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    Niche Interiors featured on Desire to Inspire!

    Saturday, August 29th, 2009

    Check out our work recently featured on Desire to Inspire!

    DtI

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    Posted in Press | No Comments »

    Modern Wallpaper Sources and Tips

    Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

    Above: Hygge & West Daydream wallpaper in Blue.

    It’s no news to you that wallpaper is back! Now there are tons of fun, modern prints to choose from. Say goodbye to boring floral and country prints and hello to graphic and whimsical patterns that will add interest and drama to almost any room in the house. (Except for a full bathroom: Steam and wallpaper don’t mix.)

    Wallpaper Pointers

    Bold wallpaper prints are best applied in small doses for maximum impact. Instead of doing an entire living or dining room, consider choosing one accent wall. If you are going for a dramatic effect, foyers and powder rooms are great places to hang wallpaper on every wall. Both spaces are small in size and transitional in the flow of the house.

    Modern Wallpaper Resources
    Read on for highlights of my favorite wallpaper manufacturers.

    Ferm Living (http://www.fermlivingshop.us) is a Danish company coming out with lots of inventive, easy to install papers.

    Twenty2 (http://www.twenty2.net) is a Brooklyn based husband and wife team that have been creating bold patterns since 2001.

    Jocelyn Warner (http://www.jocelynwarner.com) is a designer from the UK. Her designs range from intricate to simple and bold.

    Hygge and West (http://www.hyggeandwestshop.com) See Julia Rothman’s collection for Hygge & West for beautiful bird and tree motifs.

    For more information visit: San Francisco Interior Design Services

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    Posted in Paint & Wallcoverings | No Comments »

    Chic online furniture deals!

    Monday, August 10th, 2009

    Sometimes the sale page can be a sad, sad state. Not when you have an interior designer cruising the best furniture sites for you! Read on for a few of my favorite sale items from online retailers.

    Wisteria Venetian Bamboo table, on sale for $339
    Glam it up by adding a mirrored piece to an otherwise boring corner.

    Viva Terra Ivory & Gold Suzani bench, on sale for $235
    This bench would add some charm at the foot of your bed, in a foyer or in front of a fireplace.

    West Elm Patterned-Sphere table lamp, on sale for $59
    Perfect for a small table or night stand.

    Pottery Barn wooden door mirror, on sale for $179
    Perfect for your bedroom or (if you are lucky) your walk-in closet.

    Posted in Affordable Design, Furniture | No Comments »

    Current Obsession: Rotary Phones!

    Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

    My latest purchase for the office is a vintage white rotary phone. I was a little hesitant to take a technology leap backwards, but I’m so glad I did! Visually it’s a nice addition to the desk, and when my cell phone is acting up I can always depend on old faithful to connect a clear, crisp phone call. I bought it on eBay, so I scoped out a few that are up for auction right now in case anyone wants to join my rotary phone party!

    Bright red (and shiny!) rotary phone, currently at $31

    Vintage black wall rotary phone, currently at $18.50

    Yellow rotary phone, currently at $9.95

    Happy Hunting!

    Posted in Accessories & Lighting | No Comments »

    Using Plants in Home Decor…Tastefully! Tips from a Bay Area Interior Designer

    Saturday, August 1st, 2009

    BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN. It’s that time of year when we are all hopefully enjoying the outdoors and catching a little vacation time. When that measly two weeks is over, ease your transition from the beach back to urban living  with some interior greenery.

    House plants have a bad rap. It could be the image of half-dead plants scattered everywhere during your college days, or maybe the silk plant in your bedroom growing up. Either way, there IS a tasteful way to bring some green into your home. Clear your minds and read on for a beginner’s guide to keeping plants indoors.

    One plant brings some life to this room while maintaining the spare design.

    One plant brings some life to this room while maintaining the spare design.

    Rule #1: Less is more. Just like your mom’s makeup advice, this also applies to plants in the home. Pick plants that have interesting shapes and can make a statement on their own. Two to three per room max.

    Rule #2: Plants should be Living. I don’t care how hard you try, some plants just won’t make it. If this is the case you need to be prepared to say goodbye. If a majority of the leaves are brown or gone, it’s time to toss it. Make a mental note of what type of plant doesn’t work in your space, and adapt the next purchase to your specific conditions.

    Rule #3: Pick a well-suited variety. Be realistic about the amount of time and care you will be devoting to your new plant. Ferns and Orchids are notorious for being high maintenance, while Rubber plants and Cacti fall under the easy category. It’s helpful to have a specific location in mind for where the plant will live, as the amount and intensity of sun exposure will impact  the recommended plant variety. Head to your local plant store for expert advice.

    Retro bullet planter from Hip Haven.

    Retro bullet planter from Hip Haven.

    Rule #4: Attractive vessels only. Be sure to choose planters with a slightly more sophisticated look than the average outdoor vessel. Use pedestals and plant stands to add impact. If you are looking for something unique, try retro bullet planters as seen above (www.hiphaven.com) or check out  www.dwr.com for a wide selection of modern planters.

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    Posted in Quarterly Newsletter | No Comments »