Sleek Contemporary Kitchen by Danenberg Design

The Palo Alto interior designers at Danenberg Design have a talent for creating wonderfully unique kitchens, bathrooms, and more! Specializing in remodels, a passionate team of designers work closely with clients to make their visions into a reality. Founded by Dan and Lanny Danenberg, their design inspirations are fueled by their travels across the world. The team strives to design from a different perspective, using their talent, skills, and knowledge to ensure their clients will be more than satisfied with the end result.

Danenebergs’ love for melding unique materials and design elements is what gives their projects inventive and a one-of-a-kind feel. Their latest project, a contemporary kitchen design in Marin Country, is a modern masterpiece. The kitchen features open beam ceilings, stainless steel counter tops, wenge wood cabinets, frosted glass cabinet doors and a gorgeous custom glass counter top. Take a look at their amazing work below:

A prominent open beam ceiling and recessed lighting illuminate the glass elements and showcase the stainless steel counter tops.

The modern combination of stainless steel and frosted glass make this counter top striking and unique.

Large windows let in ample natural light, making the kitchen a warm and inviting space.

Another look, a raised frosted glass counter top is joined to a stainless steel counter while large cabinet doors are sleek and modern with a minimal design.

Beautiful black wenge wood cabinets blend well with sleek stainless steel counter tops, evoking a futuristic look.

Take a look at Danenberg Design’s portfolio for more inventive kitchen projects!

A Timeless Transitional Masterpiece by Marla Schrank Interiors

Creating timeless, artful designs comes naturally for San Francisco interior designer Marla Schrank. The key to Marla’s success is her strong emphasis on collaborating closely with her clients.  She creates highly functional spaces that reflect her clients’ individual tastes and lifestyle. Marla Schrank Interiors is home to designers that a fluent in a wide range of styles, from classic to contemporary. A native of Boston, Marla studied art, psychology, and communications at the University of New Hampshire and received an Interior Architecture degree at UC Berkeley. She has over 10 years of experience working at prominent design firms in the Bay Area.

One of Marla’s stand-out projects is the grand Presidio Heights Edwardian home. Built in the 1930′s, her client wanted to do an extensive remodel to reflect a contemporary style, while still preserving the integrity of original traditional details. The home has tremendous personality, while maintaining a level of poise and sophistication. A serene environment was created through combining the elements of light, space, and comfort. Marla has created a transitional masterpiece by combining the best of contemporary and traditional styles.

This transitional sitting area has a modern minimal design, opening up to a stylish outdoor sitting area in the center of the home.

This unqiue outdoor patio has a pleasant sitting area, with a stylish wood-paneled staircase leading to an upper deck.

This strikingly contemporary kitchen features a sleek geometric design, with functional wooden stools, and a gorgeous modern crystal light fixture.

This gorgeous living room has warm neutral tones, with dazzling golden lamp accents and fresh flowers. An intriguing painting adds an artistic element the space. Nevertheless, the room is comfortable yet sophisticated.

This stairwell evokes the senses, with an Art-Deco inspired theme. Playful leopard print carpet pairs well with an over sized red-bordered mirror.

Preserving traditional elements of the home, this reading room is a gracious nod to the past. Featuring classic rich wood-paneled walls, and a cozy fireplace. Traditional wall decor and salmon toned furniture adds subtle flair to the room.

This girl’s bedroom is fit for a princess. Featuring lovely pink walls and accents, with plush rugs. Open space allows room for children to play safely.

Modern Perfection - A Creation by Ehrlich Architects

As receivers of eight National American Institute of Architects awards and named California Firm of the Year in 2003, Ehrlich Architects is a world class organization that is internationally recognized for their extraordinary designs. Their approach to architecture and planning is known as Multicultural Modernism, which was primarily generated through the travels and experiences of founding Principal, Steven Ehrlich. According to Ehrlich Architects, Multicultural Modernism revolves around architectural anthropology.

The Zeidler Residence featured below is 4,500 square feet of modern perfection. Located in Aptos, California, this stunning home overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Ehrlich Architects designed the home in a way to maximize the scenic views, bring in natural light, and welcome ocean breezes.

Clean lines, large windows, and minimal landscaping give the outside of this home a sleek and modern look.

