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Our Top Tips For Mixing Decor Styles . Scottsdale AZ . Interior Design

We often call our style eclectic because we love mixing various styles! Our goal is always to create a space that is cohesive where you cannot tell you are blending different styles.

 

Here are our top tips for successfully mixing different décor styles together.

 

paradise valley interior design

A modern mirror mixed with a more vintage bench, Scottsdale Interior Design

 Pick a few colors + focus on them

 

Even if you are decorating with one style, we prefer to keep colors simple! Pick one or 2 colors only per space and use them in different ways and with different textures. Layer the colors and textures to achieve an effortless look. If you are using a coffee table that has a modern feel, pick your occasional chairs in a more contemporary feel in a similar or coordinating color. Always start with neutrals and layer your color on top.

Silverleaf, Scottsdale + Interior Design Scottsdale

modern farmhouse meets contemporary, Scottsdale Interior Design

Choose an inspiration piece

 

Start with one item you love and repeat an element in the item but by incorporating a different style. For example, If you find a sofa you love with curved legs, incorporate more curves in the lighting, coffee table, art, etc but feel free to mix up the styles. The repetition of the element will bring it all together. Focus on about 80% of your decor being from one style and 20% being from another.

Silverleaf, Scottsdale + Interior Design Scottsdale

a vintage bench with modern frames + lighting, Scottsdale Interior Design

 

Use art to help blend styles

 

Adding art in a contrasting style is a great way to effortlessly start blending styles in a space and to make it look cohesive. If you have a traditional space, don’t be afraid to add a more abstract contemporary piece and visa versa.

 

paradise valley interior design

modern abstract art mixed with more traditional pieces, Scottsdale Interior Design

Mix your materials

Don’t be overly concerned with being matchy! In fact, we prefer not to be! If you are using a marble table, incorporate some vintage rattan chairs or another piece with great vintage feel and texture. Just make sure that everything repeats at least once! If you incorporate marble make sure something else in the room is marble- it can even be an accessory!

paradise valley interior design

contemporary lighting and chairs with a more traditional table, Scottsdale Interior Design

 

What not to do

Don’t buy coordinating furniture sets

 

Don’t assume that you can only design your house in the style of the architecture of the home

 

Don’t use the same color, fabric, pattern or finish in the various pieces you chose

 

Don’t be afraid to take risks and think outside the box when designing your home!

 

 Read More: Living Room Design in Scottdale, AZ

Interior Design Concepts

Interior Design Concepts

Creating a Great Interior Design Concept

There are essential interior design concepts that you must follow as an interior designer. Otherwise, the result comes out in shambles. After all, there is a thin line between concept, principle, and beauty.

In this post, you’ll learn those critical design principles that will help you produce the desired fine finish that your interior décor deserves. Who knows, others may choose to take up interior design as a career, and that man at the threshold of ditching the profession may have second thoughts and remain in his passion.

Let’s get started by explaining what interior design is. That possibly will give us a sense that the interior designer is much more than one who knows where and how to hang those pictures, position the TV, or place the kitchen cabinet.

Interior design is the art or process of designing the interior decorating of a structure, a room, or a building. As an essential component of our lives, the design affects how we think, feel, live, work, play, and heal. So, in simple terms, interior design is a blend of aesthetics of art with the science of knowing people’s behavior to make a space genuinely functional.

Now you have an idea of what you’re as an interior designer, knowing that an interior designer may decorate, but a decorator doesn’t design. What, then are those principles that set you apart as an interior designer and not a mere decorator?

You need to take the entire house as a unit. Two, invent a rhythm. Creating a focal point is as important as imagining a design. Be detailed, and finally maintain absolute balance. What does each of these interior design concepts mean? Find out below.

1. Interior Harmony

Designing a house transcends the mere juxtaposition of individual elements; it is an intricate orchestration of spaces interconnected through various architectural components such as halls and stairways. A home, when viewed as a holistic entity rather than an amalgamation of disjointed parts, manifests a sense of coherence and continuity.

The essence of harmony within a design goes beyond the visual appeal; it evokes a profound feeling of unity and tranquility. Achieving this harmony necessitates a thoughtful integration of uniformity in color, theme, and style throughout the entirety of the design. While the shapes, textures, and sizes of architectural forms may diverge significantly, the challenge lies in orchestrating these diverse elements to work in unison, creating a seamless and unified whole.

Diversity is inherent in design, and this diversity extends to color palettes. While the shades may vary across spaces, they must be chosen with a keen eye for complementarity, ensuring that each hue harmoniously coexists with its counterparts. This nuanced approach to color selection adds depth and dimension to the overall design, fostering a sense of cohesion while embracing the richness that diversity brings.

