Color is at the foundation of interior design. It has the power to stir emotions. Calming colors, such as green and blue, can make you want to stretch out and relax, or vibrant colors can actually raise your heart rate, and make you feel energized. Color is something that can be changed relatively easily and inexpensively, to give a total makeover to a room. Below are some before and after shots of rooms that had “face-lifts.” It is amazing what a little paint can do…
Barlas Baylar’s Atlantis chandelier is an instant favorite here at Colby Design. Its organic shape and shimmery nickel finish is dazzling. It is constructed of nickel chain (almost like jewelry), draped from a nickel plated frame. The entire line of chandeliers are grand in scale (the one seen below is 29″ x 36″ x 69″ H), and would add that “wow” factor to your dining room here in Austin.
We love this chair. It’s clean lines and soft curves work. It is one of those pieces that could really fit into any setting, with the right fabric application, which is something we see great value in. It’s frame is great, allowing your interior designer to re-upholster it every decade to keep it current…this is a forever kind of chair.
There is great beauty to be found in everyday objects. In the ordinary places in life, and in the extraordinary. “Mary Quite Contrary” is a collage of all things beautiful and inspiring. Good interior design is about focusing inspiration to achieve a desired feeling. Check out some of Miss Mary’s selections below:
For more beauty found in the everyday, visit: http://miss-mary-quite-contrary.tumblr.com/
Cowhide rugs are a thing of the west…but this is no ordinary rug. Kyle Bunting has taken a fresh spin on the old cow, which is perfect for homeowners in Austin. It almost seems sinful to walk on such beautiful pieces of art, but being cowhide, these rugs will undoubtedly wear well and be long lasting. Bunting’s rugs can be customized to fit anyone’s color palette, interior design style, and size.
Ann Sacks is one of the most innovative tile lines in the world. With everything ranging from simple square tiles to incredible mosaic art, Ann Sacks has got the corner on the market. With so many choices in color and style, her product line is unparalleled. If you are thinking of making over a powder bath, secondary bath or kitchen, let Colby Design help you to make it spectacular. For more, visit www.annsacks.com
In the world of plumbing, there are a lot of choices. When it comes to making a statement with understated fixtures, though, Dornbracht is King. The German company’s beautiful plumbing fixtures look more like sleek sculptures than what they really are. Plumbing is a way for interior designers to set a home apart. For the homeowner that wants the best in contemporary fixtures, Dornbracht is it. Their beauty lies in their slightness.
“Monochromatic color schemes are derived from a single base hue, and extended using its shades, tones and tints (that is, a hue modified by the addition of black, gray (black + white) and white. As a result, the energy is more subtle and peaceful due to a lack of contrast of hue. Monochromatic color schemes may be considered boring unless there is diversity within the design.” – Wikipedia
Wikipedia is right…monochromatic can be boring if it isn’t done right. If I say, “grey room,” you might think dreary. Look at the grey room below, though. The monochromatic color scheme is implemented properly, and the result is a stunning room! I have included some other eye-catching, basically single colored rooms for good measure…enjoy!
![[Grey+bedroom+Emmadinverno_co_uk+2.jpg]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JVhc5ZTTV0w/SrhU_MpKo7I/AAAAAAAAAlg/OF9wPsEsG_M/s1600/Grey%2Bbedroom%2BEmmadinverno_co_uk%2B2.jpg)
When you think of prefabricated homes, you might think inexpensive or undesirable. Rocio Romero is one of many who are going to make us think twice before judging pre-fab as less than desirable. The LV Series of homes (the original model is pictured below) is modern and sleek. You can purchase the kits at a base price, and then hire general contractors to assemble the home on your site (or for the really daring, construct it yourself). Customize this home with your own finish-out (meaning you have to supply the tile, flooring, plumbing, lighting, paint, ect.), and it could be stunning. Interior designers love doing unique applications, and the LV home is certainly that…it even looks like it belongs in Austin. Our hat is off to you, Rocio, for changing the way we think about pre-fab.
Everything about this Ardecora fabric by Zimmer + Rhode screams opulence. Metallic threads are woven into a grand scale damask, set on a sheer canvas. While it is certainly not for every home, this sophisticated fabric could be draped beautifully around a large dining room window. It would also be spectacular as panels in a formal living space. If you are in the market for custom window treatments, an interior designer is your best avenue to get that “wow” factor. We have a fabricator here in Austin who can dress up your windows in no time.
“To the Trade”
