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

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 17, 2019

Design Around the World

Lee Haik

October 17, 2019

Europe

Good design is global. The interior design trends we know and love today are from all over the world. Often rich with history, these are the trends that last through the ages and are reinvented time and time again.

One particular place that has contributed to interior design in a vast number of ways is Europe. Everything from Scandinavian to Tuscan to French Country design has roots in Europe.

The style is broad, but there are several design principles consistent across many European based styles. These principles can serve as a starting point to inspire your design.

To bring the look to your home, here’s what you need to know.

Layout

European style homes typically have one focal point, like a fireplace. The rest of the design revolves around that focus. This grew out of ancient Greek and Roman styles.

Textures

Textures are often inspired by nature. Marble, stone or tile floors are common. Soft fabrics, like cotton or velvet, add elegance. Faux furs can also work, as they are popular in the colder regions of Europe. You’ll find a diverse range of patterns when it comes to fabrics, although some fabrics are left un-patterned to emphasize the texture.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/interior-design-chairs-table-2573445/

Accents

Don’t be shy when it comes to accessorizing. Typical accessories are antiques, or at least have an Old World feel. These accessories add layers to your home. When it comes to furniture, use pieces with a large scale, rather than lighter pieces.

Color

Color is often plentiful in European houses, though dull or pastel shades are common. Some designs include rich colors, reminiscent of the deep shades found in royal castles.

Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rex_Whistler_-_Sketch_of_his_interior_Design_1936.jpg

Inspiration

For more inspiration, research specific European styles. Some ideas are French Country, Tuscan, Spanish, Mediterranean and Italian Villa. Find the one that suits your style, or mix and match. The possibilities are endless.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/modern-european-style-and-european-interior-design/

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

June 29, 2019

The Best of Both Worlds

Lee Haik

June 29, 2019

Transitional Interior Design

If there is one style that James Décor is known by, it would be transitional interior design. A mix of traditional and contemporary pieces, seamlessly brought together in the same space, is the trademark of this timeless style. While many are deeply divided between traditional and contemporary styles, those who can’t decide will be happy to know there is a middle ground. With the transitional style, you can truly have your cake and eat it too.

It’s important to note that transitional design is different than eclectic design. Eclectic design is more scattered, combining things that typically wouldn’t go together. Transitional design is intended to be cohesive.

The key to pulling off transitional design is making sure the two styles are mixed together well. You don’t want there to be too many pieces of either style—balance is essential. Typical color palettes are neutral. Nothing should stand out, because it should all work smoothly together. The style veers on the side of minimalism, but isn’t too cold and stark like some modern spaces. You won’t want to overdo it with the accessories. The ones you choose should be tasteful and well-planned. Large pieces of artwork are common.

To see what the transitional style is all about, take a stroll through our showroom. Our interior designers are experts on the style.

Out with the old and in with the new? Neither. You can keep both.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://freshome.com/transitional-design/

https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a24895237/what-is-transitional-design/

Lee Haik

June 22, 2019

Behind the Scenes

Lee Haik

June 22, 2019

An Inside Look at James Décor with Owner Lee Haik

Sitting behind a desk covered in samples and papers from current projects, Lee Haik proudly reminisces on how she came to be the owner of James Décor, Springfield’s first interior design firm.

After obtaining a degree in home economics at what is now Pittsburgh State University, Lee says she spent some time with her daughters Martie and Jacque as a stay-at-home mom before purchasing the business. In 1982, Lee and her husband John took over James Décor.

The store was originally opened in 1946. Wallpaper and paint were two of its mainstays, and Lee says she enjoyed matching colors. The original plan was to work part time as an interior designer, but Lee says running the business quickly became a full time endeavor.

When the Haiks decided to move the business to its current location on Republic Road, Lee says they stopped selling paint and turned James Décor into a full furniture store and interior design firm.

Opening the John-Richard showroom in 2010 was a highlight for the business.

“That was probably one of the smartest moves we made,” Lee says, “because it gave us something to get excited about and people in town were excited about it.”

The line is a favorite among designers and clients, known for carrying unique furniture. Lee says the pieces are designed to work together.

“It’s still one of our best lines,” she says.

Lee says two of her other favorite lines are Marge Carson and Century, but she likes every line the business carries.

Two of James Décor’s goals are to offer a variety of price points and to offer both traditional and contemporary styles, Lee says. This style is called transitional—Lee’s personal favorite.

The variety the showroom displays carries into other aspects of the business.

Although Lee says residential design is her specialty, James Décor has ventured into other types of projects as well. Among the projects tackled are doctors’ offices, law offices and even a dairy.

“I really love what I do,” says Lee Haik, owner of James Décor.

“I really get bored if I do the same thing over and over,” Lee says. “I really like the mix. I like to change. Each individual project is so different and the way people live has to dictate the way we design.”

One of the trademarks of design at James Décor is that it’s centered around the people.

Lee remarks that some of her current clients have been working with her since she took over the business in 1982. She is even working with the children and grandchildren of some of her first clients.

“You can be the best designer in the world but if you don’t have customer service and you don’t care about the people you’re working with, it doesn’t matter,” Lee says.

Relationships are what gave the business success in its early years, and they promise to keep the business running long into the future.

The business is family-owned and Lee says she hopes her daughters will eventually take over, with the help of a team of designers currently working at James Décor.

“I have a staff of young designers that are very talented,” Lee says.

Aside from a dedication to clients and other people involved with the business, the heart behind it all is a love for interior design.

“I really love what I do,” Lee says.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer