Floral Wallpaper

Wallpaper has gotten a bad wrap in the past with especially floral wallpaper in kitchens & bathrooms growing up but these days you can find some really great floral patterns.

A great spaces to use wallpaper in are smaller rooms: bedrooms, entryways and powder rooms.

Wallpaper on one wall of a bedroom is a great statement without feeling to overwhelming.

Floral wallpaper can tie together the colors of the room much like a rug does on the floor.

In these hallway spaces, the blue floral walls create interest in a space that might be just a walkthrough and typically overlooked.

There a literally thousands of floral wallpaper designs you can choose from which is great but can also be overwhelming.  If you’re in the market for wallpapering and need help deciding, email Kathy for help and set up a consultation today!

Kitchen Designs | What's Trending in 2022

One of the most important investments you can make to your home’s value is within your kitchen. The first thing that homeowners and home seekers look at when purchasing their ‘dream home,’ is the overall feel and design of the kitchen, as it is often the busiest place within the house where people gather. This is why it’s important to know what’s trending, what’s not, and to consider the overall function of your space catered to your family and lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at what’s trending in Kitchen Design this year— though these design attributes are also timeless, and will last for years to come. Here are our picks beautiful, timeless kitchen designs sure to knock anyone’s socks off!

Blue, Green & Mid Tone Wood Kitchens – Get earthy with mid-tone blue or green kitchens, which are on trend and I love it! Mid tone wood cabinets in rift cut or sawn white oak are also what’s haute in the design world. These color palettes create a warm and inviting space; a look that’s both classic and sophisticated. This palette works beautifully for both traditional and contemporary spaces.

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Curved Corners – Curves add softness to the room and we are seeing this trend not only in kitchen cabinets but also in furniture! There is something very elegant about drawing the eye into a design, and allowing it to flow throughout your space with a balance of traditional corners, and curved.

Two Tone Kitchens – This trend has been popular for several years and incorporating wood cabinets or features brings in the natural element to the space. One rule of thumb is to keep the upper cabinets lighter than the lower if you’re looking to make the space feel airier and lighter in feel. Having two-toned cabinets gives your kitchen a custom look; one of having high quality furniture as opposed to basic cabinetry- giving your kitchen that extra luxe look.

Seamless Backsplashes– Seamless backsplashes with the same countertop material or glass provide continuity to the area and are easy to maintain. Also electrical outlets are hidden in cabinetry instead of the backsplash. Gone are all the grout lines of subway tiles! Get the chic feel of luxury with the seamless design, drawing your eye throughout, without any visual interruptions.

Paneled or Hidden Kitchens – With so many open floor plans and with our recent lockdowns, paneled or hidden kitchens provide the flexibility for multipurpose living, while providing a contemporary, clean, sophisticated look. Paneled kitchen are timeless, versatile, and incredibly popular, particularly as mid-century modern is re-entering the trends in home design.

Rustic or Antique Elements – Natural wood elements provide that connection to nature and can be incorporated with a live edge countertop, antique table or shelving. This is a look that never dates itself; homes with elements of organic and rustic accents tend to stay on trend timelessly— subtle focal points make for a true classic look.

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Glass Doors or Dividers – Kitchen pantries are still the rage and metal glass doors or partitions give you the sense of intrigue and contrast. Due to the lock downs with so many working from home, we are also seeing the need for spaces to be divided instead of the open plan living. Depending on your style, you can incorporate beautiful modern pane-less glass doors, or traditional rustic ones to truly complete the space and add extra elegance.

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Are you considering a remodel on your kitchen? Or, are you in the midst of building your dream home? Contact Kathy for a consultation! In the meantime, please see some past Authentic Home kitchen projects to get inspired!

IMAGE SOURCES (In Order)

Bring in the Spring with these Home Tips

Except, of course, on the west coast, where winter is pleasant, who wouldn't adore that comforting warmth the sun offers after all those chilly days and long nights?

And as all that snow melts, allowing lovely flowers to bloom and lush vegetation to flourish, you'll want to greet spring with open arms. Don't you think it's time to dust off the cobwebs in your house and prepare it for the new season when you're allowing in the warmth of your heart and soul?

Experiment with where you put your home decor.

Why not just leave all of the furniture in one position all of the time — after all, they aren't glued to the ground or anything? So, just play about with the positioning of your couches, sofas, coffee tables, and other furniture. Simply lay some fresh flowers in a vase on the center table or in one of the house's corners to liven it up a little. This offers it an entirely new look without requiring the purchase of new furniture. So you've hit two birds with one stone: you've given your house a facelift while also saving a lot of money!

Freshen Up!

There may be some, if not a lot, of repairs to be done in your home, as things break all the time, especially if you have small children. And, given the cold weather that makes you lazy, winter may not be the best time to repair it. So, once the season is over, it's time to crawl out of your couch and finish those long-overdue repairs.

Clean all of the windows and allow the light in.

When we take on the task of cleaning our homes, we frequently overlook the windows. And if you look closely, you can see tiny stains, nose prints, or those adorable little paw prints if you have a pet.

Why leave it behind when you can put on some gloves, get some Windex, and some paper towels to clean the windows? And, since it's spring, it doesn't hurt to open them up and let some fresh air and warm sun in!

Organize Your Garage

If you have a garage, it's an unspoken fact that you just throw everything in there during the winter to avoid being out in the cold. Now that the season has passed, it's time to pick up those items and put them back where they belong. Also, get rid of any that you don't think you'll need and stock up on gardening supplies, as you'll need them more frequently than before. And don't worry about the time; you'd only need one afternoon to reinstall the garage.

Tiny Living- 4 Beautiful Cozy Homes

Shaped from recovered Wyoming snow fencing, this feasible minimalistic house is warm and hot. Structured by US firm Wheelhaus, the property offers a natural outside that encourages it mix unpretentiously into its beautiful forest setting. Worked to last, the lumber retreat offers a steel rooftop to hold inside warmth, just as trapezoidal windows that permit a lot of characteristic light to spill inside.

Image Source: https://www.airbnb.ch/rooms/4817063

Albeit just 264 square feet (one of the littlest minimalistic houses on this rundown) the Minim House configuration augments the littler space to feel like the bigger models recorded here. Also, there's a territory with a 5-foot couch with a top that uncovers additional extra room. Neighboring this is a stage that can shroud a rollaway sovereign bed underneath and house a full-size bed on the stage. Minim House likewise has an off-network alternative that can gather up to 290 gallons of water utilizing the drains on the rooftop.

Image Source: https://picsbrowse.com/15384-2/rli8cpjddh5i-264/

This enamoring house is called Halo. It was made by a gathering of understudies from Chalmers University in Sweden. It has 645-square-feet and a sunlight based board rooftop top. The "Group Sweden" understudies were sufficiently astounding to make this out of sustainable materials for a vitality productive way of life. I am certain they will have a good time when they all assemble in this roomy yet minimalistic home.

Image Source: http://web.truelife.vn/of/thanhbon/chi-can-co-mot-trai-tim/

This house shines a different light on the idea of water front living. This intriguing gliding house was planned by modeler Dymitr Malxew. The man thought of everything. He constructed his trailer on a light stage that keeps it coasting on the water. The stage likewise offers a picturesque perspective on the environmental factors and shields the house from affecting the earth.

Image Source: https://www.cnn.com/style/article/floating-underwater-villas/index.html

Places in Coeur D'Alene Worth Checking Out

Coeur d'Alene, located on the Washington border at the southern end of the Idaho Panhandle, is a picturesque community with plenty of things to do. The huge Lake Coeur d'Alene, which surrounds the downtown center to the south, is the city's most defining feature. Hiking trails, camping, fishing, and boating are just a few of the popular recreational activities near the lake, which include Tubbs Hill and Coeur D'Alene City Park.

Coeur d'Alene's culture and community also draw a large population. The lakeside downtown zone, where various local stores, restaurants, and open spaces capture the eye, is the epicenter of this people appeal. Make the most of your trip to Coeur d'Alene by checking out our list of the best things to do in Coeur d'Alene.

