Now that your taxes are done, you can leave the tax time blues behind and think about incorporating one of the most soothing colors into your home’s palette.

This year’s colors from Benjamin Moore® are soothing and almost neutral because they either mixed white and black to create a grayed blue, or a hint of black to create the steely blues.

Paint colors courtesy of Benjamin Moore

We’re still seeing sky and robin’s egg blues in the palette, and depending on the type of room you’re thinking of redecorating, you can use these tints as a perfect backdrop for artwork, an anchor for oriental or even Tibetan rugs.

Using grayed blues in your master suite can create a restful retreat and a perfect backdrop if you want to change the bed linens by season so your room is always fresh.

Photo courtesy of Yves Delorme

The master bath can also incorporate these soft and cool neutrals with a counterpoint of a warm neutral. This gives your space an homage to the blend of sky and sand color.

Photo courtesy of www.ChicBathTowels.com

Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware

Use art to add visual interest to the space, and incorporate vibrant colors. Think of your artwork as the tool you use to change the look of your space once or twice a year. It’s a low cost way to create visual interest especially if you travel frequently and want visual reminders of vacation days with your family.  We used this abstract canvas to add a bold graphic statement to a very quiet color palette in this Financial Advisor’s office.

Office Design by Dunlap Design Group. Photo by Chani Devers.

 
Also, don’t forget that lighting is one of the most important elements in every space in your home. Lighting accentuates your artwork, creates moods, and provides essential task lighting for makeup, homework, cooking and other activities that require visual acuity.

For freshening up your home, keep the color blue in mind.
 

Happy Spring!
 

We’d love to help you with your project!  Contact us at 248.593.0308 to schedule an appointment.

Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook, and we always appreciate your generous referrals.
 

Warm regards,

The Color Marketing Group, an international association of color design professionals, sets the color palettes for products months in advance of the current season.

This year, emerald green is the “hot color” for everything from fashion to home furnishings:

Benjamin Moore Emerald Isle

If you enjoy incorporating the latest fashion trends in your home, your home can become dated in less than a year.

The best practice is to provide a neutral “base” of furnishings and add accessories that can be changed with the season. For example, you can add pillows, lamps and accessories with the colors and patterns that provide a fresh punch of color to your calm interior.

Living Room Design by Dunlap Design Group. Photo by Gene Meadows.

Top: Lamp by Jonathan Adler; Bottom Left: Accent Pillow by Liora Manne; Bottom Right: Accent Pillow by Missoni from AllModern.com

You can change the look of your interior for less than $1,000, when you begin with a well designed space plan and timeless furnishings that are durable and built with quality features like 8-way hand-tied springs, spring-down cushions and high quality fabrics.

One of the biggest mistakes I see Do-It-Yourself home enthusiasts make is purchasing furnishings that are inexpensive and may be upholstered with fabrics that aren’t meant for daily use by busy families with kids and pets.

Fabrics from “To The Trade” vendors (sold through interior designers) like [your favorite brands] often include the “double rubs” (which is the equivalent of how many times someone sits on a sofa) to indicate whether the fabric is appropriate for the intended use. If a sofa is upholstered with a light-use fabric, it is possible that the fabric can degrade well before you are ready to invest in reupholstering or purchasing a new one.

It is always a good idea to invest in quality construction because it will look better longer. A downside of inferior construction is that the cushioning can “bottom out” (get packed down) and lose its feeling of comfort. Then you can set aside a modest budget to freshen up the palette with fashion-forward color bursts that give your interior a new look.

If you’re not fond of emerald green, but want a fresh option for your home, here are a few more shades of green that you might just love:

I'd love this in a Garden Room! (Benjamin Moore's Acadia Green)

Great for a Bathroom! (Benjamin Moore's Sea Mist Green)

This is a wonderful Historical Color. (Benjamin Moore's Harrisburg Green)

We’d love to help you with your project!  Contact us at 248.593.0308 to schedule an appointment.

We always appreciate your generous referrals.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Warm regards,

February is the month for love, so let’s talk about how to makeover your boudoir to create a beautiful and luxurious space for relaxation and rejuvenation, shall we? Even small changes can create a new ambiance in the space you spend at least a third of your life.

The boudoir should make your spouse or significant other look beautiful and feel pampered. Could your space use a “refresh?”

When you think of interior design for this important room, it is natural to think of function and form, but the elements of texture, lighting and color can create dramatic transformations without a major renovation.

BEFORE

AFTER . Master Bedroom Design by Dunlap Design Group

Let’s start with color. If your goal is to create a space that exudes calmness and serenity, here is an example of how to make an instant change to a room that does not need structural changes. Color can be used effectively to evoke a sense of softness and visual texture to your room.

Paint Colors Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

You can see the results in this master bedroom. Add luxurious fabrics and textures to create the sensual element of touch to your visual palette. Using a contrasting “hand” (feel) with smooth and nubby fabrics adds interest without distracting from your ultimate intent.

Guest Bedroom Design by Dunlap Design Group

Since subtlety is our goal for your lair, lighting that is dimmable is a must. Here are a couple of favorite chandeliers to add a touch of sparkle to your space.

Photos courtesy of Ochre and Currey & Co.

Sconces can also be used as a decorative element to give you different lighting levels within the room, and of course using a dimmer switch is recommended.

Photos courtesy of Urban Electric Co. and Boyd Lighting

Wall to wall carpeting has been traditional for many years, but using hardwood floors with a rug made of wool and silk creates a counterpoint of textures that you feel underfoot.

We always appreciate your generous referrals.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Warm regards,

Now that the holidays are over and your guests are gone, it is time to think about 2013 and how you’ll create a better life for yourself and your family.
It is easy to take the space around us for granted because we are used to how it looks and functions. But, what if you could create excitement, happiness, a healthier environment and a more conducive environment for your kids to excel in school?

To live perfectly means to surround yourself with beauty and function in a home that creates wonderful memories for you and your family.

Sun Room Design by Dunlap Design

For two of our favorite long-term clients, both busy OB-GYNs, it was important that their Sun Room adjacent to their Kitchen (above) was flexible and served multiple purposes – lounging, studying and eating.  Here is the floor plan that we created addressing our clients’ needs:

CAD drawing by Dunlap Design

Adding color to your home can instantly transform a boring white space to vibrant and inviting.  To add “pop” to our clients’ space from above, we chose fabrics and prints with lots of color:

Fabrics by Pindler & Pindler and B&B Italia

If you chose to inject color with paint, you can use low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints to keep your indoor environment healthy.  Manufacturers now offer great options for low VOC paints that are safer for your family. Especially if you have young children, babies or family members with chemical sensitivities, these paints are your best option to protect them.

This is the perfect time of year to consider updates to the most used spaces of your home – the kitchen and bathrooms. Create your plans now and schedule your remodel during your summer vacation so you endure less days of dust and workers in your home.

When you’re ready to redesign your space, contact us at 248.593.0308.

Don’t forget to share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. We always appreciate your generous referrals.
 

Happy New Year!

Warm regards,

• For overnight guests, find out their favorite music and download it to an iPod. Then place it in a docking station in their room
• Include a carafe and glass on both sides of the bed
• Place scented candles and a lighter in the room

Guest Bedroom Design by Dunlap Design Group

• Make sure there are flowers bedside
• Have comfy bathrobes and slippers in the closet
• Place a luggage rack at the foot of the bed for easy unpacking and packing (and to preserve your bed covers)

Photo courtesy of www.Frontgate.com

• Include a little basket with snacks like granola bars and fruits in the room
• Have a hairdryer, extra toothbrushes, and a basket of toiletries in the bathroom including Q-tips, cotton balls and Band-Aids
• Include a journal for your guests to share their favorite memories

Photo courtesy of http://shesays-susan.tumblr.com/

• You can get a small flat screen TV inexpensively, and even include two pairs of headphones so they can listen without disturbing the rest of the house
• Make sure there are plenty of current magazines and reading material

Let’s focus on you and your family, and what you have planned for the rest of the year. Are you cooking and entertaining this Thanksgiving? This is one of our favorite times of year, and if you have company staying with you, click here for a great recipe we found for pumpkin pancakes for a phenomenal breakfast or brunch. Add a fruit salad, warm maple syrup, ham or bacon, and you have an easy and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.

Photo courtesy of www.Food.com

WOW Dining Room Updates

Believe it or not, you can still get your dining room freshened up for holiday entertaining with timeless table settings, new table linens and a fabulous centerpiece. You will really WOW your guests!

Photos courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

If you are not entertaining until December, we can also complete a few other projects like a new rug or chandelier for your dining room. Just a few changes can make your room spectacular, cozy and inviting for your guests.

Photo courtesy of www.TufenkianCarpets.com

Photo courtesy of www.ochre.net

Planning for Larger Projects

Since you may be considering other projects during 2013, planning ahead leads to better projects, less stress and staying within your budget. The American Society of Interior Designers and Design Success University teamed up to create a brand new book to help you do exactly that: How to Design Your Perfect Interior. It is available for $9.99 as a Kindle book. Even if you don’t have a Kindle book, you can download the app to your laptop, desktop and even your smart phone.

Photo courtesy of www.Amazon.com

Color Trends

The color trends for the next few years are exciting and fresh. Some of my favorites include from the Sherwin-Williams 2013 Color Forecast include:

Paint Colors courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Small Changes Create a Big Impact

Even if you are watching your budget and saving for a remodel or redecorating project, simple changes with accessories like lamps can freshen up your home and add the perfect spark of creativity.

Photos courtesy of www.Ochre.net

Draperies and Pillows

If your room feels cold or lifeless, adding draperies and pillows can soften the harsh lines of your windows, and actually make your home more energy efficient if they are lined and interlined. Investing in custom draperies can transform your space with warmth and luxury even if you aren’t ready to replace your key upholstered pieces like your sofa.

Photo courtesy of www.ApartmentTherapy.com

Photo courtesy of www.ApartmentTherapy.com

We Are Here to Help …

Are you ready to do a quick project before the holidays? Call us now at 248.593.0308.

Don’t forget to forward this newsletter to your friends and share it on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

Photo courtesy of Vision Fantastic

 

For many people, gathering around the fireplace and drinking warm beverages is a family tradition, and since the fireplace may be your focal point in your room, is it ready for a facelift?

Design by Dunlap Design Group. Photo courtesy of Beth Singer

Fireplace Inserts

Today’s fireplace inserts are energy efficient and safe as well as beautiful. Here are a few great styles that can be complimented with a custom surround. We designed this custom patinaed steel plate fireplace surround for the Birmingham Showhouse. Details like this will change the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Design by Dunlap Design Group. Photo courtesy of Justin Maconochie

 

Paint colors courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

 

 

Fireplace Design by Dunlap Design Group

 

Although your kids may work with a laptop and may not need much storage space for files or papers, having at least one drawer to file written assignments, clippings or research papers encourages them to stay organized.
Color helps make boring tasks more interesting, so invest a little extra in colored file folders and fun supplies that activate their right brain and make homework a creative project instead of a boring task. If you add a hutch on top of the desk, your kids will have places for books, mementos from school and other colorful items that allow their eyes to rest when they need to take a short break.

Photo courtesy of IKEA.com

Lighting is one of the most important investments you’ll make. Here are a few options depending on the style of the room and gender.
Sleep is important, so if your child’s sleep is disrupted by light, then here are a few stylish options that will block the street lights and early morning sun.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

Adding a simple pair of side panels on a rod, or a top treatment can add the special touch that fits the room design. Look for fun and bold patterns, such as the fabrics found in Fabricut’s “Kid’s Corner” collection:

Photo courtesy of www.fabricut.com

Don’t forget to add a surge protector power strip. You can attach it to the underside of the desk, and use cord minders to keep the look of the desk area clean.

Photo courtesy of www.keysan.com

The newest trends in colors can create a “cool” place for your child to entertain their friends. Here are a few of my favorite colors for children’s spaces this season (Remember to use colors like this in moderation; a little bit will go a long way. It will also be easy to change as they grow):

Paint colors courtesy of Sherwin-Willams 2013 Color Forecast

Anything you can do to improve your child’s willingness to stay focused and study will pay off in their grades, and their self-esteem. And, if they are proud of their room and enjoy having their friends over to study with them, then you can relax and let them take that next step toward adulthood.

We’d love to schedule an appointment to discuss a new, more productive space for your child. Please call us to schedule a consultation at 248.593.0308.
Don’t forget to share this newsletter with your friends!

Remember to “Like” our page on Facebook where you can keep up with our current projects, trends and get designer tips for your home!

Every year retail stores decorate earlier and earlier, and one day, we will probably see decorations up all year long. You may wonder why I am mentioning this now, but believe it or not, we are already working on projects that “must be done for the holidays.” Especially if you’re considering a large-scale renovation, now is the time to begin! We just met with a client who is downsizing. The new house’s floor plan just wasn’t working for their lifestyle. With some adjustments to their plan, we were able to give them the storage, dream kitchen and master bathroom they desired . Improving the way clients live is so rewarding for us!

AFTER. Photo by Justin Maconochie, Interior by Dunlap Design Group

Wallpaper is “hot” this year with some fabulous new looks that are fresh and exciting.

Photo courtesy of Phillip Jeffries

 

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore Paints

 

Lighting

Lighting creates ambiance. Replacing a dated chandelier could be the one change that transforms your space. Be bold in your lighting selection. Adding a counterpoint with a vintage fixture can add character and whimsy to your room without a large financial investment. I love this new fixture because it’s translucent and appears to float in space:

 

Photo courtesy of Bocci.ca

 

Fabulous Fabric

 

Fabrics add both texture and warmth to your home, and whether you prefer solids or bold patterns, you can achieve an updated look for your windows or your furniture by adding top treatments, side panels on rods, reupholstering your chairs, or just creating custom table linens for your special event.

 

Photo courtesy of F. Schumacher and Co.

 
 
 
 

 

We’d love to help you with your upcoming project!

 

2167 Cole Street
Birmingham, MI  48009

248.593.0308
interiors@dunlapdesigngroup.com

Charles Dunlap, Allied ASID