanese design is based off of nature. The goal of a Japanese interior is to become one with nature. This means many textures used in Japanese spaces are those that can be found in nature. One specific example is wood, which is used abundantly in Japanese homes. Find it on floors, frames and doors.

Accents

As with everything else, keep the accessories minimal. Japanese spaces are as uncluttered as possible. Use plants, like bamboo or bonsai, to spruce things up.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/bamboo-forest-green-plant-wood-20936/

Color

Colors, like other aspects of Japanese design, are also based off of nature. Soft blues and greens, along with neutrals, work well. Make sure colors are muted, as the goal of a Japanese space is to be relaxing and blend in with nature.

Deck out your whole home with the Japanese design style, or simply incorporate a few of the design principles for a calmer, more relaxing space.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/japanese-interior-design-the-concept-and-decorating-ideas/

http://www.home-designing.com/2012/12/japanese-style-minimalist-inspiration

Lee Haik

May 18, 2019

New Beginnings

Lee Haik

May 18, 2019

Essentials for New Homes

This time of year is a time of new beginnings. It’s the end of the school year. Summer is almost here. Freedom is calling.

There is one group of people particularly excited about this time of new beginnings: the graduates.

High school graduates will be getting ready to set up their first dorms or apartments. College graduates will be getting ready to move to new apartments or even their first houses. New homes call for new furniture and accessories.

It can be tempting to buy the cheapest stuff you can find to save money initially. This may seem like a good option at first, but you’ll usually get what you pay for. In the long run, you’ll lose money when you have to quickly replace those items.

Why not make an investment to start with? Long-lasting quality is worth the extra money. The difference will be noticeable, too. Quality is in the details.

10 essentials available at James Décor for your new home:

Your sofa won’t be complete without a cozy throw.

Our bedding from Sferra is perfect to set up your new bed. You’ll be sleeping like royalty.

Don’t forget the pillow. Sferra offers those too.

Your bathroom won’t be complete without one of these bath mats from Matouk.

Washcloths are a fun way to add a pop of color.

Don’t forget the throw pillows. These are an easy way to customize your décor. We have them available in all different styles.

An area rug is also a great way to customize your décor and add some texture.

You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of picture frames to keep your family and friends in sight.

These geode bookends are a trendy way to keep things organized.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Lee Haik

May 4, 2019

Scandinavian Interior Design

Lee Haik

May 4, 2019

The Cozy Minimalist Style

Photo: https://www.maxpixel.net/Home-Nordic-Household-2394831

Like a light summer breeze, the Scandinavian interior design style is airy and soothing. The blank spaces are as intentional as the décor itself. Brought about by years of tradition, this style pulls off timeless and modern in the same breath.

This style originated in the Nordic region, which is notorious for long, dark winters. The goal of these interiors is to keep things bright and open, but cozy at the same time. This is no easy feat.

Originating in an environment where natural light is in short supply, the way light is used in these spaces is very important. Lots of windows with sheer coverings are popular.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/stay-scandinavian-style-white-room-2132344/

Other minimalist styles are typically cold and uninviting. The Scandinavian style uses lots of textures — like blankets, rugs and throws — to soften the stark white that is a trademark of this style. Stark contrast, like black and white, is one aspect this style uses.

Another big difference between Scandinavian design and other modern styles is the use of color. While neutrals are an essential component, bursts of other colors are used as well. These colors are typically softer, like pastels.

The style is tidy and doesn’t have a lot of ornate detail. The details, however, are intentional. A well placed piece of artwork or pop of texture prevents the clean style from looking too cold.

Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-black-framed-mirror-on-the-wall-905198/

Minimalist furniture is often used, such as Mid-century modern pieces. These pieces are slim and light, rather than bulky.

You won’t find wall-to-wall carpet in these interiors. Wood floors with plenty of rugs are the norm. Wood is typically light — like beech, ash and pine.

Nature themes are also common. You’ll find botanical artwork, plants and tree branches throughout Scandinavian spaces.

Like a refreshing summer breeze in the middle of winter, the Scandinavian style is a sure way to bring a refreshing yet cozy touch to your space.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.mydomaine.com/scandinavian-interior-design-ideas

http://www.contemporist.com/10-common-features-of-scandinavian-interior-design/

Lee Haik

February 23, 2019

Decision Making Tips

Lee Haik

February 23, 2019

Why Design Decisions Can Be So Difficult and What to Do About It

Do you have trouble making decisions for your home? It can be difficult to choose a color swatch, a fabric or a sofa. If you’re like me, I tend to agonize over decisions—even the little ones.

I mean, when it comes to picking things out for my home, I have to consider that I spend a lot of time there. What if I choose a rug that I think is hideous two days later and am forced to stare at it forevermore? That could be disastrous.

Our environments impact us more than we realize, so it’s important to take care when designing them.

As it turns out, there’s a science behind why some choices can be so difficult.

According to Siobhan Smith, author of the article “The science of decision making (and how to overcome indecision),” the average adult makes around 35,000 decision a day. With each decision, decisions get a little more difficult. This is called “decision fatigue.”

All decisions contribute to this phenomenon—whether major life decisions or trivial decisions.

Smith suggests simply going with your gut when making a decision. If nothing else, it gets you to make a move, rather than spending ages in analysis paralysis. She explains that making the wrong decision is better than doing nothing at all, because we won’t always be right all the time. Wrong decisions are necessary for growth.

However, it is wise to spend time weighing all the options, especially for big decisions. Smith says it’s okay to sit on the fence, but you shouldn’t stay there forever.

So, when you have to make those tough decisions about designing your home, the place where you will be spending much of your time, how can you get off the fence?

Interior designer Jordan Edwards offers some tips for making design decisions on her blog.

Before beginning, she suggests figuring out a few things about your space: the mood you’re going for, the purpose of the room and why you’re having trouble achieving those things with your design.

Then, when designing, make sure you only choose pieces that fit with those things. If a piece doesn’t contribute to the mood you are going for or fit the purpose of the room, then it’s not for you. If it doesn’t help you achieve what you think is missing from the space, leave it out.

Next, she says you should set a budget. She emphasizes that the budget should be realistic, so that you can actually achieve your goals.

After that, have some fun! Create a mood board or look on Pinterest for some ideas. This will also help with figuring out exactly what you are wanting from your design.

Her final tip is to only buy things you absolutely love. Don’t settle. It’s worth it to save a few extra dollars for that piece you really want. Otherwise, you might end up regretting it.

Hopefully, these tips will help you make some decisions for your home.

If you’re still having trouble, that’s where interior designers come in. When in doubt, let your designer take care of it all for you. They’re in the business to help you figure out exactly what your space needs and make it a reality.

Choose a designer, and the rest of the decisions will take care of themselves.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/wellbeing/science-decision-making-indecision/

https://www.jordan-interiors.com/interior-design-blog/how-to-overcome-design-paralysis