"Livable Luxury" by Frances Herrera

I am a firm believer that a bedroom design should always be simple and elegant. 

Bedrooms should be the calmest room in your home. So here are seven steps to getting the bedroom of your dreams.

1. Begin with the bed. As the largest piece of furniture in the room, the style and placement of the bed will impact the rest of the room’s design. Decide what style is right for you. We love a high headboard that allows for reading in bed.

2. Look up. Select a large piece of art or a mirror to hang (well-secured) above the bed to contrast the sleek bedding below.

3. Add storage. No matter the closet space, there never seems to be enough storage. Add extra with a platform bed. Or, use a small storage chest as a bedside table which provides both interior storage and plenty of space for a pile of books or vase of flowers.

4. Finish the bed. High quality bedding in 100% cotton percale makes a huge difference in your comfort. Also, an end-of-bed ottoman is a useful spot to sit and put on your shoes on  or neatly store decorative pillows at night (just ensure you have enough room between it and other furniture to get by). If you have the space, a loveseat looks luxe at the foot of a bed.

5. Lighten up. For lamps on bedside tables: If the tables are the same, use different lamps. If different, use matching lamps to tie the pieces together. Add a throw on the bed or a chair. A lamp, chair, and side table are all you need to create a reading nook. Small-space chair options include slipper, barrel, or even an upholstered dining chair, which can double as a desk chair. Just don’t let the chair be a dumping ground for clothes or magazines waiting to be read.

6. Accessorize. Balance art above a dresser or chest in the room, add a tall greenery arrangement on top of the chest along with vases, trays or objects.

The Juju Hat or as they are called in Cameroon the Bamileke or Tyn hats from the Bamileke tribes have come a long way from being traditional ceremonial headdress to adourning beautiful interior designer homes as  contemporary wall hangings.

For hundreds of years tribes have been creating these hats for their tribal chiefs, royal families and dignitaries to wear during tribal ceremonies. Intricately made by villagers in rural Cameroon. Each hat is unique and takes 2-3 days to complete. These artisans have been making these hats for years and are master weavers. They are made during the dry months of the year so the grass and feathers can dry before manufacture. The grass base of the hats are delicately woven to create a strong backing for the wood slats which run up the sides creating a large circular platform for all the cured and dyed feathers which are then fitted one at a time to create the beautiful textured Juju Hats which are so appealing.

With spring in full swing, it’s the perfect season to try out  fresh, local ingredients, wild flowers, and simple materials to create a brunch for your friends and loved ones. 

Here are a few ideas and tips I’ve gathered from my favorite blog that I thought to share that would make an incredible, and memorable experience that will never be forgotten.

Brunch should be kept simple and most importantly, fresh. Classic breakfast dishes work out best like…

*Almond and oat granola, greek yogurt, and sautéed strawberries and raspberries

*Gruyere scrambled eggs on toast, Caesar salad, bacon and asparagus Rosemary and cucumber Juleps

And, for the decor, skip the prim and proper peonies and tulips instead use an arrangement of wild flowers. 

Follow these 7 tips for hosting a smooth and enjoyable brunch:

1. Do as much as possible ahead of time. Have the table set, vegetables chopped, sauces made, the night before. That way you can wake up, cook a little bit, and have time to take a shower before people arrive.

2. Try something completely new! But do a practice round a few days before so that you can learn from your first mistakes.

3. Be clear about timing. For a cocktail party, it is ok for guests to show up half an hour late. But when it comes to hungry people and you trying to keep everything hot and delicious, guests who are late can really cause tension. Let them know that this is an occasion to be punctual.

4. Simple but thoughtful is better. Plates that don’t have patterns, allow you to focus on the delicious food you have created.

5. Have a snack ready in case you do have to wait for someone who is a bit late. Guests tend to come hungry so something light like a couple of plates of olive tapenade on crackers will do the trick.