The concept of harmony extends beyond the visual realm to encompass the emotional and functional aspects of a living space. The layout and flow of the house should be carefully planned to enhance the ease of movement and functionality, further reinforcing the idea that every part contributes to the overall unity.

2. Rhythm in Interior Design Style

Rhythm is as important to music as to conceptual design. When you think of rhythm in interior design, you’re talking about generating visual interest by creating patterns of repetition and contrast. Rhythm defined in terms of continuity, recurrence, and movement.

Rhythm is manifest in the four properties of repetition (using more than one element or the same element more than once, e.g using color more than once or theme and color together), progression (increasing or decreasing one or more qualities of an element, e.g. a cluster of candles of varying sizes), transition (creating a smoother natural flow for the eye, e.g. using an arched doorway gives a gentle lead to the eye), and contrast connotes putting two different elements in opposition to each other (putting a black pillow on a sofa or a triangle and circle).

3. Interior Balance

As an essential concept of the development of the interior, balance creates a feeling of stability and equilibrium. Whether through color, pattern, theme, texture, or shape, a balance should be created in all the elements that make up the design. It is about ensuring equal distribution and approximation of the visual weight of objects in a room.

Balance comes in three ways, namely symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial:

    • Symmetrical balance: when you look at any traditional or formal interior design, you’ll find a lot of symmetrical balance in there. It consists of spaces that are evenly distributed or repeated on the same axis on two sides of a room. For instance, when you place two chairs in the same position on either side of two living rooms. But symmetrical balance can create some sense of monotony.
    • Asymmetrical balance: although more causal and complex, the asymmetrical balance is a common trend in modern design. Yet it is interesting and livelier. This is because it creates a balance that doesn’t require duplicating visual weights of lines, colors, forms, and textures. Positioning two dissimilar objects of equal visual weight, e.g., placing two chairs on the other side to create a balance for a sofa, is a form of asymmetrical balance.
    • Radial balance: when some elements radiate around or from a focal point, then the radial balance is achieved. The spiral staircase and a round dining table arrayed by some set of chairs are perfect examples of radial balance.

4. Interior Focal Point

Focal points, integral to interior design concepts, serve as pivotal elements that capture attention and establish visual interest within a space. These strategic elements are carefully selected and strategically placed to guide the viewer’s gaze, creating a harmonious balance and emphasizing the unique personality of a room. Interior design concepts often revolve around the thoughtful integration of focal points, which can range from eye-catching art pieces and statement furniture to architectural features like fireplaces or large windows. These carefully curated elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space but also contribute to the overall functionality and flow of the design. By manipulating the visual hierarchy through the placement and design of focal points, interior designers can skillfully influence the perception of a room, creating a cohesive and engaging environment that reflects the client’s style and enhances the overall living experience.

5. Proportion and Scale the Design

Proportion and scale are a key interior design concept, playing a pivotal role in shaping the visual harmony and overall aesthetic appeal of a space. Achieving the right balance between elements of different sizes ensures that a room feels well-coordinated and inviting. Interior designers meticulously consider the proportions of furniture, decor, and architectural features to create a sense of equilibrium within the design. Scale, on the other hand, dictates the relative size of objects in relation to the surrounding space. Striking the perfect balance between proportion and scale involves careful consideration of room dimensions, furniture dimensions, and the spatial relationships between various design elements. A keen understanding of these concepts allows designers to avoid visual overwhelm or monotony, ultimately crafting interiors that feel both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. By skillfully navigating proportion and scale, interior designers transform spaces into visually compelling and functionally efficient environments that resonate with a sense of balance and coherence.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, you’ve learned some interior design concepts. It is not enough to just read or scan through this post. You’ve got to be on top of your game and take the lead in the design industry. Apply these principles of interior design and surely your next job should earn you a standout deal. Contact us today to help you implement these interior design concepts into your next home design.

Explore More: Unlock Stylish Living: Interior Design Ideas for Living Rooms by Living With Lolo

How to Create The Perfect Powder Room. Scottsdale AZ . Interior Design

Powder Room Magic

A powder room can often be a forgotten space, however, it is
a great opportunity to have some fun with design, adding a low commitment,
whimsical or bold touch.

Here are some easy and creative ways to spruce up your
powder room:

Wallpaper:  Because a powder room is generally a smaller space, an investment in beautiful wallpaper is cost-effective, so splurging is a must.  For example:

Our ‘Fresh, Fantastic and Fun on 1st Street’ powder room, golden-patterned wallpaper by Hygge and West adds a Hollywood Glam / Art Deco feel to a pint-sized powder room, complemented by brass accents in the light fixture and oversized, round mirror by Anthropologie.