Something is always occurring on the streets of downtown Coeur d'Alene, including shopping, restaurants, and live entertainment. The downtown area, which is surrounded by a gorgeous waterfront area, contains over 100 retail outlets, including specialty boutiques, fine art galleries, and antique shops for unique finds.

Downtown dining is available all day, starting with breakfast venues like The Garnet Cafe and concluding with exquisite dining like Beverly's in the evening. Hudsons Hamburgers, another Coeur d'Alene landmark, has been serving hot Huddy Burgers since 1907. Any journey should include a stop at this legendary no-frills burger joint.

Coeur d'Alene City Park, located on the riverfront west of downtown, with 16 acres of beach and groomed green space, as well as an enticing playground. A cement promenade between the beach and open space is lined with trees and is perfect for afternoon strolls, providing an easy way to connect with the surrounding gorgeous environment.

Passing boats on the lake, as well as seaplanes landing on the water, provide a picturesque backdrop from the beach area.

For young children and parents alike, the historically themed and freshly rebuilt Fort Sherman Playground is a huge draw within the municipal park.

The Coeur d'Alene City Park hosts a variety of events and is a hub for local attractions and activities. Movies in the park and live music in the bandshell are two of the park's offerings. The North Idaho Centennial Trail runs right through the park, encouraging visitors to continue their journey to the university.

The Museum of North Idaho, located in Coeur d'Alene City Park and the downtown district, features multimedia displays about the region's history. Every facet of Coeur d'Alene is on display in the museum, from railroads to recreation, as well as logging history and artifacts from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

The permanent exhibits on the 1941 Playland Pier and the commencement of Hydroplane Races on Lake Coeur D'Alene in 1958 are very intriguing. The Scandinavian explorers who landed in the area, as well as the municipal growth of neighboring McEuen Park, are among the other aspects of Coeur d'Alene on display. A few yards to the west, the museum also manages the historic Fort Sherman Chapel.

Why Idaho Should Be Your Next Destination

Idaho has something for everyone, whether you're a hiker, camper, cyclist, birder, or whatever you want to call yourself, and I'm offering eight reasons why Idaho should be your next outdoor getaway.

Idaho is the king of whitewater, with over 3,100 miles of recreational river. Whether you're looking for a 7-day trip on the world-famous Middle Fork of the Salmon River or a day trip on the Cabarton stretch of the Payette River, Idaho has plenty of rafting options to get your adrenaline racing and, of course, sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery on the flat parts. Outfitters are located throughout the state and can help you plan a trip that suits your degree of adventure. Whitewater parks may be found in numerous places across the state if you want to practice your paddling talents.

After a long day on the trail, there's no better way to unwind than bathing in a mineral-rich, all-natural hot spring. Idaho boasts 130 of them that are good for soaking, several of which are right off the side of the road. With a map and a little detective effort, you can find your own little hidden pool if you want to relax in peace. In any case, study up on your hot springs etiquette before you arrive, and always pack up all of your rubbish so Idaho's hot springs may remain pure.

Climbing crags and bouldering chances may be found all over Idaho, from Boise's Black Cliffs to northern Idaho's Q'emilin Park, but the City of Rocks National Reserve is possibly the most famous. The rocks here are 2.5 billion years old, making them among of the oldest in the Western United States, with part of the ancient land belonging to the Shoshone and Paiute tribes. This location will keep you on your toes whether you favor trad, crack, or sport climbing, or simply enjoy geology.

The Snake River carves its way through Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river canyon, measuring 10 miles across and up to 8,000 feet deep. If that isn't enough to impress you, Idaho also has the country's second and third deepest canyons, located in the Frank Church Wilderness, the second biggest wilderness region in the Lower 48. You can take a jet boat, trek, or float down the Snake River while immersed in some of Idaho's most challenging terrain to experience this area.

If bird photography is your thing, Idaho has plenty of opportunities. To see bald eagles, owls, and osprey, all you have to do is ride your bike on the Boise Greenbelt. Every spring, some 800 pairs of hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons migrate to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area to marry and raise the next generation of predatory birds, providing even more activity. Check out the Idaho Birding Trail for more birding options, which is a network of 175 locations that birders consider to be the most intriguing in the state.

