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Designing with Black and White by Paula

Interested in adding a little drama to your room?  Try using black and white with all of the tints and tones in-between.  Whether on their own or together, these two colors make a bold statement. Black and White Blog

 

 

Black and White Product information:

1.  Porcupine Mirror by Horchow 2.  Acrylic on Canvas Gert Johan Manschot  3.  Heathrow Chair by Four Hands Home  4.  Mongolian Pillow by High Fashion Home  5.  Coralina Pillow by Loft Home  6.  Castillo Black Floor Lamp by Crate and Barrel  7.  Alfresco Rug by Surya  8.  Eastwood Sofa by Joybird

 

Are you interested in a dramatic Black and White room but not sure where to start?  That is what we are here for.  Give us a call for a consultation.

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors.  

 

Add color to your life with Forever Blue by Paula

Blue has forever been a human's favorite color. On average, people prefer blue over any other color.

It can be soothing or bold, but across the board it is aesthetically pleasing.  Blue gives you a sense of calmness and serenity.

And for that reason we love integrating blue into our interior design projects. Whether it's painting an accent wall, a whole room, or pulling in some bright blue chairs or pillows, the color blue always seems to compliment a design and add that final touch.

Below are some items that will help you incorporate blue into your home and add that pop of color you might be missing!

Just Blue Accents-with numbers

 

Blue Product Details:

1. Book Nook Armchair - West Elm - Chairs are the easiest ways to add a pop of blue since the options are endless!   2. Magnolia Coffee Table - InMod - We love this color of blue and it's so fun and unexpected on a coffee table!   3. Blue Casablanca Area Rug - Esale Rugs - Rugs are another easy, yet more pricey, way to bring in blue. An area rug like this really does have a soothing effect.   4. Embroidered Pillows - Chiapas Bazaar - Everyone loves beautiful embroidered pillows...especially in blue!   5. Topanga 4 Seater Sofa - Jonathan Adler - A soft turquoise sofa is atypical but so lovely!   6. Klein Homage to Tennessee - Room & Board - Yves Klein got famous off the color blue, if you're wanting to incorporate a classic blue into your home.   7. Capri Lights - Jonathan Adler - We love the idea of capri blue lights around the house, such a fun pop of color!   8. Aurora Azure - Calico Wallpaper - Fresh, buoyant and delightful wallpaper for a unique accent!   9. Triangle Jacquard Throw - West Elm - A super soft throw in an edgy print, perfect for the modernist.   10. Leather Moroccan Pouf - Jonathan Adler - Poufs are the must-have accessory of the year, and why not in blue leather?   11. Diagonal V Tiles - Cement Tile Shop - We love patterned tiles for the kitchen, bathroom backsplash or even for the floor!   12. Tolix Marais A Chair - Design Within Reach - Kitchens are one of the best places to add color and these classic turquoise chairs are the cutest!

 

If you love the idea of taking your home from "A tribute to tan" to something more fun and exciting but don't know how, we would love to help! Feel free to reach out to us.

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors.  

3 Things to do when Creating your Home Office by Paula

One of the more common things we are seeing in houses today is a fully functional home office.  More companies are trying to save money on commercial office spaces by having employees work from home and more people are running small businesses from their home. I too went through the work from home phase and was fortunate to have a "work from home professional" (my hubby) to show me the ropes and what NOT to do.  He went through several work phases starting with the laptop table in bed, to watching TV in his pj's while working, to finally realizing he needed to get up, shower, dress for the day and sit at an actual desk to be the most productive.

Some of you reading this now are nodding your heads and laughing because you too have experienced one or more of these phases.  When deciding if it is time to create your new home office, here are a few things to keep in mind while setting up the room to make each day productive and comfortable.

Deck image-home office

1.  Ergonomics for your home office

There are several items to consider to keep you comfortable and healthy in your home office space.  Do a little research to see what works best for the job you do.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when starting your search.

  1. Usergo person-home officee a good chair with a dynamic back that is angled slightly to the rear.
  2. Top of monitor screen should be 2-3" above eye level
  3. No glare on screen; use an optical glass anti-glare filter where needed
  4. Sit at arms length from monitor; further if distance is comfortable and screen is readable.
  5. Rest feet on floor or on a stable foot rest (move feet frequently for circulation)
  6. Use a document holder, preferably in-line with the computer screen
  7. Wrists should be flat and straight in relation to forearms to use keyboard/mouse/input device
  8. Keeps arms and elbows relaxed close to body
  9. Center monitor and keyboard in front of you
  10. Use a negative tilt keyboard tray with an upper mouse platform or downward tilt-able platform adjacent to keyboard
  11. Use a stable work surface and stable (no bounce) keyboard tray
  12. Take frequent short breaks (micro breaks) and stretch.

 

2. Lighting for your home office

Lighting in your work space is important.  Having natural sunlight in your home office can make the difference between a happy workspace and a depressing, sleepy environment (see how I said "environment" here, because we all know that no work is being accomplished in a dark and dreary office).  Being able to enjoy a wonderful view of nature is a plus, but having any visual connection to the outside -even if it is just another building- can be beneficial to your work environment.

Having the right amount and type of light is important to prevent eye strain and this is achieved through layering light sources.  Besides natural sunlight it is important to have general overhead lighting to provide an even sheet of light over the entire space to minimize shadows and severe dark to light contrasts that can strain your eyes over time.  Another thing to consider is a good desk/task light to provide additional, focused lighting.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when lighting your work space:desk light-home office

  • Make sure your lamp has enough light output to cover your entire work surface. Having the ability to adjust the placement and direction of the light is ideal.
  • Place the lamp on the opposite side of your dominant hand to reduce shadows when writing or reading.
  • Position your computer screen so it is angled away from the natural light by day and away from the light beam of the desk lamp at night. This will reduce the reflection on your computer screen.
  • Use task lights combined with general lighting for reading, writing or drawing, this helps to avoid eye strain.

 

3.  Incorporate personal touches for inspiration in your home office

All work and no play can make anyone a dull boy/girl.  Make sure to include things in your space that inspire you.  Whether it is photos of your family, a beautiful piece of art or a mood board to help spur your next brilliant idea.  This is your space, use it how it works best for you.

inspiration-home office

 

There are many more factors to consider when creating your perfect home office space, it is impossible to cover them all in one blog.  We at Paula Ables Interiors pride ourselves in our ability to listen to your wants and needs and create a wonderful, aesthetically pleasing environment that functions just the way you need it to.  We want you to love the space you are in, whatever that room might be.  Do you have a drab office space in need of some love?  Or are you considering working from home and need to transform a room you can stand to be in for 8 hours, or longer, a day?  We would love to help you get there.

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors.

 

Made in the USA! by Paula

Over the past years shoppers & clients have become more conscious of where their product is coming from. The issues of poor working conditions, child labor, and factory deaths are less hidden & more talked about today and as a result more people are wanting fair trade or American-made products. As Americans, we want to celebrate that!

With fourth of July this weekend we wanted to feature some of our favorite "Made in the USA" interior items. Because for us, as Americans, there is nothing better than a beautiful, quality piece of furniture that is made in the great USA!

American Made with Numbers-usa

Made in the USA Product Details:

1. Carlo Swivel Chair - Room & Board // 2. Branching Bubbles Light - Lindsey Adelman // 3. Tumbling Block Collage Art - Dolan Geiman // 4. Gibson Cocktail Table - Room & Board // 5. American Flag Pillow - Alabama Chanin // 6. Hutton Sofa - Room & Board // 7. White City Planter - The Potted Store // 8. RV Neon Sign - Roadhouse Relics // 9. Stencil Clock - Heath Ceramics // 10. Forma Floor Lamp - Cerno Group // 11. Chelsea Side Table - Desiron // 12. Velvet Graphic Ruby Rug - Capel Rugs // 13. Mural Tile Rhythm Color - Heath Ceramics // 14. Russel Wright Beverageware - Bauer Pottery // 15. Lind Cowhide Ottoman - Room & Board

Next time you're purchasing something for your home consider an American-made item! Not only are there a wide range of options now, but the options are usually high quality & durable!

If you are looking to incorporate products made in the USA into your home, but don't know how to get started, feel free to reach out to us for help!  We love supporting local artist, retail stores and craftsman.

 

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors.

Mid-Century Moment by Paula

Modern, Mid-century styles are definitely having a moment right now and we are loving it! In fact, mid-century designs have become recognized as classic, American staples in today's design world, and we expect them to stick around for years to come. "Mid-Century modern" describes mid-20th century developments in modern design & architecture. After WWII this design movement evolved out of the need to replace pre-war styles with fresh, optimistic interiors and architecture. Veterans and their families felt the need to create  new homes with new styles, to put the war behind them. This style is now recognized worldwide as a significant design movement, and has made a major comeback in the design world--particularly interior design.

Some of the major leaders in this movement include: Charles & Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, George Nelson, and many more amazing designers.  Today we are featuring some of these innovators who have provided so much inspiration for us over the years!

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Midcentury Modern2

 

Mid Century Moment Product Details [from top to bottom, left to right]:

Record Player - Crosley Dansette - Good news for you baby boomers: Record-player sales are up, so pull out all those dusty vinyls from the attic and look trendy while doing it! // Wood Dining Table - Eero Saarinen - A simple & classic, round, dining table with a white aluminum cast for a retro edge // Orange Dining Chair - Eames Molded Fiberglass Chair - The kitchen is always a fun place to add color & lucky for you, this chair design comes in any color you could imagine // White Bubble Lamps - George Nelson - An interesting but simple, elegant but edgy design all in one lamp // Black Ball Clock - George Nelson - One of the most recognizable designs of the mid-century movement, this clock has come to symbolize optimism & technological advances // Bentwood Teardrop Shelf - Urban Outfitters - A fun & functional wall accessory // Sheepskin Rug - Design Within Reach - This functions as a luxurious rug, or an elegant throw over a chair // White & Gray Pillows - West Elm - The crosshatch embroidery on the pillows was a common print of the 50s & 60s // Blue Shag PillowUrban Outfitters - Textured accessories add interest & life to a room // Ivory Lamp - West Elm - The organic shape & geometric pattern shine a vintage light on your room // Glass Coffee Table - Isamu Noguchi - With outstanding accuracy & attention to detail, this well-known Coffee Table will please even the most selective design fan // Black Lounge Chair - Charles & Ray Eames - An icon of American design, and comfortable too // Teal Sectional Sofa - Joybird - Merging mid-century with modern in any color you can dream of // Wood Mads Credenza - Rove Kure - Once again, white lacquer accents add a modern, retro touch to a simple storage unit.

As a contemporary Interior Design firm we love this mid-century era and incorporate modern elements in our designs whenever we have the chance. Below are some projects where we have been able to use mid-century pieces to compliment the design of our clients' homes.

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See our Barton Hills Remodel/Addition house on Houzz for more photos of this amazing space.

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See our Lake Austin Contemporary house for more photos of this amazing space.

Spanish Oaks Contemporary House

See our Spanish Oaks Contemporary house for more photos of this amazing space.

As you can see, our mid-century elements usually come in the form of a chair or a table, but there are endless ways to use classic mid-century modern designs! If you are interested in giving your home a modern update but are not sure how, we would love to help! Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or inquiries.

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors.

US Forces-Bring Them Home Collection by Paula

With thousands of U.S. Soldiers at War, and Memorial Day upon us, we're taking time to thank and remember those who have served and continue to serve. Instead of doing the typical Blog post on Memorial Day Party Decor, or Memorial Day DIYs, we dug a little deeper to find something that symbolized the Brave who fight for our freedom.

Many of us have family who passed serving our country, or who are currently overseas. And while we can't bring them back, maybe we can take a little piece of remembrance home with these unique items, built or inspired by U.S. Military weapons.

Memorial Day Furniture2-armed forces

Each item represents the 4 core U.S. Forces that fight for our freedom.

1. Marines - Machine Gun Lamp - Philippe Starck. . . . . . 2. Navy - Albatross Float Tank Couch [from recycled Navy fighter/float planes-Grumman Albatross] - MotoArt. . . . . 3. Air Force - Aviator Chair [inspired by WWII fighter planes] - Restoration Hardware. . . . . 4. Army - Elliptical Fireplace [recycled from Army mine shells] - Marine Mine Furniture

 

If you are interested in incorporating items like these into your home, or creating a USA/Military-themed room, we would be happy to help fulfill your vision!

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors.

Haute Hacienda Decor by Paula

Here in Texas we are excited to be celebrating Cinco de Mayo next week! With Mexico right next door, we honor this holiday and our shops fill up with Mexican art, food, decorations, etc.

To get in the spirit, today we are featuring some of our favorite interior design items with Spanish and Mexican influence.

In Texas, Hacienda is more than just a style, it is a lifestyle as well. For interior design, we are seeing the Spanish influence become popular beyond our Texas borders! And we can't say we hate it...

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Cinco de Mayo-Hacienda

 

Haute Hacienda Product Details:

1. Otomi Floor Lamp - Stray Dog Designs // 2. Metal Wall Mirror - All Modern // 3. Orange Kasbah Cowhide Rug - Kyle Bunting // 4. Embroidered Pillows - Chiapas Bazaar // 5. Blue Mosaic Tile - Mosaic House // 6. Talavera Tile - La Fuente Imports // 7. Mexican Pottery - Direct from Mexico // 8. Striped Chair + Ottoman - Jorge Kurczyn // 9. Gray Otomi Lounger - Olli

Interested in taking your house in a new style direction?

Do you love the hacienda style, but you aren't quite sure where to start?

Give us a shout!  We would love to talk with you about all of the style possibilities and how they might fit your needs.

 

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors

Chandeliers for the Closet by Paula

Chandeliers are a time-honored sign of luxury and excess--since the medieval times starting with candles for light in the 15th century, to gas in the 19th century, to our modern day chandeliers with LED lighting of 2015.  They have sparkle, they have style and they make us feel as though we are in the presence of beauty. Over the last 10 years we have seen these items of luxury and beauty find their way from the traditional locations of Formal Living and Dining spaces to bedrooms, even bathrooms...finally landing in the space we most want to feel luxurious and beautiful, the closet.

Below you will find 9 fun colors and styles of chandeliers great to hang in your Master Closet space.

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Chandeliers blog

 

Chandeliers product details (starting at top, from left to right):

1. Purple Chandelier - DH Gate | 2. Drum Pendant Chandelier - Lamps Plus | 3. Opal Aqua Chandelier - The Frog & The Princess | 4. Possini Crystal Chandelier - Lamps Plus | 5. LED Crystal Chandelier - Ali Express | 6. Wide Crystal Chandelier - Lamps Plus | 7. Green Bella Vetro Chandelier - Cyan Design | 8. Contour Crystal Chrome Chandelier - Lamps Plus | 9. Pink Shade Chandelier - Ali Express

Chandeliers can be as inexpensive as $150 all the way into the millions.  Don't be afraid to add a little glamour and bling to your life.  Find that perfect style, color and size of chandelier and make the leap. Some states and building codes may require your lights to be covered with a lamp shade.  Make sure to know the building code in your area when installing any light in your home.

Afraid to do this without a little guidance?  Give us a call!  We are glad to help.

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors. 

Driftwood Decor by Paula

With Summer just around the corner, we are seeing more and more driftwood and natural wood accents drift into homes. Many people associate the worn, sun-faded décor with beach or lake houses, but it can look beautiful pretty much anywhere!

The natural fluidity of driftwood as well as live edge furniture adds texture and interest to any room.  Pairing natural elements like driftwood with materials such as metal and glass can make this earthy accent feel right at home in contemporary or even industrial style spaces.

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Driftwood Accents with numbers

Driftwood Decor Product Information:

1. Natural Driftwood Chair - Jeffan // 2. Round Driftwood Chandelier - All Modern // 3. Natural Bowl - All Modern. Serving Tray - Wayfair // 4. Petrified Wood Book Ends - Z Gallerie // 5. Root Accent Table - Z Gallerie // 6. Bathtub - Y Bath // 7. Driftwood Watercolor - Z Gallerie // 8. Live Edge Coffee Table - Mohr & McPherson // 9. Mirror - Crate & Barrel // 10. Coated Driftwood Lamp - Lamps Plus

We love how some shops are even coating natural wood in metallic paint to create a luxurious piece while still maintaining the natural form and movement of the driftwood.

The natural soft grays and whites of driftwood, as shown above, can practically meld into any décor, or you can make it the focal point of the room.

Need help bringing in more natural elements into your home?  We are happy to help!

 

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors