Spring is in the air

It's official, today is the first day of Spring! In honor of this yearly event and to help you get into the mood, here are 5 ways to welcome the season into your home.

1. Shed the layers: Do you still have that fuzzy throw over the back of the sofa and candles on your end tables? Now's the time to put away those warm reminders of winter. Try some bright throw pillows for the sofa or change your curtains out for lighter, sheerer ones. Even small changes like rolling up your rug and exposing the floor for the warmer months will lighten the feel in your room.

2. Rethink your room: Do you have the itch to rearrange your rooms? Go for it! Think of ways to open the space and reduce clutter areas that seem to grow over winter.

3. Clean sweep: Spring is naturally the season when we tend to deep clean. Windows get washed, fireplaces get cleaned out, and drapes get dry cleaned. Why not also take the time to de-clutter your rooms. Clean out cupboards, drawers, shelves and go threw any piles that have accumulated over the winter. Spring is also the season for flea markets and what a great opportunity to get rid of the stuff you don't need anymore and make a bit of money.

4. Surface makeovers: While dusting off your shelves, why not give your eye a change of pace for the season. Display your china, crystal or glass. Buy a couple of small green plants or a fresh bouquet of flowers to adorn your mantel.

5. Bring the outdoors in: Even if the temperatures are still too cold for T-shirts, you can bring that sunny feeling indoors. Incorporate garden furniture into your home, replant your houseplants in terracotta pots. Use floral fabrics to brighten up your rooms and by all means open up those shutters and curtains and let the sun shine in. (photo: Designer Dad)

Happy Spring relooking to you all.

What's new for 2012

What do I love most about moving into a new year? Seeing what will be popping up in the world of interior design, of course!
This year, largely due to the fact that the economy is keeping people put in their current homes, there is a lean towards recreating rooms that have become boring by incorporating small affordable changes that offer a maximum of comfort and personality.

Let's take a closer look.


Color trends:
Adding color to a bland room is the most effective and affordable way to make a change to a room. This year vivid colors (especially jewel tones) are put in combination with ivory, brown, silver, and camel/caramel yellows for a chic and comfortable atmosphere. Keep in mind to balance the color scheme in your room - 50% neutral, 30% color, 20% coordinating or contrasting accent color.

Materials and textures:
This year the push is towards smooth glossy surfaces and luxurious textured fabrics. Velvet and polished wood fit well into the continuing trend of the industrial look. Whereas tufted upholstery and sleek steel or glass fit well together for a chic vintage room makeover. Introducing rich fabrics such as silks, wools and velvets in patterns and solids in the form cushions, draperies, and rugs add elegance and comfort at an affordable price.

Decor and more:
This year the trends are mixing decorative accessories made of materials such as stone, metal, wood and glass - think polished, shiny and flashy. Large mirrors and mirrored tiles as well as metallic or beaded wallpapers can also be a unique and spectacular addition to your rooms. That being said, your choice of decor should enhance the existing style of your rooms. It should represent your unique character and work as a whole to bring your room to life.


With trends coming and going year by year, most people are hesitant to incorporate them into their homes for fear they will go out of style too quickly or cost to much to implement. However, while working with clients I find most of them already have the latest trends lurking on their shelves or in their closets. Yes, recycling an old stained embroidered tablecloth from your mother-in-law into throw cushions for your bed or repainting that tired end table high gloss black are low cost relooking options that people don't even think of. So if you're inspired by these ideas and need help getting your new look or want some ideas on how to update your rooms. Give me a call. Happy relooking for 2012!

Phone Home

These past 13 years living in France, I've relied mostly on the telephone to keep in touch with my close friends and family in the US. I enjoy catching up on the phone and hearing the voices, especially the laughter of my loved ones. So naturally I'm tuned into any devise that incorporates great design and helps me communicate.

Recently I came across a couple new telephone "gadgets" that made my head turn. They both reminded me of how far we have come in the past 20 years not only in communication but also phone design and liberation from the days of my family's mustard colored, wall mounted, rotary dial devise with a cord span of 2 feet, and the egg timer ticking away the 5 minutes I was allowed to use it.

What I miss most about the telephone of my youth is the feel of it in my hand. Not too large or too small, not too heavy or light and a receiver length that was just perfect to talk into and hear what is being said.

