Spring Fever

Spring Inspiration from our Showroom

Warmer weather has finally arrived, and the flowers and green leaves are on their way too.

With all the spring cleaning that’s going on, you may want to update your décor as well. There are plenty of easy ways to bring spring inside. Bright hues or soft pastels are both great ways to do this. You’ll also want to add floral prints, faux plants and geodes. Artwork, fabric, throw pillows and accessories can all be used to incorporate spring patterns and colors.

spring inspiration from our showroom:

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

How to Decipher Interior Design Lingo

10 Terms to Know

Photo: Michaela Satterfield

Businessmen have their due diligence and soldiers have their 15 minutes prior to 15 minutes prior.

Like most fields, interior designers have their own jargon — terms that may not be commonly known. Knowing these phrases can make the difference between an expert and an amateur.

When communicating with designers, it can be helpful to know what those terms are. This saves valuable time in the design process and aids designers in bringing your ideas to life.

Interior design jargon to keep you in the know:

Universal design

Design that caters to every individual, regardless of age or ability.

Vendors

The companies that supply the furniture and other items available for purchase.

Market

An annual or semiannual event that hosts various vendors. Some are open to the public, but many are only open “to the trade”, meaning only licensed interior designers can attend them. At markets, designers purchase furniture for their showrooms and clients.

COM

Customer’s own material. A piece of furniture can essentially be ordered from a vendor in any fabric, even if the vendor does not carry it. When a customer supplies the fabric, it is referred to as COM.

Case goods

Non-upholstered furniture that can typically store items, like bookcases or desks. It can also refer to tables and chairs.

Luminaire

A light fixture. In the design world, lamp is a technical term for light bulb. What is commonly referred to as a lamp is referred to as a luminaire by interior designers.

Sofa

What may be commonly referred to as a couch is always referred to as a sofa in the interior design world.

Accessories

Also called accents. This includes sculptures, plants, throw blankets and other extra décor used to tie things together.

Commercial design

Design of businesses, schools, offices and other commercial buildings.

Residential design

Design of residential houses.

Now that you know the lingo, communicating with your interior designer will be a breeze.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Reading the Room

5 Interior Design Magazines to Check Out

Photo: Michaela Satterfield

Sometimes, design inspiration comes easily. The perfect piece pops out of nowhere. The right style for a space just falls into place.

Other times? Not so much. Inspiration doesn’t always strike, and sometimes design requires a lot of thinking. When ideas aren’t flowing, there are plenty of ways to get through the designers’ block.

One of my favorite ways to do this is to flip through design magazines. Filled with beautiful photography, handy tips and clever articles, interior design magazines never cease to spark bright ideas.

5 design magazines to subscribe to:

1. 417 Home

   417 Home is a magazine based in Springfield, Missouri. It releases four issues every year. The magazine includes home spotlights, event information and plenty of design inspiration. To keep up with local design, this magazine is a must-read.

   Check it out: https://www.417homemag.com/

2. Interior Design

   The name says it all. This magazine is one of the leading interior design publications. It’s been around for 80 years, so it knows what it’s talking about. Check it out for design inspiration from all over the globe.

   Check it out: https://www.interiordesign.net/

3. Architectural Digest

   This internationally published magazine is also on top in the world of interior design. Published monthly, it offers design from all over the world. Read about travel destinations and products, as well.

   Check it out: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/

4. Kansas City Spaces

   This magazine is a part of the well-known newspaper, the Kansas City Star. It offers design advice from designers and lots of local inspiration. As a bonus, it has a food section.

   Check it out: https://www.kansascity.com/spaces/

5. Coastal Living

   Geared towards those who enjoy waterfront living, this magazine is brimming with plenty of coastal design tips and inspiration. You’ll also find travel advice mixed in. Plan your dream home and dream vacation all at once.

