THE FALL ISSUE
MODERN AND SIMPLISTIC
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designing for memorable
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IN THIS ISSUE “Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” – Lauren Destefano We know we’re not alone when we say that fall is our favorite season. But what is it about the months of autumn that so many of us find comfort and happiness in? Is it the cool air and cozy sweaters? The unofficial onset of the holiday season? The quintessential flavors? Or simply its beauty? Here at Beautiful Design Made Simple, we say all of the above. With this issue, our hope is that the inspiration, ideas, and advice that follow spark as much joy for you as the long-anticipated arrival of fall has for us. We welcome you into the creative minds of top interior designers as we explore the makings of a million-dollar show home, a forward-thinking commercial design, an empty-nester remodel, and a home interior fit for an art collector. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Beautiful Design Made Simple fall issue without a special holiday section. This year’s seasonal assembly begins with a larger-than-life holiday home tour with interior designer Cynthia Soda, transitions into must-have tips for making the most of the holidays, and ends with a local furniture artisan’s unique take on designing joyful gatherings during the holidays. Additional features include our favorite seasonalinspired hues, top décor picks, and an exclusive Q&A with embellishment expert Jana Plantina Phipps. This and so much more await you in the pages that follow. Welcome to the fall 2019 issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple magazine, brought to you by Carpet One Floor & Home.
Warm Regards, Team BDMS Beautiful Design Made Simple | 3
CONTENTS FALL 2019
expert advice EMPTY-NESTER REFRESH
31
COMMERCIAL DESIGN
36
HOME FIT FOR AN ART COLLECTOR
43
DESIGN WITH NO LIMITS
54
Kandrac + Kole Interiors helps a family look to the future
Five rules of success from designer Annie Fair to carry into your own home
Designer Laura Umansky on the challenge and excitement of designing around art
Red Deer Carpet One designer Angela Orr Felts creates a one-of-a-kind show home
features
43
A STYLISH WELCOME
18
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
63
MAKE YOUR HOME MAGICAL
73
JOYFUL GATHERINGS
78
MODERN FLOORING
84
Protecting your home from the outside in
Designer Cynthia Soda decks the halls for a worthy cause
Six simple ways to enrich your home this holiday season
Designing for slow, memorable gatherings
Our favorite floors for creating modern, simple interiors
4 | Beautiful Design Made Simple
FALL 2019
on the cover This magnificent entryway by Sara Bederman Design inspired us to compile our favorite modern flooring selections. Head to page 84 to view our top picks and learn how you can create the same modern, simplistic style in your home.
staples
13
COLOR CUES
Seasonally inspired hues that have our heart
WHAT’S TRENDING
10
EXCLUSIVE Q&A
13
BEHIND THE DESIGN
22
INTERIOR INSPIRATION
25
Bring a little bold back to your interior
Designer Jana Platina Phipps on the niche industry of trimmings
84
7
From the Beautiful Design Made Simple video series
Seven bathroom sanctuaries to inspire you
5
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COVETED COLOR:
Butterscotch 2.
1. Table lamp by Currey and Company 2. Fall print by Perigold 3. Decorative book set by Perigold 4. Area rug by Momeni 5. Throw pillow by Kas 6. Decorative bowl by Perigold 7. Raised bowl by Currey & Company 8. Throw blanket by Nourison
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Click each product to learn more and shop.
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COLOR
INSPIRED BY...
An Autumn Evening As autumn arrives, don’t let the shift in weather uproot your outdoor endeavors too quickly. Hang tight, put on an extra layer, and create more al fresco moments to soak in all the season has to offer. Captured here at a harvest celebration, an alternative dining scene is built on an inviting foundation of rugs and pillows and accented by a wealth of fall florals. A scheme as inviting as this is sure to extend your use of the outdoors.
BEESWAX 2157-40
RUSTIC RIVER EAGLE CREST IN LIGHT TIMBER
HARVEST MOON 2167-30
RUSTIC RIVER HOMETOWN IN CREAM DELIGHT
RED 2000-10
HALF MOON CREST 1481
BIGELOW PRESTIGE RENDEZVOUS IN CELADON
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EVANS BLACK BRAVURA IN LINEN
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8 | Beautiful Design Made Simple
GOLDEN NUGGET 2019-20
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Little Black Details
From furniture and flooring to lighting and accessories, we’re seeing a resurgence of the classic hue with an all-new modern edge.