6. Have just one great cocktail to offer guests. It keeps it simple, and in the end your friends will have a great time. Of course it’s also good to have a cold bottle of white wine and beer for those who prefer another option.

I have a weakness for fresh flowers, they add instant chic to any space and make a room come alive.

But, sadly, they tend to only last a handful of days before they get funky….so I’m sharing my newest discovery with you….Blooms by Heinau!

They are 100% natural fresh-cut blooms that last 6 months or longer. My husband recently sent me a gorgeous bouquet after a forwarded him an email I received from Heinau and suggested it was the perfect Mother’s Day gift. 

They have been sitting at my desk now for a few weeks and I can honestly say for the first time, the pure and natural elegance of freshly cut flowers can be yours every day for up to a year, at a genuinely affordable price.  If you buy flowers on a regular basis for your home or business, we can cut your annual flower budget by as much as 75%, without sacrificing a single sensory indulgence.

There is nothing plastic, silk or artificial about them.  The secret is right at the farm, the blossoms are cut at the peak of their quality, the water and sap in the plant cells are replaced a proprietary certified non-toxic moisturizer leaving the petals as soft, supple and beautiful as they were before harvest.

Each preserved flower continues to absorb moisture from the air, prolonging their beauty.  They are maintenance-free and require absolutely no water.  

It doesn't pay to skimp on bedding, but at the same time, it always pays to shop smartly. Here are some tips for finding high-quality bedding and not spending more than you have to:

1. Cotton sheets are described by thread count, which literally means the number of threads in the cloth. Most sheets are in the 200 range, while expensive sheets can go from 250 to more than 300. The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable they are. Hold up a sheet to the light to determine its quality. Light will not shine through a high-thread-count sheet. Also, high-thread-count sheets won't fuzz or pill. Another great way to test this is to scratch the sheet with your fingernail to see if any pill comes off. If so, it's a lesser-quality sheet.

2. The finest-quality wool blankets available are of merino wool. They are also the warmest. Synthetic blankets, however, are non-allergenic, less expensive and easier to wash.

3. Fill power, or "loft," is a measurement of the quality of down products. Down comforters with great loft have fluffy clusters of down that have the power to fill the comforter with fewer ounces than inferior types of down. Down comforters with high fill power listed on the package are lighter and warmer than down comforters with less fill power listed on the label (or not listed at all). Remember, it's not the ounces that are important, it's the fill power of the down.

4. Rather than buying an expensive duvet cover for a comforter, buy a couple of flat sheets in the size and color you need and sew them together on three sides. Sew grommets into the fourth side and close with a decorative ribbon.

5. You can buy a full flat sheet to use instead of a queen flat sheet for a queen-size bed. Not only is a full sheet less expensive, but there's much less material hanging over the edge when you make the bed.

6. When buying flannel sheets, make sure the label says "preshrunk." Otherwise, the flannel will probably shrink, causing your fitted sheet to no longer fit.

7. For the summer months, buy easy-care cotton or thermal blankets. These will allow air to flow through them.

8. If you want to give your mattress a pillow-top look and feel, buy either a featherbed or a polyester fiber bed. They're soft and luxurious and give your bed that "lofty" look. They're also less expensive than a new mattress.

9. When buying a mattress with a pillow top, it's important to buy fitted sheets deep enough to fit over the extra thickness of the mattress. Many people think that buying a larger size will do the trick, but they're just longer and wider and end up not fitting. Deep fitted sheets run anywhere from 13 inches to 22 inches depending on how thick your new mattress is. If you own some wonderful sheets that you want to continue using, just buy "suspenders" for the fitted sheet, which will keep it from popping off.

Did you have a blissful time at the spa this Mother’s Day weekend?

Would you like to recreate that feeling more often…without leaving your home? Well you can, by following these simple tips you can feel like a queen all year long.

What immediately relaxes you when you walk into a spa is the fresh smell.

