September 1st, 2010
If you haven’t already heard of Nesting Newbies, it’s a new online decorating magazine which shares decorating, entertaining and cooking tips. I was honored to be involved in this issue’s “Casbah Cool” feature, along with an amazing bunch of talented design writers and bloggers. Take a look at some of the highlights below, and be sure to check out the full issue (article starts on page 56) for recipes and design sources!
Tags: Nesting Newbies Magazine, Press
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September 1st, 2010
If you’ve purchased a sofa recently, you are well aware of the overwhelming fabric options that are available. Here is a run down of the most common fabrics and the best ways to use them.
Niche Interiors custom sofa in a cotton blend fabric
Cotton. I’m a sucker for natural fibers. Cotton is a good choice for upholstery fabric – it’s breathable and comfortable to sit on. If you have a very active household, it would be advisable to opt for a cotton and synthetic blend for durability, such as 50% cotton and 50% polyester (or rayon) blend. Look for heavier weight cottons, such as canvas and denim for longer life spans.
Linen. Effortlessly chic, linen has the most appeal for casual, classic homes. The downside to linen sofas are the wrinkles, which are inevitable. If you like things to look uniform and perfect this is not the upholstery fabric for you.
Microfiber or Ultrasuede. These fabrics are everywhere! That’s a great thing if you have a house full of young kids and dogs. While they are durable, relatively stain resistant and easy to clean, they can be a bit drab. A great alternative to microfiber is to treat your sofa with a stain guard service such as Fiber Care, which is an eco-friendly application. For a few hundred dollars they will come to your home and treat the sofa to repel stains.
Synthetic Fibers. There are a wide range of synthetic fabrics used in upholstery, the most common being polyester, rayon, and nylon. Synthetic fabrics were created to mimic natural fabrics, but with increased stain resistance and durability (and often with a less expensive price tag). Generally, synthetic fibers are rather durable and are a good option when blended with a natural fabric. The downside is that they are mostly derived from coal and oil sources, so they are not environmentally friendly.
Leather. Easy to clean and long lasting, leather has been a popular upholstery choice for ages. With the increased awareness of environmental and animal impact, this choice might be waning in popularity. Personally, I think leather is best used on chairs rather than sofas. If you opt for leather, make sure to look for full or top grain leathers that have been aniline dyed.
* Need professional help? Niche Interiors provides furniture selection and buying services. Contact us for more information. *
Tags: custom furniture design bay area, custom sofa san francisco, custom upholstery san francisco, how to select fabric upholstery, interior designe 101 upholstery, upholstery basics
Posted in Custom Furniture, Decorating Do's & Don'ts, Furniture | No Comments »
August 16th, 2010
I’m dying to share one of my latest projects, but alas we are still waiting on a few furniture pieces to arrive (and to schedule the photo shoot). In the meantime I wanted to share some of the furniture and fabrics that make this project so fabulous…
Robert Abbey Porter floor lamp in polished nickel
Brocade Home turned leg console in black
Pindler & Pindler Alenhurst Citrus fabric
Saarinen Tulip chair
Tags: decorator bay area, interior decorator san francisco, interior design bachelorette pad, modern interior design san francisco, pacific heights apartment design, San Francisco Design Sources
Posted in Accessories & Lighting, Furniture | 1 Comment »
August 9th, 2010
Sometimes it’s just fun to revel in good design. Here are a few of my favorite products at the moment — hopefully they will inspire you too!
Paulistano armchair from DWR
Frank dining table by Oly Studio
Porcelain Mortar Stools by Tucker Robbins
Lindsay Adelman 9 Globe Bubble Chandelier
Hugo cabinet by Hickory Chair
The Aspre chair by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt
Tags: best interior design products, furniture design highlights, Holly Hunt chair, modern furniture, modern interior designer san francisco, Oly Studio, san francisco interior design
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August 1st, 2010
It’s summer and the guests are starting to roll in! Whether it’s your in-laws from out of town, or just friends coming over for a barbeque – this is the time of year when you want to relax and have fun. Read on for 5 easy (and affordable) home makeover tips that you can do in a day.
Accent pillows and flowers add jolts of color to this room designed by Niche Interiors
1. Spruce it up with color. Toss out those faded accent pillows on your sofa and infuse the room with colorful replacements. Create simple flower arrangements in small vases in various rooms in the home. The bathroom is always a nice place for a jolt of color.
Jonathan Adler double concentric pillow. 16” square, $98 ea
2. Create order. Do you have clutter spilling everywhere throughout your home? Group items into like-minded piles and contain items in attractive baskets or bins. Group small knick-knacks into pleasing, thoughtful arrangements and edit out items that don’t work.
3. Dress your windows. Bare windows or unsightly mini-blinds are a perfect opportunity to add softness, pattern and color to your room. Add drapery panels and new hardware for a more pulled-together look. Try mounting the rod a few inches above the window to elongate the height of your ceiling.
Jute cubes from West Elm. $89 each
4. Provide flexible seating for guests. Chances are you don’t have enough chairs for 10-15 people. Invest in stylish folding chairs, floor pillows, small ottomans or poufs. Pull them out when guests arrive so no one has to sit on the floor.
5. Flattering lighting plan. Evaluate the lighting in your home. Are there dark corners that nobody ever sits in? Place lighting evenly throughout a room, combining floor lamps, table lamps, and task lamps as needed. Install dimmers on your lamps or use low wattage bulbs for relaxing ambient light. Bring out the candles for even softer party lighting.
* Need professional help? Niche Interiors offers interior design services in the San Francisco Bay Area.*
Tags: easy decorating tips for the home, easy makeover tips for the home, quick decorating tips, san francisco decorating tips
Posted in Decorating Do's & Don'ts, Quarterly Newsletter | No Comments »
