Decor trends for 2021

Photo: Jonathan Adler

Photo Credit: @teverdeepasticcini

We’re expecting fresh ideas, fearless colors and textures, unexpected materials, and broad trends for the 2021. This article rounds them up with some insights and reasons they’re replacing other design styles in this year. Some uniqueness and elegance, some of these 2021 décor trends are the ones you should know to transform your spaces. 

Indoor Gardening

From the early ’70s, a plant to style your place is the go-to décor. They bring color and vibrancy to the ambiance and always look beautiful, not foregoing the benefits they offer. They also help provide a fresh atmosphere by releasing oxygen.

Contemporary with some MCM

Photo credit: Pinterest

Traditionalism not only incorporates classic art and antiques but it also brings a positive vibe and works perfectly with a décor scheme.

This look works best for homes that already have some features, such as paneled walls and exposed beams. To transform a space with some Mid Century Modern and modern contemporary, you can balance both the newly done work and old art and antiques, as they blend in perfectly.

Distant Shores

We're all longing for this in 2021, isn't that so? All things considered, the laid-back way of life of Hawaii has been rethought in this next trend. As we long for tropical escapes, the lounge rooms enlivened by distant shores offer a quiet and loosened up living space, making a home feel protected and a welcoming spot to revive. It adds a contemporary edge to an exemplary Floral Design.

Earthy Shades

Photo credit: Pinterest

Shades of earthiness and grounded hues will become the new normal. This color palette, with a rustic feel and a mid-modern visual, is built around nature that is immersed in its own world. An earthy color palette is packed with deep hues, some warm green hues, rusts, and slubby browns to elevate lounge comfort. It’s a welcoming trend on its own, exactly what we need.

Sustainably chic

The perfect blend of good design and soothing fabrics, this trend is for those who are spiritually connected and balanced by a commitment to sustainability. Colors and textures have a trace of art with warm tones going to the front. The New palette includes earthy orange, soft olive golden beige and moss green.

PHOTO DISCLAIMER

I try to credit the source of the photos I use, but if you notice I have made a mistake or you are not happy with me using your photo feel free to let me know. Photos taken by me or collages created by me are protected - I'm happy if you like to share these, but please link back to PaulaInteriors.

How to create an interior design budget

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Paula Interiors project

Creating a budget for an interior design project can get you to establish a good plan you can live with, before considering all design elements. To ensure your interior design project matches all your expectations, you should carefully create a budget before you start. 

A budget is how much you are willing and able to spend on a project. It also has to categorize everything according to your project’s requirements. You should select the areas according to your project, that way you can properly and effectively use your budget.

Set a Budget Limit

You should make a proper list and determine the amount you are willing to spend on each category. For example, if your project is to renovate the swimming pool area, you would be spending more on the tilling rather than lighting. Once you have done all the costing you should sum them up and add up roughly 10 to 12 percent if any unexpected expenses appear.

Keep a check/balance on expenses

Paula Interiors project

To make sure everything is going according to the plan, you should closely monitor all the purchases. You should make sure that the purchases and expenses are done according to your budget. If you somehow overspend or under spend on a particular product, you should have it adjusted to stay balanced. If you are working with an interior designer she/he will be doing this for you.

Understanding the timeline

You need to understand and tend to the timeline, and make sure you assess all possible criteria. When the project should be done? How long the process will be? How should you break down the time and the tasks? What should be done first? Keep in mind that the process and timeline is changeable, and there could be both delays and quick fixes. You can ask your designer for guidance; they can give you estimates on time but remember that things can change; however, the designer will give you updates on the project and will set up the expectations accordingly.

Understanding the process

You should be careful about the budget and be sure about the use of budget you’re expecting from your interior designer for maximum results. If you are not aware of your budget, it is very important to let the designer know. If you have a proper idea of the budget, the designer and you will both know what to expect from the project and you can also confirm the level of design. 

Kitchen trends of 2021

Paula Interiors Projects

Photo Credit: Farrow & Ball

2020 revealed to us that our Kitchens do more for us than we ever could – the soul of the house, more than our go-to eateries, café. We transitioned from making our classic Dalgona coffees to Banana Breads, in the same comfort space and with more life.

Giving the Kitchen a makeover, with focus on an open-concept house, should become an obsessive idea by now. Clean and minimal trends do the talk, homeowners want functionality, and anything timeless is a key to a perfect backdrop for our souls.

Too many people are remodeling Kitchens, and practical designs are dominating the mood boards of Interior Designers. With the New Year, the overall look and function of your Kitchen space will follow these trends.

Storage Stock Up

Less built-in cabinets and more open wall shelving – instead of going for larger layouts, we will see a shift in more open planned designs. Kitchens will follow more organic, mixed textures and materials for a comforting and inviting feel in the house. Pan racks will be certainly popular, and more investments in butcher blocks – functionality and practicality is sure to surge.

Photo Credit: Elle Decor | Designer: Alison Gootee

Nature-immersed

If anything in the past months, spending the most indoors, our want for nature escalated. We are predicting, but really just envisioning a more nature-immersed Kitchen designs for the New Year. Natural stones and patina woods, materials of the nature are soon to evoke a sense of belonging in our Kitchens. We are excited to see 2021 adding a sense of soul in our spaces, and comfort in our lives.