Hikers will love the Sawtooth and Boulder White Cloud Mountains. Hundreds of turquoise alpine lakes, serrated ridge lines, and some of the best backcountry wilderness in the lower 48 may be found in these inaccessible mountains. You could spend the entire summer visiting these regions and not see everything, whether it's a leisurely stroll, a strenuous day trek, or a multi-day backpacking excursion. Keep in note that some areas do not allow campfires, and the locals respectfully request that you remember to Leave No Trace when visiting this beautiful backcountry.

There are almost 2,000 designated lakes in Idaho, so there are plenty of options for water enjoyment no matter where you are. In Northern Idaho, Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest body of water, is surrounded by beautiful green trees and is a world-class fishing destination. It boasts a huge range of catchable species, including kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, the largest bull trout ever captured at 32 pounds, and many others. Lake Cascade or Payette Lake, a 5,330-acre glacial lake with more than half protected as part of Ponderosa State Park, lies further south and an easy weekend excursion from Boise. This means there are lots of public access spots, beaches, and campsites to enjoy your summer vacation by the sea.

In the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, you may hone your night photography talents. The International Dark-Sky Association gave this location Gold Tier classification for its best stargazing opportunities, which encompass over 1,400 square miles and significant portions of public lands. So take your tripod or just hang your hammock between a couple of lodgepole pines and watch the Milky Way sweep over the huge Idaho sky.

Industrial Style- How It's Making A Huge Debut

One of the most common home decor trends right now is industrial interior design. Industrial style decor is versatile and trendy, combining various elements and contrasting patterns to create a room with personality. This aesthetic takes inspiration from warehouses, factories, and industrial spaces to build a cool look that encompasses everything from your living room to your bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom.

The use of raw, rugged materials as decorative statements characterizes the industrial style of interior design. When people build a house, structural components and construction materials are typically hidden behind drywall and layers of paint.

In industrial furniture, the same features take center stage. Steel beams, exposed pipes, concrete floors, rustic lighting fixtures, and weathered wood are just a few of the features of this style.

The industrial look comes in a variety of variations, and you can mix and match various types of interior design styles to develop your own personal style. Rustic industrial decor is generally recommended by most designers, with an emphasis on combining modern and rustic designs.

It's enough to go back to the beginnings of industrial interior design to grasp its concepts. In both Europe and the United States, the year 1760 represented the start of the First Industrial Revolution. Technology advancements revolutionized industrial practices during this time period.

Products that were previously handcrafted could now be produced by machines housed in large factories.

Many of the features that characterize industrial style arose in reaction to the threat of fire. Before insurance firms would cover manufacturers, they had to meet a number of requirements. They often demanded flat roofs and strongly discouraged the use of attics.

They also favored designs that avoided non-essential materials that could be used to start a fire. Pipes, air ducts, and brick walls, which were normally concealed behind plaster (the predecessor to drywall) in factory buildings, were left uncovered. Many of these characteristics are still present in the design style.

Interior Design: What's Trending this Year?

The Coronavirus pandemic has had an effect on many sectors, including the home. As people spent more time indoors in 2020, they were not only in need of more warmth, but they were also forced to reimagine their living spaces to meet the demands of their new lifestyle.

Here are the trends coming forth for 2021.

1. Indoor plants and trees will continue to grow in popularity as a design staple in homes. They clean the air, carry the clarity and peace of nature indoors, serve as sculpture on a shelf or table top, and are grounding and life affirming to care for. Creating an interior plant set is beneficial on all levels: aesthetically, functionally, and psychologically.

2. Last year, we all made our living spaces work for us, and many of our rooms had multiple functions. We turned our living rooms into work spaces, our kitchens into classrooms, and our bedrooms into gyms. People will be reimagining their homes this year and incorporating pieces that help restore harmony to our multi-functional spaces.

3. Design can last a lifetime! So what's 'in' these days is an old-world aesthetic that never goes out of style. Darker, moodier spaces, antique oil paintings combined with a new light fixture to the point that you can't tell what age the room is from — mixing and matching periods is how to achieve timeless-ness!