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Click each product to learn more and shop. 10 | Beautiful Design Made Simple
WHAT’S TRENDING
7 5
1. Pearsall Island Chandelier, uttermost.com 2. Matte Black Faucet, sociinc.com 3. Leather Throw Pillow, nourison.com 4. Bravura Carpet, carpetone.com 5. Lunenburg Fabric, jffabrics.com 6. Cotton Throw Blanket, nourison.com 7. Hand-knotted Area Rug, kaleen.com 8. Waterjet Mosaic Tile, sociinc.com
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THE
it' s all in DETAILS
An exclusive Q&A with the “Trim Queen” Jana Platina Phipps
DESIGNER Q&A
As an expert in such a niche industry, we have to ask—where did it all begin? Early in my career, while working as an assistant to an accessory designer in NYC, I was sent to a trimmings factory in the garment district to source some materials. When I entered, it was a beehive of activity—machines were whirring, making maypole-like designs of cording; workers were speaking Italian and Spanish, with a dash of Yiddish; spools of yarn were piled high to the ceiling. It felt like something straight out of the Industrial Revolution. An Italian woman must have noticed my awestruck reaction and gave me a tour that made my knees go weak. It felt like falling in love. I had found not only my space, but also my voice, all at the same time. Tell us how the “Trim Queen” came to be and what this persona means to you? Hungry and entrepreneurial, I eventually started a home furnishings division of the trimmings factory and grew it to surpass their fashion business. One of my best clients called me the “Trim Queen,” which made me laugh, and it stuck. In 2013, I started a blog because I had a lot to share that I could not translate through the company’s brand, so I adopted the moniker and wrote my monthly blog, titled Trim Queen Chronicles. As Trim Queen, it’s my mission, and the mission of my studio, to share embellishment as a creative form of self-expression. Through my blog and social media channels, I show how the design community uses trimmings to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary, which I’ve coined as #TrimAlchemy. I’ve become my brand, always incorporating trimmings in my personal fashion dress, and it’s become my signature style. Recently, at a trade show in Europe, a few people I didn’t know greeted me with “Hello, Trim Queen.” I am both tickled and amazed at how even the most niche interest can become a vehicle to build community. It’s also an indication that my message is getting out into the world. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be a queen?! On the most basic level, what are the benefits of incorporating trimmings into a room’s design? Trimmings are a powerful design tool with which to create a statement, theme, or feeling in your home. It makes a room “designer” or gives it a designer’s touch. Top: A passementerie of hand-twisted cord embellishes the front of a Trim Queen pillow. Bottom: Fringes, tassels, and pompoms are prepared for a custom client project. 14
If someone were to say that trimmings aren’t well-suited to their home decor style, what would be your response?
have a design professional by their side, what is your recommendation for getting started?
Trimmings don’t have to be frou-frou! Graphic and textured tapes are some of my best-selling items and are, in essence, narrow textiles. These can be used for layering and can add a level of interest to your decor. If everything is a flat fabric, your home will look like a mediocre hotel room and fail to express your personality.
First stop is Pinterest for ideas; I have some great boards to search. Then, find photos of rooms you love, designers you admire, or brands you fancy, and you will notice how they are embellishing their product. Or hunt through home design mags and books and create a file or inspiration board. Look around your home first, and see where you might have a blank slate to add embellishment. Trimmings can be a bridge to marry fabrics, colors, and textures in a room design. You can also find a trimming you love, and then find a home for it. When you collect things you love, things naturally go together. Use decorating as an opportunity to express your style, and through a little research, the fabrication will reveal itself. Send me a pic of what you want to do, and I’ll help direct you!
List three to five unexpected ways that trimmings and embellishments can be used within home decor: Add a tape around a pillow like a cuff, add fringe to the base of a sofa, or add a tassel to a drawer pull or at the corners of a pillow. You can even add trim to the leading edge of drapery.
