Interior Design Scottsdale, AZ by S Interior Design

Premium Interior Design

Smart Technology That is Revolutionizing Modern Homes

by Leave a Comment

Below is a guest posting on the subject of the technology options that are changing the way we live in our homes.
As an Interior Designer I need to be aware of the ever changing technology options that can have an impact on the overall design and functionality of a space.  With the rapid pace of change we are experiencing in this area it honestly can be a part-time job in and of itself to keep abreast of it all.  That is one of the reasons S Interior Design welcomed the opportunity to learn more and share it with you! Thank you Jackie Mason for writing the article and sharing it with us.

Make sure to click on the links imbeded in the article to get the full story.

The Smart Technology That is Revolutionizing Modern Homes

Over 40% of American households use smart technology, with an average of 3.5 smart devices used in each home. Smart technology often appeals because of the convenience and time saving it provides. A lot of smart technology also offers a way of updating your interior design easily without any major cost. The stylishness of many of today’s emerging gadgets makes it easy to see why so many people are incorporating them into the design of their homes. Here are just a few examples of the kind of smart technology that can give your interior design real style and added functionality.

 The stylish and unobtrusive television screen

When it comes to home living, you can ‘go smart’ anywhere in the house. However, one of the areas of smart technology that people are drawn to most is home entertainment. Television screens are becoming more and more streamlined and multi-functional. The transparent TV is particularly worth a mention. Still in the early stages of development, the TV shows high-definition images when switched on and can blend into the background as a transparent screen when turned off. This means that you can have the sought-after high quality as well as discretion; the television doesn’t have to dominate the room. LG takes this combination one step further with its roll up and down television screen. The TV screen can be wound down when you don’t want to watch it or would rather it was out of sight when not in use. The screen size and aspect ratios can be adjusted to suit different uses – whether that be for television, computing or photograph displays.

 A kitchen that aids cooking

Research shows that the kitchen is the most important room to homeowners when it comes to interior design. This has led to a rise in the number of smart kitchen gadgets entering the market – and potentially people’s homes. These include smart ovens: gone are the days where you have to slave away over a hot stove after a day’s work. Smart ovens can link up with your smartphone, registering the food that is in the oven and making recommendations on cooking methods. The technology involves means that you can monitor the cooking away from home if you want to, carrying on with other tasks in the meantime. The result is a tasty meal that was stress-free to make.

 Smart lighting for the home

Lighting design has evolved with an environmental focus, with many companies using efficient LED lights. This is not at the cost of style and functionality, however. Examples of smart lighting in the home include SmartLamp, which is controlled by its own app and allows you to change the color of the light, depending on your mood. You can also choose a color to accompany music you are listening to, making SmartLamp an effective tool for entertainment and creating ambiance.

 

Please follow and like us:

3 Design Tips To Make the Most of a Small Bathroom

by Leave a Comment

3 Design Tips To Make the Most of a Small Bathroom

1.    LIGHT!  In a small bathroom you need to leverage both natural and artificial light sources.  If there is not ample natural light from an existing window you should consider installing
either a Solatube or a sky light.

You should have both ceiling mounted lighting (recessed 4″ LED can lights) and lighting at the vanity area preferably flanking the sides of your mirror if the space allows for it.

2.    The materials and the color/tones of the materials used should visually flow with one another. The number of different colors and materials and the geometry of those materials should be kept to a maximum of 3 different materials in the space.

For example, if you have white-painted cabinetry you should have lighter toned counter tops and accent tiles to coordinate. The floors can be a bit darker to add contrast.

Another tip is to use the same material in different size/geometry formats.  Marble (or marble look porcelain tile) can be used on the floor in a 12″ x 24″ format and then in a hexagon shaped smaller format for the shower wall accents and back splash at the vanity.

3.   To maximize storage space – GO VERTICAL! You can place a cabinet on the vanity counter top that is less deep (12″-14″),or place a tall floor cabinet at the end of the vanity or wherever
space allows.  You can carve out space on the walls between the studs to use as shallow storage opportunities too.

http://www.sinteriordesign.com

 

Please follow and like us:

Top Home Improvement Tips for Living with Alzheimer’s-Universal Design

by Leave a Comment

Below is a guest post on a subject matter that touches so many of us.  My own father-in-law is a dementia sufferer and I have had a first row seat to witness the challenges living in a home that is not designed to accommodate the illness presents.  As a professional designer,  I have an interest in addressing the design of  living spaces for adults impacted by Alzheimers that will provide easier living conditions for all in the household.