Spas use fragrant essential oils or aromatherapy to naturally enhance the benefits of massage and relaxation. For instance, lavender essential oil calms the mind and reduces anxiety, creating the perfect companion to a relaxing massage.

Use aromatherapy to recreate the spa atmosphere at home and grant yourself some time to relax. One of the simplest ways to feel the calming powers of aromatherapy is to add essential oil to your bath water. That’s why we’re giving you 5 steps to replicate a healing aromatherapy bath (or shower).

What you’ll need: Bathtub or shower Essential oils* Olive oil Firming face mask Gentle washcloth Tranquil music

Step 1: Aromatherapy Draw a warm bath. While the water rises, combine 5-10 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil (olive oil helps reduce the scent’s intensity) and pour into the bathtub. The refreshing scent will fill the air in a few short minutes. When shopping for essential oils (you can usually find a variety at your local health food store) choose a scent you know you like and that helps you feel calm when you smell it. The most popular essential oils for relaxation include chamomile, lavender, rose, and sandalwood. If you don’t like the power in essential oils, you can also use bath bombs, bubble bath and other sources of fragrance. No bathtub? Take an aromatherapy shower by adding 2-3 drops of aromatherapy oil to a gentle washcloth or wet sponge.

Step 2: Firming Mask Add skincare to your at-home spa getaway with a firming face mask. Apply your favorite healthy skin mask evenly to your face, neck and chest, and let it work its magic while you relax. I recommend Murad®’s Age-Diffusing Firming Mask for its ability to tighten, firm and revive dehydrated skin as well as soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Leave the mask on for up to 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Step 3: Tranquil Sounds Before you step in, press play on your favorite relaxing music playlist. Try to avoid songs you already know even if the songs have a slow-pace. Familiar music tends to take you out of the moment and into a memory, which could potentially disrupt your zen. For relaxation, we recommend Spotify’s “Stress Relief” playlist or their “Afternoon Acoustic” playlist.

Step 4: Finishing Touches The easiest way to ruin a relaxing bath is to cause unwanted stress right afterwards. Place a clean towel in an easy-to-reach spot, set a bathrobe and slippers or clothes laid out in a convenient part of the bathroom, and have a loofah and any other soaps available within arms reach. To ensure privacy and relaxation, shut the door and request that people keep out for the next 30 minutes or so.

Please join the Fort Lauderdale Design & Construction Professionals networking group for a stylish after work mixer hosted by Frances Herrera Interior Design.

Enjoy specialty Asian tapas and creative cocktails in an innovative design atmosphere while meeting prominent design, construction professionals and local talents.

Are you and your family thinking about selling your property?

That’s great news!

While change can be intimidating for many, it generally is a catalyst for positive transformation and better things in life.

But to make sure you begin your new journey with the type of financial security you deserve, you need to make the most of your sale. Investing some time thinking about ways to highlight your current home’s best assets and downplay its weaknesses, will help you appeal to the greatest possible pool of prospective buyers and, ultimately, sell it at a better price.

Follow our top FIVE affordable staging secrets to make your home stand out from the rest.

1.  Number one rule – Eliminate any signs of clutter and personal possessions

Some might say a home without clutter and any signs of human life is an impersonal home.

WRONG!

What you should really be thinking is about leaving your property as if it was to be in the cover of Vogue Homes. Spotless, immaculate, clutter-free. No, you don’t have to erase yourself, simply box up temporarily any signs of your existence in the home. No toys, no family portraits, no papers, folders or anything that hinders the buyers’ ability to see themselves comfortably living in the home.

2. Fix up everything that needs fixing up

Remember that the first thing a buyer notices is the exterior of your home. So if there’s anything that needs repairing, do it now and it’ll pay later. If your property appears in any way run down or dilapidated, you can kiss your sale goodbye.

Does it need a paint job? Go for it. Do it yourself if necessary. Host a BBQ for friends and family and get them to help you with the paint job, both indoors and outdoors.

