Classic with a Twist

Quartzite … What's the Difference?!

These days there are so many options for stone, solid surface material, and the like!

How do you choose??

Here's our low down -- to be brief:

Granite - Natural material that usually has quite a bit of movement to it and comes in a variety of colors

Quartz - Man made solid surface material that has a regular pattern or no pattern at all. Can come in lots of light colors as well, which is nice ;)

Quartzite - Our feature for today! - Pure quartzite usually comes in a variety of white to gray color ways, while some can vary depending on the natural surroundings.

We recently went "shopping" with a client for the perfect quartzite slab for her kitchen.

These were some we found ;)

Can you guess why we love quartzite?

Yep, you got it … it's gray and white! The patterns can vary from linear looks to busier to not much at all. There's something for everyone.

How usable is quartzite??

It is actually a harder stone than granite!

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The main "flaw" you will find in quartzite is its tendency to etch in certain areas.

- This can be due to acid or other substances used in the kitchen.

- BUT good news -- this can be prevented!!

- By using a honed finish instead of a polished finish.

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Honed surfaces on harder materials are much more durable for quartzite kitchen countertops.

Have you jumped on the quartzite bandwagon yet?? Jump with US!

Thursday, May 15, 2014 Comments: 0

Client Project: 4 Steps to a More Masculine Home

We have many clients that come to us needing help

making their home look more "masculine" yet attractive.

Whether it is a wife, who wants their home to be pleasing to the husband,

or a bachelor who wants his home to be a "man cave" without the "cave"…

we get this request often!

And it doesn't have to include a frumpy old couch and a lava lamp!!

So how do we do it?? Whats our secret??

Here are 4 tips we nailed down to create this look

for our Bachelor in Uptown:

Mix and Match:

We like to mix and match our metals, materials and times. For example, mixing
the old with the new, using both bronze and polished metals are all ways to help
a space feel less "formal" and add a masculine touch.

Textures - Leather, Wood and Metal:

Solid, heavy and seemingly "bulky" textures are perfect ways to incorporate
attractiveness into a "manly" space. You don't have to go out and find an
old brown leather couch in order to do this. We used a stunning
charcoal leather on this sectional and a dark, thick coffee table
to give this room a "heavier" feel.

Angles not Curves:

Pretty self explanatory -- Men don't want "curly q's" in their space.
Sharp lines, quick angles and straight edges are the way to go.

Color Combos:

Neutral Base - Always start with a gray/taupe/beige neutral base and build off of that.
If all the major upholstery pieces are neutral, you can create any color
scheme in the artwork and accessories to bring some color into the space.

You don't have to turn into "Frank" off "Father of the Bride" to have an

amazing, put together, and masculine home. ;)

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 Comments: 0

Client Projects: Part 2: It's All in the Details - Accessories

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS!

...and a sneak peek to a few of our

new finished spaces!

Part 2: Last post we talked about certain details within a design that can really accentuate the overall space… anybody remember what they were?!??! POP QUIZ ;)

Hint ** Cabinetry, accent pillows etc

Well guess what? There are other details that can also

accentuate a space in a BIG way.

ACCESSORIES.

When placed correctly and selected wisely, the accessories in a room

can really define the design.

Here are a few of our recently completed projects in Uptown Dallas

and Highland Park that

showcase the fine details of accessories!

You have to be careful not to "over-accessorize" or "clutter".

Stacking books, and clustering vases are always good choices.

Color : popping color in the accessories is sometimes the most important

place to bring in the scheme. Many people want to keep their upholstery neutral

and have their "pop" throughout the accessories.

One simple sculpture on an end table and make a beautiful chair gorgeous!

The background of accessories is just as important as the accessory itself.

This bookcase wouldn't pop NEAR as much without the accent blue paint.

Cluster "like" items. Whether it is a ball, a set of vases or a glass knot,

when you cluster similar items together it helps to provide a method to the madness,

and a way of order in the accessories.

Sometimes an accessory can be something different - such as this

glass vessel sink. Without this statement piece, this otherwise ordinary

bath wouldn't take on the unique appearance that it has!

When showing off a beautiful accent tile, sometime less is more when it comes to your accessory plan. Select simple, classic pieces, not to deter from the "wow" factor.

And sometimes, a simple, yet gorgeous lamp is all you need to put the icing on the cake!!

Have we convinced you on the importance of DETAILS in your design??

Let us help you create them!

Thursday, May 8, 2014 Comments: 0

Client Project: Part 1: It's All in the Details!

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS:

When designing a room, it's important to keep the overall picture in mind, WHILE focusing on the details. Yes, that's why you hire us! So that we can do all the critical thinking.

So what ARE "the details" ??

It could be anything from a light fixture,

to hardware, to accent pillows!

Check out some of the "details" in our custom home build in Fairview

This giraffe wall sconce, by Robert Abbey, along with the custom pillows and

roman shade bring this little playroom to life!

The custom antiqued mirror front cabinetry and crystal hardware

give this little vanity such personality.

Why use a regular rectangular mirror when you can choose a

fun shape to go on your adorable wallpaper?

This abstract shaped vessel sink provides a lot more interest

than a simple drop in sink!

Everything about this laundry room screams details: from the wallpaper, to the drapery… who wouldn't want to do laundry here??

Paying attention to details really DOES matter ;)

Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Comments: 0

Client Project: 4 Ways to Create a Good Design Flow in your Home

We are currently working on a home that has several large spaces….
that need to be filled!

Do you ever have this question??

The dilemma: How to correctly separate these spaces while creating a clearly defined means of egress and way finding throughout the space…without confusing all your guests?

The answer: We came up with 4 answers!! Read on to find out:

1. Start with your Entryway:

This is the first place your guests will see as they enter your home. Make sure this
space is well organized and well lit. These are a few light fixtures we suggested
to our client for his entryway:

2. Correct Placement of Color in your Furniture Pieces:

Bounce color around your sitting areas thoughtfully. Reuse certain "statement"
patterns on pillows on a few different upholstery pieces to dictate a specific space.

Utilize your artwork to pop the color around the room as well.

For example, if your sitting area has shades of blue gray in the fabrics, place a
piece of art with that same color directly in that sitting area.

3. Area Rugs:

This is a biggie! Area rugs are the best way to define a specific space. Anchor the
front legs of the furniture pieces on the rug to "explain" what belongs to that area.

4. Focal Points:

Use the "wow" factors of your design to dictate the important spaces in your home.
For example, our client has a stunning wet bar that he wants to be a congregation
point for his guests. So we suggested using a 3Form product as an inset wall panel
above the wet bar to create an unmistaken focal point.

Following these 4 steps are sure to win you "best entertainer" of the year

award from all your guests!!

Thursday, May 1, 2014 Comments: 0

Our New Favorite Things

Each day we are flooded with new products,

new ideas and innovations!

Today -- We we wanted to share our most recent favorites with YOU.

Maybe it will spark an interest into starting that home project

you've been wanting to for some time now ;)

1st: Vent and Cover

- 2 amazing solutions to replacing builder grade air vents.

- Available in traditional scroll design or more contemporary square

- Made of iron, steel, aluminum, or brass

- Some can even be used outdoors!

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2nd: Helmsman Salt Tile by SuperStrata

"Designed and hand-cast in New York City, the contoured, geometric
plaster wall tile hearkens to traditions where tile is not only for kitchens and
baths, but adorns living spaces as well."

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3rd: Spinneybeck has come out with Laser Engraved Leather!

"The precise art of laser engraving compliments natural full grain Belting

Leather, adding an artful element to vertical surfaces, including walls,

headboards and custom furniture."

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4th: The VERVE Kitchen Sliding Top- For those that appreciate the "minimalist" look.

"- The sliding top can be integrated with any style of kitchen and
can slide side-ways or frontally.

- Induction cooktops and sinks with retractable faucet can be concealed
below the countertop when it is closed.

- The mechanism can be manual with a soft opening mechanism or
electric operated by remote control."

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Following the trends of the industry helps us to create with a new and refreshed mind!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Comments: 0

Tips to Make your Home Unique!!

Do you ever wonder "how did they THINK about that" when you visit a friends new
home or see an image on Pinterest??

Well, we are here to help! A few tips on how to make your home THAT much better
with a couple easy "fixes".

1. Hide Outlets under your cabinets instead of on your backsplash

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What do you notice about this kitchen we completed?? A beautiful backsplash??
YES!!! It is not interrupted by "ugly" outlets. We hid them underneath the cabinets
as shown in the top image!

2. Buy a toilet seat where everyone has their own tabs

This one cracks us up! Hey-- If you are "germy" then what better way to use the
toilet than with your own personal toilet seat… ?!?!

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3. Recess your outlets in the walls so your furniture can be
pushed up against the wall

Do you have a console that is pushed away from the wall about 1" because you need to plug that lamp in? We have a solution for you. Recessed outlets cure all problems ;)

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4. Use slide out drawers for spices

We are currently incorporating this unique cabinetry solution into a custom kitchen of a client. A fun and organized way to store and see your spices!

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5. Add a window seat to the landing of your staircase

There is usually a small space of waste space at the landing of a staircase. Why not make that usable space and install a small seat? A great way to bring in color and fabric.

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6. Use kitchen drawers as cutting boards

We love this. Using a top shelf that might be too shallow to be an actual drawer, as a cutting board and installing the trash can below for easy trash access.