Wall to Wall 

Our Kitchens are home to too many pantry items and gadgets – less storage issues and more wall-to-wall storage designs will rule. We are anticipating Kitchen walls with top-to-bottom cabinets, all in the same color.

Hidden Appliances 

The aesthetics of integrated Kitchen appliances and gadgets is now being noticed, and more concealment options are going to dominate. We are envisioning spaces that will create a sleek finish with hidden appliances to avoid cluttered counters and dishevelled look of the Kitchen. 

Conclusion

A lot of different trends are frequently introduced for the upkeep of Kitchens, and the design elements vary greatly. You can elevate the overall look by redesigning the Kitchen space with new ideas.

Ideas to Make a Cozy Living Room

Paula Interiors Project

Paula Interiors Project

To set a space in the house, no matter the size, ideation and creations go way beyond just mood boards. Details matter for a cozy living room, and when you pour some heart into your home designing process, it becomes your personal creative outlet.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

You can include design elements and cozy tweaks and touches to make your living room inviting and snuggly. Built-ins, windows, feature walls, when decorated with textures and textiles make a space look put together – a mid-century living room demands the very outlet.

The Need for a Palette

Starting with a color palette is key. Choose a scheme from the dominant pattern in the living room, any art piece can help you pluck a color scheme. Pluck colors from the formal areas and tone them down, decorating the space from dark to light. The rule is to divide your colors in a 60, 30, 10 percentage to balance colors properly. 

Adding Textures, Colors, Cozy Textiles

Paula Interiors Projects

It doesn’t need telling but adding textures and textiles help create a vintage and mid-modernspace, elevating the mood and interest. Layer different fabric types, choose an inviting color palette using main fabric colors. Add textures in moderation, and make it a focal point in the room if the space lacks architectural features.

Furniture Picks

Picking furniture responsibly is key – you have to decide how a piece can really ground a space, how it’s adding texture to the room. A wooden furniture piece with patina, velvet chairs, anything that adds personality to your living room.

Architectural Spacing 

If the living room is small, opt for a dark color instead of whites and greys. People paint white walls to make the rooms seem bigger, but for a cozy space a small room, leverage the darks to wrap you up.

Conclusion

Designing a space may seem a daunting task, but your creative ideations and careful picks will make the process fun and easy. If you plan beforehand, you’ll find it easier to make room for more design elements. The key is to follow moderation and be responsible before you finalise anything at all.

 

Habits to Help You Cope With Not Seeing Family This Holiday Season, According to Experts

COVID-19 is the biggest bad news of the year, leaving many people away from their loved ones, even in the holiday season. But don’t worry. It’s for your and their safety purpose, so it is best to look at it positively. 

If you are sitting at home, unable to meet your family this year, here are some tips that can help you cope up with the situation. 

Tips by Experts to Cope-Up with Not Seeing Family

Take Time to Reflect

Take advantage of the time that you are spending alone. Reflect on your habits, make goals, plan 2021, and practice meditation. Change what needs to be changed and work on your good side. 

Facetime, Facetime, Facetime! 

Thanks to technology, you no longer have to stay away from your friends and family. Facetime is the best way to connect and celebrate Christmas with them. You don’t have to be alone during the holiday season. 

Spend Christmas Your Way

Just because you are not with your friends and family does not mean that you cannot celebrate Christmas. Bring decorations and give your house a Christmas-y feel your way. Do what you always wanted to do and make the most of this time.  

Baydreem

Engage in Self-Care

Self-care is important. You might have been neglecting yourself all along, but these holidays are the perfect time to take care of yourself. Do facial, wear a face mask, get a pedicure, and eat your favorite meal. Nothing is stopping you from taking care of yourself. 

Practice Gratitude 

During hard times, practicing gratitude can save you from negativity. Although it’s challenging to think of good things when everything is wrong, practicing gratitude can lift your mood. Even the tiniest good things deserve appreciation, and it’s the perfect time to be thankful for your health, parents, friends, and other essential things. 

This holiday season can turn into a unique experience if you live it the right way. Christmas is the right time to feel the magic in the air and make the most of it. 

Talk to you soon,

Paula

Seasonal yet Stylish Christmas Decorating Ideas

Time to be a little festive! 

Photo Credit: Your Space Furniture

Photo Credit: housemixblog.com

The holiday season is the right time to revive your home from the inside out. It’s the magic in the air that drives everyone to do extra and bring the holiday feel to their home. If you plan to turn your house into a festive space filled with light and color, then Christmas is the right time to do so. 

It’s time to try something new this Christmas season by opting for stylish and unique decorations. Add colors, light, and shine to your house by doing little things.

4 Incredible Christmas Decoration Ideas

Don’t worry if you have run out of Christmas decoration ideas. Here is some inspiration for you! 

Stockings

The traditional Christmas decoration is always the best idea. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, the corner with the tree is also a great spot to hang the stockings. What a great way to welcome Santa to your house! 

Christmas tree Candles

Have you planned Christmas dinner with the family? Give a festive touch to your dinner by placing Christmas tree candles on the table. The scented candles will give a sweet feel to the whole environment that will lift everyone’s mood. 

Photo Credit: lapetitefeteshop.com

Festive Pillows

How about adding some colors to your living room? Bring festive pillows and place them on the sofas. They could be decorated with a ribbon or a Christmas-y design on it. Comfy, festive, and appealing – what else do you need for Christmas? 

Candy-Colored Ornaments 

Make your Christmas tree a little extra this year by adding candy-colored ornaments to it. Make use of the peppermint garland and candy canes to make your Christmas tree look beautiful as ever. 

So, are you ready to make the most of this Christmas this year? Make your living room look festive and comfy during this holiday season! 

Talk to you soon,

Paula

PHOTO DISCLAIMER

I try to credit the source of the photos I use, but if you notice I have made a mistake or you are not happy with me using your photo feel free to let me know. Photos taken by me or collages created by me are protected - I'm happy if you like to share these, but please link back to Paula Interiors.  

Refresh Your Interiors According to Your Personality Traits

A subtle guide portrays crucial differences between extrovert and introvert home designing styles. 

I won’t discuss typical MBTI personality types but rather shift to a more general introvert and extrovert personality combination. For ages, both are thought to stand far off on opposite poles. However, both types hold evident similarities in their tastes. Dark and dull, intense, and null contrasts are fundamental to bring about a change. 

Calming neutrals with light colors couples well with introverts 

‘Immaculate Garden and theatrical waterfalls are how they show love to nature.’

Blue and gray are, without a doubt, a perfect color combination and mood lifters for our introvert mates.  Light colors, geometric wallpapers complemented by gold hardware, and wooden furniture are a few of the premium choices they own from the very core of their hearts. The navy vanity is all set to pull a gross, glowy look altogether. 

‘Chandelier obsession is their life.’

 Bright and sharp decors are liked most by our extroverts. 

‘A sneak peek into a new mansion of an extrovert champ.’ 

Being bolder with interiors takes time. It’s not just a story of overnight.  Introducing a bright color to the room is always not easy. Yeah, but extroverts are bold enough to take such a stance. Introduce more brilliant themes to ravel your confidence up to where there's no limit. The color schemes are usually based on navies, black and oranges to give darker looks to escape. Additional accentuation with yellow and brass pulls off its nostalgic vibes and pushes into a charismatic feel. 

‘Follow passion with fashion is what bold aim for.’

Start maneuvering decors for your house today. 

High ceilings, bathroom makeover, experimenting with tactile shape to bring forth the client’s vision of refined elegance are among a few of the crazes both introverts and extroverts impart.  So, what’re you waiting for? Change existing with exceptional craftsmanship and design to a new realm. Choose colors and looks after having a thorough consultation with your heart and, of course, with your loved ones too. Or, in another way, you might have unknown auscultations for the nuisance, which might somehow occur.

We would love to help you create a beautiful and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website or by contacting us today!

Talk to you soon,

Paula 

Why is it essential to space plan a room?

Photo Credit: Sabine’s New House

Space planning is an integral part of your interior designer’s process, and you’ll also be involved in that process. You will be asked questions, and your answers will help inform that plan. It is essential to space plan a room so your furniture will fit, you’ll be able to use the room for the activities you envision in the space, traffic patterns will work so you, your family and guests will be able to move about freely. Space planning is all about how to effectively use the space available in a room to make sure rooms work for you while at the same time making the decor seem effortless and beautiful.

The need for space planning bathrooms and kitchens is easily understood, perhaps more so than any other rooms in the home. After all, there are water pipes and drainpipes to be run with little flexibility, so plumbers and other contractors need to know precisely where sinks, dishwashers, and bathroom fixtures should be located. But space planning is essential for every room in the house.

Photo Credit:  RUM magazine and Oliver Gustav.

If your furniture includes large pieces like a sectional sofa, space planning will be even more important in your living room. You don’t want to discover on moving day that your sectional simply will not fit into the space. Space planning will help you avoid disappointments like that.

If your space is meant to contain multiple “rooms,” that’s an ample open space intended to be used as a dining room and living room adjacent to the kitchen. Space planning will help determine where each “room” will fit best.

If you hope to use a room for multiple activities, space planning will help you see where each activity can take place. Traffic patterns are crucial in such spaces. 

Even large wide-open spaces that seem to have more than enough room benefit from space planning or perhaps because they’re so large, space planning is even more critical so a balanced space can be achieved.

Space planning a room is vital for all the reasons above and many more. Without a plan, it’s challenging to reach your interior design goals for a room. That brings us to the importance of defining how you want a room to feel as you begin to space plan. How you want a space to feel, light and airy, warm and cozy, minimalist or calm and retreat-like, will impact space planning.  Don’t forget lighting because it’s important in space planning and color also affects our perception of space. To learn more about color and space, see our take on “How Colors Change the Perception of Interior Spaces.” 

 If we can help you with your new interior design project, from space planning to final installation,  let us know by telephone or email at Paula Interiors. We hope to hear from you soon!

How Colors Change the Perception of Interior Spaces

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Color can work magic inside homes of all styles. The psychology of color in interior design is a wide-ranging subject, covering topics from how color affects mood and emotions to how color affects home safety. 

 Today, we’ll focus on how color can change the perception of interior spaces as to ceiling height, room width, depth, and size. In general, lighter colors can make interiors feel larger, more spacious, while darker hues can make spaces feel smaller, cozier, and more intimate. 

