2009 September | Niche Interiors

Archive for September, 2009

San Francisco Design Inspiration: Four Barrel Coffee Shop

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

I have been meaning to stop in Four Barrel Coffee shop on Valencia Street, after learning that a furniture designer I’ve worked with created all of the tables for the space. Take a look at the interior below, I know it inspired me. Oh, and the coffee is good and strong too!

I love the concept for the tables throughout the cafe. Mounting the slab directly to the wall and floor saves space and looks very cool. I believe the tables are made from old railroad ties.

Tags: Four Barrel Coffee
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Decor Mag Highlights!

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

The September shelter magazines have all arrived and I’m sharing my favorite rooms. Read on for some inspiring images for Fall, courtesy of Elle Decor and House Beautiful…

The contrasting textures and colors are grounded by light, neutral walls and sofa. Love it!

Risky move to paint the walls and built-ins with a rich, bold blue. It paid off!

The lilac color palette is soothing without being too matchy. The modern glass coffee table keeps the room light and airy.

For more design inspiration: Visit my San Francisco Interior Design Portfolio

Tags: apartment interior decorators san francisco, Decor Magazine Highlights, interior decorator san francisco, interior design images, interior design inspiration
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Bay Area Interior Design Newsletter: Max Out Your Space

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

SMALL SPACE, BIG IMPACT. If you live in the city, it’s likely that lack of space has haunted you at some point during your time here. Owning a smaller scale apartment or house provides the opportunity to take a closer look at how your space is utilized. There are countless ways to squeeze more function out of a room, no matter what the size. Read on for my favorite designer tricks that will make the most of every precious square foot.

The Stella shelf from Oly Studio provides great vertical storage.

Dual-purpose Furniture. Think of every furniture purchase as a chance to bring more function into your space. Instead of just buying a console table for your entryway, think about what other function this piece might serve. Could you use it as a writing desk? What about stashing a small ottoman underneath for additional seating?

Smart Space Planning…makes all the difference. Group your furniture together to create intimate seating arrangements. Many times furniture is placed too far apart to hold a real conversation. Resist sticking sofas and chairs directly against the wall, as this is not always the best option. A well-planned room will feel more spacious and will provide more function. (Hint: You may need a professional for this!)

Think Vertical: Use Height for Storage. This is one of the first things I notice in a client’s home when I look at storage issues. Often, people simply overlook the height of their ceilings and the amount of storage that this can provide. Look for furniture pieces that take advantage of that height. Not only will higher pieces add variety and interest to the space, they also bring the eye upwards and can enhance the feeling of spaciousness. Consider buying antiques or vintage pieces, as often they were built to provide more storage (in the place of closets).

Foldable, Collapsible Furniture. Look for pieces that can be folded and tucked away when not in use. Instead of buying 8 dining chairs, think about buying 6 and purchasing two foldable chairs to stash in the closet. You won’t need to sacrifice style, as many furniture manufacturers make good-looking foldable options.