The ePure telephone from Swissvoice combines that retro style with modern telephone technology. The stripped down (icon looking) design is both high tech and timeless at the same time. It has all the pops and buzzes that we expect from a modern day phone, but can ring like an antique. From a design aspect, it's fantastic, but from a comfort aspect, this phone feels just like it looks - angular and lacking consistency (very light weight plastic construction). To me, it's more of a design piece (and conservation piece) for the home or office than something I could see myself having lengthy conversations on. The keypad is located on the underside of the receiver, so be careful when handling not to push any buttons (or accidentally hang up on your caller).

The POP phone from Native Union is the brain child of French designer David Turpin. Designed to fit into any mobile phone, tablet or computer, this retro-style receiver combines the classic look and feel with modern features such as: a high quality speaker and microphone, noise cancelling and one touch call pick up and ending. It's available in a whole slew of bright colors (as well as black). What I like best about this product is the texture and weight. It's silicon cover makes it easy to grip and won't slip when held between the ear and shoulder. It has also been said to be safer than blue-tooth ear pieces. I'm hoping Mr. Turpin will take his idea one step further than this mobile attachment and create a telephone adapted for home or office use. I'll take one in purple, please!

In this day and age where phones come in all shapes and sizes (and are progressively getting smaller), it's comforting to see the return of the traditional telephone design. Do you think there will be a return to traditional typewriter keypads too??

5 tips for hanging art

Sometimes it's not only a question of what to hang on your walls, but also how to hang it. Should it be hung high or low, symmetric or asymmetric, and what type of hardware works best? To answer these questions and more, I have compiled 5 tips to help you with your wall hanging dilemmas.

1. What to hang - What you hang on the walls of your interior is very personal. Some people prefer a minimalist approach, while others use their wall space to expose their treasures. While we probably agree an antique oil painting deserves a wall of it's own, often there is one wall that merits a few pieces to create interest and harmonize the room. In any case, to create a maximum effect wall hangings should be hung by theme, color or to create a focal point. To add perspective and texture, try hanging objects as well as framed art. For objects that cannot be hung directly use a shelf to expose them. Never forget the importance of mirrors in an interior. They add visual space and luminosity.
2. Hanging for maximum impact - Be respectful to the size of your room, it's contents and the shape of the walls. A few choice pieces of art work in a small room are better than hanging large pieces. However, in a large room a mixture of smaller works and large pieces can be very effective. If the room is already filled with lots of furniture, avoid hanging large pieces or several small pieces. You don't want to create an overstuffed or busy atmosphere. If your wall space is vertical, then a vertical arrangement is called for. If it is rectangular in shape, then a rectangular piece or arrangement is best suited for it. Hanging your art at eye level or even lower will create volume above and can even make your room look larger. If you have high ceilings, then hanging your art closer to the ceiling is more appropriate.
3. How to group arrangements - The objective of a wall arrangement is to enhance the harmony of the room. This can be achieved by hanging a collection of art (or photos) from the same artist, grouping together a theme, or framing your art in the same colored frame. An effective wall arrangement also depends on the shape of your wall and the effect you want it to have in the room. To create a linear effect, choose an arrangement that is symmetrical horizontally or vertically. To create a bit more interest, try an asymmetrical arrangement. Keep in mind when hanging arrangements they should be treated as one unit. Laying out your arrangement on a table, bed or even the floor to find the right combination often helps.
   
4. Where to hang it - Every room can benefit from some type of art hung on the walls. Often wall hangings can be used to correct or balance aspects in a room, for example, the use of a mirror can brighten up a dark room. Water color paintings (or other visually soft media) are good choices in bedrooms. Adding colorful art to a bland room or monochrome art in a colorful room. Whatever your style or tastes, the goal is to create harmony and balance between the room, the walls and the furniture.
   