The perception of color depends on the surface where it’s used. Let’s look at specific ways paint and texture (a texture that makes a ceiling or wall appear darker or lighter by contrast with other surfaces) can be used to achieve a specific look:

Lower the Ceiling

Bringing darker paint on the ceiling down onto the walls a few inches can magnify the perception of an even lower ceiling. In effect, blurring the line between the ceiling and wall. 

Raise the Ceiling

Open up the ceiling with a white or light color on the ceiling. For even more contrast, paint the walls in darker hues. Walls that are only slightly darker, just a shade or two, can make a big difference, so that ceiling feels even higher.

Not Super Dark

 The image below shows that the contrast between walls and ceiling does not have to be exaggerated. This deeper shade of pink is not super dark, but adjacent to a white ceiling, you can get the look of a higher ceiling without a dark, moody color on the walls.

Shorten Walls to Avoid the Dreaded Tunnel Effect

In almost any space, a soaring ceiling is a plus, adding lots of atmospheres and a light and airy feel. An exception to that is a narrow hallway or kitchen. Painting a tall wall in a darker color on the lower half can negate that unappealing tunnel effect, giving the narrow space the look of more desirable proportions.

 Visual Interest

In addition to shortening walls, darker color at the bottom of the walls can simply elevate a space with much needed visual interest.

Texture as Color

 In the modern space below, color on the ceiling and walls is developed with wood and brick, showing the added and appealing element of texture. This creates a warm and cozy space with tons of natural light--an excellent use of color.

That’s a Wrap

Going forward, as you consider ways to make your interiors better, we hope you’re inspired to learn how to use color to improve the proportions of your rooms, whether to make them feel more spacious with taller ceilings, cozier, wider, longer, it’s your choice. With color, anything is possible.

For more cutting-edge tips and dashing designs, stay tuned to this blog and follow us on Instagram here!

Talk to you soon,

Paula 

7 Signs You Should Invest in an Interior Designer

PAULAINTERIORS

Have you decided it’s time to stop thinking about that much-needed interior design project and just do it? The question immediately arises, “Do I need to invest in an interior designer?” Here are seven signs you need to do just that, rather than going it alone:

Paula Interiors

Paula Interiors

Paula Interiors

1. You don’t know where to start. If you have identified a project, perhaps a total kitchen redo, you want to start immediately, but now you realize you don’t even know where to begin, then it’s time to invest in an interior designer.

2. You don’t have time. If you know your home is in need of one or more upgrades or room refreshes, then it’s time to call in a professional who has the training and experience to work with you while freeing up your time.

3. You’re in over your head and you know it. Your project requires professional help beyond your ability. You are smart to realize you excel at what you do, but you are not an expert when it comes to interior design and decor. So, collaborate with a designer who has the expertise to help you achieve the end result you’re going for.

4.  You need someone to complete your interior design project from start to finish. Working with contractors and trusted resources from project planning to installation of the last finishing touch is what an interior designer does,

5. You have clutter everywhere and limited storage.Let’s be realistic, over time we all accumulate “stuff” and have to find a way to organize and store those items in a way that gives us easy access to things we use every day or once a month. An interior designer can show you the storage options you can choose from, both practical and beautiful.

6. Your lifestyle has changed through choice or necessity. Whether you’re suddenly single, a new empty nester, welcoming a new baby, retiring soon and need to downsize or perhaps looking forward to becoming a multi-generational household, a design professional can help you upgrade your home to meet the needs of your new lifestyle in a way that is both functional and stylishly beautiful.

7. You’re just craving a fresh new look in your interior spaces. A professional can pinpoint the refreshes that will give you the most impact, source and buy furniture and accessories that will help you reach your goals.

If you’re facing any of these seven challenges or a myriad of others, you are in need of an interior designer to help you turn a stressful situation into an adventure to make your home even better than it currently is. Take this opportunity to elevate the look and functionality of a single room or the whole house. An interior designer can make any project less stressful at a surprisingly low cost when compared to tackling a project on your own.  

We would love to help you create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website or by contacting us today!

Talk to you soon,

Paula

Tips for Organizing and Beautifying Your Workspace

Interior Design + ART CURATION by Paula interiors

Is it time for a few changes to your home office? Perhaps your workspace is feeling a little tired and worn around the edges. Maybe you’ve just spent much too much time working from home over the last few weeks or months and are ready for a refresh of your surroundings. Whatever the reason, organizing and beautifying a personal workspace can be a labor of love and a great adventure, too. Have fun! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Photo Credit: City Homes

Think color, pattern, and texture. Of course, these elements are essential to a room’s decor but should be considered when choosing organizational items for your workspace. Whether you have an entire closet for office storage, or everything can be seen in the room itself, you can strive to elevate the look of your storage. How satisfying would it be to open the closet and see a space that’s not only organized for easy access but beautifully laid out in living color?

Shelves. Shelves. Shelves.

Image Credit: Pinterest

 When organizing a home office, shelves, in the form of open bookcases or hidden behind closed doors, should be close to the top of your list of requirements.

A combination of open bookcases with storage boxes and decorative objects can work exceptionally well, giving you the best of functionality and beauty. A simple gallery wall adds a touch of personality.

Decorative and Practical Boxes

Yes, storage comes in many forms. You’ll find file boxes in a variety of sizes, decorative patterns, and colors to meet your needs and add more touches of beauty to your home office.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Pale Pink Can Give Your Office a Beautiful Warm Glow.

Just a few touches of color, can make in a predominantly white office. Pink upholstery on the office chair, a single pillow, and the palest of pink backgrounds imbue this feminine home office with an appealing glow. A shaggy area rug adds welcome texture to this sleek modern room.

As you can likely tell, we think organization is beautiful in and of itself. So, if you’ve grown weary of your home office as it currently looks, getting it organized is the best way to start beautifying your space. With so many different styles and configurations of open shelving and storage pieces with doors, the sky’s the limit when choosing elements for office organization; you can quickly turn your home office into a perfectly organized and stylish place to inspire your workday.

Need some help to get your home office organized and gorgeous, too? We would love to help you create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website by contacting us today!

Talk to you soon,

Paula  

PHOTO DISCLAIMER

I try to credit the source of the photos I use, but if you notice I have made a mistake or you are not happy with me using your photo feel free to let me know. Photos taken by me or collages created by me are protected - I'm happy if you like to share these, but please link back to Paula Interiors.  

Tips to Refresh My Living Space for Spring & Summer

For many of us, it’s been a long hard winter. So, when we see the first signs of warm weather, we think it’s time to refresh our living spaces for spring and a wonderful much-anticipated summer to follow. The question is, where do we start.

Today, we’ve pulled together a few simple tips to get you started. You’ll think of other ideas as you go along. In the meantime, consider these suggestions as a summary of what you’ll want to do to bring your living space into warm-weather mode immediately. 

Some of these you’ll think are readily apparent, and some may be new to you, but all will make your spring-refresh easier, whether you’re doing it yourself or bringing in an interior designer to do the project.

Deep Clean

Whether you’re a big fan of spring cleaning, the starting point for refreshing a room for spring is to give the space a deep cleaning from ceiling to floor. After all, nothing is more refreshing than sparkling clean?

Fresh Flowers

Our all-time favorite way to refresh a room for spring is with fresh flowers and blooming branches like dogwood or forsythia. Springtime brings readily available bouquets of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and much more.

Fresh Flowers

Our all-time favorite way to refresh a room for spring is with fresh flowers and blooming branches like dogwood or forsythia. Springtime brings readily available bouquets of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and much more.

Window Coverings

Take down, clean, and store heavy draperies that make rooms cozy for the wintertime and bring out sheers and lightweight window treatments to let the light shine in.

On the floor

Spring is the time to think about laying area rugs made of natural fibers like sisal, jute, and cotton. These rugs will make rooms feel light and airy--just the look for spring and summer

Pillows & Throws

 A super easy change to bring spring to living rooms or family rooms is with the quick change out of throw pillows and throws. Color, pattern, and fabric are key with these soft accessories. Bring spring to life in your decor with pale tones or bright, exuberant hues, lightweight fabrics, and cheerful patterns.

Paint 

In addition to cleaning, consider whether your room needs a fresh coat of paint. This would be a great time to try one of the pale new neutrals that are trending right now

Tabletop Accessories

Here again, infuse rooms for spring with a change of accessories (color, materials like clear glass or wire that take up little visual space, so you’ll get a light airier look

Wall Art

Colorful, oversized art for the wall can infuse a room with modern style, brilliant color, and a happy vibe. Also, consider unframed pieces or those with invisible frames.

If you’re inspired to do a total refresh for one or more of your winter-weary living spaces, We would love to help you create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website by contacting us today!

Talk to you soon,

Paula  

Will Remodeling or Decorating my Home be a Wise Investment?

Paula Interiors

Paula Interiors

Paula Interiors

Should I add a room on to my home, do a single room remodel, or a whole house renovation? If you’re feeling a bit cramped in your house, which was at one time your dream home, you may be asking yourself those questions. Or perhaps, your kitchen or bath is feeling old and tired, in need of that “special something” to bring the space back to life and you’re wondering if a renovation would be a smart thing to do. 

So, is remodeling or redecorating your home a wise investment. There should be two parts to that question:

1. Is it wise financially? If you sell your home, will you get back the money you’ve invested in an addition, renovation or if you redecorate?

2. Is the happiness or satisfaction factor enough return on your investment?

To answer those questions, here are some points to consider:

Paula Interiors

It’s highly unlikely you will ever be able to recoup the entire cost of a major renovation when selling your home. The return on your investment for home renovations when you sell your home, depending upon the year, on average range from a low of approximately 72% to a high of perhaps 92%. So, only in rare circumstances can you expect to recover the cost of the project completely. However, that may be offset by how much you and your family will enjoy the results of that renovation every day, year after year.

The more personalized a renovation project is, the riskier it is for a high return on investment. Conversely, the more personalized it is, the more satisfied the family will be.

Paula Interiors

Each remodeling project is different in resale value and return on investment, so consult experts to learn what you might expect of your proposed project. Your interior designer can help you estimate the cost, while a real estate firm or a trusted builder can help you approximate the added resale value of the project. 

 When it comes to decorating or redecorating your home, these projects will likely not add to the resale value or return on investment. The best news about decorating is that for the most part, should you sell your home, you’ll be able to take almost all your furniture and accessories with you to your new place. Of course, paint, wall coverings, and carpeting will stay. Therefore, if you love the elements you’ve chosen to redecorate with, you’ll be able to live with them for a very long time, and that’s a significant return on your investment.

The bottom line is you can do a renovation with an eye to a financial return on investment, the enjoyment factor, or a combination of both. However, always go into any room addition or major remodel with the knowledge that no matter how wisely you manage your budget or how carefully you select each element of the project, your major return will usually not be financial, but in the added beauty and comfort that will be the result. That alone can make remodeling or redecorating a wise investment you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come. 

We would love to help you create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website by contacting us today!

Talk to you soon,

Paula

Tips for Making Your Guest Bedroom the Best It Can Be

Photo Credit: Richard powers

Do you see a stunning guest room in your future? We’re here to help. Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your guest room a refresh, below you’ll find a few tips to get you started:

Paula Interiors

Paula Interiors

Plan a layout that will make wise use of all available space

 Your interior designer can help you choose a layout for your guest room that will take advantage of all the space in the bedroom and the bath.

Paula Interiors

Infuse the room with your style

You can create a guest room that is exceptionally suited to your style and your visitors’ comfort and enjoyment.

Choose a color palette that’s soothing, but works well with the colors you’ve chosen for the other rooms in your home

 The most successfully executed guest rooms are done in a soft and soothing color palette, one in which the stress of travel and everyday worries can slip away and be replaced with a sense of peace and calm for weary guests.

Add as many luxe elements as possible

 If you’re going to splurge, be sure it’s on high-end elements like a top of the line mattress, pillows, bedding and, luxuriously soft towels.

Make your guests feel pampered

Add lots of extra touches that will make visitors feel pampered and welcome in your home. Those elements might include a food and beverage cart or bar, travel-size personal care items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, and such. A temporary charging station for cell phones, fitness watches, or e-readers should please. You’ll know your guests and what special touches they’ll appreciate.

Be sure every single accessory or piece of furniture has a purpose, whether functional or decorative

Too often, a guest room can become a storage space for things that no longer fit into other rooms but are just too good to discard or have so much sentimental value they’re hard to part with. To avoid this, a guest room will be at its best if you only select  furniture that adds beauty or functionally to that particular space and decorative accessories that merge seamlessly into the room

Create at least one WOW factor in your guest space

Does your guest room include access to the outdoors? Then create a tiny oasis with outdoor chairs, tables, and a chaise lounge or two. Is the bathroom extra roomy? Turn into a spa-like experience. If space will allow, create a comfortable sitting area. Even a comfy chair and side table will work in a small room. Any of those things and lots of others can bring unexpected luxury that those special guests will long remember.

 Think COMFORT at every turn

 Above all, never forget the primary purpose of a guest room is to give visitors a safe, comfortable space to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Consider temperature, light, mattress, pillows and bedding.

 These are just a few tips to help you on your way to the guest room the best that it can be. Once you begin to think about surrounding your visitors with luxury and comfort, you’ll have more and more ideas about turning your guest room into a personalized getaway retreat. We would love to help you bring your vision to life. See you soon!

Color Trends for 2020

2020 is a very good year for color. If you’re inspired by color or intrigued by color or perhaps color is what makes you happy, then you’ll want to explore the top color trends for 2020. Here, in no particular order, are colors we are seeing across the Internet and in brick and mortar stores. Take a look and see what makes your day:

Sophisticated Neutrals

Speaking of new neutrals, today’s trending colors include a wide range of gorgeous neutral hues to impress.

Eider White is a gorgeous, sophisticated neutral, a paint made by sherwin-williams. It’s a calming color you’ll love day after day throughout 2020 and beyond.

Rooms with neutral color palettes can be spiced up with a splash of color and pattern. The space can be elevated with a bold area rug.

First Light

Sometimes you can fall in love with a color even before you see it for the first time. That is true in the case of First Light. Its name says it all, and First Light lives up to that beautiful name. In naming First Light its 2020 color of the year, Benjamin Moore calls this pale hue “a refreshing wash of pink.” Acting as a new neutral, First Light creates a delightful environment that light, airy and, so welcoming.

Sophisticated Neutrals

Speaking of new neutrals, today’s trending colors include a wide range of gorgeous neutral hues to impress.

Eider White is a gorgeous, sophisticated neutral, a paint made by sherwin-williams. It’s a calming color you’ll love day after day throughout 2020 and beyond.

Rooms with neutral color palettes can be spiced up with a splash of color and pattern. The space can be elevated with a bold area rug.

Moody Hues

Dark and moody hues on the wall can create an elegant room with lots of atmosphere. Moody greens (and other green tones) seem to be one of the big color trends of 2020.

If you are fascinated with the fabulous combination of green and other colors, 2020 may be your year. Deep purple and moss green create a gorgeous combo while grey and moss green is a tranquil mix.

Blue Beautiful Blue

We love blues of every sort. Take your pick from beachy hues to bold cobalt or a classic deep blue. Pantone named Classic Blue as its 2020 Color of the Year.

 As you explore the world of color that is 2020, you’ll discover many more fantastic hues plus the colors that can be used to complement them. These trending colors offer an optimistic view of the new year and the new decade. We hope you’ll take advantage of the chance to surround yourself with color to make your life better and your interior spaces more beautiful.

Which room shall we tackle first? We would love to help you create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website by contacting us today!

.

Sherwin williams - Eider White

Benjamin Moore First Light 2102-70

Jonathan Adler

Paula Interiors Project

7 Signs Your Room is in Need of a Makeover

Paula Interiors Projects

How do you know when a room is ready for a makeover, when it’s time to call on professional help to bring a tired room back to life? Though, there are many, many reasons to update a space, here are seven sure signs your room needs a makeover:

1. No one wants to use the family room (or media room) anymore. Your family used to have so much fun there, watching movies or playing games. Now the space just looks sad and tired, hardly ever used. That’s a sure sign it’s time to bring that space back to life. A total makeover with everything new from floor to ceiling or just a refresh with new slipcovers for the furniture and lots of decorative accessories to make the room warm and welcoming, which will it be? 

2. Clutter has overtaken your entryway and has spilled into the living room. It’s become a habit of dropping whatever is in hand as soon as you walk through the door, and sometimes there it remains until someone’s frustrated and looking for lost sneakers or a book they want to finish. It’s time to make the foyer into a space to proudly greet guests again. Ready to tackle that project, get organized, and create some convenient storage, too?

3. You’re about to welcome a new family member into your life, your home, and that calls for repurposing a room into a room for a newborn that’s safe and comfortable and also a happy place where you’ll enjoy caring for that little person.

Paula Interiors Projects

4. Your toddler has outgrown his room and needs a big room in which to grow and thrive. When it’s time for a bigger bed and some play-space too, some expert help may be in order, don’t you think?

5. You just realized how dark and gloomy the den really is. Maybe it’s time to turn it into a handsome dark and moody space to enjoy.

6. Your teen daughter is suddenly captivated by interior design and is begging for a more sophisticated space. Is it time to help her learn a bit about decorating while creating a room she’ll enjoy until she’s off to college. 

7. The dining room is rarely used. We can work with you on that project and turn a neglected dining room into a space you’ll enjoy morning, noon, and night--serving everyday family meals and entertaining friends and extended family.

Paula Interiors Projects

Now that you know a few of the signs that one (or more) of your rooms is in need of a makeover, can you spot any of those in your home? Or perhaps, you have other reasons for redoing a space. We can help you give any room a new look you’ll love, whether it’s a big project or a small one. Our entire reason for being here is to help you bring your design visions to life, to make your home more beautiful and more functional, too. Which room shall we tackle first? We would love to help you create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website by contacting us today!

Awesome and Appealing Winter Decor

Warm and cozy for winter spans all interior styles, from modern farmhouse to ultra-contemporary and everything in between. Luxe layers, knit blankets, warm woolen rugs, lots of winter white and accent tones, pine and evergreen, winter scents, fireplace decor are all appealing elements of decor for the winter season. Let’s explore that winter world:

Among the most fascinating ideas to elevate winter decorating is greenery in all its evergreen forms. It is exceptionally beautiful in stark contrast to winter white. This fireplace mantel is magnificently decked out in a luxuriously heavy garland. Not all mantels could hand this massive amount of greenery, but it’s just right for this fireplace. Different amounts of greenery would work well depending upon the size of the  fireplace or mantel.

Photo Credit: Amy E Peters

Even in an all-white room with winter raging outside, a chunky knitted blankets or throws can bring warmth and beauty to the space. Big knits can bring a luxe look to any style decor, even rustic rooms such as the one below.

Winter decor is on full display in the bedroom below. Winter white mixes beautifully with darker hues. This handsome bedroom shows how a masculine room can be elevated for winter, again a great mix of light and dark. 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Decordots.com

We’ve seen that any style room can be made warm and cozy with winter decor. One more element that can significantly enhance winter decor is scent. The scents of winter from crisp evergreen to the warm spicy scent of hot apple cider, can evoke pleasant memories of winters past. Glowing candles or a beautiful bowl of natural potpourri can bring winter scents to life.

We would love to help you create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website by contacting us today!

P.S: I try to credit the source of the photos I use, but if you notice I have made a mistake or you are not happy with me using your photo feel free to let me know.

Why Should We Take Interior Design Seriously?

Photo: stephenkentjohnson Produced by: therobertrufino

We think that is the best possible answer to the question at hand. Why should we take interior design seriously? Let’s break that broad, beautiful statement down into more specific reasons to give serious consideration to interior design:

Quality that Lasts

Interior designers are trained to help you choose high-quality furnishings that will last, giving you a good return for the money you spend.

Interior Design Saves Tons of Time and Money

Paula Interiors Project

You can trust your interior designer to save you time and money. He/she knows what they are doing and thus doesn’t have to waste time wandering around looking for the right furniture and accessories for you or the best contractors to bring your project to life.

Well-Being in the Beautifully Designed Home

Also, interior designers learn how our living environment can affect us, both physically and emotionally. A design professional can help you create rooms that promote health and well-being. Here are three prime examples to consider: 

●      Bedroom - When thinking of our interiors can have a positive effect on our well-being, the bedroom is the first room that comes to mind. It has been proven that a good night’s sleep can have an immediate effect on how we feel, our health, and how we function during the day. An interior designer can help you design a serene, peaceful sleeping space, with a mattress that’s just right for you, bedding that’s beautiful and comfortable, plus window coverings that block the light, so your sleep is not disturbed.