Does your outdoor living space need revamping? Then, revamp it. An attractive outdoor entertainment area can add up to 10% in your property value.  

3. Trust the experts, aka Interior Designers

Stylish window and floor treatments can truly give your home a luxury look and feel.  Hang floor to ceiling curtains and oversized artwork in different rooms and spread area rugs throughout your property. They will all draw the attention of potential buyers and encourage them to visualize themselves in such an attractive environment.

4. Enhancing the lighting

Adding contemporary light fittings are wonderful and very affordable ways to make your home feel luxurious and bright – from dramatic and oversized light fittings and lamp shades to chandeliers, they will become elegant centerpieces in any room in your home, even your kitchen!   

5. Don't forget the epitome of lavishness

Accessories, will make your spaces come alive as well as make your marketing photos more appealing to prospective buyers searching the web. Add pillows, vases, trays in colors that complement your existing fabrics and patterns for a sophisticated look.

And don’t forget fresh flowers, candles and beautiful scents. Vanilla candles are considered to be the smell of luxury. So, dot a few candles around your home and your prospective buyers might start a bidding war!

If you are too busy or prefer to leave it up to the experts, give us a call. In just a few hours, we can increase your property value by thousands.

Check out what our happy clients have to say! We are elated our DayZine, One day makeover service, is solving the problem we thought it would.

Great design doesn't need to be costly, you just need the right Interior Designer!

Was your New Year resolution to create the comfortable relaxing interior you deserve?

If you've just moved into a new home, have a dated design that could use some updating, or have an unfinished space that lacks personality… We can provide you with affordable solutions to create the cozy ambience you've always dreamed of...

Most people get stressed when they think of the huge amounts they have to spend to make their homes come alive. The truth is, engaging the services of a professional interior designer doesn't have to cost you a fortune.

All you have to do is tell us your desired preferences… and we'll create an inspiring space for you on YOUR budget.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us now… and watch your home and dreams come alive…

Renovating your kitchen to look like those you see on tv and magazines sounds great in theory, but it can be extremely expensive, time consuming and inconvenient.

On average, U.S. homeowners spend nearly $30,000 on kitchen renovation projects and can take weeks or even months!

If you’re lacking the time or energy to spend on such a major upgrade, follow these simple steps.

FIVE ways to revamp your kitchen without a renovation just in time for holiday entertaining.

1. Add a fresh coat of paint

The easiest way to revamp and revitalize your kitchen is with a fresh coat of paint. Besides the walls, you can paint the interior of your cabinets or ceiling for added effect.  A lighter color will make the room feel brighter, fresher, and more open while a bolder color can evoke a feeling of sophistication. As an added bonus, repainting will help remove dirt and dust from your kitchen, which improves the overall air quality in the room.

2. Replace cabinetry hardware

You don’t need new cabinets to make a statement. A great way to create a noticeable change in your kitchen is to replace cabinetry hardware. It’s relatively inexpensive and only takes a few hours to complete. New to this type of DIY project? Many hardware stores will provide a guide or template for lining up holes on the drawer or door.

3. Upgrade smaller appliances

We’re talking toasters and mixers, not ovens and refrigerators here. Try avoiding black or white, and add a pop of color to the room. You’d be a surprised how different a few new handy items in the kitchen can you make you feel. Also, consider purchasing ENERGY STAR appliances for added efficiency and to cut down on your monthly electric bill.

4. Increase counter space

You may not be able to replace or build new cabinets, but you can add a few shelves to reduce the clutter and create more countertop space. Showcase decorative dishware or drinkware, or store ingredients for your holiday baking project. Light paint on the shelves will prevent the room from feeling too dark, and open up the space to make it feel bigger than it really is.

 5. Freshen up your dinnerware

Add a new look to your holiday meals by purchasing new dinnerware. Try to find something that could work with your existing set, while still being unique. It makes it a more budget friendly investment, and also allows you to accommodate more guests at your next gathering.

Every great foundation begins with a timeless and refined color palette.

Frances Herrera’s signature grays from Benjamin Moore Paint are a collection of sophisticated colors that are timeless and refined.

Gray is a color without a color, but the right shade that has a hint of green, blue, or brown provides an elegant warmth throughout a home. 

Take a look at our Interior Design portfolio where these grays are used to create the acclaimed "Livable Luxury" interiors we are known for.

In the mood for a little change? Tired of those boring bare walls? Ready for a refreshed look to wow your guests this holiday?

Perfect! I have just what you need to give your home the feeling of a luxury makeover minus the painful bill. 

  Five genius ways to revamp your space in just 1 single day without going broke:

1. Color

Call over a few friends for a “color me happy” party.  A fresh coat of paint is the quickest and cheapest way to instantly transform and revive a space.  If you are not keen on committing color to an entire room, having one single feature wall will still achieve that re-vamped feel you are after in just a few hours.

2. Texture

Lush textures in accessories such as mirrors, reflective vases, silky rugs, will add richness and multi-dimensionality to any space giving you a dramatic (but affordable) high end look.

3. Patterns

A lot of people are afraid to use prints in their homes but the secret to cleverly introducing patterns in your makeover is to keep the rest of the elements in a space understated. Floor-to-ceiling zigzag drapes, for instance, will undoubtedly create a “wow” factor. But so will a bold throw and brightly patterned pillows in your space. The key is to keep your patterns to a minimum. My rule of thumb is no more that 3 patterns mixed in with solids.

4. Warmth

Scented candles, a book collection that reflects your interests, and photographs of your travels will instantly make your home warmer and more inviting. Keep the framing minimalist and elegant. Classic black and white photos your family and your history will not only bring life to your room but will also create wonderful conversation pieces.  

5. Height

Create a luxurious feeling of airiness and grandeur by hanging long sheer curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. Coupled with a bold, sparkly chandelier…Instant chic.

One single, well planned day, is all it takes to transform your home into a gorgeous living environment you just won’t want to leave…Just think how much you will save on this makeover versus a weekend in Paris.  

Every year, you tell yourself, “Next year, I’m going to go all out and have the best Super Bowl Party EVER!”

No more procrastinating… If you start your planning now, just as football season is starting, you can get a brand new man cave just in time for Super Bowl Sunday! 

  A man needs more than a small corner in a packed garage as his refuge.

He needs a space of his own; somewhere he can unwind after a long day or a place to entertain “the guys”...especially during the Super Bowl.

A sophisticated, classy man cave is more than possible and can be one that keeps both partners happy. When guests come over to the house (and not just “the guys”) it can be a perfect place for you both to entertain your friends of both genders - before, during, and after the Super Bowl.

How to effortlessly add sophistication to your Man Cave: 

Add elements to your man cave that create a distinct theme that is refined and subtle. Traditional elements such as those in a den or library are ideal.

Must haves for the Sophisticated cave include:

1.  The Recliner

What would a man cave be without a recliner? Make it one with 1960s style - wood and leather. Not only will it bring comfort and style to your space, but the mixed materials and sleek lines almost make it a work of art.

2. Masculine Décor

Why not emulate a sophisticated cigar lounge? Think dark walls (chocolate or navy are both strong options), accented by rich woodwork and lots of it. Decorate walls with your pictures and portraits from your grandparents’ collections.

3. Dual Purpose Furniture

Side tables and ottomans that have hidden storage for remotes, DVD, etc. are becoming increasingly popular as well as coffee tables that have pull out trays or padded foot rests incorporated into their design.

 4. Tall Order- Counter Height Dining

Counter height tables give you the option to sit (on a stool) or stand while enjoying a drink or snack; a perfect way to add versatile style and uniqueness to a man cave. 

5. Easy-living accessories: Pillows and blankets exponentially increase the comfort level to the point that you’ll hardly want to leave this chic den.

 Remember, your new man cave should appeal to all who enjoy the room. Style, comfort, and convenience...everybody wins.

Decorating your living room can be one of the most fun and exciting projects. We get to enliven all our ideas and express our personal tastes, style and personality. However without putting much thought in to the details or by getting carried away in the garnishing euphoria, you can easily ruin what you’d planned for your petite sanctuary.

Here 5 major mistakes you'll most likely to make (and how to avoid them):

1.    Buying furniture in sets

Perfectly matched furniture lacks uniqueness and that needed personal touch.Go for variety, select different colours and textures to create a visual masterpiece. Don’t rely on one shop for all of your furniture.

2.    Over crowding the space

It’s very tempting to showcase all your favourite pieces in your space; art work, sculptures, photos… but you could only put up so much before you suffocate the room. Edit your collections and choose the best objects which will blend flawlessly with your decor.

3.    Wrong Proportions

The balance between scale and proportion is critical. A tiny rug would look bizarre in a large space or an enormous armchair adjacent to a martini table. Be extra keen when purchasing items for your living room to ensure that the overall size of a piece complements all other elements around it.

4.    Outdated furniture setting

Pushing furniture against the wall is a traditional decorative technique to give the illusion of more space. Unfortunately, it drives out all the warmth and coziness in the room and discourages open interactions. Opt for a more intimate setting.

5.    Decorating reservations

Some people prefer unembellished living rooms with few furnishings and artwork to keep the room looking spacious. It looks rather void and ‘soul-less’ instead. Adorn the space with the things you love if you want to design a layered, dimensional look. Feel free to use different prints, fabrics, textures and bold colours on draperies, lounge chairs, and throw pillows to create a visual allure.

Last week I was invited to the Design Center of the Americas for a fun day of furniture shopping and share my "Five Favorites" of my "go to" showrooms. Curious as to what made my "luxury must haves" list? Check them out here!

There’s a lot more that goes into a bathroom remodeling project than simply upgrading the space and improving its aesthetic appeal. It requires proper planning and design to maximize your return on investment.

Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when renovating their bathrooms, and how to avoid them.

1. No Fan? No Ventilation!

Overlooking a bathroom fan may just be the biggest mistake a homeowner will make during their renovation process. Installing a quality bathroom exhaust fan removes air moisture, improves air quality, and helps paint last longer. Consider a quiet fan, such as the Panasonic WhisperWarm, which also heats the area after a long, relaxing bath or shower.

2. Curbed Showers = Less Space

You may feel that a curbed shower has a pleasant visual appeal, but it actually makes your bathroom look smaller. A barrier-free shower, as an alternative, not only creates more space but is easily accessible and eliminates tripping hazards. Should you choose to go this route, keep in mind that curbless showers do not have a rim to contain and catch water, so floors must be slanted in that area to ensure proper drainage.

3. Improper Installation Cause Big Messes

When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, leave the work to a professional. A bathroom renovation project often entails plumbing, electrical work, wall tiling and flooring. Unless you’re a skilled contractor, hands off! Plumbing mistakes, even small ones, can lead to leaks and water damage. And improper electrical installation can create a fire hazard, putting you and your family in danger. Investing in a trusted, reliable contractor now can save you many headaches down the road.

4. Small Budget, Big Project, Big Mistake

As of 2013, the average cost to renovate a bathroom was approximately $16,000 according to Hanley Wood. Therefore, if you’re looking to do a major upgrade, don’t try to do it on $5,000. Inexpensive fixtures and storage spaces will need to be replaced in a few years, and you’ll find yourself spending much of that money all over again. A cheap shower valve will have you fighting to find a consistent temperature every day, which can become increasingly frustrating. Keep the old saying in mind, “If you’re going to do something, do it right the first time.”