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Top 5 Ceiling Fans of 2015 / October 6, 2015 by Paula

Paula Ables Interiors would like to celebrate our top 5 favorite Ceiling Fans of 2015. How did we decide our favorites, you might ask? We took a lot of key features into consideration: Color, Texture, Aesthetics, and Function.

#1 Artemis XL5 Fan by MinkaAire

This striking fan is available in a variety of sizes and colors including transparent. Our favorite is as pictured: 54", 5 Blade fan made from Distressed Koa Wood. You can get it with or without the light. A little on the pricier side of things, but we think its unique appearance and balance make it worth the expense. This fan could be used in your more public spaces such as the Great Room or Game Room or it would be a nice addition to any Master Bedroom.

#2 Haiku Fan by Big Ass Fan Company

The Big Ass Fan Company has added Residential Interior fans to their list of successful and dramatic fans. This fan is offered in a variety of sizes and color combinations as well. We think the Caramel bamboo with black hardware (as pictured)give it a dramatic flare. This fan tops the list as the priciest of the fans listed, but with a name and reputation like Big Ass Fan, I would expect no less. This fan with its more contemporary, masculine look is great for a Game Room, Man Room or Office space.

#3 Ariel Fan by Savoy House

The Ariel is available in a variety of sizes, but for color, this is it. We love the unique styling of this fan with the addition of the "winglets" which help to produce 20% more airflow and 205 less energy consumption than comparable fans. We like to use this fan in smaller rooms such as Secondary Bedrooms and Tv Rooms.

#4 Bristol Fan by Quorum International

The Bristol fan is available in a variety of colors and can come with or without the lower light kit. We like to see this fan with the light kit as pictured. This fan is great in kids rooms and baby rooms where a nightlight might come in handy. The upper area of the fan is a separate light that can be dimmed to a soft glow to provide a warm, cozy feeling to any room.

#5 Gyrette Double Fan by MinkaAire

The Gyrette Double fan is a wind producing machine! This fan is outdoor rated, so it can be used on your outdoor sitting and dining areas as well as screened in patios. This fan is also available in a variety of colors. The individual fan heads are independently adjustable and you can have it function as one, two or three fans in one. This fan provides hours of entertainment for the remote control lovers in your life.

We understand that choosing the right ceiling fan for your room can be a challenge. If you are in the market for a new one, check out one or our past blog called: 5 Tips for Picking a Ceiling Fan. There is more to the perfect fan and creating the perfect space than just the look of a fan. Function is important too. If you are in the market for adding some new lighting and would like a little help upgrading your room, give us a shout. We would love to help you out.

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Add color to your life with Forever Blue / August 4, 2015 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!

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.

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6 Steps to Remodeling your Kitchen / July 14, 2015 by Paula

Whether you have lived in your home for 10 years or 10 weeks, everyone at some point wants to upgrade a part of their home. We are here to show you how to get from Drab to Fab in 6 easy steps!

1. Assess your needs:

What is it about your current kitchen that you do not like? Is it the color of the cabinets? Would you prefer to have an open bar for guest to sit and it is currently a wall? Would you like a larger kitchen? Is there a way to add an island without breaking the bank? These are just a few questions to get your juices flowing.

BEFORE AFTER

(this BEFORE photo shows a dated, DIY two-tone paint. The AFTER photo shows the upgraded taupe oil based paint. This simple paint change took the kitchen from 80's trendy to simple elegance)

2. Come up with a budget:

No matter your budget, there is always the possibility to upgrade something. If you only have a couple thousand to spend you can plan to repaint, add knobs and pulls to your cabinets or replace a few appliances. Maybe you have a little more than that and would like new tile for the backsplash to go with your new counter tops and plumbing fixtures. These are all great ways to breathe fresh air into a worn out space on a slightly tighter budget. If you have been saving for an upgrade for years and you are ready to make your dream kitchen come true, then lets give the whole room a face lift! I know the first thing you are thinking is "What is all of this going to cost?" That is a tough question depending on what part of the country you live and your personal skill set. I am a firm believer in hiring professionals to do the work rather than personally laying $80 a square foot mosaic tiles to save $200 in labor just because my neighbor said it was easy and risk a less-than-perfect finished product. When setting your budget, plan to hire professional trades to walk you through the process. They are not cheap but their knowledge and experience are invaluable when it comes to getting the finished product you are striving to accomplish.

BEFORE AFTER

3. Do your Decorative Diligence:

There is a little homework to do, but think of it as helping fine tune your wants and needs through photos and blog posts. Some fun sites to browse are Houzz, Pinterest, and Instagram. Start collecting photos. Make sure to mark on each photo what it is you like about it: paint color, pretty tile, the feel of the space, etc. These are all great tools that you can later share with a professional to give them a better direction on the final product you would like to see.

BEFORE AFTER

4. Hire a professional:

There is no reason to go it alone. Hiring a professional will save you time and money on your project as well as give you that picture perfect room you have been dreaming of all these years. Some professionals that would be an asset to your remodel project are a registered Interior Designer, Architect and Contractor. Interior Designers know more than what counter top will look best with what tile. They are able to see a space as it should be and are familiar enough with the project to help lead you step by step from beginning to end. We are the listeners, the organizers, the planners. It is our job to get you from your inspiration photo to the finished project as seamlessly as possible, all the while presenting you with ideas that you may not have considered before. Depending on where you live you may need to hire an Architect to complete a set of construction documents for permitting purposes. This is only true if you are moving walls, plumbing, lights, etc. Check your neighborhood and city rules before beginning your project. Contractors will save you a lot of headache and stress. Their job is to keep the project moving by making sure each trade is in the right place at the right time. The Interior Designer and the Architect have the ideas and the Contractor has the skill to pull them off.

BEFORE AFTER

5. Start shopping:

Now that you have counted your money, figured out what you want, done your research and hired a couple of professionals to lead the way, there is more fun to be had. It is time to start shopping. If you have hired an Interior Designer you can choose if you would like them to present a handful of options to you or if you would like to join them while shopping. Either way is fun for us and for you. We have a system to help lead you through the selections process. No stone will be left unturned. (We really will ask you where the most convenient spot is to reach for your Saran Wrap.) Once selections are made, we organize the information, get the bids lined up with all of the vendors and hand the info over to the contractor for purchasing.

BEFORE AFTER

6. Sit back and watch the magic:

Even though you may be without your kitchen for a couple of weeks up to a couple of months, the final reveal will be worth the wait! Your contractor has placed the orders and the Interior Designer will be in and out periodically to supervise and offer solutions as each trade is brought in to do their part. The next thing you know you are enjoying your wonderful new kitchen!

Remodeling anything in your personal living or office space can have its inconveniences and challenges. We would love to be there to walk you through the process. Paula Ables Interiors is not your average Interior Design firm. We have the knowledge and skills to go from the very beginning of your project to the end, starting with your remodel plans and construction documents all the way through selections. If you are getting remodel fever and want to chat with a professional to help you get things started, give us a call.

(All projects pictured by Paula Ables Interiors, Photography by PAI and Coles Hairston)

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Uniquely Ever After (Great Wedding Gifts ) / July 7, 2015 by Paula

It's summer and wedding season is officially in full swing! We're joining the wedding festivities...but not without a unique gift that the couple will remember & treasure!

Of course it's nice to buy a newlywed couple something off their wedding registry, but sometimes there's not anything left on their registry. Or what is left, is kind of boring, too expensive, or too inexpensive. That's when we turn to our list of special wedding gifts!

We know the below items from our Special Gift List will make the couple "ooh & aah" and will add a personal touch to their new home.

Wedding Gift Product Details:

1. Eames Plywood Lounge Chair - Smart Furniture - An Ables family tradition is to gift one of these chairs to all newlyweds in the family when they marry--to teach tasteful & classic style is lasting and important. 2. Mongolian Throw - Z Gallerie - Soft & luxurious, what more could you want for lounging on your new sofa? 3. Nelson Spindle Clock - Design Within Reach - A clock designed by one of the most celebrated mid-century designers of all time (George Nelson)--who doesn't love the classics? 4. Frida Vase - Jonathan Adler - Surreal inspirational pieces are conversation starters & are sure to make impressions. 5. Triangle Beach Towel - Jonathan Adler - Every couple will appreciate a set of chic beach towels they can even display as colorful accents in their bathroom. 6. Alessi Michael Graves Teapot - Hive Modern - A best seller since 1985, you can't go wrong with this fun kitchen accessory. 7. Reindeer Moss Wreath - Shop Terrain - A new wreath for a new home! And one that can be used indoors or outdoors, and that sustains. 8. Cutlace Gallery Frames - Anthropologie - Give the happy couple beautiful frames for some of their wedding photographs, these are romantic, timeless and perfect to frame photos of their special day! 9. Coffee Table Books - Design Within Reach & Anthropologie - Necessities that can be personalized based on who you're buying for. These won't be getting returned! 10. Luau Portable LED Lamp - Design Within Reach - Soft lighting for those romantic wine nights on the patio. Plus its rechargeable, portable & dimmable...all the perks! 11. Stone Pestle & Mortar - Hive Modern - A beautiful & functional kitchen accessory that never goes out of style. 12. Kaleido Trays - Design Within Reach - Serving guests has never been more fun with these amazing trays. 13. Beolit 15 Speakers - Beoplay - Speakers that are sleek and stylish, portable & bluetooth? The newlyweds will thank you forever. 14. Votive Cup Candleholder Set - Z Gallerie - Romantic accents will always be welcome. 15. Mr & Mrs Muse Place Card Holders - Jonathan Adler - Elevate the everyday accessory & keep your guests extra entertained. 16. Firepit - Design Within Reach - Whether they live somewhere cold or hot, the newlyweds will forever love you for this one too! 17. Monogram Pillow - Jonathan Adler - We love the idea of a monogrammed gift for a new couple, but usually despise the monogram. But this pillow is perfection...it can be customized to any color, border, or lettering you want.

Want to give the happy couple an even BETTER gift than the ones above?! Buy the happy couple the gift of Design with our a 2 hour consultation for $300. We love helping create a wonderful space for new beginnings, including "how to blend his and her furniture" and help with "what stays and what goes". Give us a call.

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

Mid-Century Moment / June 2, 2015 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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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 Pillow - Urban 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.

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

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

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.

Beach House Luxe / May 27, 2015 by Paula

As the days heat up and the kids get out of school, we are more ready than ever for a Beach getaway! So today we are getting in the mood for vacation with a Beach House Decor moodboard. We're putting a spin on the traditional, nautical color palette, with stripes and anchor decor, and adding a bit of GLAM to our Beach house!

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We love this elegant, luxe combination of decor, that still incorporates fun, beachy elements.

Beach House Luxe Product Details listed below (from top to bottom, left to right):

1. Coral Chandelier - Currey & Company - Beachy But Elegant // 2. Whicker Pom Pom Planter - Leifshop - Because pom pom, basket planters are much more fun; & everyone needs a little life [plants] indoors // 3. Soft Striped Throws - Crate & Barrel - Who doesn't want to curl up on the couch with a soft throw after a day in the sun? // 4. Abstract Blue Art - Z Gallerie - Beautiful beach inspired art that is not as literal as beach photography // 5. Driftwood Mirror - Currey & Company - A subtle incorporation of beach product // 6. Shell Dresser - Currey & Company - The more shells the better // 7. Gold & Wood Coffee Table - Wayfair - Simple, sleek table that lets the accent pieces glow // 8. Striped Rug - ABC Home - A new take on your typical, striped, beach house rug // 9. Shibori Pillows - Rebecca Atwood - Because shibori tie dye is the new stripe // 10. Blue Accent Chair - Anthropologie - Blue accents are always a good idea // 11. Coral Sofa - Joybird - This coral colored sofa is a nice alternative to the traditional red or white beach house sofa.

If you have a Beach or Lake house that needs some design help, feel free to reach out to us! Or if you love nautical inspiration and want to incorporate it into your house, we would love to help!

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

5 Tips for Picking a Ceiling Fan / May 12, 2015 by Paula

5 things to consider when looking for the best ceiling fan for your room:

Ceiling fans...are they a necessary evil or a stylish accent to the room?

We all know how hot it gets in the Texas Hill Country summers! To get some relief, many of us rely on ceiling fans to keep our homes comfortable. Running a ceiling fan can make a room feel about 5 degrees cooler than it actually is.

If you are ready to upgrade your existing fan or looking to add one, here are 5 things to keep in mind before you make the purchase:

1. Size of your Space

It is easy to underestimate the size of the fan you need. A 48" fan may sound big but if you install an undersized fan you won't get the air circulation you need to cool off.

A good rule of thumb is:

Rooms less than 150 sq. ft. - Use a 42-48" diameter fan
Rooms 150-350 sq. ft. - Use a 52-56" fan
Rooms greater than 350 sq. ft. - Use at least a 60" fan or you can purchase 2-48" fans

Below is an example of a large open-concept living, dining & kitchen space, where this 8 ft. Big Ass Fan serves as both a cooling unit and a WOW factor.

2. Ceiling Height

When selecting a fan for your space, know your ceiling height. If it is an 8' ceiling, your best solution is a ceiling-hugger style fan. If your ceiling is 10'+, you may need to add additional down rods to accommodate the extra height.

The typical rule of thumb is for the blades of your fan to be 8-9 feet above the floor. As you see in the photo below, we added a 12" down rod to our fan to accommodate the 10' ceiling--placing the fan at the perfect height for this bedroom.

3. Type of Installation

Another critical factor to take into account when shopping for a new fan is: sloped or flat ceiling?

Some fans include adapters for sloped ceilings, but not all have this capability. Some adapters can be purchased separately, but can have restrictions on the angle it will accommodate; so it is important to know these details if you have a vaulted or sloped ceiling.

Sometimes the best solution isn't a ceiling fan at all. In the image below, we used a wall-mounted, oscillating fan to blow the smoke away from the bar-b-que area.

*Make sure to look for a damp or wet rated fan if installing outdoors*

4. Lighting

Light kits have gotten a bad wrap over the years and for the most part we agree. Lights on fans are usually unattractive. This being said, the fan companies have heard our plea. Many have begun integrating lights into the fan itself making for a more complete and attractive look.

Which look do you like the best? If you know you want a light, certain fans have customized options for you to pick the shape and globe style you want. Also, some fans that do come with a light, come with a cap in case you decide you do not want to use the light kit.

In the living room pictured below we capped the light because we loved the fan design, but the recessed cans in the room provided plenty of general lighting.

5. Style

Just like light fixtures, there are a wide variety of ceiling fan styles. To start with, there are contemporary and traditional fans. There are fans that have multiple blade material options--from clear acrylic, all the way to woven rattan.

Many times fans blend in to the ceiling because they are thought of as utilitarian, but there are plenty of styles that can take your fan from Blah to Tah-DAH.

Below is a unique example of a ceiling fan we used in a bedroom that is just as much art as function.

What ceiling fan is right for you? What will fit best in your space?

Do you want to go from Blah to Tah-DAH with your lighting in a new or existing space? We are here to help with great ideas and friendly purchasing advice. Give us a shout to help transform your space.

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

Haute Hacienda Decor / April 28, 2015 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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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 / April 13, 2015 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 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.