   Check it out: https://www.coastalliving.com/

These five magazines are sure to get the design ideas flowing. Go read and be inspired— all from the comfort of your sofa.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

A Touch of Tropical

5 Ways to Add Tropical Décor to Your Home

Photo: Michaela Satterfield

With spring around the corner and spring break vacationers taking off, we can’t help but be drawn to all things tropical right now. Palm trees, ocean waves, and bright sunshine are beckoning. Bring a taste of vacation into your home with some tropical décor.

5 ways to Add a Touch of Tropical:

Photo: Fabric design from Kravet

1. Bold Patterns

   When it comes to tropical rainforests or beaches, everything is vibrant—the plants, the wildlife, the scenery. Using bright, bold patterns is a great way to capture this in your home. Try a fun pattern on a throw pillow, or even an accent chair. Kravet, one of our trusted fabric lines, offers plenty to choose from.

2. Bright Colors

   There’s nothing like the tantalizing aqua of the ocean or the rich emerald of a palm leaf. Tropical flowers blossom in every hue, too—fiery orange, majestic purple and golden yellow. Bringing the tropical into your home requires plenty of bright colors. There are endless ways to incorporate bright colors into your décor, from artwork to paint colors.

3. Wallpaper

   Wallpaper went out of style for a few years, but now it’s back and better than ever. Wallpaper is great for an accent wall or anything you really want to pop. It’s also one way to add some tropical flare to your home, with endless patterns available. Our line Thibaut is one of our favorites for tropical patterns and colors.

Photo: Wallpaper design from Thibaut

4. Plants

There’s no easier way to bring the tropical to your interior than plenty of green plants. Plants add life and vibrancy to any space. You could put your green thumb to work and try the real deal. Not into all the upkeep? Our line John-Richard offers plenty of realistic faux plants.

5. Earthy Textures

Palm trees, sand and seashells provide a neutral backdrop for all the bright colors found in tropical settings. Adding some earthy texture will provide a solid foundation to make all the other colors and patterns pop. Our line Uttermost offers all kinds of furniture pieces that can do the job, like the table pictured below.

Photo: Marnie Accent Table, Uttermost

Follow our tips to add tropical décor to your home, and every day will be a staycation.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Shed Some Light

10 Luminaires from Our Showroom

March is finally here— and that means spring is only a few weeks away!

We’re in the home stretch. The gloomy days of winter will soon be behind us.

Inspired by the brighter days ahead, here are 10 luminaires from our showroom:

Through the Looking Glass

The “City Spire” table lamp from John-Richard may be transparent, but that doesn’t stop it from making a statement. Paired with mirrors and plenty of white, this lamp makes a space bright and spacious.

Modern with a Twist

This John-Richard table lamp is a subtle way to add a modern touch to your home. Black and gold is a timeless color combination.

Safari Sunset

The “Persimmon Gourd” lamp from John-Richard is a great way to add a pop of burnt orange. The toasty hue is reminiscent of the last rays of sunset in the African desert.

Stay Gold

The “Golden Canyon” lamp from John-Richard is a unique mix of modern and classic. The modern form combines with classic gold to create an interesting piece that stands out from the rest.

Captivating Crystal

The “Castle Peak” table lamp is a glam piece that could be found in a castle. The crystal base adds texture, while the black shade keeps it grounded.

Mixed Metals

The John-Richard “Candlestick” table lamp adds height to any space. The gold and silver combine beautifully. The mixed metals trend is currently taking the world by storm.

A Touch of Whimsy

The “Dickinson” floor lamp from Kate Spade is a sure way to make an impression on anyone entering your home. The unique lamp is reminiscent of carefree childhood days.

Geometric Gold

This Century table lamp is simple enough to fit with an array of styles, but bold enough to make a statement. Stay on trend with the geometric gold base and simple cream shade.

Soft Stone

The John-Richard “Morning Light” accent lamp provides interesting texture. The neutral color palette keeps it functional— it would look great in a variety of spaces.

Geode Dreams

The “Marino Agate” lamp is a great way to add a calm, earthy touch to any space. From jewelry to décor, geodes are definitely in right now.