Here is a recent remodel of a master bath that is universal design compliant so my clients can age in place without issue.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

 

You may think living with Alzheimer’s means living in a sterile, nursing home-style environment.  However, one of the hottest trends in home remodeling is “universal design,” which means creating an environment that allows homeowners to enjoy their homes at any age.  That includes living well into their golden years, and accommodating the mental and physical decline that can come with aging. Those same modifications can apply when making homes safer and more accessible to people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

More of us are caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease, and this means making appropriate home modifications to meet loved ones’ needs.  As pointed out by the experts at Redfin, “Alzheimer’s disease affects about 5.4 million Americans, about 5.2 million of which are 65 and older.  It can be your grandparent, your cousin, your sibling or even your parent who faces the diagnosis. Eventually, those with Alzheimer’s require round-the-clock care, and for many families, that means taking the loved one into their own home.”  Thankfully, with universal design options, you can meet those needs in ways that are not only safe, but livable and fashionable.

Studies show Alzheimer’s disease erodes judgment, balance, memory, general behavior, and basic senses like hearing and vision.  Because of the effects of the disease, some experts advise making important modifications to reduce risks while keeping your loved one independent, such as:

  • Eliminate steps.  At least one entryway to the home should be free of steps.
  • One-floor living.  The main floor of the house should include at least one bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen conveniences.
  • Doorways and hallways.  Doorways throughout the main living area should be free of thresholds and should be a minimum of forty-two inches wide.
  • Flooring.  Replace carpeting with slip-resistant flooring, such as hardwood floors or linoleum.
  • Floor space.  Open floor plans are a benefit to those with mobility issues.  Reducing clutter and broadening walkways helps reduce the risk of tripping or falling.
  • Easy-to-use handles.  Doorknobs and faucet handles should be replaced with lever handles.
  • Controls and switches.  Place thermostats at lower levels, add a remote control, or add devices or apps which allow for voice control.  Switches should be placed at heights accessible from a wheelchair, generally forty-two to forty-eight inches off the floor.  Similarly, install electrical outlets higher for easier accessibility.
  • Lighting.  Improving lighting throughout the home is a simple and important step toward safety.  Add light fixtures, install brighter bulbs, and add nightlights to enhance safety for those with failing vision or to help those suffering with disorientation.
  • Bathroom.  A taller, hands-free toilet and walk-in shower improve independence and safety.  Installing grab bars and a seat for the shower are also important selections.
  • Countertops and sinks.  Opt for shallower designs to keep things easier to reach.

The AARP notes that most of us want to remain at home as long as possible, and with that in mind, home styles are favoring designs that allow people of all ages and abilities to remain comfortable, mobile and safe in their living arrangements.  For those who are caregiving to Alzheimer’s patients, that means stylish options can accommodate your loved one on all fronts. As explained by some professionals, it’s an opportunity to choose aesthetically pleasing but also practical solutions for living independently as long as possible.

 

Here’s the most exciting part: thanks to modern trends, functional equipment is more fashion-friendly than you think.  Even grab bars offer a spa-style appeal coupled with safety and support. As The Wichita Eagle explains, “Many of today’s grab bars are cleverly disguised, looking instead like sleek soap dishes, functional shampoo trays, trendy towel racks and even toilet-paper holders.”

Safety marries fashion.  If you thought home modifications for the elderly meant giving in to an institutional, sterile environment, think again.  Homes can be safe, accessible and fashionable. Thanks to the trend of universal design, caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients can meet their loved one’s needs effectively and beautifully.

Please follow and like us:

Hottest Bathroom Designs Trends Leading into 2018

by Leave a Comment

Are you contemplating a bathroom remodel in 2018? Below is a guest post article that will help you think through some of your design decisions.  Of course S Interior Design is here to assist you in person in the Scottsdale/ Phoenix Arizona area !

Below is a picture of a tile we are incorporating into one of our clients’ bath designs to be started in 2018.  This tile will be used with an almost solid concrete look porcelain large format tile.
It will be stunning!

Also shown are the sink and faucet that will be used. Another trend is the use of single hole faucets versus wide spread two handled faucets.  This is a good option to consider when the vanity space is not too large.


 

New year, new bathroom! As we say our final farewells to 2017, so too do we look forward to 2018 and the design trends that are sure to define it. This past year had us adorning our bathrooms with unique light fixtures, gold accents and standalone vanities. What’s in store for the coming year? Read on and find out!

Monochrome Paint Schemes

If the word “monochrome” makes you think of generic and impersonal bathrooms, you’re not alone, but it’s time to reset your notions for the new year! Supplementing your standard white bathroom with just one bold accent color lets you maintain a cohesive theme while still allowing ample room for creativity.

Try a striking black accent wall or a daring cobalt blue mirror frame – both colors will be huge in 2018.

Relaxing Standalone Bathtubs

Fancy bathtubs aren’t just for celebrities anymore! 2018 will be a big year for freestanding and island bathtubs.

With the recent proliferation of bathing products such as bath bombs and aromatherapy oils, it’s only natural that the standalone tub is about to enter the spotlight. Relaxing and luxurious, a new bathtub can provide both creature comfort and aesthetic appeal. It’s time to say goodbye to the ubiquitous shower-tub combo and usher in the new era of statement-making bathtubs.

Marble Finishes

Marble has long been a staple material of luxury bathrooms, but historically it has been too expensive for use in the average renovation. But recent years have seen more affordable marble tiles come on the market, and thanks to this the material will see a huge boom in popularity in 2018.

Rip out that old floor and replace it with large marble tiles for an instant dose of class that can make even the smallest bathroom feel vast. You can also keep it more low-key with a marble shower backsplash or marble slab countertop.

And don’t discount decor as an opportunity to hop on this trend! Soap dispensers, trays and vases are easy ways to add a little pop of marble to your bathroom.

Patterned Tiles

With monochrome color schemes being so popular, it’s no wonder that another big trend for 2018 bathroom design is the use of patterned tiles. Simple colors effortlessly complement bold, eye-grabbing patterns.

Classic dots and stripes are always in style, but this year will see some daring new patterns take center stage. Angled forms are in, so keep an eye out for triangular tessellations and geometric getups.

If you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, try using patterned tiles on a shower floor or on an accent wall instead for a less intense but still on-trend look.

Technology in the Bathroom

As we progress through the digital age, it’s getting harder and harder to resist the allure of the smart house. And there’s sure to be a spike in the prevalence of tech-filled bathrooms in 2018.

Smart mirrors look at first glance like regular mirrors, but one tap reveals a touchscreen integrated into the glass, allowing you to do things like read news headlines and view your daily schedule as you get ready in the morning. There’s also Bluetooth-enabled showerheads that use voice commands to control water pressure and stream music right to your shower.

Toilets are also getting the high-tech treatment. Seat warmers add an invisible element of comfort to any bathroom, while automatic deodorizers bring us one step closer to the ultimate dream: the self-cleaning toilet.

For a quick and simple bathroom tech upgrade, try giving your light fixtures a new lease on life with smart bulbs that allow you to adjust color and intensity from a phone or tablet app. Having such control over the ambiance can turn an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing escape that will leave you feeling not just clean but comfortable too.

In Conclusion

Modern bathrooms are getting smarter and sleeker, but they’re also experiencing a youthful surge in creativity and comfort. This perfectly balanced combination of form and function means that 2018 is the perfect year to design a bathroom that’s both fun and practical. What trends are you most excited for this year?

Please follow and like us:

The 5th Wall- Ceiling Design Ideas

by Leave a Comment

Below is a guest post on the subject of what can be done with ceiling design.   Here in Arizona many of the homes have very high ceilings ranging from 12′ to 20′ or more.  Sometimes the builder of the home has thought about the high ceiling height and added architectural details to make it more interesting.  Other times the ceilings ares lacking any kind of design attention and can make a space seem empty.  If you live in an older home here in Arizona, you may have the dreaded popcorn ceiling texture. It that is the case, the very best and the first thing to do is to have it removed and the ceiling re-textured and painted.

From simple ideas such as paint or wall covering options, to architectural beams and coffers, the options are vast.  So look up…..is there something special you can do to your ceilings in your home?

Guest Post:

How to Make Your Ceiling More Luxurious

Never underestimate the importance of ceilings. They have a huge impact on the overall impression your home gives. It’s not just furniture, window treatments and wall decorations that individualize a particular room, but the right blend of colors, décors, interior design ideas, and lighting choices.

Are you under the impression that nobody looks up? Here’s where you are wrong. Even if you don’t intentionally raise your eyes to check out a ceiling, your glance embraces the whole environment the minute you step in a room. Boring plaster finishes with hardly any décor or personalized touches will probably make the entire room indifferent.

There are ways to make your ceilings luxurious. Let’s just start by saying that there are expensive and inexpensive ways for doing so, and so it will depend on your budget, how much you want to spend on a specific room, and whether there are reasons for completely transforming a particular ceiling or not.

 

img-1by BGLiving

Evaluate the space first

First things first. Look up! What do you see? What’s the height of the room? What’s the current condition of the ceiling? Which room is that? In order to make the right decisions, take one step at a time.

Is your ceiling high or low? And what impression would you like to give?

High ceilinged rooms are considered luxurious because they are impressive on their own, but watch out. They can make the room cold and impersonal. In this case, you have two options: you should either use tricks to lower down the ceiling or take advantage of the height and just make it elegant.

img-2by Zillow

 

If the ceiling is low, things are a lot harder. Low ceilinged rooms warm up faster and better in the winter and make your life easy when you simply want to change a light bulb. But if the space is not large or it is overcrowded with furniture, and there are no big window openings, it will be claustrophobic.

Are there damaged ceiling parts?

Roof leaks are often more than enough to have catastrophic effects on ceilings. So before you talk about remodeling your ceiling and make the fifth wall more luxurious, it’s imperative that you fix it. If you need to hire a pro to do some ceiling repairs, you might want to consider some extra labor work. This might be your chance to install a coffered ceiling.

Are you interested in improving the looks of your dining room, bathroom, living room, or hallway ceiling?

It’s actually up to you whether you want to spend money on transforming the ceiling of a private space (like your bathroom’s ceiling). If you ask any interior designer, they will tell you that it’s worth transforming any ceiling. And that’s true! The question is how much are you willing to spend? It will also depend on whether you want to change the looks of one room’s ceiling or all of them.

img-3by Accenthaus

In the case of the latter, think smart. Choose inexpensive, but smart solutions for ceilings at private spaces and spend more to transform ceilings in the dining or living room.

How to make high ceilings look gorgeous

Whether you have a vaulted coffered ceiling or a plain, white one, as long as it is high you can do wonders by playing with colors.

Since the space already breathes from the height of the ceiling, you can use intense colors and install ceiling medallions in historical designs.

Use ceiling stencils. There are amazing patterns on the market. You can either decorate the entire ceiling or parts of it. Depending on the design you choose, you can leave the ceiling white or paint it dark red or blue.

img-4by SWZ Architects LLC

If you select dark colors, you bring the ceiling down. So, if you want to give the effect of a lower ceiling, choose dark shades and dare to go for a black ceiling too. Black is back and gorgeous. It will make a greater impression if you install white crown molding. It will bring out the elegance of the black color.

You can also lower the ceiling by using complex patterns in intense colors. Go for coffered ceilings with particular designs. The more colorful the better!

Get inspired by Italian frescoes. If you can afford a modern “Michelangelo” to do some art work on your ceiling even better. It can’t get better than “The Creation of Adam”!

If you have the money to install wood panels, go for it. But make sure the rest of the room’s setting is simple-white-chic. By keeping décors in neutral colors, you bring out the character of wooden ceilings and won’t make the room heavy.

How to give the impression of high ceilings

Low ceilings are practical and make rooms cosy. And yes, they can be extremely elegant, too. Here are some interior design ideas:

img-5

by Elad Gonen

How about dressing the ceiling with wallpaper? Just avoid intense colors and complex patterns. Wallpapers on ceilings are an excellent idea for bedrooms. White plaster ceilings look more exotic with some woodwork done on the top.

Use slim stenciled patterns. Make a difference by investing in golden or silver colors. Give an elegant and original impression by petite flowers and green leaves at the edge part of the ceiling and all around the crown molding.

