Niche Interiors is thankful for…
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
All our wonderful clients, hard working craftsmen and contractors and dedicated assistants! Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.
Painting contractors with an eye for detail and cleanliness!
Our seamless wallpaper installers
Contractors with attention to detail & good eye for proportion.
Tags: interior design sf bay area, interior designer san francisco, San Francisco contractors
Posted in Paint & Wallcoverings, Remodeling | 1 Comment »
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 »
Bay Area Interior Design Newsletter: Principles of Design
Sunday, October 4th, 2009
SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL ROOMS. Do you ever look at a room in a design magazine and immediately love it but don’t know why? A big part of my job is figuring out what my clients are drawn to. Beneath all the details lie the principles of good design. Read on as I reveal four of the key elements used to create successful interiors.
Proportion/Scale. As far as design rules, this one will get you the biggest bang for your buck. Paying attention to the scale of your room is vital. Most people don’t think about how high their ceilings are when they are looking for a new bookcase or armoire. Consider the following factors when purchasing furniture: Width, depth, and height. A feeling of balance will be created if the pieces relate well to each other and are in correct proportion to size of the room.
Smaller scaled upholstery pieces are proportional to the space.
Balance. Balance can be achieved in many ways. It’s more traditional to use symmetrical balance, but it can be more fun to create balance using asymmetry. Grouping smaller pieces of artwork together to balance a larger piece is one trick. Pay attention to the furniture placement, as well as the location of splashes of color and pattern in a room.
Harmony. This is a little harder to define, but harmony is achieved when all the elements in a room work well together. Focus on repeating patterns, shapes, tones or textures throughout a room. According to the gestalt theory of visual psychology, “viewers are actually looking for some sort of organization, something to relate the various elements” within a space.
Harmony is achieved by repeating the use of dark woods, natural textures, and pops of color.
Emphasis. Creating a focal point in a space will attract the viewer’s eye and provide contrast and visual emphasis. Be aware of your current focal point. You may not be too pleased to find that 1970’s fireplace tile is attracting the most visual attention in your living room. Try to highlight the room’s best attributes or your favorite pieces.
NICHE NEWS: I’m proud to announce my status as a Certified Green Building Professional! This knowledge will help create healthier homes for you and our planet.
* Need professional help? Interior Designer Bay Area *
Tags: interior designer bay area, interior designer san francisco, sf interior designer tips
Posted in Decorating Do's & Don'ts, Quarterly Newsletter | No Comments »
Interior Designer in San Francisco: Green Furniture Guide
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009
Read on for sources from a Green interior designer in San Francisco on where to find furniture and remodeling materials that are easy on the environment.
PaperStone countertop made from recycled paper
FURNITURE
San Francisco Antique Mall: Save waste and energy and buy antique or vintage furniture instead of new. 701 Bayshore Blvd, San Francisco. 415.656.3530
Verellen Upholstery: Organic cottons and linen fabrics and sustainable wood frames. Ruby Living, 180 Townsend St, San Francisco. 415.541.9206
The Wooden Duck: Furniture made from reclaimed wood. 2919 Seventh Street, Berkeley. 510.848.3575
FLOORING, REMODELING & BUILDING MATERIALS
Ohmega Salvage: Reclaimed building materials. 2407 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley. 510.843.7368
Heritage Salvage: Reclaimed building materials. 1473 Petaluma Blvd So, Petaluma. 707.762.6277
The Green Home Center: 1812 Polk Street, San Francisco. 415.567.3700
FLOR: Recyclable carpet tiles
PaperStone: Countertops made from recycled paper
Plyboo: World’s only formadelhyde-free FSC-certified bamboo flooring
** Click here for an in-depth look at the principles of green design! **
Tags: eco-friendly flooring, eco-friendly furniture san francisco, green interior design sources sf, green interior designer sf, interior designer san francisco, san francisco green interior design
Posted in Green Design, San Francisco Design Sources | 1 Comment »
Before & After: San Francisco dining room
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
Custom built-in cabinets designed by Niche Interiors add storage and character, while blending seamlessly with the existing architectural details of the room.
Before
After
Tags: before and after interior photos, interior designer san francisco
Posted in Before & Afters | No Comments »