Lee Haik

November 1, 2019

Wrap It Up

Lee Haik

November 1, 2019

Throw Blankets to Wrap up in This Winter

No living room is complete without a throw blanket. Throw blankets are a functional addition to any room, which also add an extra pop to your décor. Easily changeable, these accessories can pull triple duty by adding texture, pattern and color to a room. In our showroom, we have throw blankets from several of our favorite lines, like Sferra, Paul Robert and Eastern Accents. Stock up on some new blankets so you’ll be ready when winter hits.

We have options for every style and taste.

Cozy

These blankets are thick and warm. Perfect for curling up on the couch, they bring a comfy touch to any sofa or chair. White and beige shades remind us of snowy winter forests. Choose one with fringe for extra texture, or keep it crisp and clean with a smooth edge.

Glam

Like a luxurious fur coat, these blankets are glamorous and chic. Cheetah and snow leopard prints bring an exotic flare. Extra soft and thick, these throw blankets will make you never want to leave the sofa.

Retro

Reminiscent of the Brady Bunch era, this throw blanket adds a splash of fun color. Unexpected color pairings and simple patterns are trademarks of this timeless style.

Simple

For those who want their throw blankets to blend in with the décor they already have, these blankets add a simple, cozy touch without creating a fuss. They come in several shades, like easy-to-match neutrals, and don’t use a lot of pattern.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

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

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

November 17, 2018

In Good Taste

Lee Haik

November 17, 2018

Dining Room Inspiration from Our Portfolio

With the holiday season around the corner, there are plenty of dinners in the dining room in store.

While the kitchen may be used for haphazard meals in between school and work, the dining room is reserved for those meals for which you really want to slow down and enjoy. It is a space for gathering around the table to share food, as well as stories. The dining room is perhaps the most elegant, refined room of the house.

If you are looking to update your dining room, our designers know just how to design them. Whether you need new furniture, new wall coverings or a complete transformation, we’ll have you dining in style.

Here are three dining rooms from our portfolio, and what makes the designs work.

James Décor designed this dining room in October 2017, part of a residential project in South Carolina.

The room has an aura of grandeur, but feels cozy and welcoming at the same time. This is accomplished by the low-hanging chandelier, which brings the room to an approachable scale, despite the magnificent, tall windows.

Drapes hung above the windows make the ceiling looks miles high. Their lively pattern adds a pop of interest to the space.

The dark wood dining table adds richness to the otherwise light neutral room. The cream dining chairs are tied together with the table by the area rug, which features a mix of light and dark neutrals.

The ceramic accessories used as a centerpiece add the missing touch to the space.

There’s no doubt that dining in this beautiful room while overlooking the marshy, green South Carolina landscape will lead to some memorable dinners.

James Décor designed this dining room in September 2017. It was part of a Springfield, Missouri residential project.

The glam space looks like it was taken right from the home of a movie star with its striking chandelier and elegant furniture.

Grey walls serve as a neutral backdrop that makes the furniture and accessories pop.

The stunning crystal chandelier steals the show as the focal point of the room.

A rich raspberry hue, adorning the area rug, adds interest to the otherwise neutral room. The accessories of the same color, featured on the sideboard, tie the area rug into the space.

The simple mirror opens up the space, making it appear larger.

The black table is bold enough to stand without accessories. The contrasting black and white, contributed by the dining table and chairs, is reminiscent of old Hollywood.

This dining room will make the perfect gathering place for all kinds of important people.

This dining room was also part of the October 2017 South Carolina residential project.

The creamy white walls, trim and area rug are balanced with rich, dark browns. The simplicity of the walls and rug leaves room for the intricate mirror and chandelier.

Bold dining chair backs serve as a conversation starter. The dark brown also matches the dark wood of the table and sideboard.

Candlesticks, a bowl and ceramic pieces accent the room well.

The warm lighting provided by the wall sconces completes the space, which is sure to be the setting of many cozy dinners.

It’s easy to see what makes these well-designed dining rooms work.

Use this dining room inspiration as a starting point for deciding what your own dining room should look like. Will it be traditional, contemporary, cozy or glamorous like these rooms? The choice is up to you, but make sure you don’t overlook this important space in the house.

Whether designing the dining room or planning the menu, the key is good taste.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Intern