For someone who is new to the world of trim and doesn’t
Left: Norwalk Furniture details a sofa with a contrasting tassel. Top right: Jana sources yarns from all over the world to make into trimmings. Bottom right: A Greek Key tape mixes with a hand wrapped modern bead fringe in this Trim Queen pillow design. Beautiful Design Made Simple | 15
DESIGNER Q&A
As a design professional who works closely with both home furnishings and fashion, to what extent do you see the trends within these two industries interweave, year after year? Design is a global language, and every designer, whether they want to admit it or not, is influenced by culture, both in fashion and at home. For example, after the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute’s “Heavenly Bodies” exhibit, metallics started to trend heavily, first in fashion. Because the home sector has longer development lead times, we saw metallics peak after they soared in fashion. Fashion designers are watching and studying the major furnishings fairs in Paris and Milan and garnering inspiration. It’s becoming more symbiotic as information and images are consumed with such immediacy. Tell us about Maker Tourism. How does travel influence your work? I’m attuned to beauty and creativity in my travels, which usually leads me to the artists, artisans, and makers of a place. My upcoming Maker Tourism experience in Venice, Italy, is a passion project for which the seeds were planted thirty years ago when I attended university there. I speak Italian and have worked and traveled in Italy at length since college. In the last few years, I’ve set out to meet in person the artisans and makers I have met online. Every single one has shared with me their art or process with such enthusiasm that introducing others to these artisans was a natural projection of Trim Queen’s mission. I am a maker at heart and love a “behind the scenes” insider’s view of how things are made and the creative process. I share this with so many clients, friends, and followers, and someday, I’d love to live in Venice and produce a body of artwork incorporating all of my skills. You’re an accomplished designer, teacher, blogger, expert speaker, and much more. What is next for the “Trim Queen”? As much as I love designing and producing trimmings, I enjoy seeing how others use materials even more and how it makes them FEEL. I’d like to create more workshops and experiences that introduce trimmings to others and allow people to play, make, and experience the therapeutic power of creativity. Top: Trim Queen’s Maker Tourism trip to Venice will give attendees an insider’s experience visiting museums and artisans’ workshops. Bottom: Trim Queen tassels are Jana’s go-to embellishment to add instant style. 16
Research is the reason I have my miracle baby K E L L EY, DIAGNOSED IN
2006
When I learned I was pregnant with Scarlett, it came as a complete surprise. As a breast cancer survivor, I never thought I would be able to give birth again—let alone nine years after my diagnosis. But thanks to research supported by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the targeted therapy was there for me. Not only was I able to enter remission, but I was given another chance to be a mom to an incredible little girl. I’m living proof that research saves lives. I want there to be a future free from worry for everyone’s daughters. Research is how we’re going to get there.
See more reasons for research and share yours at BCRF.org
WELCOME MAT
PROTECTING
YOUR HOME FROM THE
OUTSIDE IN
Your home décor is an investment—an investment in beauty and function. Just like any other investment, you want to find ways to protect it, especially if those ways are simple and affordable. When it comes to your flooring, there are many ways to keep them beautiful—cleaning, maintaining, and taking off shoes can all keep your floors from wearing prematurely. Though cleaning sometimes
18 | Beautiful Design Made Simple 18
gets forgotten for a more fun undertaking (understandable), and sometimes you just don’t want to ask your guests to take off their shoes, there’s an often-overlooked strategy for protecting your floors that takes very little time, effort, or investment to put into place. What is this brilliant strategy, you ask? The answer is welcome mats.
A STYLISH WELCOME
Welcome mats placed at every entryway are the first line of defense for your floors. This beautiful addition to your doorway not only adds a little style, it also traps dirt and residue before it can get in your home and onto your floors. So when you and others in your household forget the no-shoes rule, your welcome mat is at the ready, trapping dirt and keeping it where it belongs—outside.
resistant. Though this sounds like it would be a feature of every welcome mat, some are easily damaged by the elements. Finally, find your style. A welcome mat is an affordable addition to your home and can easily be changed with the seasons. Find something that makes you smile, shares a friendly message with your guests, or complements the décor of your home.
So how do you choose a good mat to defend your home? First, you’ll want to choose one that has fibers that will absorb moisture, and grab dirt and grime. Next, make sure that your mat is weather
Defending your investment in your home has never been so easy—or so beautiful. Check your entryways and make a small, gorgeous investment in your home.
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Global Inspiration for Your Front Door
From bold, exotic patterns to beautiful simplicity, we’ve searched the world to bring global destinations to your front door in our pink ribbon welcome mat collection. Each of the five globally inspired collections has a different perspective, but every welcome mat brings us closer to a cure. Purchase one of our exclusive pink ribbon welcome mats, and we’ll donate 25% of the purchase price to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
BRITISH COLLECTION
MEDITERRANEAN COLLECTION
AFRICAN COLLECTION
ASIAN COLLECTION
SCANDINAVIAN COLLECTION
To learn more visit carpetone.com/welcome-a-cure.