Modern-Powder-room-scaled

Tiles:

Have fun with tiles!  A fully tiled backsplash in unexpected colors and patterns adds a breath of fresh air to what could be an otherwise bland space.  We absolutely love this Complementto bathroom with a delightful, large lilac scale pattern accented by sharp black hardware and a clean, light wood countertop.

Modern-Powder-Room-Mirror-scaled

Hardware:

Brightly colored bathroom hardware adds a quirky, retro, touch – such as these multi-colored, 1970s style faucets in a bathroom by Freunden von Freunden.

powder-room-design-chandler-arizona 

For additional colored bathroom faucet inspiration, check out this article by Apartment Therapy.

The most important thing to remember when designing or
renovating a powder room is that it’s a perfect opportunity to branch out of
your comfort zone, in a low stake but super impactful way!  So GO FOR IT!

This is a guest post written by JMorris Design, a bespoke interior design studio specializing in creating signature spaces imbued with clean lines and stunning decorative personality, based in Park Slope, Brooklyn, serving the greater New York City area and beyond.

 

Read More: Project Reveal: Camelback Country Estates • Scottsdale, AZ • Interior Design

 

Nordstrom anniversary sale: Home decor picks!

Mid-July is arguably one of my favorite times of the year. Why? Because it’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! It’s the best time to get the latest trends for fashion, home, and beauty at super sale prices.  Nordstrom Anniversary Sale home decor has really stepped up it’s game this year! If you’re a Nordies insider you get to start shopping today! If your not, find someone who is & beg them, bribe them, or do whatever you need to, to get access to their account for some early bird shopping before the best things sell out!

I’ve been up early, sipping my tea & shopping for the best home deals for you. Now let’s get shopping! If you see something that makes your heart sing, buy it! Don’t hesitate because you’ve got good taste and it’s gonna sell out!

Have you been shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? I’d love to hear about any amazing finds that you have scored!

SHOP NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE HOME DECOR:

Explore More: Living Room Design in Scottdale, AZ

Backyard Design Ideas

Backyard Design Ideas

Where do I even start?! This was the first house we’ve lived in that didn’t come with any landscaping! We have learned a ton in the process of landscaping both our front and backyards. We even hired the most polished and personable landscaper to do both yards & guess what? He ended up being a total crook! Lesson learned: Even if a contractor presents you with a ROC #, do your research! This one had a ROC # on his letterhead & e-mail signature but it wasn’t really his! This was one expensive mistake but in the end, we found the nicest & most talented landscape designer to help us fix the problems & move forward with an even better yard! My vision for the backyard was that I wanted to feel like we were at a fancy resort without ever leaving, think Palm Springs. Even though our yard backs up to the desert, I wanted the view fence and our masonry side walls to be covered in vines + hedges so that the yard feels lush and very secluded. Surprise! Do you even know how small the plants are when they first plant them? Let’s just say, it’s going to be a few years for that seclusion. Thank goodness we are planning on staying awhile.

Modern Interior Designer in Scottsdale & Paradise Valley - Living With Lolo

Best Scottsdale Backyard Design Ideas

One of my favorite spots in the backyard is the fire pit. I designed our gas fire pit to be constructed from concrete and filled with the prettiest black glass. I love how modern yet classic it looks. At night when the fire is lit, the glass glistens and its just stunning! I also decided to have one end of the fire pit be larger and not perfectly symmetrical to the parallel end so that I would have a built-in space for entertaining. S’mores anyone?

Modern Interior Designer in Scottsdale & Paradise Valley - Living With Lolo

As far as outside furniture goes, I refuse to spend an outrageous amount of money on outdoor furniture here in Arizona because let’s face it, when it’s 120 degrees outside, your furniture isn’t going to last forever. My musts when shopping for outside furniture are that the cushions must be sunbrella fabric to protect them from the sun, they must be comfortable, & they must be stylish! But more about the best outdoor furniture in another post! How great are these chairs from Target? They are amazingly pretty to look at and comfortable too!

Cave Creek Arizona Backyard Lounge Chairs

My second favorite spot in the backyard is the lounging area. Laying here while enjoying a cocktail, listening to music, and the waterfall in the background completely transports you to a vacation spot far far away. The lounge chairs are also from Target. We have had them four years and they are holding up great! I replaced the cushions this year & that was easy because Target also sells the replacement cushions! Our pool feature wall is done in a stacked quartz that just has the prettiest sparkle when the glistening sun hits it.

 

You interested in an Interior Design Consultation, contact us below for more information!

 

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Read More: Backyard Design Ideas | Transform Your Space – Living With Lolo