Made in the USA!

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!

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.

Home Sweet Gnome

Now that it is officially Summertime, we're spending a lot more time in the garden and outdoors! Finding the perfect flowers, furniture and accents for your outdoor spaces can be tricky.  You want the areas to be comfortable and function according to your needs, but how do you accent the spaces to highlight your unique personality and style?  We are here to tell you, Gnomes are where it is at!

Gnomes have been a staple in Scandinavian design since the early 16th century.  They protect the animals and guard your garden from birds eating all of the fresh produce and seeds.  I am the first to admit that when I told my hubby I wanted a gnome end table he said "NO WAY!".  Gnomes have always been portrayed in a more cartoon-ish, hokey light, but we are here to show you how to design with gnomes in a more classic setting.

Gnomes are no longer just for the garden (although that is where we prefer them). As you can see, people have started to incorporate them into their living rooms and bedrooms as side tables or quirky bookshelf accents.

Designer Phillipe Stark's take on the "modern gnome" design for tables and stools is my favorite!  The designs are agreeable and humorous, but also with an eye to practicality: the hats of the gnomes, in fact, are flat and circular specially to be used as a worktop or as a stool. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use!

We also  love the solid-colored gnomes that add some  pizzazz to a space, & feel the most modern.

If you love the gnomes, but don't know how to bring them into your own home, we are here to help! We would love to assist you in any interior design needs you may have.

Gnome Product details from above Moodboard (from top to bottom, left to right):

1. Gold Gnome - Kartell // 2. White Gnomes - West Elm // 3. Blue Gnomes - Loll Design Studio at Dwell on Design Exhibit // 4.  Group of Gnomes - Ikea // 5. White &  Gold Gnomes - Fox & Monocle // 6. Gnome Table/Stool - Kartell // 7. Gnomes Live Here - Sunshine Ceramics Etsy // 8. Orange Gnome - Urban Poppy // 9. Kartell Gnome Table - Hive Modern

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

Help Dad Relax in Style

With Father's Day around the corner, today we're talking about Dads!

Dads always seem to have their one, special seat in the house...their designated seat that no one else is allowed to sit in. And, hey, it's important for Dads to have their place to relax, watch TV, and maybe even drink a beer or two. But often times this place of relaxation is, well, not so stylish.

It seems an epidemic of ugly recliners has swept across America and sucked our fathers in to them...so this Father's Day we're doing something to help.

We're looking at how to give Dad a dapper, yet comfortable recliner. Comfort is the number one purchasing factor for men's chairs, but that doesn't mean they have to sacrifice style.

Below are some of our favorites that you should consider for Dad for Father's Day (or birthday, or Holidays...anything to help solve this ugly chair epidemic).

This recliner comes from Thayer Coggin. They have an old-school mid-century modern style that is perfect for any sleek and modern room.

And if Dad doesn't like wooden arms, then consider something like this Flight Recliner from Design Within Reach.

We love this design because it doesn't even look like a recliner, but yet it can lean all the way back and comes in multiple fabrics and colors. This particular seat, along with the example below, is manly and is also great for a wide range of interior styles.

A few more chair styles that are fairly transitional are the In Mod and the Spencer Recliner.

 

A bit less stylish and a little more cushioned for those Dads that like to take long naps...

For those that really want to nap, and lean all the way back, we love this amazing cow hide chaise lounge (it must be the Texan in us). Chaise loungers are great options as well.  Many of them give you the option to sit upright or recline at your leisure.

Last, but not least we cannot forget the Eames Lounge Chair. Although it is not a recliner, it is a sophisticated & classic design that is not only a mid-century design staple, but also very comfortable!

We have used it in a few of our design projects, often as a main focal point of the room [example image below].

Lounge chairs [with ottomans] are often more stylish than recliners, but function in a similar manner. Another fun fact about the Eames...they now come in a larger size for the taller man in your family. So if you are having trouble finding a recliner that works for Dad and your space, consider a lounger!

[This is another example of a lounger we used in a modern, high-rise condo design project].

We hope you now understand that it's not hard to replace Dad's big-cushioned, oversized, worn-out recliner, with something stylish and comfortable.

If you need help finding more than just a recliner, feel free to reach out to us! We would be happy to help you select furniture (not just for Dad) that is perfect for your space!

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

3 Steps to Creating your Living Wall

Now that it's summer it is time to move your gardens and plants back outside...but have you thought about moving your gardens ON the walls? Yes, we're seeing everyone pick their tomatoes & peaches and create delicious meals from their new sprouts, but we're also seeing a new craze...vertical garden walls [or living/green walls as some people call them]. People are literally buying hundreds of succulents, cacti, and grass roots and planting them on their wall. Sounds crazy, but we love it!

This live wall concept has been around for a while but has recently become extremely popular.

With the warmer weather coming, we have been planning this post (since it's best to plant during Spring & Summer), but recently Paula visited the Dwell on Design Exhibit in Los Angeles and saw various, luscious live walls to inspire the blog even more!

First of all there are 3 main things to consider when installing a live wall. We will walk through each one of them to help you create the best one for your home!

1. Space

How much room do you want to allot for your living wall?

There are wall planters that are as small as one little vase--which look great next to your front door, or inside by your office desk.

 

And then there are HUGE planters that can take up an entire wall on your back patio, or interior living room.

 

Of course the most options lie between the small planters and the huge walls...From pots you can attach to your wall, to wooden frames full of succulents, the options really are endless.

 

2. Cost

Obviously, the bigger the plant wall, the more money it's going to cost. If you are going to go really big, we suggest hiring a professional. This will allow you to customize the perfect design for your space without wasting any time or resources.

Many of the larger wall systems are plumbed with a water drip system (which is hard to self-install) to keep the plants well fed and consistently happy across the board.

If your project is smaller and does not need professional help, but you don't want to start from scratch, there are affordable starter kits or pre-made gardens [for example, the image below is multiple modular pieces from Succulent Gardens Company]

Another easy-to-use wall planter is Skale Greenwall. You can install it & customize it yourself [for a pretty penny]. But may be worth  the cost, because the result is beautiful!  Why reinvent the wheel when you can purchase ready made systems from the pros?

Now there are hundreds of companies & landscape architects that will build a vertical garden for you (we suggest looking up local landscape companies). While this may not save you money, it will save you a lot of time. Live walls can be tedious to build depending on which plants you use...which brings us to our next point!

3. Types of Plants

Now the fun part! Picking out your plants.

People typically think of succulents and cactus for their green wall plants, but grass & more leafy plants can be great for taking up more space with less costs.

 

It really doesn't take a lot to create an attractive succulent garden. Since they are from the same family of plants they all seem to compliment each other greatly. Creating clusters of the same types of succulents will make for a very eye-catching display. Just be sure the succulent wall has plenty of sunlight since that is what makes these plants thrive.

You may also consider using your wall planter for herbs and flowers...Especially if you live in an apartment or office with no outdoor gardening space, this can be an amazing resource for cooking and for extra fresh air!

Lastly, consider air plants! These are the easiest plants to care for and they are very eye-catching and appealing in any room! We always love the fun touch they add.

  

If you are still hesitant about taking the green wall plunge, consider the many benefits:

Improved air quality, reduced energy costs, reduced noise levels, & of course amazing aesthetics.

If you would like a live wall in or around your home and don't know where to start, feel free to reach out to us! We may not be landscape designers, but we are true Pros when it comes to space planning and balance within your room or space.  We would love to work with you to create the best look/most complimentary space for your new wall!

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

Mid-Century Moment

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!

[more details after the image]

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

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!

[more details after the image]

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

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.

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.

Helen Thompson - "Windows on Our World"

Helen Thompson is an Austin-based writer, producer, stylist and blogger, and she recently featured Paula Ables Interiors in an article! We love the Lake Austin Contemporary project she wrote about, and are so happy to have it published again! You can read the full article here, or on her website.

WINDOWS ON OUR WORLD Posted by Helen: May 11th, 2015

This limestone-and-stucco house by architect James LaRue and project manager Emily Marks is for an active family that enjoys hunting, fishing, swimming, and entertaining. Its location on Lake Austin is ideal for the enjoyment of the outdoors, but LaRue and Marks also created space for privacy. They designed a series of rooms and courtyards, in part to focus the view on the lake, and interior gardens that are extensions of the main rooms. They arranged the most-used spaces—the screened porch, living and dining rooms, and the master suite—to take advantage of the views. Garage and guest rooms were positioned closer to the street.

The exterior walls are made of antique Lueders limestone; stucco from Waterloo Plastering is finished in a putty color.

The house is sliced through by a dog trot, which also serves to point the view to the lake and the nature preserve beyond.

Landscape is by Tim Benton and Ramon Suarez, Land Restoration.

Interiors are by Paula Ables, who used a Radici USA wool rug to anchor the dining table by Lundon Furniture from Room & Board. The McCreary Modern chairs are also from Room & Board. Pendants are by Hubbardton Forge.

The house is linked by steel-gridded Portella doors and windows. Entry floors are ivory travertine; in the dining room they are white oak.

The slate fireplace surround is from Stone Solutions. The American Leather sofa is from Room & Board; the recycled pine coffee table is from Four Hands.

The green chairs in the living room are a pop of color taken from the homeowners’ favorite tapestry, hanging above the fireplace (see below).

Pendants are by Kichler Lighting. Rug is by Stanton Carpet.

Kitchen, dining, and living room open on to each other—the view of the pool and nature preserve are the focus of the room.

Another good view—this house borders on a drainage ditch on one side and has encroaching neighbors elsewhere, but LaRue focused every room on the assets of the lot and the nature preserve across the lake.

The pool makes a visual connection to the lake.

Tropitone chaises are ready for lounging.

The connection between indoors and outdoors is seamless.

The screened porch (on the right) is faced with Spanish cedar siding and is connected to the main house by a roof that creates another outdoor space.

The garage is on the left; guest suite on the right. Landscape is by Tim Benton and Ramon Suarez, Land Restoration.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DROR BALDINGER

Click here to see more Publications featuring Paula Ables Interiors.

5 Tips for Picking a Ceiling Fan

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.

At Home with Mom

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!

[more details after the image]

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

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...

[more after the image]

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

HGTV Professionals

PAULA ABLES INTERIORS of AUSTIN, TX is now featured as one of the HGTV Professionals

HGTV has added a new feature to their website-- Professionals Page!

The resident pros at HGTV spent over a year searching for the top Interior Designers /Architects /Builders /Landscapers from major cities nationwide to feature on their site, and we were chosen as one of them!

We are so excited and honored to be promoted as a top designer by HGTV. Their new site is a wonderful resource for home improvement inquiries. Go check it out and give us a visit!  We would love to hear your thoughts.

Winning Window Treatments

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.

  

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.

  

 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.

 

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.

   

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.)

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.

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.

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Chandeliers for the Closet

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.

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Driftwood Decor

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 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!

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7 Easy Spring Updates

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!

 

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].

 

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!

 

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!

 

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!

 

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.

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.

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.

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Spring Cleaning

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...

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!

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]

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!

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]

[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 Veterans, Safeplace, Dress for Success, Space Wise Organizing]

[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]

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!

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

All Things Green

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.

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

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Pastel Picks for your home

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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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 Shelves - Design 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!

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5 Things to Expect after Hiring a Designer

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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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

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