4. We'll see lots of earthy palettes and textures in 2021. Think the continuation of plaster and travertines, lots of rattan, camels in lieu of gray, and deep, neutralized hues like olive green and burnt orange.

It’s Cold Outside! How to Warm Up Your Space

Warm up your interior during the cold season with a few easy interior design tips. There are so many amazing things about the cold season. Some of the amazing moments could be putting on cozy sweaters, wrapping yourself around your loved ones in front of a crackling fire, eating hot chocolate and so on. But the most interesting part is warming up your interiors without putting on the heater; and for this reason, we’ve compiled a list of few tips that can help you get your interiors warmed up this season without having to spend a fortune!

Wrap Up

Cold weather (winter) decor starts with a soft, cozy throw. This is the simplest  way to keep your interiors warm; you just need to add some new decor elements to your space. When it’s not in use, just wrap it around the back of your sofa or chair. Or you can fill a woven basket with varieties of blankets so that you have more than enough to go around.

Play With Texture

We are talking about layered rugs here. This creative tip of using layer rugs not only allows you use a rug that may not be the exact size for your space but also creates extra warmth underfoot through the texture of the rug; your bare feet will definitely appreciate this! Using layered rugs is just as an opportunity to play with texture.

Try a warm color palette

Some of these warm color palettes could give your interior the needed warmth it desires; they include rustic wood tones, pops of pumpkin, deep burgundies, mustard yellow and so on. You neither need a complete renovation of the house nor buy a new set sofa to get your interior warmed up. For a perfect result, you can incorporate any of these too; new throw pillows, coffee table vignette, a lamp or some decorative items for your bookshelf.

Create a cozy reading zone

Winter and fall are undoubted, great seasons to stay indoors and relax with a good book. And of course, your living room sofa is just perfect for that!  But you can as well create a space for a warm reading niche just by the corner of your home. Place an upholstered bench or chaise in a bay window so that it becomes a cozy place to unwind after hours. Alternative, you can decorate the place with a window seat, pillows and a soft throw blanket. You’d love it.

Light a Fire

Good for you if you’re fortunate enough to have a fireplace in your home. But if you have none, a few candles will help decorate your space in a similar radiance. You’d enjoy the warm atmosphere better if the candles are seasonally scented with  pumpkin or cinnamon spice.  There’s a sense of nostalgia that comes with smell (no pun intended!)

Six of Our Favorite 2020 Kitchen Design Trends

2020 is the time of the 'living kitchen' where capacity, tasteful and innovation consolidate to make everyday life somewhat simpler and bring together the remainder of the home.

1. White and Black. Kitchen ranges in shades of dark, white, charcoal and even 12 PM are as yet demonstrating to stand the trial of time. Monochromatic kitchen shading plans offer a smooth and rich structure that will supplement an advanced condo or can be fused into a conventional kitchen for the ideal family home. Looks for 'dim' and 'dark' insides show up in its most mainstream list just because, while looks for 'dark kitchen' has expanded 46% year-on-year.

2. Eco-Accomodating. We are largely living more eco-accommodating today and that feeling of natural obligation has even risen above into the manner in which customers are buying kitchens. The present mortgage holder is requesting cabinetry that is made with feasible materials, dependable assembling cycles and low outflows wraps up. An ever increasing number of producers are starting to comprehend this interest, and they are progressively changing the way that they make cupboards

3. Handless Pantries and Cupboards. Handleless kitchen pantries and cupboards have just gotten probably the greatest pattern of 2020. Furthermore, much the same as the name proposes, these base and divider cupboards include no handles, guaranteeing a substantially more smoothed out look. Further, it permits you to concentrate more on its straightforwardness and point by point plan. That being stated, you should be pondering about its opening and shutting component. Indeed, on account of mechanical developments, these cupboards require a basic push to open and close. Aside from this, you may likewise select pantries with recessed handles. Alongside a smooth and rich look, the differentiating materials and shades of these handles will make your kitchen stick out, particularly when you have visitors at home.

4. Double Islands. With the move towards bigger kitchens, in open arrangement spaces, the kitchen island has become a basic kitchen include. A couple of island units has become the last work in extravagance, a broad expansion for when space is no article.

5. Brass Accents. During the twentieth century, metal installations and subtleties were stylish. It's typically observed on an old fashioned assortment, maybe from your grandmother's. Today, metal is not, at this point a good old piece. It presently goes ahead smooth completes that sparkles and looks particular. To fuse metal in your kitchen, you can weave it through your apparatuses, cupboard handles, and spigots. This material looks best when it's highlighted in the kitchen and pops, significantly more, when it's set against an all-white or nonpartisan environmental factors

6. Smart Kitchens. Innovation has entered the kitchen in full power and not simply as extravagant devices and apparatuses. Today, you can have a kitchen with innovation coordinated into each capacity and machine from the spigots to the cooler to lighting. This is the thing that we call a savvy kitchen.

All White Interiors: Clean & Timeless

Well, it's been a long winter-- but we are on the cusp of Spring, I just feel it! It's that time of year when you want to freshen up your space- making it brighter, airier, and uncluttered. Which is why I thought it would be fun to share some gorgeous white interiors to inspire you!

This beautiful neutral color palette features white in a classic, timeless manner. In the 90's, we were so afraid of white walls, but rest assured-- you can have a gorgeous space with a mostly white color palette that is as sophisticated as it gets!

Implementing metallics and fresh plants is an easy way to pull together a white color palette. There is something so fresh and inviting when designing with this scheme. Another beautiful perk of a neutral color palette, is that is emphasizes the beautiful details of your home's architecture.

All white color palettes work in both traditional design as well as modern, contemporary design. There is something so clean about a white palette- a look that has never and will never go out of style!

If you have a smaller space, a white color palette will make your space look larger. White reflects light, which gives your space an open, bright, airy feel. 

Cozy Up! How to Warm Up Your Interior for Winter

It's that time of year- when nesting begins; you start lighting candles and fires and curling up in plush blankets. It's the time of year when we want to snuggle up with a good book and celebrate being away from the elements. 

Here are some ways in which you can make your space more cozy during the colder months. 

1. Candles and sparkle lighting. I always love to put white holiday lights on topiaries and drape them in otherwise darker places in my home. This gives your space a glow and sense of coziness.

2. Blankets and Soft Fabrics. Drape your furnishings with plush throws and pillows. This creates both a visual warmth as well as an acoustic one within your space. It's always nice to have something to curl up with when relaxing.

3. 

Teal is Real: Our Favorite Interiors

Teal has been making its way through the Interior Design community for many years, but it seems to be debuting especially during the warmer months! There is a reason this gorgeous hue is so popular in Interior Design, and here are some of our favorite interiors featuring it.

Teal Tiled Bath

There is nothing more elegant than gorgeous teal tiles adorning a copper clawfoot tub! 

Teal with Burnt Orange

This gorgeous color combination has been making its debut across the design world and it sure to be seen more as time goes on! We can see why.

Teal Accents

Beautiful tropical style wallpaper, throw pillows and small teal accents truly bring together this otherwise neutral space.

Teal & Green

By staying within the tertiary side of the color wheel, teal and green make for a beautiful, rustic kitchen focal point.

Timeless Design | How to Achieve "that" Look

Because Interior Design is an ever-evolving industry, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep up with what’s trending– especially since a beautiful design can be a long-term investment. However, there are some essentials to Interior Design that will never age themselves, remaining timeless and classic in your space. This home, designed by Kathy Banak, is the perfect example of how to achieve a quality, classic interior that will evolve with the ever-changing times of the design industry.

Classic Design: 5 Essentials to Achieving A Timeless Look

1. Window Treatments. One of the most influential and easiest ways to give your space a completed look is by adding window treatments. Choosing rich fabrics and quality craftsmanship is key- it truly will give your home the classic, quality look you’re going for.

Image Source: Nina Hendrick, Online

2. Organic Natural Finishes. The first thing you see when looking at this beautiful kitchen is the richness in the quartz countertops.

