Beating the Winter Blues

Beating the Winter Blues

Don't let small rooms give you the blues. Use these tips to create the illusion that your bedroom is bigger than it is.

1. Skip the headboard. Headboards can be a statement piece in big bedrooms, but in small spaces, they're often too clunky. Trade your headboard for mirrors, which make any room appear larger.

2. Raise the curtains. This is a golden rule in almost any space, but it's especially important in small areas. Take your curtain rod to the ceiling to add height that's not really there.

3. Keep the colors simple. A monochromatic color scheme with subtle patterns is best in small rooms. Use varying shades of the same hue to create a cozy but collected effect.

---

“Hi everyone,

Downtown Nashville is getting crowded! This fun blue project was part of our recent work on a series of AirBnB spaces downtown. We were challenged with creating a modern design in several tiny spaces. Stay tuned for more spaces from this series in coming months. 

— Paige & Mia”

We're Buzzing About Honeycomb

Trending Tiles

Tile is a practical way to add texture and visual interest to any space. But with so many shapes, colors and sizes, a simple walk through a showroom can send even the most savvy DIY-er over the edge. Here's what to keep in mind when taking on tile:

Honeycomb

These trendy tiles are an easy way to add flair anywhere in your bathroom, but they can be particularly useful in your shower, where the floor in sloped for drainage. Their small size easily covers the floor slope and the multitude of grout lines increases traction and reduces the risk of slips. 

Beveled Subway

You know subway tile, but do you know beveled subway tile? A modern twist on the classic block creates depth and visual weight, giving your bathroom or kitchen a bright, quilted look. 

Chevron & Penny Tile

Everyone loves a good chevron or penny tile backsplash -- and that's where they should stay! These small-scale, intricate designs are too busy to be used on the floor. Spice up the backsplash then choose a larger, more solid tile for the floor.

12x24

As the size of the average person's bathroom has increased so have our floor tiles. 12x24 tile has become a popular floor option because of its size and pattern versatility. Line them up straight or stagger them across. It's up to you!

---

“Hi everyone,

This month, we are taking on nearly a dozen kitchen and bathroom projects so it’s safe to say we are dreaming in tile these days. The real tile trend? Cool greys and crisp whites are dominating tile color palettes by bringing an airy, fresh look to bathrooms and kitchens. What’s your next tile project? 

— Paige & Mia”

All About Windows

Pretty & Practical: Dressing Your Windows

Window treatments aren't something you want to buy right off the shelf, especially if you have tall ceilings, nearby neighbors or any window outside of the standard double hung setup. With hundreds of options for styles, fabrics, tie-backs, the details can be daunting. Here's what to know before dressing your windows: 

Functionality is important. Like with any aspect of a room, it's essential to think about what purpose your window treatments will serve. Whether that's keeping out sunlight, increasing privacy or visually adding height to a room. It's important to think about the application before making a purchase. 

They should be gorgeous too. Practicality doesn't mean frumpy. A room with a lot of windows has a lot of hard edges and points that can make a space feel sterile. Fabric softens those edges and can make a room feel warmer depending on the fabric. Patterns in varying proportions and colors add other texture and personality to a room when used correctly.
 
It's an investment. You don't want to do this every year. Picking the perfect panels can take a bit of time and money, so it's important to know what goals you want to accomplish before you get started. In the end, it will be worth the investment when the whole room comes together in a perfect combination of beauty and practicality. 

---

“Hi everyone,

Window treatments can seem like minor details, but they play a big role in a room’s overall design. I like to think of dressing your windows like you dress yourself. You typically dress for your body type and for the activities you’ll be doing that day. The same goes for your windows – visually appealing and efficiency make the perfect combo!

— Paige”

Fall in Love on Valentine's

LEARNING TO LOVE YOUR renovation project

The new year means new home projects and renovations for a lot of people. It also means a lot of arguments and stalemates over the details. Skip the stress with these tips and get your project started on the right foot.

Figure out who wants what. This part should be easy! Key words: should be. Ask each person who will regularly be in the space how they envision the final product. You might think you're on the same page, but different things matter to different people. 

Then figure out what's practical. Think about how the space will be used day-to-day and pick practical options. Yes, you want a rainfall shower head. No, it won't even have enough pressure to rinse the shampoo out of your hair in a timely manner. Think through your daily routine and plan accordingly. 

Get a solid floor plan. In most cases, people know what they want, but they don't how to get there. In areas like the kitchen and the bathroom, placement of fixtures and storage areas can be crucial. Having a professional to draw up a floor plan can save you time and money in the long-run. 

---

“Hi everyone,

Some people think interior designers only help pick paint colors and sofa styles, but the truth is we’re much more effective if we’re brought in on the front end of a rehab or build to draw floor plans, work with vendor companies and help you visualize the space from the very beginning. I hope you’ll spend this Valentine’s Day loving instead of dreading your rehab projects!
Cheers! 

— Paige”

Your Next Room Makeover

what do you do when all those beautiful christmas decorations come down?

First and foremost, once your holiday decorations come down, live with the room. Sit in it. Feel it. What’s it missing? Right now is the perfect time to call for a consultation and get some input from a set of creative eyes.

Tackle one room at a time. This allows us to focus on creating the “perfect space” for you and your family. Each space serves a different purpose and when you take your time, magic happens.

---

“Hi everyone,

Happy New Year! I decided to kick off 2016 by working with Cindy Laverty, a lovely local who writes a fun and informative blog about life in Franklin. If your living room is looking a little less lively now that the Christmas tree is gone - or if you simply made a New Year’s Resolution to treat yourself - you might enjoy her latest spotlight with tips and tricks on sprucing up your space.
Cheers to the New Year!  

— Paige”