Artistic License

Last but not least, the artsy “Molten Mocha” lamp from John-Richard provides interesting texture to any space. This table lamp is a simple way to add an artistic touch.

While we wait for sunnier days, light up your space with one of these beautiful luminaires from our showroom.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Decision Making Tips

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

Photo: Michaela Satterfield

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

Make Your Dream Home a Reality

5 Apps to Make it Happen

Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/apple-applications-apps-cell-phone-607812/

When working with an interior designer to design your home, it can be difficult to communicate exactly what you want. Designers love to take what you envision and use their expertise to make it a reality. They show you how to make your ideas functional, as well as beautiful. But what if you can’t express to them exactly what you’re visualizing?

Never fear! There’s an app for that.

There are plenty of online resources right at your fingertips to help you capture your ideas and present them to your interior designer.

It just takes a quick visit to the app store.

5 apps to download right now:

1. Magicplan

Magicplan is a super easy way to create floor plans. Use it to brainstorm and plan out your dream house. You can even add furniture and make 3D models. It also features a handy material estimator to see how much it’ll all cost.

Find out more: https://www.magicplan.app/

2. Morpholio Board

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/chknowblogs/34958341272

The Board app, by Morpholio, is a great way to brainstorm color schemes and ideas for a room. You can add pictures, furniture pieces and color swatches to a collage to get a good idea of the look or feel you are going for.

Find out more: http://www.morpholioapps.com/board/

3. Homestyler

Homestyler is another great app to easily design floor plans. You can make 3D visualizations to better show how you would like a room designed. This app is user-friendly and makes designing a breeze.

Find out more: https://www.homestyler.com/int/

4. Color Capture

Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/art-business-color-colorful-276267/

The Color Capture app, by Benjamin Moore, is a super helpful tool. Is the color of that sweater you just found exactly the color you’ve been envisioning to paint your walls? Take a picture of it, and the app will match it with a paint color. Make the color scheme you’ve been dreaming of a design reality.

Find out more: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/color-capture/id318034543?mt=8

5. Paper

Paper, by Fifty Three, is a sketching app that makes capturing your ideas while on the go easy. Scribble a design concept, or fully illustrate an elevation. The app also has tools for making presentations. Never let another idea slip your mind—get it on paper quickly with the Paper app.

Find out more: https://www.fiftythree.com/

With these handy tools, your dream home is just a few taps away.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Valentine's Day Gifts

5 Unique Ideas

A box of chocolate? Tasty, but traditional. Flowers? Nice, but expected. A card? A teddy bear?

It’s easy to stress about what to get someone for Valentine’s Day. You don’t want to be too cliché, but that can be hard to avoid. This year, think outside the box.

Whether it’s for your significant other or the gals for Galentine’s Day, show your loved ones you care with a unique gift.

5 Unique Gifts:

1. Niven Morgan Hand Soap

This luxurious hand soap would make a great gift. Made with high-quality ingredients like aloe vera and pure glycerin, the foaming soap won’t dry your hands out. You’ll have a hard time picking a favorite scent. Try Lavender Mint, Blue, or Green Tea & Peony.

2. Branché Geisha Robe

This silk robe is certain to make you feel like royalty. The soft, smooth material is 100% silk. The Geisha robe pictured is blue and toffee, but it comes in a variety of colors. Give the gift of luxury.  

3. Roma Moulding Photo Frames

If you want a more personalized gift, consider putting a photo of you and your loved one in one of our high-quality frames from Roma Moulding. You could even write a note on the back. These frames, handmade in Italy, come in a variety of sizes and designs for every style.

4. Branché Charmeuse Pillowcase

This silk pillowcase from Branché is just what your hair and skin needs. The glossy silk helps prevent hair breakage and wrinkles. Choose from colors like crème, blush or toffee.

5. Branché Kiki Slides

These slippers would also make a great Valentine’s Day gift. They combine comfort and style—the best of both worlds. Choose from several colors of fur.

