In Good Company

I was honored this last week to find out that I was listed as one of the top 15 interior designers in Sacramento!  I am close with many of my colleagues listed and know they are worthy competition.  Many years of hard work and wonderful clients has made this possible and I truly appreciate it.  You can read the article here and vote for yours truly on the poll.

Many Thanks,

Rebecca Ward

Up and Coming Trends

It’s been a while since last posting on here, but I thought I would start out this blog talking about two new trends that I have been seeing. With spring in full bloom, many new styles and trends have been arising. I want to focus on two trends that have caught my eye which is the color blue and stripes. Many designers are using the color blue in many furniture pieces and accessories it’s perfect because blue goes with a variety of colors such as pink, green, coral, and grey. Blue is such a vibrant color that gives depth to a room and gives it a wow factor. 

 

A combination of the color blue can be made with the boldness of stripes. Stripes are also an up and coming trend in makes a room look bold. It also makes the person who is using such bold stripes in their homes look fearless in their design decisions. 

Traditional Family Room by Portland Photographers Tara Bussema - Neat Organization and Design

 

Stripes can be used in furniture, decorative pieces, or by painting the walls in stripes! Stripes can make a room not only look bold and beautiful but it can also make a seemingly small room look bigger! Stripes can make a space look modern and stylish just by even adding a few stripes to a wall or in furniture selections! Stripes make a space look fresh and vibrant!

Counting Black Sheep

Have you thought about how important the mattress is to your bedroom's design?  Take a look at my guest post on Somnium's blog

Check out Somnium's high-end mattress offerings here: http://somniumbeds.com

Small Kitchen, Big Ideas

Sometimes the small projects can be the most challenging.  Take for example this galley kitchen for my clients, the Molleras.

This home was built in the 1950's and is what I would consider a cottage.  This kitchen had been updated in the '80's, but now it was ready to come into the 21st century.

With a limited budget, we had to decide priorities.  Ideally, we wanted to replace the cabinets.  Instead, we went for a fresh coat of paint, new doors and drawers, some rearranging and just a couple new cabinets to make this kitchen more welcoming and functional.

The Silestone countertops were a must and a last minute slush fund afforded the backsplash upgrade from the slated subway tile.

From the beginning, I had a vision for this black and white checkerboard floor.  It is fitting to the age of the house and the angled lines really helped to open up the space.

Finish off with some new dining furniture and window treatments and lighting and we've got a happy client!

The Latest and Greatest in Furniture

I just returned from a wonderful week at the Las Vegas Furniture Market.  With 3 buildings of up to 16 floors of showrooms, there is so much to see.  I think this was the busiest market I've been to there.  Is this a sign of the times?  Most vendors and designers I talked to seemed very busy with projects and positive about the economy.

Since pictures are worth a thousand words,  I'll show rather than tell all the fabulous things I discovered:

Spike chandelier, almost marquee style

I love these spiky accessories.  Not great for Feng Shui, though, I am told
 (sigh)

A dining table made from coffee trees

Cog-like mirrors.  Would be a classy addition to a steam punk interior

Fun and flashy pendants!

I saw a lot of dark brown with black.  Drama drama!
(trend alert!)

What fun whimsy legs

Fish scale mirror

Indigo still going strong in accent colors

Sophisticated dining set

Unique display cabinet

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  I'm looking forward to incorporating some of these items in my designs.  Which one is your favorite?

Before and After: Lake Greehaven Remodel

Often, it's hard to truly appreciate an after photo until you see where it all started.  Today I'm featuring a few photos from one of my recent kitchen and bath remodels which has easily become one of my favorites.

Kitchen Before

Kitchen after

Kitchen before

Kitchen after

Guest bath before

Guest bath after

Master bath before

Master Bath after

 The client and designer are very happy with the results!

Before photos by Rebecca Ward
After photos by Steve Folino of InnerVision Photography

2013 and The Orchid

It's the last day of the year, a perfect time of reflection.  As I look back on all the few posts I have done this year, it is obvious that something, or someone has rearranged my priorities!  And I love it.  My little girl has brought such joy to my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world.  It has been quite a challenge to balance my business and being a new mom but we are adjusting well and both baby and my career are thriving.  I only lack time to document it all!

I will soon be revealing my inspiration board for 2014.  I'm excited that Radiant Orchid is the color of the year from Pantone as I feel I have already been incorporating it where I can.

It is close to the color of my daughter's nursery and would love to use it more. (seen here behind Elsie)

I have recently completed and am awaiting photos to come back of RWD's latest kitchen and bath remodel while we work away at two new kitchens, so I know I will have many fun projects to share with you soon!

Wishing you much joy and happiness for 2014!