The truth is that most people are not happy with what they have. If we have high ceilings, we struggle to lower them down. If we have low ceilings, we do our best to increase their height. Since you cannot rebuild the house, here are a couple of things you can do to make the ceiling look higher.

Paint the ceiling in high or semi-gloss neutral color. Glossy light shades will deceive your eye in believing that the room is higher.

img-6

by Pepe Calderin Design

You can also remove the plaster and expose the initial ceiling structure. This will literally give you a few more inches of space. Avoid installing coffered drop ceilings. Crown moldings will look lovely, but avoid oversized ones.

In your effort to make your ceiling look higher, you will discover that you can change many things in the room apart from repainting the ceiling. Here are the best tricks:

Use striped wallpapers or paint the wall in stripes. Vertical stripes make us look thinner and taller. They have the same impression on our homes, too.

Avoid tall furniture. Keep everything in average size so that items won’t suffocate the room. It’s best to have floor to ceiling bookcases and fill all shelves with books and displays up to the last one at the top.

img-7by Webb & Brown-Neaves

Put framed pictures all the way up to the ceiling and even over door casings. They give the impression that the ceiling is high. Avoid pendant lights and chandeliers.

Paint a diagonal wall stripe to give the impression that there is a staircase going up. It will create the illusion that there is more spaceand give a movement feeling to the space.

If you are interested in installing wainscoting, prefer vertical beadboards that will give the same impression striped walls do. Hang drapes as high as possible and let them touch the floor. Install 1/3 sized wainscots and keep the upper wall side the same color as the ceiling. If you want to add color, paint the beadboard.

img-8by Jeremy Kohm Photography

Go wild with unique ceilings

Not all ceilings are flat. Some are cathedral, some are curved and some are octagonal. You can use thick stripes, intense colors, and Asian inspired stencils or go for more sophisticated solutions like designs imitating Italian art and the Renaissance period.

The truth is that the higher the ceiling is the more things you can do to decorate it. The kitchen and dining room will simply look lovely if is painted blue and complemented by wood boards. Pendant lights definitely give a dramatic effect as they travel all the way down from a vaulted wood ceiling. So, do explore your choices.

img-9

by K2 Design

A few tips to get you started

All types and sizes of ceilings can become luxurious. It’s good for you to remember that. The most important thing is to identify the pros and cons of your ceilings, use your imagination, cross check what’s available, and don’t forget to check your bank account before you start planning. So, these are some last tips to get you started:

Spent time thinking of colors. They make the greatest difference. The right shades will add glamour; the wrong ones will be disastrous.

Pay enormous attention to lighting. If you like chandeliers but the ceiling is low, hang one at one corner and over a small table or chair.

Remember that your ceiling becomes more elegant with hidden lighting all around the trim.

img-10by Drewett Works

Don’t forget that ceilings do not stand alone. They are part of the room. The most gorgeous ceiling in the world will lose its appeal if the rest of the room is messy, overcrowded and too colorful.

Use different architectural ideas in each room. After all, all endeavors aim at improving the looks of the entire space and not just the ceiling. Every room serves a purpose and must have a unique character. So, play with variations. Use contrasting colors in the dining room but smooth transitions from wall to ceiling for the bedroom.

Our ultimate advice? Let your imagination travel, stick to your personal tastes and enjoy every minute of it!

URLs  to resources  used in article

inexpensive ways
http://www.houzz.com/inexpensive-ceiling-ideas

install a coffered ceiling

35 Majestic Decorative Coffered Ceiling

transform ceilings in the dining or living room

16 Impressive Dining Room Ceiling Designs

coffered ceilings with particular designs

21 Incredible Detailed Ceiling Design Ideas From Experts

White plaster ceilings

Plaster Ceiling Design + Architectural Mouldings

installing wainscoting
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/wainscoting-designs

Pendant lights definitely give a dramatic effect
http://www.houzz.com/high-ceiling-pendant-lights

enormous attention to lighting
http://www.ofdesign.net/interior-design/33-ideas-for-ceiling-lighting-and-indirect-effects-of-led-lighting-beautiful-3102

different architectural ideas
http://freshome.com/ceiling-design-ideas/

 

Please follow and like us: