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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.

01 PAULA HOMEDALE 1 retouched

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

shorevista7

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.

Beach House Luxe 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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Beach House Luxe

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. 

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.

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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.

5 Tips for Picking a Ceiling Fan 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.

Isis- Engel's condo

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.

Tureen- Farleigh's fan

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*

Bellows-Hock's

 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.

Artemis- Alex Smith's Condo

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.

Meyda- Coe's fan

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.

At Home with Mom by Paula

Moms are often the ones who hold a home together and make home feel like our special place! For this Mother's day we picked out some of our favorite gifts for the home, to make your mom feel loved in the place that she does the most for you and your family.

A lot of these gifts are very functional, but are so cute they won't feel like something she needed, but rather something she's been wanting!

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Mothers Day Gifts with numbers-Mom

Gift Ideas for Mom:

1. Yellow Serverware - Anthropologie - A happy, yellow tea set to serve happy guests // 2. Place mats - Design Within Reach - For the more contemporary taste // 3. Dish towels - Anthropologie - Cute accents always brighten a kitchen // 4. Floral Tablecloth - Anthropologie - Beautiful, spring linens cheer up a table and its guests // 5. Marble & Wood Serving Boards - Shop Terrain - Because you can never have too many charcuterie boards // 6. Mother's Day Card - Anthropologie - Adorable card for an adorable mother // 7. Glass Shadow Boxes - West Elm - For all the meaningful trinkets that remind her of you // 8. Gardening Tools - Shop Terrain - Cute tools make work in the garden more fun // 9. Ceramic Candles - Anthropologie - Her favorite scent is now a darling, home accessory // 10. Mongolian Lamb Pillow - West Elm - For the mom who loves a little luxury // 11. Yellow Zinia Wreath - Shop Terrain - Dried floral wreaths are charming and reusable // 12. Opaline Frame - Anthropologie - Because every mom can appreciate a framed picture of her loved ones // 13. Colored throws - West Elm - For cuddling up in style with her favorite people

We hope you enjoy your time with your mom and/or family this weekend!

Maybe you're looking to give your mom, mother-in-law, or wife more than just a gift for the home...We would love to help you with an entire room or home makeover! Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries.

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

Winning Window Treatments by Paula

Whether your windows look dated and old, your hardwood floors are fading due to sun exposure, or you just need a little more privacy...we have a solution for your needs. There are hundreds of reasons to cover windows in your house, and even more ways to do so!

Today we are going to show you some of our favorite treatments that are not only functional, but also decorative and adorning.

1.  Roller Shades/Roman Shades

If you are looking for something to provide a little color and privacy when needed without blocking your view, these are great options to consider.

smith and noble roller-treatments  IMG_6033-treatments

Roller shades are simple and can often disappear behind a valance or in a drapery pocket.

Roman Shades are considered a little more decorative, yet just as functional as the roller shade.

For example, in the image above (on the right) we remodeled a client's bathroom and used the Roman shade to add color and personality as well as privacy.  This particular shade is a top down/bottom up shade providing the client privacy and openness in any form they wish.

Roller Shades and Roman Shades are both offered in a variety of material from slightly see-through to black-out depending on your personal needs.

shade store roller-treatments  IMG_1147-treatments

 2.Window Film

Window films are a great alternative to shades and drapes.  If you are wanting a less fussy look, this is the way to go.  Window films are available with UV protection, frosted, colors and patterns. The options are endless.

sunsational film-treatments  privacy-window-film-treatments

Though films are not that easy to install properly yourself, they are still an economical option to consider when covering your windows. Just as you wouldn't tint the windows on your car yourself, the house is the same thing.  Hire a company like Sunsational Solutions to get a bid and start the path towards a more comfortable room.

Great uses for films are: to provide privacy in an office space, for a conference room or glass office, but also to adorn a plain and boring environment.

They are also great for small windows next to your shower, because they allow light to come in but shield from outsiders.

3.  Wooden Blinds/Wooden Shutters

Next are a couple of classics--blinds and shutters. Though they have fallen out of favor in the last 5 years, wooden blinds and shutters are still a clean and simple option for your window coverings.

smith and noble blinds-treatments   austintatious blinds-treatments

Wooden blinds are great for little nooks, and shorter windows. If your whole house is covered in wooden blinds it can start to look really dark and heavy, but using them sporadically can provide cozy accents.  (using a light color such as white rather than the stained wood tones will help prevent the feeling dark and heavy feel.)

timber blinds shutters-treatments

Shutters function very similarly to blinds in that they easily block out light, but can be "too much" if used all over.  Stick with lighter painted colors and use in areas you need more privacy.  Avoid installing shutters in public spaces with views when possible.

4.  Drapery

Drapery adds color, accentuates your style and gives the room a little personality when needed.

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No matter the use or function, drapes always make a statement.  The question is, what is the statement you are wanting to make about yourself and your room?

Are you wanting fun and airy? Luxurious? Privacy?  Blackout?  There is so much more to installing the perfect drape then a quick run to Bed Bath and Beyond.  Make sure to measure the space & know how you want the drapes to function (regular rod or traversing?) (how does the material hang?) (how easy is it to clean? and on and on).

No matter which window treatment you like the best, getting that perfect finish to the room can sometimes require a little extra help.

If you are interested in updating your windows, we can help you find the right treatment! Feel free to reach out to us.

*For more product details, click on the photos.

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 

7 Easy Spring Updates by Paula

Your Spring Cleaning is done, yay! Now why not reward yourself for all that hard work? Get some new items to fill in those now empty spaces & add a cheery touch to make your home completely Spring/Summer ready!

terrain vases-Spring outside plants-spring

1. First off, Flowers

Nothing says Spring more than a fresh bouquet of flowers on the dining room table or kitchen island!

And maybe go a step further and buy new outdoor pots and/or plants. It will instantly bring life to your indoors and outdoors [pun intended].

 

terrain dishtowels-spring placemats-spring

2. Dazzling Dishtowels

Bright-colored or happy-printed towels and placemats always illuminate and warm up a room. And they are the easiest decor items to replace!

 

modern-Jaipur-Pillows-styled-jonathan-adler-spring trina at horchow2- spring

3. Pretty Pillows

You've flipped the mattress, ironed your sheets & comforters, and packed up your winter quilts and blankets.

Now get yourself some vibrant accent pillows to put on your bed or sofa. They are an inexpensive purchase but make a big impact!

 

normal-spring pb-spring

4. Niceties Now

Why wait for that bridal shower your hosting this summer to take out the china and pretty vases?

Putting your nicer accessories on display can soften a room and even lighten your mood!

 

ws candy-spring ms candy-spring

5. Candy Crush

People often associate candy with kids, but candy can be used as an affordable, colorful, and tasty statement piece in a room.

Buy large glass jars and fill them with pretty colored candy. Place them on your bar area or side tables and you'll be surprised how many positive reactions you get.

 

we mirrors-spring

6. Mount a Mirror

With these longer, sunnier days there is more natural light coming in to your house...take advantage of it and mount some charming mirrors!

They will reflect the light and give your house a beautiful glow.

 

candles-spring lavender-spring

7. Select a Scent for Spring!

Buy some lavender candles and even lavender plants to place around the home. And if lavender isn't your thing, there are hundreds of other floral scents to choose from.

But if your home doesn't look completely spring-ready, at least it will smell like it!

*You can view product info, by clicking on the above images.

 

If you are looking for more than just little, Spring updates to makeover your house, we would love to help! Feel free to reach out to us here.

 

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

Spring Cleaning by Paula

Spring is officially here! This means hot days on the lake, dinners on the back patio, long walks in the park with the dog, and much more fun outdoors! But, it also means it's time to get our hands dirty and do some deep cleaning... Luxe Article-pg8-pic only-cleaning

Many people feel overwhelmed by the idea of Spring cleaning and dread a weekend full of organizing and updating, so they just never do it. Others get inspired and excited at the idea of Spring cleaning and make a huge to do list that is often unreachable.

Neither mindset will get you a cleaner, neater house or give you a sense of accomplishment. So, we are here to help narrow down what to focus on during your Spring cleaning this year!

IMG_7705copy-cleaning

1. De-Clutter

Tax season is upon us!  Go through all the piles of papers and junk that are taking over your counters and desktops. Either throw things out or file them away.

Once the papers and piles are removed or stored then vacuum or wipe down the new empty space.

This step in cleaning will give you instant gratification and hopefully inspire you to keep going! [Organization units by California Closets]

 

JRB-150313-Puala Ables Lake Austin-152-Edit (1)-cleaning

2. Prep for "Prep Time"

I always hear people say, I really want to start cooking more! Well there's no better motivation than a shiny, clean kitchen.

Take the time to clear out your refrigerator & pantry.  Check expiration dates, throw out old food,  & spices.  Out with the old helps to make room for the new.  (Be brutal!  Are you ever really going to cook that "Dinner in a Jiffy" bag you bought at the flea market 2 years ago?)

You will feel amazing once you have put the pasta next to the pasta sauce and lined all of the cereal boxes up neatly in a row. This will also help you see what you need for cooking in your renewed kitchen!

 

IMG_3791_copy-cleaning

3. Touch-Up Textiles

Another thing that many of us rarely do--have your rugs, drapes, pillows & other large textiles around the house deep cleaned. Go ahead, get rid of all that built up of dust and dirt! Breathe in the fresh Spring air!  (If you have a pet, you may want to put this on your list for at least twice a year...you never know what those little rascals are up to)

Plan to hire a carpet cleaning company to get everything extra clean.  If you have an extra large, heavy rug, some companies even provide pickup and delivery! [Hart's, Stanley Steemer, Deep Eddy Rug Cleaners]

 

hbx-closet-tips-charity-getty-de-cleaning

[image via google images]

4.  Get rid of it & Give Back

Now that you've rid yourself of the stacks of paper and clutter, it's time to get rid of the piles in your closet.

This is probably the part of Spring cleaning that people dread the most, however it can be the most rewarding.

As a rule of thumb get rid of any item of clothing you have not worn in the past year or 2. Don't make excuses & don't feel guilty about it! There are plenty of places you can take your clothing & give it to people in need. [Salvation Army, Paralyzed VeteransSafeplace, Dress for Success, Space Wise Organizing]

 

08 LARUE MOODY TEXAS-cleaning

 

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[image via google images]

5. Power Wash 

If it's too nice outside for you to dedicate a whole day to inside cleaning, then get outside!

There are always weeds to pull, paint to touch up, shelves to organize in the garage, and even outdoor furniture to clean.

My personal favorite part of Spring Cleaning - power washing! Play fireman for a couple of hours and give your house a total face lift. You can rent power washers for pretty cheap if you don't have one [Home Depot, Jons Rental]

 

farleigh-cleaning

These 5 Spring cleaning goals may seem overwhelming, but accomplishing one or two of the items on this list will get you another step closer to a relaxing, organized life.

Break them up over a couple of weekends and don't forget to reward yourself with a glass of wine (or your reward of choice) before and after you have completed the task.

Happy Cleaning!

 

If you are looking for more than just a deep, Spring clean, and are interested in a total remodel or renovation, feel free to reach out to us!

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

*All images in this post are from Paula Ables Interiors projects, unless otherwise noted

 

All Things Green by Paula

In honor of St. Patrick's Day we wanted to post about one of our favorite colors...Green! Green is the color of balance, growth and harmony.  Whether turning a room green or only putting in a small accent, green has earned its way into the "neutrals" area of the color palette.

One of our design goals with every home is to tie the interior of the home to the exterior in some way.  We call it "bringing the outside in."  Where an architect strives to seamlessly blend the home to the natural site, we take it one step further by pulling colors from the lands, lakes and vegetation and make them part of the home.

Below are images from various home interiors that we designed with green in mind.

Green

As seen in the photos above, green can be used as a paint color for an entire room all the way down to onion grass accents on a kitchen shelf.

Green makes you feel relaxed, restored and happy. Some even believe that green is a sign of new beginnings.  The shedding of the old and introduction of the new.

If you are interested in updating a room or two, or even your whole home, but are not sure where to begin, give us a call.  We will help you find YOUR new beginning.

 

Green Product listing:

 Color Swatches are all Benjamin Moore Paint Colors - from left to right - Guilford Green, Meadow View, Castleton Mist, & Split Pea

Stone Swatches are all from Pacific Shore Stones (in the left corner) - from top to bottom - Rainforest Green Granite, Green Onyx 

Tiles are all from Walker Zanger (in the bottom center) - from left to right - Skyline Tile, Chelsea Art Glass in Spring

Click here to see other blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors

Pastel Picks for your home by Paula

Easter is just around the corner and it has us in the mood for Pastels! We love how Pastels can soften a room & create a more calm & relaxing environment.

Below are our favorite Pastel Picks from some of our most loved shops this year.

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Pastels3

 

Pastel Product Information:

1. Chairs - David Geckeler.    2. Magnolia Wallpaper - Cole & Sons.   3. Clock - Design Within Reach.   4. Refrigerator - Smeg.    5. Pillows. Mint Pillow - Pine Cone Hill. Pink Pillow - CB2. Yellow Pillow - Dwell Studio.    6. Vases - CB2.   7. Coffee Table - Anthropologie.   8. Pastel Painting - Maria Martin Art.   9. Sofa - Jonathan Adler.   10. Yellow Throw - Crate & Barrel.   11. Chandelier - Design Within Reach.   12. Floral Rug - Jessica Swift.   13. Colored ShelvesDesign Within Reach.

 

People often associate Pastels with Spring time, but they don't have to be seasonal!

For example, we love using pastel blue paint as a wall color, pastel yellow sheets for a soothing bedroom, or a pastel pink rug in a bathroom.

They can easily replace tans, grays, & whites and act as beautiful neutrals.

 

If you have an area of your house where you would like to use pastels, we would love to help!

 

Click here to see other Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors

5 Things to Expect after Hiring a Designer by Paula

Hiring A Designer Series - Part 3

Hiring is fun.  Let the process begin.  You have done the research, interviewed multiple designers, and hired someone! Now what??

NOW the fun part!  You get to start the creative, design process. And although the process is fun and exciting, with it comes a lot of things you may not expect!

Below we have listed 5 expectations to have after you've hired an interior designer to help provide a better understanding of what the project will involve.

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5 Expectations after Hiring-designer

1. Patience

As it's been said, patience is a virtue--especially when it comes to Interior Design Projects, or even general home projects.

The creative process takes time and shouldn't be rushed. And as it's also been said, results don't happen overnight--so if you don't expect them to, you will get the best results!

Recognize that there will be delays and that most items you want are not immediately available. Items usually have to be ordered and delays from manufacturers are a common occurrence. BUT it is worth the wait!

2. Communication

A man's favorite word...But seriously, the more you communicate with your designer and share your ideas, the happier you will be!

Be open to sharing your inspiration or thoughts. Then the designer can interpret them in his/her own way and get you what you want.

Also, if you don't like something don't be afraid to say so. And if you really like something then definitely say so, to help give clear direction.

3. Decision-Making

If you are great at making decisions the design process will probably go more quickly for you. Just be prepared to make a lot of decisions!

And if you are an indecisive person, don't worry! You have hired an interior designer to help guide you and make decisions for you! You just have to let go a little bit and trust them to work their magic.

4. Budgeting

As we discussed in Part 1 of this series, having a realistic budget for your project will make the process easier for all involved.

It will save the designer time when searching for products, and will save you stress about going over your limit.

Also, giving yourself a little "cushion" room for spending is extra important--there might be something you "can't live without" that's a little out of your price range; or, as mentioned, the process may take a bit longer than anticipated.

5. Trust

You did your research and found a designer you love, so trust them to lead the way.

You know you like their style and personality. You have given your list of wants and desires. So sit back and enjoy watching the process unfold!

The designer may show you things that are not on your list, and that make you think outside the box, but stay open. In the end, you will have a finished product that is all your own & totally you!

We hope our "Hiring a Designer" Series was enjoyable and insightful for you!

If you have any further questions about selecting and hiring a designer feel free to contact us here!

Part 1 - Are you Ready to Hire an Interior Designer?

Part 2 - 5 Tips for Hiring the Perfect Designer for YOU

Click here to see other Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors

5 Tips for Hiring the Perfect Designer for YOU by Paula

Hiring a Designer Series - Part 2

Once you have decided to seek professional help for your design project, the next step is finding the perfect person to do the job!

This step of deciding who to hire can be just as difficult, or more difficult, as the previous step of deciding to hire a professional. So, we have provided you with some tips that should help you find the perfect designer that is right for your project & your style!

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Tips for Hiring a Designer (1)-perfect

Details for hiring the Perfect Interior Designer:

1. Do Your Research 

It is important to research designers to see if they are licensed and how many years of experience they have. Registered Interior Designers have a very broad range of skill sets. Looking for designers that specialize in the type of project you want to do can help you narrow down quickly! Visiting their website and Houzz profile is also a good first step when researching.

2. Know Your Style

Once you know the design style you want to achieve—traditional, contemporary, eclectic, transitional, etc.—then you can explore the work of designers in your area & find the best fit for you! Also, if you do not find any local designers you are interested in, many people work with designers from other cities, states, and even countries.

3. Consider Compatibility

After you have chosen your top designers, the interview process begins! As you meet the different designers, note their personalities, hobbies, communication style, etc. If you “click” with the designer on multiple levels the whole process will be more fun! Projects typically go more smoothly when personalities match.

4. Know the Designer's Ability

If you are looking to hire someone for an extensive remodel project, be sure that the designer has experience in this. For instance, Paula is a Registered Interior Designer that worked at an architecture firm for 10 years, so she can easily draw new construction plans for a remodel or addition.

5. Be Honest & Open

When you are meeting potential designers it is better to talk about too much than not enough. The more you get to know them initially, the easier it will be to choose a designer. Also, make sure to discuss your budget and your time frame realistically. These are 2 huge factors the designer will need to know to keep you happy!

**In the next few weeks we will wrap up this “Hiring a Designer Series” and talk about what to do once you've hired that perfect designer!

If you have any further questions for us, we would be happy to help answer them! Contact us here.

 

Part 1 - Are you Ready to Hire an Interior Designer?

Part 3 - 5 Things to Expect after Hiring an Interior Designer

Click here to see other Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors

Worlds of Wallpaper by Paula

By now, you have probably noticed that Wallpaper is making a BIG come back in the Interior Design World. Who would have guessed 15 years ago that Wallpaper would be the most-wanted textile of the decade? Not us!

But we are actually loving it!

Below are some of our favorites from 9 different categories of Wallpaper.

wallpaper blog post2

Worlds of Wallpaper Product info:

1. Floral 

Florals are great for kids rooms & fun accent walls. They are usually more bold and playful, but there are beautiful, subtle florals that can provide a more traditional or romantic look.

Resources: Hygge & West, Mr Perswall, Ellie Cashman

2. Geometric 

As designers, we love Geometric wallpaper! It is the best way to convert a simple room into a modern & chic space.

Resources: Cole & Son, Clever Spaces, Shumacher

3. Textured  

If you want to keep your room simple, but add interest in the details, textured wallpaper is perfect for you! 

Resources: Rockett St George, Lowes

4. Damask 

Damask is a classic print, which makes it very versatile. It can be used for almost any style of interior design to bring a sense of luxury to a room.

Resources: Graham & Brown, Fabrics & Papers

5. Replica 

Do you want a tile wall, but don't want to spend a fortune? There are multiple companies that create almost exact replicas of tile, wood, or other natural materials on wallpaper. It is also similar to textured paper, in the way that it is usually 3D and adds a layer of depth to a room.

Resources: Wallpaper Collective, Piet Hein Eek

6. Motif 

There are endless options when it comes to Motif wallpaper. You can find motifs of animals, food, and other exotic objects. It is especially great for a thematic room!

Resources: Hygge & West, Mini Moderns, Spoonflower

7. Mural 

Mural wallpapers are the coolest! They are mostly used on one wall to create a beautiful accent. If you have a large wall and don't want to buy a lot of art to cover it, mural wallpaper is a wonderful solution.

Resources: A New Wall, Rebel Walls, Murals Your Way

8. Metallic 

This is the ultimate interiors trend right now. Everyone seems to be bringing in touches of metallic to their home, and wallpaper is an intriguing way to do so!

Resources: Calico Wallpaper, Anthropologie, Flat Vernacular

9. Retro 

Mid-Century Modern Elements are also trending right now & what better way to play up those elements than with retro/vintage wallpaper? 

Resources: Graham & Brown, Aimme Wilder

 

As you can see, the options are endless when it comes to cute wallpaper. Plus, there are so many creative ways to use it, besides just pasting it on to a wall!

We have seen people wallpaper their old furniture, or the inset of their stairs, or even their ceilings!

The world of wallpaper is your oyster, & we would be happy to help you find the perfect way to use it.

Contact us here for inquiries.

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

Are you Ready to Hire an Interior Designer? by Paula

Hiring a Designer Series - Part 1 Are you wanting to update your living or work space?

Are you debating seeking professional help?

We know it can be a difficult decision, so we have 5 questions that can help you decide if you are ready to hire an Interior Designer!

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5 things to ask yourself before hiring

 

1. Do you have a realistic budget for new items and professional services?

Often times clients under-estimate how much they want to spend on furnishing their new home, or updating their current home. If anything, it is best to over-estimate your purchase goal and don't forget to calculate 10-15% of the budget for professional services (depending on scope of work).

2. Are you willing to relinquish some control and open up to new ideas?

The purpose of hiring a professional is to help you design in new ways and with new trends you might not have known about. In most cases, if you trust your designer, you will be the happiest with your results!

3.  What is your time frame and is it reasonable for what you want to accomplish?

Looking for new items and having them shipped in often takes longer than expected--especially if you are buying custom-designed pieces or popular items that may be back-ordered. Patience is key for achieving your ideal design.  We are happy to do a rush job when needed, but the best results come from time and communication.

4. Are there certain aspects of this project you plan on handling yourself?

If you know that you want to be in charge of selecting particular items within a certain room, then communicate that ahead of time, so there is no wasted time and money between you and the designer.

5. What kind of style do you expect to achieve and how will you communicate your expectations?

Maybe look through design magazines or online photos for inspiration (such as Houzz or Pinterest) to give to your designer. That way you will both clearly understand in what direction you want the project to go.

If you can answer all of these questions confidently then now you probably know if you are ready to hire a designer!

**In the next few weeks we will continue this "Hiring a Designer Series" and talk about finding your perfect interior designer and what to do once you've hired that perfect designer!

If you have any further questions for us, we would be happy to help answer them! Contact us here.

 

Part 2 - 5 Tips for Hiring the Perfect Designer for You

Part 3 - 5 Things to Expect after Hiring an Interior Designer

 Click here to see other Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors

 

 

 

Tricks of the Trade: Designing With Multiple Mirrors by Paula

Tuesday's Tricks of the Trade

 

Today we are excited to feature our first "Tuesday's Tricks of the Trade" Video!

This particular feature talks about the potential pitfalls you may face designing with multiple mirrors in a Master Bathroom.

http://youtu.be/HwtTQq1jJes

 

We will be posting monthly videos to share our interior design "insider" tips, that will hopefully be useful for certain projects of your own.

Enjoy!

(Have an question or idea that you would like for us to blog about?  Feel free to email us with your requests!)

Click here to see other Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors

By: Nature by Paula

In the design world Nature has become the theme everyone is working around. Whether it's having a live-plant wall on your back patio, or a tree stump coffee table, or even simply using natural colored paint, people want traces of Mother Earth integrated in their interiors.

We recently visited Pacific Shores Stones and were inspired by the colors of the huge, natural stone slabs & the slabs themselves.

By Nature Slabs

All of these patterns are from images taken of the slabs by Paula at Pacific Shore Stones.

Each stone comes in a huge, solid piece [pictured below] that can stay as is or be broken up and used for countertops, bathrooms, or custom furniture.

slab pic

This is one of our favorite ways to make a statement and  incorporate nature in a client's living space!

 

Click here to see other Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors

Faux Plants? No longer Faux Pas! by Paula

If you come from the South, you have probably heard people say: “Your grandmother would roll over in her grave if she knew you had that fake plant in your house!”

black thumbBut, if you have a black thumb (like me) and a strong desire to not shame your ancestors, I am here to tell you how to make a faux plant no longer a “Faux Pas” in your home!

Faux comes in Plastic, Silk, Rubber and Preserved plants.

In areas high up, where some pop of color is needed, go with the less expensive plastic style plants.

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Down low, where it can be seen and touched, spend a little extra for the nice silk or preserved plant.

preserved boxwood

 

Below are a few things to consider when searching for the perfect faux plant: topiary

 

1. All visible stems, branches and trunks should appear realistic.

 

2. There should be a combination of new growth and old growth.

 

3. Plants and flowers should have the same variations in color, texture and density that   live plants do.

 

4. Make sure the plant is full and pliable so it can be shaped to look more realistic.

 

5. Don’t cheap out on your vase. Make sure the size of the vase is large enough to support   the tree if it were real.

 

 

 

Keeping artificial plants looking their best usually requires no more than dusting or wiping with a damp cloth. Many can be rinsed off in the shower or with a hose on gentle setting. However, if the plant starts to fade,  it is time to throw it out.

The more popular styles in faux are the tall bamboo plants and palms seen in bedrooms and living rooms, as well as the tiny succulents for the formal table, shelves, or kitchen island.

faux palm

You will know you have achieved success in your faux search when you walk in on your mom watering the preserved areca palm in the corner of your living room.

Where can you find these high quality “Fauxs” you might ask?  Some of my favorite places that sell to the public include:

www.fancyplantsinsilk.com  and  www.wayfair.com

 

Click here to see other Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors