San Francisco Modern Home by J. Weiss Design

San Francisco architect Jennifer Weiss, the visionary founder of J. Weiss Design has recently renovated this Bay area residence. Luckily for Jennifer the home in its original condition had plenty of character, but it was up to Jennifer to apply her ingenious eye for design in order to transform this house and bring all of its inner beauty to the surface.

Often times modernism is derided by critics as being cold and stoic. Jennifer Weiss and her work on this project illustrate that modernity and sterility do not have to be synonymous. The end result is a home that is as functional as it is welcoming. With the use of low key pieces and an uncomplicated design philosophy, Jennifer has created a comfortable space that does not need excessive ornamentation to be alluring.

The neutral background serves as a glorious backdrop for the various bold colored accessories.

No need for ornimentsation when you can make such a strikeing statement with nothing but shapes.

The hardwood floors help add color and texture to an already gorgeous space.

Simple, colorful accessories help make an impact without being garish.

The fireplace serves as the social focal point of the living room.

Bare windows allow for the maximum use of natural light, while giving the outside of the house an uncluttered look.

Jackson Hole Contemporary Log Cabin

Jackson Hole interior designer Jennifer Visosky founded Grace Home Design, Inc. with the simple mission to infuse Western interiors with contemporary design philosophies. Taking inspiration from the art world, high end fashion, and the global green movement, emphasis is put on replacing the heavy nature of the traditional mountain home with more breathable and organic design. Jennifer has been assisting both homeowners and business owners to express their individuality and realize their vision since her company was opened in 2004.

A recent renovation completed by Grace Home Design Inc., is a perfect example of how Jennifer is updating the interior design of mountain homes and turning them into contemporary masterpieces. Lets explore the completed redesign of a log cabin into a mountain contemporary log cabin paradise.

Jackson Hole Contemporary Log Cabin

 The living room design of this log cabin is now contemporary chic, boasting ample seating for entertainment, furry mountainous home accessories, and decor you would necessarily expect to see in a room with exposed logs – yet, it works perfectly.

 The dining area of the cabin features a modern white table, with luxurious and comfortable looking fur lined chairs, topped off with a large unique pendant light to warmly illuminate the space at night.

 The master bedroom design is quite vibrant and serene. The crisp white walls offset by bold wall decoration, minimal furniture, and large bed offer a very clean yet still mountainous feel.

 Also present in the master bedroom is a little seating area complete with 2 benches and dressed up with wall art that reminds you that you’re in the mountains.

 The bathroom design of this cabin is enough to make you forget where you actually are. A large vanity complete with mirrors ideal for an upscale dressing room, large open shower, and bold red tile accent wall compliment the space nicely by adding a pop of color.

Playful Colors in a Modern San Diego Loft By Mia Rao Design

Mia Rao Design was founded in 2001 as a Chicago-based, full-service interior design firm dedicated to transforming residential and commercial interiors. Interior designer, Mia Rao creates livable modern and classic interior designs by drawing from the personal history and lifestyle of her clients. The objective for every design project by Mia Rao Design is to achieve well-balanced interiors that are both functional and unique.

It is easy to see that this is exactly what was done in the project bellow. Take in this stunning collection of photographs of this San Diego Loft that is an excellent representation of her firm and her fabulous work!

The vivid colors of the rug and couch create an upscale atmosphere in this loft living room.

The rich, dark colors of the bar stools contrast nicely against the kitchen island.

The glass doors with embedded bear-grass opens up to reveal the bedroom.

The graphic artwork complements the patterns of the Maharam textiles on the bed.

The wall light art, arching blue ceiling, and graphic art in this loft entryway all come together to evoke an artistic and modern ambiance.

The colorful sleeper sofa adds a touch of softness to this modern home office.

The cobalt colored wall brings out the details in the paintings and color of the lacquered cabinets.

Let us know which of these designs or home accessories was your favorite in the comments section. To see more of Mia Rao Design’s gorgeous work, visit their portfolio here.

Stunningly Sleek and Modern New Jersey Home by Vanessa DeLeon Associates

Twelve years ago, Vanessa DeLeon founded Vanessa DeLeon Associates, a design service for high-end residential and commercial interiors. Based out of New Jersey and New York City, Vanessa DeLeon Associates has a strong commitment to serving their clients with high quality work from design concept to completion.

Vanessa DeLeon Associates has been featured in countless notable publications, such as The Nest Magazine, New York Spaces, DesignNJ, Luxury Home Quarterly, SOMA, and many others. Interior designer Vanessa DeLeon has also been on hit shows like “Restaurant Impossible”, “Design Star”, and the host of “Your Place is a Deal Breaker”.

Take a look at this gorgeous sleek and modern Edgewater, New Jersey home. The mix of color with grays and neutrals along with creative use of patterns makes this home one to remember. Enjoy!

Stunningly Sleek and Modern New Jersey Home by Vanessa DeLeon Associates

The vibrant blue of the living room wall makes the wall decor more prominent and adds a touch of color to the neutral colors of the room’s furnishings.

No modern home is complete without a sleek chrome and wood-finished kitchen, with a kitchen island that also serves as a small bar counter.

The whimsical pendant lights and cream chairs evoke a sense of elegance to this marvelous hardwood dining room.

The simplicity of the patio furnishing contrast nicely against the taupe and gray brick of this backyard oasis.

The patterned ceiling and detailed floor rug creates the illusion of a more elongated closet space.

The texture of the rug and patterned tile wall helps to add depth to this neutral and modern master bedroom.

Vanessa DeLeon Associates exceeded their client’s expectations, and it was no wonder they were ecstatic with the outcome of their home. Let us know which of these designs were you favorite in the comments section below. To see more of Vanessa DeLeon Associates’ exquisite interior designs, have a look at their portfolio here.

Defining Different Color Front Doors

Your front door’s color could say a lot more about you then you might think. There are many different groups of people that believe that your front door’s color could not only describe your personality but also your home’s atmosphere. Debbie Zimmer, a color expert, states “Like a necktie, which is the focal point of an outfit, the front door is the focal point of the home. The color there sends a strong message – in the case of the front door, providing insight into how we view our home. Color has a psychological component through which we often communicate our moods, feelings, emotions, and personality.”  So, whether you choose to believe it not, lets take a look at different front door color definitions.

A black colored black door signifies power, sophistication, and authority.

Red means that the house is full of passion and energy. Red also means welcome to incoming guests. In colonial America, travelers specifically searched for red doors, since it was used as a welcome sign.

A blue front door will usually indicate that the home is calm and relaxing.

Green indicates that your home is peaceful, harmonized, and safe.

Brown usually indicates structure and stability. But if it’s incredibly dark brown, it means that the home owner wants privacy from you. 

Lemon Yellow Home Decor

Retro inspired looks, including retro colors, are coming back into play in home decor this year. Don’t be surprised to see lemon yellow home accessories and decor items popping up just about everywhere. Fortunately, lemon yellow is one of those hues that is easy to incorporate into just about any space. Here are a few tips and tricks on lemony yellow home accessories and how to incorporate them into your space.

Tips and Tricks for Yellow Home Decor

One of the easiest ways to make lemon yellow truly stand out in a room is to pair it with a neutral color. Gray is all the rage currently in home decor and it pairs perfectly with a crisp lemon yellow. Of course, gray isn’t for everyone. Other neutrals to consider include cream, white or black.

Lemon yellow is a bolder choice when it comes to the color yellow in general. For this reason, you can’t necessarily use it as a neutral in the same way that you might use a light buttery yellow. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it in a beautiful or unique way in your home. Try to think outside the box. For example, lemon yellow cabinetry in your kitchen or a bold lemon yellow lacquered table (or other piece of furniture) in your dining room. A little yellow can go a long way!

Lemon Yellow Home Decor

Blend your yellow tones with a complimentary wood tone, which can help tone down the look and allow you to use more yellow in a particular space. For example, lemon yellow can go well with a medium oak wood or even a light bamboo color.

Finally, consider decorating your home a bit more neutral and then using lemon yellow as your accent color for your home accessories and decor. This is a great way to create various focal points throughout your home. For example, you could line your fireplace mantel with lemon yellow vases in a variety of shapes and sizes. This adds visual interest and adds the lemon yellow hue but prevents it from being too visually overwhelming. This is especially true if the space is neutral, such as cream colored walls and a beautiful white marble fireplace surround.

Lemon yellow is a bold color and therefore it’s certainly not for everyone. Don’t be afraid to use lemon yellow in your home decor, but be prepared for some less-than-colorful comments from some of your guests. Just remember, this is your home, not theirs! Lemon yellow is a great choice and it can be a great way to bring a touch of sunshine into your space.  

Inspired and want to make your home more lively? Check out some of the wall art selections to freshen up your interior!

Five Tips to Creating Coastal Interiors

Hello Arcadian Home readers! My name is Chris Givan and I am the owner and head interior designer of Christopher James Interiors, a full service interior design firm located in Orange County, California. I am happy to be guest blogging today on a topic that our firm is very familiar with…coastal interiors. As an Orange County interior designer, we have had the opportunity to work and design many homes on the coast.  Today I’m going to give you some of our simple design tips that you can easily incorporate into your own coastal interiors… even if you don’t live on the coast. 

Blue and White Color

This always adds a nautical and coastal feel to a room. The striped rug, coral on the coffee table and ship wheel on the right side of the room add the finishing touches.

Sisal Rug and Sea Life Throw Pillows

Guest Post: Five Tips to Creating Coastal Interiors

This burlap and white beach cottage is complete with the throw pillows and sisal rug. The rope tied table lamp and star fish in a wooden bowl underneath the coffee table enhance the look.

Driftwood on the Beach

This simple tip is great to add an architectural and rustic feel to your coastal interior. Leaning in the corner (as shown above), mounted on the wall or displayed on a console table.

Ropes

The addition of rope to an interior always adds a coastal and nautical flare. I love the way the dock ties are attached to the steps with the rope as the railing. I’ve also seen rope used as a table lamp or even a picture frame.

Wainscoting

This always adds a nice touch to any coastal interior painted in a crisp white. I love the way it creates a ledge for the black and white ocean prints. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

I hope this gives you some inspiration for your coastal inspired rooms. I’d love to hear some of your ideas when creating a beachy and coastal interior.  Send me your thoughts and stop by Christopher James Interiors for more interior design inspiration.

Dramatic Designs- Black and White Home Decor

When it comes to home decor, certain looks are timeless. This is especially true when it comes to color palettes that are used to choose home accessories and decor for a space. Black and white home decor is a look that has come and gone over the years, and recently has grown significantly in popularity. Here’s the low down on black and white accent furniture and home accessories how to create a dramatic space using them.

Black and White Home Decor

First and foremost, if you’re looking to work with black and white home accessories and decor, it absolutely does not mean that you need to paint your walls a stark white, or a dark black. While this can help you to create a more dramatic look, it’s not necessarily a “must do” for this type of home decor.

Secondly, if you find small home accessories that you enjoy but they’re not the right shade, don’t be afraid to tackle them with a can of spray paint. Remember, that chess set with the red and blue chess pieces can instantly become a black and white piece of home decor if you spray paint the chess pieces black and white instead. Remember, home decor and home accessories are versatile!

Dramatic Designs- Black and White Home Decor

Third, do not be afraid to mix in a third or even a fourth color. Black and white are very crisp, clean colors and they can become dull or dreary in some instances. By adding a few pops of color, you can add some interest and flair to any space.

When working with black and white, don’t forget about having proper lighting. Black absorbs light quite easily, so you may find that you need a bit of additional lighting in order to create a warm and inviting space, or even just to have adequate lighting, period. Work with different lamps and other light fixtures to create ample lighting for your space. Remember, lighting is an important part of interior design and home decor.

With furniture, you can go a number of different ways. While the contemporary style of today, with it’s clean lines and fluid curves, is a great choice, it’s not the only option out there. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of furniture to find the right look to compliment your black and white decor scheme. Other looks that are particularly trendy currently include the exaggerated forms of Baroque style furniture, mid century modern and Art Deco.

Black and white decor can be extremely dramatic, but it can become overwhelming or even dull. For this reason, it’s important to choose pieces that you are drawn to in order to create a space that you enjoy most. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself yearning to redecorate long before it’s even necessary. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Visit Arcadian Home, do some shopping, and add some black and white accessories to your home decor!

Modern Lighting: How to Incorporate Chandeliers in Every Room

Chandeliers have been around for centuries and originally were multiple armed fixtures that held candles. Today, these light fixtureshave evolved greatly and don’t necessarily have multiple arms, though they do almost always have multiple sources of light. Despite their antiquity in age, these particular ceiling fixtures are set to be one of the most trendiest light fixtures in recent years, being used in every room from the bathroom to the bedroom and into the living room.

Despite popular misconception, chandeliers were more about wealth than about actual function. In fact, although their design was quite clever, it was difficult to keep the candles lit and these light fixtures could prove to be quite dangerous if anything around them (including the fixture itself) were to catch fire.

Today’s chandeliers are significantly safer, with many options using LEDs and other energy efficient light bulbs that produce less heat, as well as other factors that make these light fixtures safe all-around.

Scale

Modern Lighting: How to Incorporate Chandeliers in Every Room

When using a chandelier in any room, including the traditional dining room setting, it is important to take note of the room’s overall scale. You do not want to choose a chandelier, or any light fixture for that matter, that is too large to fit the space.

What Size Chandelier Do I Need?

With scale, comes wondering what size chandelier you actually need. These light fixtures are surprisingly easy to work with, especially when trying to determine the overall size needed for any given space.

To determine the proper size for a chandelier, you’ll need to add the length and the width of the room. The number you get after adding these two figures is the diameter of your chandelier.

For example, let’s say the bedroom is twelve by twelve feet in size. Twelve plus twelve equals twenty-four and therefore, the light fixture should be twenty-four inches in diameter. Another example, the bathroom is six by eight, which is a total of fourteen. Therefore, a bathroom of that size could handle a chandelier up to fourteen inches.

When buying chandeliers after you’ve determined what size you need, you’ll need to keep in mind a few key factors: the difference between chandeliers and chandelettes. For comparison’s sake, chandelettes may also go by the name of pendalette, in which the pendant light features multiple articles similar to the chandelier. These light fixtures are generally the same, despite the different names.

That being said, a chandelier is any multiple armed or multiple light source hanging ceiling fixture that is at least twelve inches in diameter. Chandelettes are smaller in size at anywhere from nine to twelve inches. Light fixtures that are smaller than nine inches arependant lights. So always take note of the dimensions on the box before you purchase!

Style

Finally, don’t forget to choose a chandelier that suits the overall style of the room that it resides in. While the term ‘chandelier’ often brings to mind a grand, glittering crystal-accented piece, this particular style isn’t suited for every room.

Fortunately, there are a number of different styles for this light fixture from modern to contemporary, traditional to elegant, chandeliers that feature European details and everything in between. There is a chandelier to suit every style of decor, so don’t give up just because you don’t find something on the first try at your local home improvement store! Images 1| 2| 3

Did we grab your attention and interest you into incorporating chandeliers into your living space?  Don’t forget about our extraordinarypendant lights that are waiting for you!

Tips for Buying Chandeliers

Tips for Buying Chandeliers

So you've decided you need a new chandelier. What now? Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you shop.

Getting the Right Size Chandelier

For starters, remember that lighting from a chandelier, no matter what the setting, should make a room, people, home furnishings and prized possessions look their very best. So it's important to hang the chandelier in the right spot and at the proper height for maximum impact.

A chandelier in a dining room setting should be positioned in the center of the dining table and room proportions.

Avoid purchasing chandeliers that are larger than the width of your table, as people may bump into it when getting up. A handy rule of thumb is that a chandelier should be 12 inches narrower than a table and have at least 48 inches of space from each of the room walls or edges.

Hang a chandelier approximately 30 to 34 inches over a table with an 8 foot ceiling height. If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, mount the chandelier an additional 3 inches higher for each foot of ceiling.

Tips for Chandelier Bulbs

Keep in mind that lighting from a chandelier that beams directly onto a person from above can cast unflattering facial shadows. The heat from bulbs directly overhead can also be uncomfortable.

Avoid high wattage chandelier light bulbs. They will increase the heat and cause excessive table glare.

Try adding shades to chandelier candelabra bulbs or a wall dimmer to help you control the light and set a more flattering mood.

When a chandelier has no central downlight, you can enhance the dining room table setting and centerpiece by using Recessed adjustable fixtures with narrow beam bulbs. Aim these bulbs at a dining table centerpiece to create additional visual interest in conjunction with the chandelier.

Entryway Chandeliers for the Foyer

In an open lobby or larger foyer setting, an entryway chandelier can provide an important transition from outdoor to interior spaces and set the mood for your entire home. Hang the chandelier high enough to illuminate stairways or side passages; about knee-level of the upstairs landing is a good standard.

Chandeliers in a lobby setting can be wider or taller than dining room pieces so that they comfortably fill a space without appearing too small. You should also allow for at least 6 1/2 feet of clearance from the floor.

More Chandelier Tips

Pendant chandeliers for kitchen islands and dinette tables demand a little different approach. Depending on their arrangement and number, position the pendant 30" to 34" inches up from the table surface.

Dress up the hanging wire or chain of a chandelier by covering it in a narrow sleeve of fabric. Fabric should be three times longer than the chain to achieve a gathered appearance. This is a great idea for holiday looks!