●      Home Office - An office at home is much more than a desk and chair. It’s all about freedom—freedom to do a job from home or to do routine household tasks and interact with the outside world from the comfort of your home. A designer can help you create an environment that’s conducive to productive work and one that makes you happy and fulfilled. 

 ●      Color Counts - No matter the room, color, and lighting are vital elements in the space. Interior designers study color and lighting so they can help us create the best possible living spaces for each of us.

So, you see, interior design isn’t just about pretty rooms, though creating beautiful living spaces is a big part of what designers do. It’s about much more than that. Designers are taught about all the elements that make a room, a home a healthy, happy place to live.

Also, today, many interior designers get additional education and practical, real-world experience in fields that are important to potential clients. That includes sustainable living environments, multi-generational living (homes where men and women raise their children and care for aging parents at the same time, creating beautiful homes for those with disabilities, and the list goes on.

Those who take interior design seriously and work with interior designers can benefit from all that knowledge and experience to create their very best homes. We would love to help you create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website by contacting us today!

Talk to you soon,

Paula

6 Clever Christmas Decor Tips

Photo Credit: Elle Decor

Be Adaptable

 The back yard Christmas decor shown above could very easily be used on a sheltered balcony off the master bedroom in a two-story home. When you discover a great idea, think about how it could be adapted for your own spaces.

Decorate the Staircase

If there’s any interior space that seems “made to showcase Christmas decor,” it’s the staircase, especially the banister. Garlands of greenery, strings of holiday lights, and even tree ornaments and other baubles can look stunning when draped down the staircase banister.

Add Small Touches of Christmas

A single decorative accessory can have a big impact. A splash of red in a neutral setting can shout, “Happy Holidays.”

Hang Wreaths in Unexpected Places

We love wreaths of all sorts hung on the front door. You might consider other more surprising places to hang Christmas wreaths. In the kitchen shown above, small green wreaths are hung on the backs of counter stools with jaunty red and white striped ribbon. A matching wreath hangs on the hood above the range. 

Photo Credit: Elle Decor

Say Merry Christmas in Your Bedrooms

Many of us advocate for the idea that Christmas decorations belong in every room. And that includes the master bedroom, children’s rooms, and the guest room. All it takes is a garland to bring the look of Christmas cheer. For some, a small holiday touch is not enough, in that case, more is more, so bring on the tartan blankets, toss pillows with Christmas themes and all sorts of holiday accessories.

Add Holiday Touches in the Most Unexpected Place

 Even the bath can be made brighter during the holidays with green and white touches. This vintage bath caught our eye.

We hope we’ve inspired you with exciting and sometimes small ways to take your Christmas decorating to a new level. Have fun! Happy holidays!

What You Should Know: Local Interior Designer vs Online Design Service

Photography by @douglasfriedman; Styling by @amykchin

There comes a moment when you know you need help. When you realize it’s time to ask for professional assistance to bring your decorating project to life, you most likely will ask yourself, “What are the differences and/or benefits between hiring a local interior designer and hiring an online services like Modsy, Decorist or Havenly?” That’s a fair question, and an essential one since the world of interior design continues to be impacted by our ever-expanding dependence upon the Internet. E-design, as it is often called, has made interior designers more accessible to many more people than we would have ever thought possible.

In General 

Local interior designers, as a general rule, do not have the resources to tackle multiple smaller projects and instead focus on their clients’ larger design projects. Most online design services, on the other hand, can offer small budget-friendly packages that include a quiz or questionnaire to help determine decor preferences, a printed room layout or 3D model for one room, design ideas, furniture layout and suggestions for color palettes, along with options to order furniture, lighting and decorative accessories from their preferred sources.

Three ways online design services are different from local designers:

1. Length of time for the project--local designers offer start to finish services, and that usually includes custom made decor elements which take longer to deliver. E-design services often source retail furnishings that are ready to be ordered online and delivered immediately. Please note, some e-designers may be new to the industry, or because they make so little on the backend, the client may not get full focus as with an in-person designer.

2. Cost--the personalized services of local designers who manage a project from taking measurements to hiring contractors and supervising the work and installation of all furniture and decor items. All that time and custom work costs more.

3. Amount of work done by the client--With online design services, the client does the actual ordering, unboxing, and installation of furniture, draperies, and decorative accessories.

 Crossover Between the Two 

Local interior designers offer very personal design help and have tried and true contacts with whom they have experience, although some online services now offer local interior designers and contractors that can come to a client’s home to begin the design project and monitor the process. Also, as online design services have become popular, some local interior designers are offering limited e-design services, as well.

Online design services can help put all the pieces together to make sure your room is coherent and has that appealing appealing finished look.

Local interior designers specialize in big projects like the living room above. Custom seating, draperies, lighting are what local designers do exceptionally well. 

Whether a local interior designer or an online design service is chosen for a big whole-house design project or a small “finishing touches” project for one room, we understand clients are seeking design professionals who are knowledgeable and passionate about home interiors and care deeply about every project. We strive every day to respect the needs and expectations of our clients.

We would love to help you create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable home. Find out more about our services on our website by contacting us today!

Talk to you soon,

Paula