HC DESIGN

It’s prime time for setting goals for 2018. Why not style your home with some astonishing modern decor ? 

I’ve gathered down some of my new favorite design trends, leaving last year’s design ideas behind us. Coming into a new year is a new opportunity to make better improvements and achievements within your home.

MIXED MATALLICS

Options for this look include: Wall Artwork, Photo frames, Metallic textiles, Center tables, Metallic lamps.

STATEMENT CEILINGS 

The ultimate goal with statement ceilings is to create a visual interest aside from having a decorative space. It’s the perfect way to be dramatic without trying to over do it. 

Ways to create this look: Crown molding, paint, ceiling murals, Tiles, Mirrors, reclaimed wood, over-sized chandeliers 

SPA INSPIRED BATHROOMS

Bath decor should be more than a toilet, sink, shower / tub. It should feel like a relaxing retreat, as if you’re forever on vacation in the comfort of your own home. A luxurious bathroom is designed by exploring with different ideas and making them into one beautiful space. Create a bathroom that speaks for itself by letting in plenty of light, adding over-sized mirrors, marble flooring IS A MUST, large soak in tubs or walk-in glass showers that make the ultimate spa experience. 

Over the years I’ve noticed there are only a few men who truly care about design and what their house looks like. Unless you live the fabulous life of a bachelor and have an eye for decor, Interior design is not your main priority.

Perhaps some of my following recommendations can change your mind and have you reconsidering to renovate your space. Wouldn’t you like to bring a nice lady home and impress her with your outstanding taste in decor? Of course I’m not here to set you up on failure and have your home looking like a girl lives in it. But some of my design suggestions will definitely make you appreciate the potential your home has.

Keep things Dark, Sleek & Mature.

Although dark shades can be more intimidating, incorporating them in your space will be the best thing you can ever do, they sure keep things modern and interesting. Dark shades are my favorite for any space especially when decorating for men. They look sharp, sleek, and very upscale.

- Add glass objects and dimmed lighting for an extra mysterious glow ; )

The bedroom is the most intimate room in the house. Keeping it stylish is not a bad thing.. Believe me! Us women love when a man has his stuff together and knows how to pick up after himself, but it’s even more attractive when his furniture is placed correctly and coordinates well with other objects in the room.  - Notice the night stand resembles the coffee table by the sofa? The pillows on the bed are identical to the ones by the window? This is called good coordination and good attention to detail.

Some men, (like MY man) like a little POP in their space. Red is very passionate and strong. It makes a great focal point color in living spaces, entertainment rooms, man caves, garages, bedroom, etc.

 -The pop up color can be on Accent walls, over sized canvas, or a furniture piece.

Neutral Sofa

Ashley's Furniture Listed Price: $289.00

World Market Listed price: $29.99 ea.

Neutrals

First, I’d like to suggest one thing. I strongly like to encourage clients to invest in Neutral colored furniture when beginning to plan out any type of decor space. It’s important to work with a earthy tones colors because it leaves plenty of room for creativity. 

For example: When I style a living room, the heart of that living room is always the sofa, then the accent chairs, table, lamps, and decorative items last. This makes it 100 times easier to experiment with different elements like gold, marble, silver, matte, etc. 

Having neutral furniture pieces makes it easier to manage when switching your decor around, and its also FABULOUS! 

Plants 

One way to make your living space stand out is to add something very simple, yet very bold. Adding a plant gives your space a special vibe and makes things come together in a positive way. I love placing a plant in the corner or center of a room. 

Lamps

Of course we all need light in room. Any room. We use light for EVERYTHING, but are we using light as a necessity or as a decorative item? How about both? Yeah, I know that sometimes lamps are not necessary because we already have ceiling lights but they make such a great statement, and did you know that they make a room look 10 times more appealing.

Isn’t it mind blowing how fast this year has gone? I just blinked my eyes and it’s now the end of November. Seems like not too long ago I was sipping on a Pina Colada in the Bahamas. Now the leaves are changing, I’m covered in layers and my house is all decorated for the holidays.

With the New Year approaching, new goals will also take place. Perhaps some new changes in our wardrobe, we might finally commit to our new year’s resolution to stay active in the gym. FINALLY!... But what about improving your home decor? Aren’t we all inspired to do a little home remodeling after watching HGTV?

2018 hasn’t started yet, so what trends might finally give your home that look you’ve been waiting for? Luckily for you, home decorators as well as myself, have already set the trends for this upcoming year’s Design Agenda. I’ve personally selected THREE of my favorite interior design trends you should try for 2018 that will bring a new style to your home. 

1. Textured wall coverings

Your home interior will get a bolder and daring decoration if you use textured wall coverings. 

 3D wall panels are ideal wall covering products that can be used in interior and exterior decoration. they are great solutions to a plain and boring wall. The 3D visual impact, combine 3D wall panels with creative lighting system the result are spectacular.

2. Statement mirrors in bathrooms

A plain rectangular mirror can get the job done, but this upcoming year it is time to be bold and get a new style for your new and improved bathroom design. Remember to think out of the box and get a little creative. 

3. Black is Luxury 

Black will always represent mystery, passion, and luxury so why not incorporate it into your kitchen? It’s okay to add darkness into your life especially if you also include marble countertops. Forget the light. 

Fall has been great, and actually one of my favorite seasons of all year. The orange and red leaves, breathtaking sunsets, pumpkin spice latte’s...But..now it’s time to get ready for  W I N T E R. 

Instead of being reminded of all the brutal cold temps looming ahead, lets talk about what’s HOT for this upcoming season’s Interior color trends. 

The transition into cooler and gorgeous white scenery some of us might experience during the winter, should also be incorporated into your home for those of us who live in the warmer areas of California. As you get your home ready and cozy for the cold, remember to leave lots of room for style and most importantly plan to bundle up inside.

Neutral Sophisticated Pallet 

Gray is the perfect neutral color to make such an impact in any Interior without looking too drastic. 

                               By. Elizabeth Metcalfe Interiors & Design Inc.       

                                                                                 By. Elms Interior Design

White Truly makes you feel at ease, Just remember to keep it CLEAN!

                       Fur adds the coziest atmosphere - Design Anonymous 

         Bring luxurious linens and a splash of neutrals.- Design Anonymous

Blue is tranquil, blue is calm, blue is winter 

         Just the right amount of blue throughout this pace - Design Anonymous

Have you ever walked into a glamorous design showroom full of lighting fixtures hanging from a tall ceiling, velvet sofas and beautiful Italian marble tables… Then come home to your apartment with a put together IKEA coach? You began to think you’re slacking as an adult. You question your furniture selections and even consider switching jobs so that you can support your expensive taste.

I think this has happened to a few of us. We visit a high-end furniture shop and all of the sudden get inspired then as soon as you get home all of those inspirations fade and you’re stuck with the same look for YEARS….

This is what I was going through this past year after moving in with two of my girlfriends who have ZERO, I mean, ZERO, NADA, ZIP of décor sense. Coming from a design background I thought it’d be easy to put together some of my ideas and trends together, so that our home would be breathtaking, beautiful and harmonious all around. Almost too good of a space that I would never leave my house and invite all of my other friends over every Friday night for dinner and wine.  Unfortunately things didn’t turn out how I planned..  My roommates have opposite taste in décor and due to our busy work schedules, none of us spend much time at home relaxing or enjoying a cozy stylish environment. We decided to buy inexpensive furniture that’ll last us until we all decide to part ways. Although some pieces are chosen by me, they’re not exactly what I’d have in my official house someday. Our colors are green, fog grey & dark brown.. Can we say B O R I N G?

Although I’m proud of having my own space, it’s not as stylish as I imaged. Now what do I do? When will I move out? Do I come up with a plan so that I can part ways and end the lease now?? I just can’t stay living this way! I’m an Interior Designer! I should ALWAYS be around motivation. It’s so important for me to help my clients design their dream space and I feel like a total hypocrite just living in a none so stylish house.  Then I realized what my priorities are, and living in a luxurious space in my early twenties is not necessary, nor does it interfere with how I design for others. Living comfortably in a settle environment is totally okay for now until my career kicks off and I can live in whichever way I want.

In the meantime, I have a client who just bought her second home in San Francisco. A beautiful rebuilt single family house overflowing with natural light and an amazing city view. I will be creating a unique and timeless design to match her good taste.

Allow me to demonstrate some of my selections from Reforestation Hardware 

“We want to make kitchenware a bigger part of H&M Home, both with products for the dinner table, but also selected kitchen utensils,” says Evelina Kravaev 

Söderberg, head of design for H&M Home, said in a statement:

“We start off by introducing a dinnerware set in three different classical colors.” 

I find it extremely interesting that H&M is now competing with Ikea as they recently developed a kitchenware serious of modern designed essentials that fit anyone’s budget. As we all know, I believe in beautiful decor without spending tons of money. Great visuals at a low cost is very important to me when it comes to designing and keeping my clients at ease. 

For years Ikea has been number one for developing modern and affordable furniture to fit in any household, but who knows if they will still remain number one after people start to discover H&M’s new 2017 launch. 

When I think of H&M, I don’t think decor or interior design, but do I love that they are expanding in other areas besides fashion. To me Ikea will always be a cheap go to because they have a wide variety of options and excellent decor essentials. 

Studio Libeskind’s National Holocaust Monument Opens in Ottawa

In Architectural News: Studio Libeskind has finished and done an excellent job honoring millions of the victims killed under the Nazi regime and the survivors who emigrated to Canada.  on the National Holocaust Monument is located in Ottawa, Canada and it is near the Canadian War Museum, 

 “The monument creates a very important public space for the remembrance of those who were murdered during the Holocaust,” says Daniel Libeskind.

Plum is this season’s primary fall color. 

Nature might be changing as we look outside our windows but the decor inside remains natural and very inviting..

I like my dinner table to make a statement and for everyone to gather around and make one hell of a thanksgiving dinner. 

Home accents are so important, check out this shiny beauty in a copper finish.

Fall Season is finally here. A new season to change all of your old decor into a warm and cozy feel all around your home. 

I selected 5 decor must haves, each are “in” season and bring a harmonious feel to your space. I will include where you can obtain each item or mimic the same style by even adding some new paint to one of your walls this Fall.