Image Source: Granite Gurus, Online

3. Soft, Bright Color Palette. Choosing the right color palette for your home is key when designing your space. Since we reside in Washington which is gloomy most of the year, it is essential to select colors that feel bright and airy even during the darkest months. Rich, fresh upholstered details bring a sense of cohesiveness to this charming family room.

Image Source: Editorial Ink, Online

4. Accessorize All Of Your Spaces. It’s the little things that make a big difference. Does your hallway or foyer have an alcove perfect for a side table and some ambient lighting? It is these spaces that work perfectly to debut your favorite pieces.

Image Source: Kannalla Mongon, Online

Are you looking to revamp your space and not sure where to start? Contact Kathy Banak at Authentic Home for a consulatation.

Blues without the Blues

Well, it’s that time of year already again! The sun is about to go into hibernation (at least in the Pacific Northwest, that is)! But, there are ways you can make your interior still feel luxurious even in the darker months with an unassuming color- blue. Here are ways in which you can implement blues into your interiors without feeling blue.

Interior designers love working with colors that are trendy in order to create unique and stylish spaces that are beautiful. One of the most popular colors that designers are using right now is blue, so incorporating various shades of this hue into your home will bring a current vibe into it and psychologically impact qualities that are associated with blue. If you want to create a soothing environment that will stimulate your mind and improve your ability to think clearly, blue has been scientifically proven to put your mind at ease.

Mix and Match Blue Hues

Blue can be wither an intense color, or somewhat neutral when used throughout various spaces, so it is important to consider the size of your space before choosing blue as the main color. Mixing varying shades of blue is a gorgeous way to not only break up the monotony of a using one hue of blue, but also creates a more calming space. You can also use several patterns in your blue furniture, accents, and wallpaper so that you can provide enough contrast within a room while still keeping the blue color the focal point.

Use Dark Blue with Caution

Darker shades of blue are certainly rich and sophisticated, but they need to be used correctly. Too much dark blue in a room can make it feel colder and smaller than it actually is. Gold, yellow, and other bright hues pair perfectly with darker blues, so add these too offset the cool tone with furniture, accessories, window treatments, lighting. This is how you can truly bring out a darker blue hue in a classic way.

Also, if you are going to have darker blue walls, you may want to contrast them with light furniture or accessories. In the same way, if you have a lot of blue furniture in a room, try to add accessories that are paler or cream colored to break the darkness up while still maintaining the calming vibe.

If you would like to go in a different direction, you can also use dark brown wood to ground blue colors throughout a space. Just think of the color wheel- the opposite of blue is orange (it’s complement).

Making Purple Masculine

There tends to be a love-hate relationship with the color purple and it's sister hues. This is because it has been long associated with being considered a feminine color, unique only to girlish spaces. But we beg to differ. Purple can make an otherwise stark space feel big, bold, and even masculine! 

This gorgeous restaurant space is adorned with antique tufted sofas in place of booths. The purple upholstery gives it a more masculine feel in the way that the space is designed with industrial finishes, patterns and accessories.

When purple is used in clean, contemporary rooms, it definitely exudes a more masculine vibe. The simple purple, velvet throw pillows on the bed still have a streamlined feel, suited for a king!

In history, purple was a well-sought after color, as only royalty were able to get their hands on this pigment. You will often see purple adorning interiors from past times, as well as royalty dressed and accessorized in this color. 

What is your relationship with the color purple? Most people either love it or highly dislike it-- either way; most people are unsure as to why or why not they would use this hue in their space. 

Lamps! How They Truly Make A Difference

One of my favorite accessories of all time is lighting. There is no better way to make a statement than with beautiful, understated, or even ornate lamps! Oftentimes if your space is feeling stark or like it "needs something," the simplest remedy is to add a table lamp or two. Turn off overhead lights, turn on your lamps, and viola- a completely different feel to your space!

You can make your bedroom space feel like its own little paradise at bedtime, simply by placing table lamps on the side tables next to your bed. Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea while reading your favorite novel in the pure coziness of dimmer lighting. Studies show that when you dim your lights an hour before bed, it releases Melatonin, a naturally occurring sleep endorphin, giving you a better night's sleep overall!

You can find some of the most elegant lighting in many places these days. This understated lamp in a rustic brass finish surely gives this unique space a clean, streamlined look, while providing warmth to the otherwise cool color palette.

The lighting in this contemporary space surely makes a statement. The tripod style drum floor lamp is a gorgeous accent piece that adds to 

The lighting in this contemporary space surely makes a statement. The tripod style drum floor lamp is a gorgeous accent piece that adds to the modern style of this living room area. The industrial style pendant lighting makes a beautiful accent, continuing the streamlined, simple look.

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Ultra Violet: 2018 Pantone Color of the Year

Rich and pensive, Ultra Violet is reminiscent of existential energy, the mystery of what the future holds, and the new discoveries of the past and present. It reminds us of the night sky, dark but endless, full of mystery.

Why Pantone Chose this Color

With everything happening in our world at the present moment, Pantone color researchers thought it necessary to remind ourselves of our sheer presence on earth and the vast endlessness of our atmosphere. Ultra Violet is cosmic, rich, and timeless.

Our Favorite Ultra Voilet Uses in Interior Design

1. Using rich purples make a bold statement as an accent. This gorgeous bedding truly brings forth a timeless, rich look to this elegant bedroom. Rich purples tend to pop when placed in an otherwise neutral color scheme. 

2. Even the tiniest purple accents in a space can make a very bold statement. This otherwise very white bathroom stands out with just the pop of color of its hand towel. 

3. Ultra Voilet in Commercial Design. There's no doubt the guests who visit this elegant restaurant will never forget the gorgeous, sophisticated upholstery on the dining chairs. What a statement!

Ultra Violet in Fashion

Reminiscent of the Victorian Era followed by the 1920's rich purples always manage to make a fashion comeback. We are seeing this beautiful hue in every aspect of the runway, from hair color to couture. The beauty of this otherwise considered feminine color is that it truly works for both genders and truly makes a haute statement!

We're Blushing! The Color that's Coming Back...

Pale pinks were very popular in the past and tapered off up until recently. We are seeing beautiful rose colors, blushes and other feminine pink hues throughout the Interior Design world. Here are some of our favorite uses for blush tones.

1. Fabrics. Pale pink fabrics can truly bring elegance into a space. This beautiful blush Chesterfield sofa gives this room a sophisticated, classic look.

2. Decor. There are many ways in which you can incorporate this feminine hue into your décor. Through the use of fabrics or throw pillows, you can give your space an extra pop. Fresh flowers are always a beautiful touch too!

3. Paint. Beautiful pink hued walls bring a sense of warmth and classic feel to any space. This especially pink color creates a soft, welcoming, and elegant look.

4. Window Treatments. Pale pink window treatments can really complete a space. Incorporating beautiful florals and other patterns will give an otherwise basic room an extra focal point. 

Fall Decor Trends 2017

Well, it's officially Fall! We are seeing that some trends that were making their debut last year are now going out of style, and new ones coming in. There are many design trends that we will see this year, starting in the fall and here they are.

1. Dark Paint.  There is nothing richer or more classic than a saturated, darker color palette, specifically when applied to a wall color or furnishings. We are also seeing beautiful dark cabinetry, window treatments and decor that really make a statement!

2. Woven Textures. Wicker, wool, and other woven textures will give your space a warm, welcoming and organic appeal. Baskets and woven decor bring the outdoors in and create a rustic, traditional look.

3. Velvet. Velvet is a classic as it gets. The easiest way to incorporate this plush upholstery into your interior is through furnishings and window treatments. Velvet has been around for centuries and creates a timeless, sophisticated look.

4. Blush Color.  Soft blush colors are being seen all over the design community and there's a reason why. Soft pinks have a calming effect and create a both feminine and elegant look for an interior space.

5. Brass. Brass is back! We are seeing it presented in more of a bronzed, brushed style as opposed to the shiny golden that was so popular in the 80's and 90's. It seems that this time around, designers have mastered how to incorporate this beautiful finish into their themes.