A collection of dark handsome chairs contrast perfectly against the neutral tones of the space.

Framed art and stunning views make this area the ideal location to eat a meal.

A unique statue to the left creates visual interest in the otherwise clean and simple kitchen.

The neutral color palate and scenic views give this bedroom a sense of calmness and tranquility.

With its numerous wine racks and modern blue chairs, this area offers a chic and sophisticated ambiance.

The staircase contains the same modern beauty as the rest of the home. A single piece of art adds a splash of personality.

A noticeable pop of yellow adds to the remarkable scenery.

For even more modern designs by Ehrlich Architects, browse through their portfolio and add some of their work to your Faves today!

All White Rooms - Tips and Tricks

All white painted rooms might seem plain to some, but they are a great canvas for self expression. White walls reflect light and make a room appear larger, and brighter, so white rooms have many  advantages. If you aren’t a believer yet, I hope these images change your mind. Here are a few tips and tricks to make your white room anything but boring!

Tip 1: Use a bold print sofa as a focal point, you can also use bold prints in throw pillows or curtains.

Tip 2: White walls are perfect for experimenting with many prints and colors, don’t be afraid to mix stripes with florals, and even add a Moroccan side table. Make sure to stick to a color scheme like black and blue (above) so the room doesn’t feel cluttered.

Tip 3: For a beautiful country room you can find vintage pieces including plates and silverware, and spray paint them white, baskets and blue stripes also can add a country appeal.

Tip 4: If you want to add some color to your walls, but can’t decide on a color, just use your favorite fabric as a backdrop.

Tip 5: White looks great paired with light woods, a natural color palette, brick floors, and lucite dining chairs!

Tip 6: Beautiful bright colors look especially daring when used in an all white room, and you don’t have to worry about what colors you choose since they won’t clash with your wall color. 

Peacock Inspired Home Accessories

Jewel tones are all the rage this season, especially when it comes to home accessories and decor. With popularity comes other sub-genres of the look, such as peacock inspired home accessories, which are also popping up in stores and in home decor magazines everywhere. Here’s the low down on peacock inspired style for your home.

All About Peacock Inspired Home Accessories and Decor

As mentioned earlier, it is highly likely that this home decor look is the result of the popularity of jewel tones, as peacocks and peacock feathers feature plenty of beautiful jewel tones. Rich emerald greens, stylish sapphire blues, elegant but deep aquamarines and so forth, have all been seen gracing the feathers of a peacock.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate this look into your home decor is through the use of jewel toned table lamps. If you can find ones with a peacock inspired look, that’s even better. However, jewel toned lamps are equally functional and equally stylish and furthermore, still compliment the look without being overwhelming. Too much peacock can become visually overwhelming, so bear this in mind.

Of course, there are other options. For example, you may want to consider using throw pillows on your furniture. Look for throw pillows either in the jewel tones that you would see on a peacock’s feathers, or keep an eye open for peacock inspired prints. Chances are, you’ll be able to find at least one of the other. If you’re really interested in a peacock print, consider making your own throw pillows for the space. Throw pillows can be used on arm chairs, beds, sofas and a number of other furniture pieces including outdoor furniture, benches and so forth, so don’t forget these other areas as well!

Depending on your level of craftiness, there are other ways you can incorporate the peacock look into your home decor. For example, you could use feathers or faux-jewels to create a peacock inspired wreath for your door. This is a great option for spring, summer and even early fall.

You’ll find that there are also dozens of peacock and peacock inspired looks for home accessories both online and offline at your local retailers. Keep an eye out for items such as throw rugs, curtains, throw blankets, statues, accent furniture, table decor, wall art and more.

The peacock look is growing in popularity because peacocks are often associated with the rich for various reasons. They, along with their jewel toned feathers, represent a sense of luxury and lavishness that many people can only imagine. Fortunately, despite their seemingly opulent nature, just about anyone can incorporate the peacock look into their home decor. Remember, the peacock look does not necessarily mean you have to incorporate peacocks or even peacock feathers into the mix.

Trendy Colors in Interior Design - Kelly Green

In home decor, color trends come and go, sometimes faster than you can bat your eyes at. Fortunately, kelly green is a hue that comes and goes on a regular basis, making it a surprisingly safe choice for home accessories and furniture items, especially if you absolutely love the hue. Here are a few tips and tricks on kelly green home accessories and how to incorporate this hue into your space.

All About Kelly Green

Kelly green is a unique color and it can actually vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, though it’s origins are entirely the same. It is defined as a strong yellow green hue, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary. Though the name for this color originated in Ireland, it’s no surprise that Americans have embraced this color in their home decor on everything from walls to furniture to home accessories.

Tips and Tricks for Using Kelly Green in Your Home Decor

Kelly green is a color that is meant to stand out. Therefore, when you’re working with this hue you’ll want to allow focus to remain on it. This means creating a color palette in which the kelly green is the most vibrant and vocal of all the colors. In other words: try to pair your chosen shade of kelly green with neutrals such as cream or white. If you absolutely must pair it with other colors in your home decor, consider cobalt blue, turquoise, aqua or yellow, all of which will still allow the kelly green to shine and draw the eye in.

If you want to create a focal point in a room, kelly green is a great way to do it. For example, you may consider having your dining table lacquered in a kelly green hue. Pair the table with crisp white chairs and other white furniture, elegant wood floors and creamy walls to draw the eye to the gathering place of the home: the dining table. This same concept can be used in other rooms of the home, such as the bedroom or living room.

Depending on how bold you’re willing to go, you may want to consider using wallpaper that features a beautiful shade of kelly green. Wallpaper is all the rage in home decor, so it’s a great choice not only for updating your home, but also for adding visual interest to your space.

If you’re on a tight budget, then perhaps painting an existing piece of furniture is the way to go. Whether it’s an accent table, coffee table or your dining room chairs, painting furniture is a great way to bring a new color into your home decor.

Kelly green is a unique color and though it’s particularly trendy currently, it will continue to wax and wane in popularity in the home decor world. Therefore, it’s a surprisingly safe choice if you’re looking to create a space you can live in for several years before needing to update again. 

Decorating with Folding Screens

Folding screens may seem too traditional, but modern screens can create great finishing touches to the home.   There are many creative functions and designs for modern folding screens.  Although they are most commonly used as room divider, there are various ways that folding screens can be used with some creativity. Here are some unique and fun examples!

The Asian inspired folding screen functions as a background and secondary headboard for the bed.  The green  adds a great contrast to the overall pink and white design of the room.

This translucent folding screen creates a unique separation between the two spaces while providing texture to the white area.

This creative use of the wooden folding screen adds a slight country feel to the space while adding dimension and serving as decor.

Adding patterned wallpaper can be costly and time-consuming, but a floral patterned folding screen accomplishes nearly the same effect.

This amazing mirrored folding screens adds glamour and added function to the bedroom.

Another creative use of a folding screen, converting it into an art gallery dedicated to man’s best friend.

Mid Century Modern Wall Art

Mid-century modern wall art and wall decor are attractive pieces coming back into style. We’ve spotted it in several rooms in shelter magazines and decor blogs (which give us some great interior design ideas), ranging from mid-century purist to transitional style blending modern and traditional elements.

Both a vintage piece and a new copy will equally give your wall a touch of modern flair.  Flea markets are great sources for vintage and mid- century modern wall decor, though many retailers offer a selection of decals and metal wall sculptures inspired by mid-century design.

Vintage C. Jere, short for Curtis Jere, metal pieces are highly sought after and fetch high prices, even thousands of dollars. Look for these at an auction.

Vintage Jere wall art is sculptural and like this piece, striking in its simplicity.

Above is a lovely eclectic living room with vintage Jere metal art work. A single piece of mid-century modern wall art can fill a wall.

Natural and organic elements were popular design motifs in mid-century modern wall art. Pair with mid-century furniture for a modern organic feeling and to inspire additional decorating ideas.

The starburst mirror doubles as wall art in this foyer space. Functional and sculptural, it adds a mid-century modern edge to a simple space.

A collection of circles can create a DIY version of mid-century modern wall art. Paint to contrast or blend with your wall color.

Graphic wall decals are another way to bring mid-century style to your room. Decals are available in any number of shapes and styles.

New metal wall art from Oras looks great in this all white bathroom. Love the colorful shades of blue and the linear form.

Combining wall art and mobiles is another great mid-century design element; this collection of blue circles from Oras creates a colorful focal point.