Contemporary Design For Autumn

Posted on November 21, 2018 by rblog

Decorating for the seasons and keeping it contemporary:  Autumn- the colors, textures and elements to bring inside.

As the weather chills, many of us will be spending more and more time indoors, which is all the more reason to keep our living spaces fresh with rich textures, colors, and multiple elements from the outdoors.   Although it would seem to weigh more toward a rustic look, autumn décor can certainly take on a contemporary look as long as it’s not out of balance.  By mixing textures, balancing high sheen with low sheen, and adding those signature autumn colors, a contemporary interior design look certainly can be achieved!

For Autumn, colors are earthy and rich, full of warmth and depth.  If incorporating pattern, look to bold, abstract patterns with only two colors and avoid florals.  Stripes can always be brought in to coordinate with any pattern.  Patterns that may reflect elements you would find outdoors like rigid rock cliff lines, bark, and trees can create a conceptual connection to the outdoors.  There is also the opportunity to layer in order to achieve multi-dimensions.  Layering drapes over existing shades or blinds adds immediate warmth for the season.  For example, contemporary curtains in deep red colors can instantly change the look and feel of a space, creating the softness and comfort desired as the days get cooler.

Elements should inspire fun additions and accent pieces like a small table or chairs in autumn colors or a copper vase full of Pussy Willow branches.  Metals, glass, pottery, stone are all great accents to add in small amounts.  With days getting shorter, it may be a great time to incorporate extra light with some great lamps or candles.  Consider how all your senses experience a space, what you see, touch, hear, and smell.  Perhaps add an essential oil diffuser to freshen the air and create a welcoming scent.

Be mindful of the season and the need for curling up and keeping cozy.  Add soft accents for warmth and comfort; whether it be a fur rug, plush throws, luxurious contemporary drapes, multiple custom pillows or upholstered ottomans. The idea is that you’ll be spending more time inside, so make it a comfortable space where you’re happy to settle in for the long evenings.

Design Team

The Contemporary Curtain

A brand of PKB DESIGN LLC 

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THE WABI-SABI TREND IN INTERIORS

Posted on October 27, 2018 by rblog

Trends change periodically, and it’s no different when it comes to contemporary interior design.  The emerging trend of wabi-sabi, with its particularly charming connection of minimalism and natural elements melded into a particular Japanese aesthetic, is one of the latest concepts.

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The contemporary design ideas of this new trend are actually not all that new.  Wabi-sabi came from Japan, from the 12th and 13th centuries. One of the foundations of this philosophy is that everything in life is constantly changing and that nothing is eternal. The basis of this teaching is the tendency towards simplicity and modesty.

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Minimalism and the harmony of natural materials and shapes are appreciated. The view is expressed that imperfection or incompleteness is not a disadvantage because there is no beginning or end.  It is all part of an endless life cycle. Wabi-sabi can be translated as: raw, unfinished, Ojeda – incomplete, intentionally or accidentally.

 

What is most characteristic and distinguished by wabi-sabi, is certainly the beauty of imperfection and the celebration of natural elements in the decoration. These interior design tips are precisely the ideal frame for incorporating elements such as hand-made ceramics or rustic wood beams as the emphasis in the arrangement of living space.  Thus, natural and handmade objects such as old wood furniture, textured textiles like linen, exposed brick walls, and imperfectly finished wood floors are the main materials of this new trend.

 

Another important feature is openness – the transparency of space and the way in which completely rustic elements are combined with those that are modern or can be classified into a generation of modern technical devices.

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Integration of rustic with modern and the perfection of imperfect represents an interior that is in the process of creation. Cracks, scratches, scrapes – no need to be afraid of these phenomena because it is part of the beauty of a comfortable living space.

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In any case, this unusual trend is undoubtedly on the rise.

 

For more ways to learn about interior design, visit our Interior Design Community: https://thecontemporarycurtain.com/interior-design-community

 

Design Team

The Contemporary Curtain

A brand of PKB DESIGN LLC

 

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WHY FABRIC IN THE BATHROOM IS A GOOD IDEA

Posted on October 7, 2018 by blog

Most people don’t think of fabric as a critical design element in a bathroom.  However, fabric can make quite a statement in this room.

When designing your bathroom, there is always the important decision of how to enclose the shower.

Current trend suggests a frameless glass panel or door, which is a clean contemporary look that makes the space feel larger.  This is an option we often recommend to clients with a preference for contemporary interior design.  However, this solution can have its drawbacks. Water streaks, spots, and residue are some of them. Maintenance is required if you want to retain the Pinterest worthy look.

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If you have a stand-alone shower, the frameless glass surround is usually the best option.  However, if you have a shower and bath tub combo, think about a shower curtain.  It is an excellent mix of headache-free functionality and style.

Bathrooms can feel cold with all the hard surfaces – tile, stone, glass, porcelain, mirror, etc. – a contemporary curtain added to the shower can provide much needed softness and texture.  Nothing beats a custom curtain no matter where it is, and a bathroom is just one of those places.  With a good shower liner to protect the fabric, you can create a spectacular shower curtain that will bring in color, texture, or pattern to create a lift to the space.