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away. Now that you have some ideas for what to look for, stop by our store to pick something up.

We’d love to help you find the perfect gift.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Rose-Colored Glasses

Red and Pink Color Inspiration

Love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is in two weeks, and the color scheme of the moment is red and pink.

While the colors aren’t typically paired any other time of the year, red and pink are timeless hues. There are plenty of ways to incorporate them into a beautiful interior.

According to Michael Pastoureau, author of a book on the color red, the word literally translates to “beautiful.” It was one of the first colors of paint that existed. Ancient Romans used cinnabar to create the color. It is associated with anger, passion, hunger and power. Ask what you should wear to an interview, and many people will you tell you the color red. Red is bold. Red is memorable. If you’re wanting to make a statement, it’s your color.

Pink, on the other hand, is not so daring. It is soft and comforting. While pink is known as a feminine color, it wasn’t always that way. According to Anna Broadway, who wrote an article on the color, pink was once considered masculine. It was viewed as a lighter shade of red, which was associated with war. Even so, these days it is hard to think of it any other way. Pink is delicate. Pink is lively. If you’re wanting to add a touch of glam to your interior, it’s your color.

Get inspired by some prints, patterns and pieces from our showroom:

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You don’t have to wear rose-colored glasses to see why these colors are timeless hues for any interior.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

http://blog.press.princeton.edu/2017/02/22/12-facts-from-red-the-history-of-a-color/

https://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/08/pink-wasnt-always-girly/278535/

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Beat the Winter Blues

5 Ways to Brighten Your Home This Winter

Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Falk_Oberdorf_Wiehengebirge_Winter_Heidbrink.JPG

With temperatures plummeting, it can be easy for your mood to plummet too. According to American Family Physician, seasonal affective disorder (or seasonal depression) affects about 25% of people every winter. 

These dreary, dark days definitely have me craving long walks in the sunshine with balmy air touching my skin and palm trees up above. Until then, we’ll just have to make the most of these puffy coat, red nose, slippery sidewalk days. There are lots of ways you can bring a little bit of summer into your home, even in the dead of winter. 

5 ways to beat the winter blues in your home:

1. Bright Décor

It’s hard to stay down with a room full of bright yellow, sunset orange or rainforest green. Try painting a wall in a bold color, or get an accent chair in a colorful pattern. Some simpler ideas include adding throw pillows or a blanket. One of my favorite ways to add color to a room is with artwork. You could also re-paint a tired, old piece of furniture in a fun color.  

Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/turned-on-flat-screen-led-television-1046639/

2. Bright Lights

Don't underestimate the power of adding a lamp or string lights to a room. On top of this, go ahead and change out any burnt-out light bulbs. The lack of light in winter is the biggest culprit of seasonal affective disorder. Making sure that every room in your home is well-lit will help beat those winter blues.  

Photo: https://pixnio.com/objects/electronics-devices/electric-lights-pictures/bright-light-bulb-electricity-glass-illuminated-incandescent-lamp-light

3. Natural Light

Better yet, take advantage of the little bit of natural light that is left, even when you’re inside. Pull back the curtains and enjoy the cooler sunlight that escapes through the clouds. As a bonus, you’ll save some money on your electric bill. 

Photo: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1039931

4. Indoor Plants

Flowers and greenery are two things we miss in the winter. Why wait for the April showers? Bring the outdoors in with some indoor plants. Plants are known to improve air quality and provide many health benefits. Succulents and cacti are popular choices right now.  

Photo: https://pixabay.com/en/succulents-bowl-planter-1993396/

5. Soft Textures

Another way to get through the winter is to fill your home with lots of soft textures. Blankets, pillows and area rugs add warmth to cold rooms.

Photo: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1397261

While we wait for spring to make its much-anticipated arrival, there are lots of things you can do to bring a little extra warmth to your home during these harsh winter months.  

Until then, grab some hot tea, take a seat by the fire and enjoy the snowy landscape while it lasts.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0301/p1531.html