Shop the Look

How to Pull off This Timeless Black & Gold Space

This vignette is modern with a glamorous Old Hollywood twist. Timeless black mixes with gold to add some shine. Crystal accents, like the lamp stands and accessories displayed on the shelves, add texture to the otherwise sleek look. Simple shelves add a place to display whatever you want without overpowering the décor itself. Black leather recliners create a sophisticated space inviting you to rest in style. The little details pull it all together, like the upholstery tacks in the chairs and gold frame on the artwork. The glossy, agate patterned cabinet steals the show and creates a focal point. This space is certainly one you’ll want to recreate. Here’s how.

Shop the Look:

Cabinet

“I Dream of Agate Four-Door Cabinet” from John-Richard. 34”H x 72”W x 18”D. Glass top.

Lamps

Kate Spade “Castle Peak Table Lamp” from Visual Comfort. Lamp height: 38”. Linen shade.

Recliners

“Black Leather Recliner” from Century Furniture. 47”H x 31.50”W x 35.25”D. Black aniline leather.

Shelves

“Modernist Étagère” shelf from John-Richard. 82”H x 18”W x 18”D. Antique brass cubes with glass shelving.

On the Shelves

“Black Box with a Silver Stone” from John-Richard. 5”H x 12”W x 7”D.

“Selenite Sprite” sculpture from John-Richard. Various sizes.

“Celestite Hoop” from John-Richard. Various sizes. Oval hoop with celestite crystal.

Stop by our showroom, where our designers will be happy to show you exactly how to take this look home.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Spanish Colonial Interior Design

How to Incorporate This Style in Your Home

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/architecture-houses-homes-2608240/

The Spanish Colonial interior design style is influenced by a rich past. Dark woods, intricate details and plenty of stone give this style depth. It was originally brought to America by the Spanish from the 1600s to 1800s. Popular in California, you may find this style featured in the homes of movie stars. Interested in bringing this timeless style to your home?

5 Trademarks of Spanish Colonial Interior Design:

Stucco Walls

Stucco walls, in white or cream, are popular in Spanish Colonial homes. Other popular choices include adobe brick or stone. These materials were traditionally chosen in order to keep Spanish homes cool. The light walls help break up the other dark features which are popular in this style.

Photo: A typical Spanish Colonial house, featuring stucco walls and a terracotta roof, from Unsplash

Wrought Iron

This can be incorporated into interiors in a variety of ways. Wrought iron chandeliers and railings are two examples. Wrought iron is reminiscent of years past, when blacksmiths were found in every town.

Dark Wood

Dark varieties of wood, such as walnut or mahogany, are often featured in Spanish Colonial homes. You’ll find dark wood floors, ceiling beams and fireplace mantels.

Photo: Dark wood cabinetry. https://pixabay.com/photos/home-kitchen-modern-luxury-kitchen-1416381/

Arches

Arches are common architectural features of Spanish Colonial houses. You’ll find them over doorways or windows, in hallways or alcoves. Arches are a simple way to add architectural interest to an otherwise plain space, without going over the top.

Bright, Patterned Fabrics

While the Spanish Colonial style is centered around neutrals such as those found on the wood or tile essential to this style, you’ll also find pops of color and pattern. Colors are bright and patterns are detailed. These can help to break up the other neutrals.

Photo: Unsplash

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a25056763/spanish-colonial-design-style/

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-favorite-features-of-spanish-revival-style-stsetivw-vs~133590

Interior Design vs. Interior Decorating

The Art and the Science of Interior Design

Photo: Michaela Satterfield

There is much confusion surrounding the field of interior design. Many wonder if it is a valid field, thinking there is little skill required in choosing sofa fabrics and drapery colors. Some believe you just have to have a “knack” for it — designing spaces requires little more than some extra creativity.

What many don’t realize, however, is that interior design is not just an art. There is a science to it.

While there are many similarities between interior decorators and interior designers, the fundamental difference is in education.

Interior decorators work to help clients choose décor for their homes. There is no doubt that this requires plenty of interpersonal skill and creativity. Decorators have a natural talent for deciding which things would work together. They are experts on finishes, accessories and furniture.

Interior designers, on the other hand, have obtained a formal degree in interior design, whether that be a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in interior design. The big concepts of interior design — like sustainability, universal design and an understanding of the construction of a building — are what interior designers may understand better than interior decorators.

Designers look beyond the surface of each building they design. They understand how homes and buildings work on a structural level. They work with architects and contractors to design the building from the blueprints to the finished product, keeping in mind important things like building codes and space planning.

The choice of hiring a designer or a decorator, then, depends on what kind of work you need done. If the work is primarily aesthetic, either a decorator or designer can get the job done. If there are more structural changes needed, a designer will have the education to get that done as well.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://newschoolarch.edu/academics/school-of-design/bachelor-of-interior-design/interior-designer-and-decorator/

https://www.thespruce.com/interior-design-vs-interior-decorating-1976740

Scandinavian Interior Design

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/

April Showers

Rainy Day Color Inspiration

The rainy season is here, but it’s only a matter of time before the cloudy days are flooded with sunshine. Until then, we’ll just have to enjoy these cool, calm days.

Designs inspired by nature are timeless and work in a variety of interiors. Refreshing spring rains bring to mind subdued colors like blue and grey. These colors are versatile enough to work in a variety of spaces. They would fit in a sleek modern design, as well as in a classic traditional home. Check out the following slideshow for some inspiration on how to incorporate the colors into your space.

Blue and Grey Color Inspiration from Our Showroom:

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

The Memo Library

Custom Design Options

It only takes a few seconds in our memo library to get a taste of the limitless options in interior design.

This is why hiring a designer if often critical to narrow things down. You’ll find endless swatches of fabrics, flooring samples, drapery samples and everything in between. Most are arranged by brand, and then arranged by color within the brands. We carry a wide range of brands to cater to every budget and taste.

Fabric memo racks

For a designer, there’s nothing more rewarding than searching through countless racks and piles of every color and pattern imaginable. It often takes a whole team, but the light bulb moment of finding the perfect one is worth it all.

Cord samples

If you can’t find what you need in our library, you can typically provide your own material to cover whatever piece of furniture you want to cover. This is referred to as customer’s own material, or COM.

Tile samples

Some of our many brands are John-Richard, Thibaut, Kravet, RM COCO and Duralee. There are countless others. The sky’s the limit when it comes to custom options.

Leather memos

For endless inspiration, come take a look around our memo library. If you can dream it, we can design it.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

Bohemian Interior Design

How to Pull Off This Eclectic Style

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wicker-furniture/8295078800

There are few design styles as exotic and rich as the Bohemian style, bringing a taste of distant lands home. Inspired by an old-world feel, this style is known for being eclectic. Bohemian homes are a patchwork collection of different objects, colors and patterns that work together to tell a story of a different time period in a different place.

According to an article on Decor Aid, “The word ‘bohemian’ refers to someone who is socially unconventional and often involved in the arts.” The article describes the style as “full of visual interest,” saying it has a “relaxed spirit.”

Pulling this off sounds like a tall order.

Let’s break it down into some simple design elements:

Pattern

Bohemian interiors carry with them a whisper of the oriental. Add some intricate pattern to capture this style, reminiscent of Persian rugs. Patterns could be used on an area rug, or even wallpaper on an accent wall.

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/carpetbeggers/9521482628

Accessories

The Bohemian style has no room for minimalism. It’s all about displaying the objects you own to tell a story. Don’t overdo it, though. Each piece on display should have a purpose other than just taking up space.

Texture

The Bohemian style is all about eclecticism — style that comes from a variety of sources. The variety of textures that work in a Bohemian space is limitless. Rustic wood, fur, leather and metallic pieces are all good choices.

Photo: The gold metallic accents in this vignette would work well in a Bohemian interior. Photo by Michaela Satterfield.

Color

Vibrant colors are one of the trademarks of this style. Be sure to incorporate colors like peacock blue, burnt orange, topaz yellow and deep magenta. Use neutrals as a backdrop to make the colors pop. White is a great choice.

Capture the eclectic Bohemian interior design style in your home with these simple tips.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.decoraid.com/blog/interior-design-style/bohemian-style-interior-design

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

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

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