DESIGNING A BEAUTIFUL,
PRACTICAL
LIVING ROOM A KATE DAVIDSON DESIGN
With today’s hectic lifestyle in mind, designer Kate Davidson set out to create a living space where her clients could find comfort, beauty, and relaxation day after day. In an exclusive video for Beautiful Design Made Simple, Kate walks us through her design process, sharing all the details on what makes this room perfect for the family it serves. Here’s your sneak peek:
22 | Beautiful Design Made Simple
PLANNING FOR COMFORT AND DURABILITY “We wanted to make it really comfortable and durable for them, so we added a large sectional and a great leather reclining chair. Because this room gets used every day, it was important that we selected really durable materials. We added a sisal rug to warm up the space, and we put a nice durable canvas material on the sectional. That adds a lot of durability, stain resistance, and comfort.”
PRACTICAL DESIGN WITH PERSONALITY “In addition to being durable and comfortable, we wanted to space to be practical, so we incorporated a lot of storage with the builtins around the fireplace. From a design perspective, we went with neutral foundation pieces and then incorporated personality by adding fabric, artwork, and accents throughout the room.”
Watch the video for more details and a behind-thescenes look at this beautiful Kate Davidson design, only at carpetone.com/bdms.
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NATURAL, SUSTAINABLE, BEAUTIFUL FLOORS. INSPIRE YOUR STYLE.
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GET INSPIRED:
STYLISH
BATHROOM SANCTUARIES
As the seasons change, our plans for home projects and design change too. But there is one thing that stays constant in the trendiest homes—a remodeled bathroom. A massive en-suite is ideal, but it’s not always feasible. Fortunately, in today’s design world, bathroom design is no longer limited to large-scale bathrooms. With a little creativity, small to mediumsized bathrooms can share in the glory. Colors, shapes, and natural elements can drastically change your powder room, and elevating your style can be as easy as incorporating natural wood, tile, and stone into your design. After all, the beginning and end of
each day is usually spent in the bathroom, so why not make it a place for inspiration? The collection that follows was created to share fresh design ideas for the everyday home. From modern and chic to trendy and bright, our collection of bathrooms is sure to spark some revolutionary thinking. We have included color palettes and styles for everyone, and we hope our collection inspires you to start working on your dream bathroom, no matter the size.
Beautiful Design Made Simple | 25
MODERN DESIGN
Modern design takes a new approach when thoughtfully mixed with natural and semi-precious stones. This classic black-and-white palette is the perfect mix of modern, industrial, and chic. The addition of gold embellishments brings warmth and delicacy to this timeless design.
Design: Kalu Interiors Photo: Provoke Studios
26 | Beautiful Design Made Simple
CRISP LINES
Crisp lines are complemented by a round porcelain sink and patterned tile flooring in this classic, contemporary powder room. The natural wood and exposed pipes create a cool, minimalistic style, and the intricate tile grounds the vanity.
FUNKY WALLPAPER
Shapes and colors can add interest to any space. This watercolor cactus wallpaper is fun and whimsical, and though it’s on trend, it’s also classic enough to keep for years.
Left – Design: Rebecca Hay Photo: Mike Chajecki Right – Design: Cynthia Soda Photo: Stephani Buchman
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INVITING AND CALMING
Inviting and calming, soft grays create a soothing ambiance. Details become more prominent in clean color palettes. A herringbone pattern placed on the floor and ceiling of this bathroom’s boastful shower is a subtle way to incorporate upscale design elements. Appreciation for nature can be derived from the larger-format wall tiles and their natural veining.
Design: Dvira Ovadia Photo: Valerie Wilcox
Beautiful Design Made Simple | 28
COLOR AND WHIMSY
Wrapped in whimsical wallpaper and trimmed in warm gold, playful pattern and color give life to this statement powder room.
Left – Design: Linda Mazur Photo: Jason Hartog Right – Design: Rebecca Hay Photo: Stephani Buchman
NATURAL LIGHT Natural light highlights the clean and crisp features in this Mediterraneaninspired bathroom. Intricate cobalt tiles leave the space feeling fresh and airy.
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Bensimone 43291BK
Refresh AN EMPTY-NESTER
WRITTEN BY JOANN KANDRAC & KELLY KOLE INTERIOR DESIGN BY KANDRAC & KOLE INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN RUBINSTEIN
When the kids go off to college, move on with their own lives, and start creating homes of their own, many empty-nesters feel the need for a refresh of their own dÊcor. This is a great time to go back to the things that you love and create a space that makes you happy as you learn to live in your new empty nest. The original Erin Gregory art in our empty-nesters’ family room was the inspiration for the entire color palette. The client wanted lots of super-comfortable seating in the family room that was beautiful, but also pet-friendly. The two CR Laine chairs were painted a custom aqua and covered in Sunbrella fabric to make
them durable for the four-legged family members still at home. We took this opportunity to open up the space and provide more light. Believe it or not, where the Erin Gregory art is was once a monstrous built-in with shelving and the TV. We tore the whole thing down to open up and lighten the room and moved the TV over the mantle. Ultimately, our clients ended up with a beautiful new nest where they could enjoy time with friends, pets, and yes, even the kids when they come home to visit.
Beautiful Design Made Simple | 31
The Currey and Company chandelier with swags of turquoise marble beads added a sophisticated pop of color and blended beautifully with the floral Thibaut fabric on the window panels.
32 | Beautiful Design Made Simple
The original floral art by Erin Gregory was the jumping-off point for the room. We loved the vibrancy of the blues, corals, and greens.
When using an upholstered cocktail ottoman, we like to add a tray for coasters, remotes, books, and magazines.
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The roman shade over the sink matched the window panels in the dining area and didn’t prevent light from coming into the space. The arched door added so much charm to the kitchen.
The lanterns from Visual Comfort were the perfect size above the oversized island. The arched turquoise door was the “magic” in the room.
A drawer microwave, extra sink, and faucet make this beautiful, large island functional and a great space for gathering.
34 | Beautiful Design Made Simple
See the color you expect to, for as long as you expect to. You can tell when the color in the store doesn’t match the color on your wall. When we reinvented our paint, we created our exclusive Gennex® Color Technology which makes our paint simpler on the inside and truer on the outside. So you get exactly what you expect. That’s proudly particular. To find a local retailer, go to benjaminmoore.com ©2018 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore, Gennex, Paint like no other, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co.
LESSONS
LEARNED FROM COMMERCIAL DESIGN WRITTEN BY ANNIE FAIR INTERIOR DESIGN BY ANNIE FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETHANY NAUERT
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Beautiful Design Made Simple | 37
COMMERCIAL DESIGN: RULES FOR SUCCESS
In this age of constant digital communication, what was once a separate life at the office has now freely and frequently become part of our home life. Our offices are essentially everywhere. When I think of the ways my commercial clients use their workspaces, I am reminded of the ways my residential clients use their homes. Making these workspaces comfortable, usable, and durable is what we do for our residential clients, especially families. From my work on commercial projects, I have distilled my experiences down to these Five Rules for Success.
DEVELOP A CLEAR NARRATIVE. My practice provides services for both residential and commercial clients, and although these clients are quite different, the basic activities remain the same. One of our first tasks is to develop the program for the space. During this phase, we characterize the space with a narrative. The narrative contains the guidelines for the project. This means we determine the needs of our client; we establish their aesthetic preferences, if any (most people have at least a Pinterest board, or I encourage them to start one!); and then we align those with the architecture and begin to outline what we can provide decoratively to best suit the narrative. This is most often five to six adjectives that can describe how you feel in a space, what the space evokes, and how it functions. 38
DURABILITY IS A MUST. Commercial spaces get a lot of wear and tear. People eat at their desks and spill drinks on the upholstery. Sound familiar? For these reasons, I am a huge proponent of performance upholstery. There is an increasing demand for upholstered pieces in family living rooms as well as in company waiting rooms. Sometimes performance fabrics can cost more, but their longevity makes them worth the investment. Soft goods that are designed for commercial use are absolutely okay to use in a residence—just make sure you feel them first! Installing items that will last is sustainable both for the environment and for our wallets.
MIXING STYLES ADDS INTEREST. Even on a restricted budget, I shop high and low for furniture, lighting, and accessories. For this office, we purchased vintage items while staying on budget. We have some vintage area rugs and industrial carts from Chairish. We also have some incredible vintage Windsor chairs that are lacquered and add interest at the entry. Our sconces and pendants were sourced new and affordably. We mixed these with some farmhouse dining tables and Masters chairs in the company dining area. The contrasting styles, textures, and colors all add a layer of interest that develops the overall design and generates a unique and beautiful space.