5. Solutions for hanging it - Whatever you decide to hang in your rooms, give some thought to how it should be hung. Most hardware comes in several sizes to accommodate different weights of artwork and styles of frames. For this designer, there exists a type of wall hanging product that is revolutionary. It's called CommandTM and can be found in most DIY stores. It allows you to hang most types of frames without putting a hole in your wall (great for renters) and can be removed from your walls without damaging them!! A basic kit comes with a plastic hanger (or locking strip) and a set of removable adhesive strips. To avoid problems, respect the weight limit indicated on the product packaging and follow the directions on how to properly apply the adhesive strip (including the cleaning process). To see all the wonderful CommandTM products, check out their site: http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/
   

There you have it. 5 basic tips on how to hang your artwork. Should you require further assistance or have anything to add, drop me a comment. I'm here to help. Happy hanging!!

Itchin for a flea market

I've just spent a couple weeks in the south of France, like I do almost every year. Usually I scream "HALT" at least once to my husband/chauffeur when I see signs for a brocante (a second hand shop). Usually these little shops or renovated barns are a treasure trove of odds and ends, old and gently used. I am not embarrassed to admit much of my homes furniture, lighting and deco comes from such shops. However, this year was different. Not only did I not have the occasion to step foot into a shop, I didn't even see signs for local weekend flea markets which are usually very popular in the summer. So I'm wondering where did all the stuff go?

After a bit of research, I think I found the answer (or at least some of the loot). On-line brocante sites are springing up all over. These blog-type boutique sites are no laughing matter. The photos of each object are gorgeously presented and after scrolling through the long list of items for sale, you want to buy it all and invite the seller to come and set it all up for you, just like it looked in the photo!

These sites are a step up from buying on ebay and the whole bidding process is eliminated. For me, while I love the concept of at-home shopping in your jammies, there are some draw backs. The biggest one is not being able to see/touch the items I'm interested in. The second is not being able to haggle the price with the seller (a part of the fun). Another inconvenience is the shipping. Rather than struggling to find a little spot for it in the trunk amongst the beach gear and bedding, you have to wait for it and hope it won't arrive damaged or broken.

Nonetheless, these sites are enjoyable to look at and whether your looking for something specific or just want some new decorating ideas, they have a lot to offer. Here are a few of my favorites:

Les Enfants du Marais
Broc' Charme
au hasard...Balthazar

If you happen upon a good flea market or brocante this summer, I'd love to hear about it. Write me a comment!

Until next time. Enjoy the summer everyone.

2011 Design trends

According to experts, the trends for 2011 will reflect preserving the past. From a practical view, we will continue to see a shift from quantity and excess to personalization and quality. One reason for this is the result of the financial crisis. People are questioning what it is they need to live well. This is leading to the emergence of simplistic, formal or severe designs that combine the basic and old with the modern and the high-tech.

Style

Trends show a resurgence of people becoming interested in their roots and becoming more interested in patterns, textures and colors that have a global influence.

On the contemporary side, designers have begun to push the boundaries between art and design. Watch for experimentation with archaic forms and nature represented by glass and metal complemented with hard and soft plastics to form a changeable surface.

The classical design approach will be focusing on the concept of looking back to move forward. These periods will be popping back on the scene in new and inventive ways:

Tudor – the return of voluminous velvets, tapestry accents and tear-drop pearls.

The 1940s - will feature wood materials in light maple, pecan and walnut; and textiles in seersucker, jersey and cable knits.

Mayan, Incan and Hopi – these tribal influences will be reflected in geometric florals, trapezoids and primitive portrayals of the sun. These graphic prints will work with traditional chairs and sofas.

Color

Experts’ predict that cool neutrals and muted hues from icy grays to chocolate browns to bright reds, fuchsia purples and sapphire blues will be reflected in paints and fabrics. Subtle color tones and soft interior paint colors will be popular for those large wall surfaces of in 2011. Bright and sharp colors will be reserved for decorating accents. Purple will continue into 2011, as well as gray. In fact, according to designer Kimberly Ayres “gray is the new beige” and pairings of gray with teal, magenta, tangerine and yellow will be popular.

While it is interesting to keep up on the latest in design trends, you must decide how to create a harmonious look in your home and usually this requires a blend of highly personalized styles, colors and patterns. The most successful rooms I see don’t look like they’ve been copied from an interior design magazine.

5 ways to spruce up your interior

With the Spring cleaning behind you and Summer soon within reach why not turn your attention to some small ways to spruce up your interior.

1. Musical chairs - Rotate your collection of knick-knacks to change the look of your rooms. Dig those treasures out of the basement or back of the cupboard. Think outside of the box. Bowls and plates can be used as planters or hung on walls.

2. Flea market madness - Tis the season for flea markets. Anything and everything can be had at these events, and for cheap. Here's an idea, pick up a bunch of clothes with texture, a swede jacket, a velvet dress, a wool sweater. Wash them accordingly and then sew them into cushions for your sofa or bed.

3. Bring the outside in - If you don't have a yard, or are tired of getting eaten by bugs try bringing outside elements into your home. Zinc pots filled with impatience, geraniums or even pansies are a great effect in any room. Mini fountains are an inexpensive way to bring the outside in and improve your interiors feng shui energy. Garden furniture can be used to lighten and brighten any interior and often it is very comfortable.

4. It's all in the details - Opt for small changes like a quilt on your bed instead of the heavy bedspread or change out heavy curtains for light weight sheers. Sometimes just putting on a colorful tablecloth can be a refreshing change.

5. Color up your world - Perhaps it's time to inject some color into your interior. This can be done by painting a wall, changing a rug, artwork, or soft furnishings such as: curtains, bedspreads, table clothes and cushions. Wallpapers are back in fashion and can be a great way to spruce up a neutral room.


These are just a few ways to enhance your interior for little or now cost. Here at Relook Interiors we specialize in reusing your interior furnishings to give your rooms a whole new look and feel. Give us for your personalize consultation on how to spruce up your rooms.

Portrait of a kitchen designer

Meet Sophie, a talented and creative kitchen designer for a German brand of high quality (and high end) kitchens. I interviewed Sophie to find out more about her passion for her job and get some insider information on what's hot in kitchens these days.

AT HOME: How long have you been designing kitchens Sophie?

Sophie: For 22 years. I've stayed with the same company because their standard of service reflects my own. We prides ourselves on high quality (almost luxury) kitchens. From cupboard to counter top the kitchens we design, create and install are a reflection of craftsmanship and customisation.

AT HOME: What training do you have for this job?

Sophie: I started off by completing a degree in interior decoration, however, I have always had a passion for drawing. When I accepted this job I immediately saw the opportunity to marry my training with my passion and even after 22 years, I still love what I do.

AT HOME: I notice that all your plans are hand drawn. Why don't you use one of those sophisticated computer design programs that are available to create your plans?

Sophie: It is our company's policy to always provide a hand drawn plan. It's our mark of quality and customer commitment. To be honest, I prefer hand drawing. There is a certain thought process involved when creating a plan with pencil and paper.

AT HOME: What do you love about your job?

Sophie: The creativity, not only esthetically but also technically. Each project I work on is different. Each customer has a unique set of needs and desires for their new kitchen and I work hard to give them exactly what they want, down to the smallest detail. That's not as easy as it sounds, especially when the space is particularly small or has difficult angles to work around. However, I love the variety and challenge that each new project brings.

AT HOME: Within your years of experience I imagine you have created some pretty amazing kitchens, what are the most memorable projects you have worked on?

Sophie: A few years back we did the kitchen of Karl Lagerfeld. That was a treat and he was very nice to work with.
I am always impressed with the clients that choose industrial cooking appliances for their new kitchen. Most of these customers invest huge sums of money in a kitchen they will never step foot in, much less cook a meal for themselves. I recently worked on a project that included 2 kitchens. One central kitchen outfitted with industrial equipment for the domestic staff and another small kitchen equipped with just the basics for the home owners. It always amazes me when I work on a project where cost is not an issue. I've designed kitchens that cost up to 120,000 euros. For me, and most people putting that kind of money into a new kitchen is not an option.

AT HOME: So Sophie, tell us, what are the up and coming trends in kitchens these days?

Sophie: White kitchens are back in. Lacquered door fronts and thin quartz counter tops (made up of resin and powdered granite) are becoming more popular. The modern looking kitchen is sticking around. Integrated handles and new materials - such as glass are replacing those standard wooden cupboard doors with traditional knobs.

AT HOME: Thank you Sophie for taking the time to answer our questions and happy designing to you.

If you would like more information on creating a new kitchen or simply organizing better within your existing kitchen. Drop us a message at: angela@relookinteriors.com.

Color up your interior

Do you have the winter doldrums? Are the wet and gray days dragging you down? Why not give yourself and your interior a boost of color to brighten the season.

Here's 8 simple ways to pump up the color in your interior.

Accessorize, accessorize
Add small touches of color using candles, bowls, picture frames, statues, anything that says "WOW". For one friend it was the simple purchase of a cup and saucer set in bright, bold colors. For me, it's simply having a bouquet of fresh flowers brightening my dining room table.

Soft and bright
Use soft furnishings to make a statement. Brightly colored cushions, curtains, rugs, table clothes or runners can add not only color, but also texture.

Think South Beach
I love those art deco houses that line the avenues of Miami's South Beach. Each one a more daring color than the next. Aqua, orange, pink and lime green. Why not mix and match your favorite colors in small doses for a pick me up.

Make a statement
Sometimes all a room needs is one key piece of colorful furniture to give it warmth. Go for those red sofas you've always dreamed of or paint your boring bed frame lemon yellow!

Wake up the bathroom
Many people don't think about injecting color into their bathrooms. This can result in a stark white room which often feels sterile and void of warmth. Color can come from wallpaper, whimsical stickers, towels with designs, statement making curtains (on windows or shower), plush rugs or even artwork.

Hot and cold
Effective color schemes often involve a warm and a cool color. One trick is to accentuate the warm color in the cold months and then in the warm months accentuate the cool color.

Create an eye-catcher
Painting one wall an eye catching color is a fast and effective way to not only create a focal point in a room, but also give it a base color to play off of.

"Pop" goes the color
A surefire way to make any color stand out is to showcase it against black or white. They key is to use your color in limited amounts.

I hope these bright and colorful ideas help you make it through this endless winter.

Holiday tables

Whether you're having the whole family around for a traditional meal or keeping it intimate for the holidays. Nothing is more welcoming than a fabulous looking table. Here are a couple ideas to get your creative juices flowing for that perfect setting.

• Get the kids involved by making napkin rings and place cards
• If you have several dish sets, mix and match them
• Exchange your dishes or silverware with a friend this year
• Try a theme table: baroque, disco, hearts or stars
• Use nature by decorating with fruits and vegetables, plants and spices
• For an informal lunch or dinner, prepare a picnic in your living room, complete with plaid blanket.

Remember, it is not only how your table looks that will leave a lasting impression on your guests, but also the ambiance you create. The lighting, the smells, the sounds. Vary your lighting to signal the start of your meal. Use scented candles or flowers to freshen up your room. Create a CD or playlist to match your decor.

Good luck creating that special table and holiday decor this year and merry Christmas from us at Relook Interiors!

Lights...candles...action!

I love candles, especially when the cold months roll in. That warm glow gives a cozy feel to every room of the house. Even during the day, candles can be lit to brighten up a dark corner or to diffuse a pleasant aroma throughout your room.

With endless choices of colors, sizes and scents, decorating with candles is fun and easy. If you are a bit more creative, try accenting your candles with whatever you have around the house or garden.

Here are a couple tips for helping your candles last longer:

• Trim the wick to 1cm (1/4 inch)
  
• Refrigerate before use (place in a ziplock bag to avoid the wick absorbing moisture)
  
• Put a few grains of salt in the hallow around the wick
  
• For large pillar candles, bend (or hug) the warmed wax in towards the wick
• Keep candles away from drafts
• Keep wicks straight to prevent uneven burning
  

Here is a easy idea for decorating candles from a fellow Minnesotan, Rebecca Cole. This can easily be incorporated into your holiday table centerpiece.

How to decorate a pillar candle

Paris, Je t'aime!

Parisian memorabilia has always been popular on both sides of the pond, however recently the Eiffel Tower is popping up everywhere I look! A trend perhaps...or is it because this year the tower turned 120? Who knows, but don't miss out putting a bit of "oo, la la" in your interior.



Tea towel: http://www.souvenirsofparis.com/french-dishtowels/index.html
Lamp: http://www.target.com/Eiffel-Tower-Table-Lamp/dp/B000Z4WS56
Cushion: http://www.auberginette.com/COLLECTION.html