What about windows in the bathroom?  Consider adding fabric to the windows to create a luxurious, spa-like retreat.  With the investment in a good exhaust fan, there is no longer a need to worry about incorporating textiles into your bathroom.

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Custom made curtains allow coordination between the shower curtain, window treatments, and the rest of your home, creating continuity and flow throughout the space. If a home is designed with a color or finish that’s not present in the bathroom, it can be easily corrected with custom curtains to tie spaces together.

Fabric adds softness, texture, color, or pattern, and can create a dramatic or understated design aesthetic in any space.  Textiles can make a huge impact in any space, why not bring that joy into your bathroom as well!
Design Team

The Contemporary Curtain

A brand of PKB DESIGN LLC

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YOUR KITCHEN DESIGN LIST

Posted on September 21, 2018 by blog

Whether your style is contemporary interior design or traditional, you should always start with a list of what you want when designing your Kitchen.  Before you even get to layout options, think about all the items that go into a Kitchen and what your preferences are.

Cabinets: Do you want wood, metal, laminate?  If wood, do you prefer a stained finish, natural, or painted?  Do you want a contemporary interior design look with a slab door or a traditional raised panel?  What about specialty cabinets such as a bread drawer, knife drawer, or mixer cabinet.  Think about how many drawers, standard base cabinets, and base cabinets with roll-out trays you want.  On your upper cabinets do you want solid doors, glass doors, or open shelves?

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Counters: There are many options for counters these days.  Quartz has become very popular.  However, this is on the expensive end.  From plastic laminate, to solid surface, granite, and concrete, there is a counter out there that is right for your style and budget.

Backsplash: From tile to glass to metal the possibilities are endless.  Have some fun here and let your style really show!

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Appliances: Everyone knows to think about their refrigerator, cooktop, oven, sink, faucet, and dishwasher.  Don’t forget about a place for your microwave, small appliances like blenders and mixers, as well as specialty appliances such as wine coolers.

Architectural Elements: You will want to consider all surfaces including flooring, baseboard, walls, ceiling, windows, doors, casings, hardware, etc. You will also want to think about the HVAC design.

Lighting:  This is critical in kitchen design.  You want to be sure to include minimally both ambient, which is often recessed lighting, and task, which is typically under cabinet lighting.  For the “wow” effect consider incorporating accent lighting such as lighting inside glass cabinets or above upper cabinets.  To learn more about lighting read  our blog Lighting Your Space.contemporary-kitchen-lightingFurnishings and Accessories: Do you want a table in your Kitchen or maybe just stools at the counter.  How will you dress the windows?  We always recommend that clients bring fabric into the Kitchen.  With all its hard surfaces, fabric adds much needed softness.  Consider custom curtains in the Kitchen for a luxurious look.  Other contemporary window treatments, such as roman shades and upholstered cornice boards, also work well in the Kitchen.  Most of your walls will be covered with cabinets, but any free wall space is the perfect place to hang a beautiful piece of artwork that represents your personal style.

Before you do anything else on your Kitchen design, always start with creating your personal list.  Otherwise the options will become overwhelming.

For other contemporary design ideas and to receive our free Kitchen Design Report visit our Interior Design Community at TheContemporaryCurtain.com

 

Design Team

The Contemporary Curtain

A brand of PKB DESIGN LLC

 

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WHAT DOES A MASTER BATH REMODEL COST?

Posted on September 5, 2018 by blog

This is one of the most common questions our clients ask at the beginning of any project.  “What will it cost?” When it comes to master bathrooms we always start by letting clients know the average cost from low to high.

For a master bathroom on the low end with just basic renovations, essentially replacing what’s there now in the same exact place with minimal construction and using lower end cabinets (particle board boxes and veneer doors), plastic laminate counters, vinyl flooring, a white or almond colored shower surround you are usually at a starting point of $7,000.

The average master bathroom remodel costs $20,000.  For this price range you will be able to make some changes to the layout, go with decent quality cabinets, granite counters, tiled shower, tile floor, and good quality fixtures.

contemporary-bathroomHigh end master bathroom remodels can cost well over $40,000.  When we design high end bathrooms for clients we are specifying top of the line cabinets, such as Wood-Mode, Poggenpohl, Snaidero, or custom-made cabinets.  Counters are often quartz.  High quality porcelain or stone tile is installed on the floor and walls.   There is usually a jetted tub and a large shower with a bench, niches and frameless glass surround/door.  Steam showers are becoming more popular in high-end bathrooms as well.

contemporary-showerWhatever budget range you find yourself in, making smart decisions in layout and selection of materials and finishes will make all the difference.  The master bathroom is an expensive room, be sure to protect your investment by consulting with a professional interior designer to insure you’re making wise choices.

To learn what you need to know about designing your master bathroom, get a complimentary copy of DESIGNING YOUR MASTER BATHROOM – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW at our Interior Design Community at The Contemporary Curtain.

 

Design Team

The Contemporary Curtain

A brand of PKB DESIGN LLC

 

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