Beautiful Design Made Simple | 39
COMMERCIAL DESIGN: RULES FOR SUCCESS
ENCOURAGE PERSONALITY. Within the framework of the design narrative, I work with my clients to determine how we can showcase their unique perspective. In this office, all of the large-scale photography depicts musician clients. These pieces add color and emotion to what are often monochromatic spaces. I have also encouraged the staff to name each room. “Conference room” was too generic, for example. The rooms needed personality. The staff members’ response was absolutely unique—and I nearly vetoed it. They decided to name each room based on a meme or a pop culture reference. The upper bath is now “Game of Thrones” and the main conference room is “Success Kid.” To help bring this to fruition, we added the room name to the glass on the door and also had an illustration of each of these room names commissioned. These illustrations are about twelve inches square and are framed in each room. Encouraging the clients to name the rooms gave them permission to infuse the spaces with their personalities. I think residential clients can be best served in the same way. Of course designers want to create spaces that are gorgeous in a photograph, but we absolutely need to allow our clients to personalize their homes. I often find, especially with clients hiring a designer for the first time, that people are cautious about using or inhabiting their spaces. They often need a designer’s permission and/or guidance to determine how best to personalize a space.
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DESIGNATE SPACES WITH CLARITY OF FUNCTION. This office employs about eighty people and continues to grow. The main area is open, with incredible amounts of natural light, but planning that space meant spending a lot of time programming and drawing furniture plans to allow for the necessary volume of standing desks and chairs as well as the other furnishings. We then needed to provide storage for personal items. We purchased some old school lockers where the staff could store their bags and other small items. In a residence, this is your entryway or mudroom storage. Because this office is a startup, many of the staff work odd hours. Some bike to work or stay into the wee hours of the morning programming. In the upper bathroom, we provided hooks for towels and baskets for personal items. These additions are labeled and organized without seeming cluttered. In the small break-out area, we designated a snack wall. I provided a range of woven baskets where employees could store all manner of snacks for easy access and tidy presentation. What I’ve learned from working on commercial projects is applicable to my residential projects as well. Successfully designed spaces, be they commercial or residential, reflect the people who inhabit them. As designers, it is our job to get to know our clients, to understand them, to outline their ideals, at times to challenge those ideals, and to visualize what elements set them apart from others. By doing so, the spaces remain authentic and become workable (nay, livable) while also being beautiful.
Office: Headquarters for Stem / @stem
Beautiful Design Made Simple | 41
Healthier.
It’s How We Install.
The First Antimicrobial Flooring Installation Process.
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a home fit for the Art Collector WRITTEN BY LAURA UMANSKY INTERIOR DESIGN BY LAURA UMANSKY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL HUNTER
Beautiful Design Made Simple | 43
A HOME FIT FOR THE ART COLLECTOR
Working with a great art collection is an exciting challenge. There are many homeowners who are adventurous and open, allowing for risks and unexpected design pairings. But at the same time, creating a cohesive interior using an existing color palette requires a unique strategy. It’s tempting to be a complete minimalist, letting the art speak for itself. It’s more fun, however, to play around with different colors, shapes, and textures. Many of our clients have young children, and designing for families is at the core of what we do. By bridging the gap between high-end luxury and practical living, we design interiors that are comfortably glamorous, yet not too precious. Our Harper client came to us because we specialize in colorful, sophisticated spaces that embody everyday elegance. This family had a new construction home in the West University area of Houston, which is just west of Rice University, near the heart of the city. The couple loved bold hues and had an impressive art collection to match. They also had four children under the age of four. Our
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goal was to create a home that honored what they loved, while also capturing the stylishness they desired. This was the clients’ wish list: • • • •
Embrace jewel tones. Include heirloom furniture and artwork. Use high-performing fabrics and softened edges for the children. Create a custom-built display for their rare book collection.
And of course, it was crucial that we worked with their existing art. We design around great art collections often. It is essential that you choose a paint color that will give the art its own arresting power. The right color isn’t always white! It is also important to consider the shape and finish of the artwork, even the time period. We want all the elements to complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. And finally, in a home where different art pieces mingle, we like a curated feel that incorporates different textures and styles in a layered manner.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAINT COLOR Start with a flat finish. Depending on the artwork, you can work with white, gray, or even light green. What we are trying to achieve is contrast. Over the years we have developed a list of our favorite paint colors that help art pop:
Dovetail by Sherwin Williams
• • • •
Dovetail by Sherwin Williams: A classic gray that works as a foil against lighter and softer artwork, like a charcoal drawing on paper Alabaster by Sherwin Williams: A serene off-white that works well against moodier paintings Simply White by Benjamin Moor: A white with a bit of yellow that works well with warmer-toned interiors Great White by Farrow & Ball: A cooler white that works well in blue or greenish spaces
Alabaster by Sherwin Williams
Simply White by Benjamin Moore
Great White by Farrow & Ball
Beautiful Design Made Simple | 45
As soon as you enter this home, you are greeted by a burst of burnt orange. This lounge chair from ModShop, a modern furniture boutique in Dallas, features a brass base and rustyhued upholstery. Its low-profile panels give ample visual space for the art piece above it. It is a painting of fish on parchment paper, garnished with citrus. The inky background pops against the white walls. What a lovely welcome home!
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LAYERING TEXTURES AND SHAPES The shape of the entry chair mimics the curve of the staircase in a highly complementary manner. This is intentional. Because the art collection was so varied, we created cohesion through texture and shape. We also sourced new art that would happily marry older styles to new ones. To make sure the home seemed interconnected, we consulted with the clients’ art advisor, Katherine Bowdoin Barthelme of Bowdoin Projects. Together, we curated a colorful and balancing selection that tells a unique story in every room of the home. Walking into the living room, you will find organic curves next to orthogonal lines. Too many right angles would have been harsh, so we softened the room with arched chairs and spherical objets d’art. The green chairs are vintage heirlooms from the client’s grandmother that we reupholstered in emerald fabric. The result is vibrant, playing off the jungle-like palette of the art piece above the sectional. When colors, patterns, and shapes come in pairs, the eye can connect them in a pleasing way. On top of a neutral palette, like gray and cream, the pop of green activates the space. There is a tension between some colors that I find really exciting.
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A HOME FIT FOR THE ART COLLECTOR
WORKING WITH THE HOME’S ARCHITECTURE AND ENERGY
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While art drove the color palette and played an integral role in the design, we also looked to the architecture of the home. Whenever we approach a project, we take the framework as an inspiration. The home was full of character-building details: wainscoting, exposed wood beams, and custom millwork. We felt a distinct midcentury energy that we layered with vintage finds and present-day touches.
In the master bedroom, we used a more modern and playful take on color. It’s a bit brighter in this room. The red, white, and blue harks back to a classic Americana look that is sophisticated and not kitschy. The goldfinished étagère hosts a collection of poppy colors, family photos, and, again, a clever use of texture and shape. The artwork in this room—four panels featuring flowers—honors the homeowners’ four children.
Mid-century designs are marked by a familiar orange and turquoise color scheme. We opted for a richer take with jewel tones, like emerald and sapphire, and added rust. Earthy terracotta and cream shades subdued the brighter ones.
Opposite this wall are a mid-century desk and chair. The simplicity of the furniture design reflects the architecture of the home in general and gently draws the eye toward the painting above.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER WITH VINTAGE PIECES Perhaps our favorite room in the entire home is the study. Here, the main focus is not the art, necessarily, but the rare book collection. We designed a custom bookcase with special lighting devoted to showing off the colorful spines below. The vibrant blue chair, another Modshop find, is in an art deco style. The Jaipur rug beneath is hand-knotted in an overdyed Turkish style. Several more Turkish rugs throughout the home give it a cohesive look. We should never shy away from combining styles and time periods. When done well, the result is a warm, worldly environment that feels lived-in and loved.
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A HOME FIT FOR THE ART COLLECTOR
ENSURING FAMILY FRIENDLINESS The drapery in the dining room is from Robert Allen in a show-stopping forest shade and is capable of handling water-based cleaners without staining. The color is reminiscent of the floral-themed artwork found throughout the home and serves to pull everything together. It looks great against the green chairs in the living room. When color is a priority, custom upholstery is a must. We always recommend that clients with young children invest in high-performing fabrics. Having the peace of mind of easy clean-ups makes a home just that much more comfortable. Crypton and Revolution Performance Fabrics offer many pattern and color options, all of which wick away spills quickly. The clients wanted a sophisticated yet lived-in home that was comfortable for their growing family. They were thrilled at the final reveal! With this intentional backdrop, their home is now ready for whatever new pieces they find on their travels. Collectible art, vintage rugs, bold colors, custom pieces, and a smart layering of reimagined heirlooms make for a unique home.
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Soft and lush – and ultra tough. WATERPROOF. FEATURING A 10-YEAR NO-EXCLUSIONS STAIN WARRANTY.
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Shop and learn more about Oath by Resista® at CarpetOne.com.
