Ask Jen: Window treatments for transom windows?
Monday, November 16th, 2009
Question: I have 2 transom windows in my living room (measuring 47 x 18). The sun comes through them in the evenings and makes it impossible to sit on the couch because, for about an hour, the sun is in my eyes. Any ideas on how to best dress these windows? –Joan
Answer: Hi Joan, Transom windows are tricky because using traditional window treatment styles can cover up their beauty and functionality. I would suggest applying a window film to block the glare and filter out a large percentage of damaging UV rays (this will also protect your furniture from fading). One product that may work is 3M Sun control window films. You can purchase this product locally at Climate Pro.
* Need professional help? Take a look at our design services: Interior Designer San Francisco *
Tags: interior designer san francisco, transom windows, window film, window treatment advice
Posted in Ask Jen: Design Dilemmas Solved! | 1 Comment »
Ask Jen: Custom sofa on a budget?
Monday, November 9th, 2009
Question: With the current recession & a very limited budget, I’m trying to update a small living room. I’m adding color to walls & have studies color wheel a lot. I want to have a sofa made in a microfiber velvet for durability, but I don’t have thousands to spend nor do I want junk that will only last 3-5 years. Can you suggest reputable places where I can order a custom sofa? Thank you for your reply. –Sandy
Answer: Hi Sandy, Unfortunately, truly custom sofas start around $2,500 (not including the fabric cost). But, now there are furniture stores that have lots of sizing options as well as fabric choices, which is a more affordable option. I would recommend the Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams line. The quality is good for the price point and there are 300 fabrics to choose from. There is a showroom in San Francisco called Ruby Living where you can sit in sofa models and see the fabric options. You can also try Room & Board, they don’t have quite as many fabric choices, but they offer a wide range of contemporary styles and lower price points. I hope that helps!
Check out our Services page for details on professional San Francisco interior design services!
Tags: affordable quality upholstery, custom furniture design bay area, custom sofa design san francisco, interior design questions answered, mitchell gold bob williams, room and board
Posted in Ask Jen: Design Dilemmas Solved!, Custom Furniture | No Comments »
Ask Jen: Tips for built-ins?
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Question: I am trying to put my small great room together and I want to create more storage with a window seat and redo the fireplace surround and the niche above. Can you give me any tips? –Kris
Answer: Hi Kris, As with any construction project you will need to take accurate measurements of the space and create detailed working drawings for your contractor. Hiring a good contractor with an eye for detail is key.
You want the end result to blend seamlessly into the room, and not look like it was just added on. To achieve this, carry any existing architectural details in the space through to your window seat design and fireplace surround. Pay attention to the proportions of the design, and how all the elements work together. Good luck with your project!
Tags: built-in design san francisco, custom furniture design bay area, custom furniture design san francisco, fireplace surround, interior design questions answered
Posted in Ask Jen: Design Dilemmas Solved!, Remodeling | No Comments »
Ask Jen! Advice from a San Francisco Interior Designer
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
I’m happy to introduce “Ask Jen”! Send me your design dilemmas, big or small, and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Question: We have recently remodeled our home and we’re not happy with the expanse of the kitchen, dining room and family room. The room feels like a gymnasium. What can we do? –Vicky
Answer: Hi Vicky, There are a lot of things that you can do to break up a large space and make it feel more cozy. Paint is one of the easiest and most effective way to achieve this. You can paint the ceiling a darker color to “bring it down” visually. Installing architectural details such as beams will create more interest and achieve the same effect.
When you have one large space like this it’s best to break it up into logical seating arrangements, using your furniture plan to break it up. With a long sofa and a sofa back table you can separate the dining area from the living area while still keeping the connection between spaces. Best of luck!
Tags: ask the designer, design dilemmas solved, great room, great room design, interior design advice, interior design sf bay area, making a home cozier, sf interior designer
Posted in Architecture, Ask Jen: Design Dilemmas Solved! | No Comments »
Ask Jen: Where can I find the artwork in your portfolio photos?
Sunday, November 1st, 2009
Question: Where do you get the cool art showed in your portfolio pictures? I especially like the colorful one in the North Beach residence in the dining room. Thanks for the tip! – Susana
Answer: Hi Susana, Thanks for your question. The contemporary artwork shown in the North Beach residence is from the client’s modern art collection. The dining room painting was done by a somewhat well known artist named Claire Moore in the 1980′s I believe. If you are looking for more affordable contemporary artwork I would try looking for local art by emerging artists or vintage paintings. See my post on where to find local affordable art!
Tags: ask the designer, interior design questions answered, local art san francisco
Posted in Ask Jen: Design Dilemmas Solved!, San Francisco Design Sources | No Comments »