WRITTEN BY ANGELA ORR FELTS INTERIOR DESIGN BY ANGELA ORR FELTS FOR RED DEER CARPET ONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAWS LENS PHOTOGRAPHY
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Every once in a very long while, you get the opportunity to really stretch yourself as a designer and truly embrace your creativity: not the client’s, not the contractor’s, but your own. This is truly one of the greatest pleasures in this business of design. A few years ago, the chance to create a one-of-a-kind show home came across my desk. Colbray Homes, a long-time builder client I had worked with for many
years at Red Deer Carpet One, approached me to work on a million-dollar-plus show home, with all the bells and whistles. I was given the opportunity to create the budget, work on the blueprint with their talented team, and select all exterior and interior finishes—whatever I could dream up! From the initial stages of the plan to the last fluffed-up pillow, this project consumed my mind and heart for about a year and a half.
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ANATOMY OF A SHOWHOME
INITIAL PLANNING At the outset, I met with the Colbray Homes owners, the sales manager, my design partner, and the architect and began to create a home that would be original, functional, and, above all, appealing to their mainly acreage-oriented clientele. Over a few days, we visited dozens of other show homes to see what we liked, what we didn’t, and what we felt our home needed to stand out in a very competitive market. With input from the whole team, the talented architect was able to present a plan that represented our joint vision. This was no small feat; we bombarded her with ideas, and she managed to bring them all together in one unique plan. After a few small tweaks and revisions, I was ready to start the next eighteen months of planning, shopping, designing, procuring, staging, and decorating. Our home design market in Central Alberta, Canada, hadn’t yet caught up to the “modern farmhouse” aesthetic that has become so popular in many urban areas, so I decided to use this project to bring my own unique vision of “modern industrial farmhouse” to Red Deer. However, I knew that this design tends to come across as predominately feminine, and I didn’t want that. I wanted the house to come across as genderneutral, appealing to both men and women.
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SHOPPING! With a project this size (over 5,000 square feet), it was important that I start early. I knew I wanted to include some custom furnishings that normally take six months to deliver, so this was the first area I decided to work on. Being in the center of the province was perfect for shopping! I spent many hours on the road, driving back and forth between Calgary and Edmonton to find the perfect furniture pieces with a focus on scale, texture, and style. I wanted to pay homage to the queen of modern farmhouse design, HGTV’s Joanna Gaines, and I was even able to purchase some decor from her shop in Waco, Texas.
I spent many weekends and days off hunting for bargains and unique finds that would wow the delighted homeowner as well as the many, many prospective clients who would visit the show home. I also started my shopping quest online. My previous show home projects had been nowhere near this large: I was often only decorating and staging 1,000‒2,000 square feet. With the magnitude of this home, I needed to shop online, and I started stockpiling my finds. I shopped for about six months, loading up my storage room with what eventually became ten carloads of furniture and decor. Luckily for me, my husband was willing to help along the way, hauling heavy and awkward pieces into the house and making sure they were delivered safely.
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ANATOMY OF A SHOWHOME
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FINISHING TOUCHES As construction on the home progressed, the next stage was to select the interior finishes. Thankfully, at Red Deer Carpet One Floor & Home, we have a showroom full of incredible products. We carry flooring, tile, brick, paint, countertops, blinds, draperies, wall coverings, and more: basically, everything I needed for the interior finishes of the home. Because the home was intended to be family-friendly, I selected a beautiful, neutral, honey-toned luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main level and basement. Upstairs, I chose ResistA® SoftStyle carpet over HealthinEx® memory foam cushion. The flooring carries a 50-year warranty and The Beautiful Guarantee®: If it wasn’t what the client wanted, our store would replace it at no cost to them. Luckily, they loved every product we installed! For wall coverings, I used thin brick (real sliced brick that can be installed over drywall) and shiplap as central features of the house. I used the thin brick on columns in the dining/kitchen area, on columns in the unique micro-office, and as a backdrop to the stunning en suite wetroom shower. The shiplap was painted white and applied to the fireplace, the powder room
wall, the mudroom lockers, and the inside of the grid work on the living room ceiling detail. As a centerpiece of the large kitchen, I chose a gorgeous Cambria countertop and designed a unique front waterfall for the U-shaped island. The island design was something I had never seen before, but I was sure it would be show-stopping—and it was! I decided on classic black-and-white kitchen cabinets with gold and black lighting accents and hardware, complemented by soft mocha hickory for the range hood, floating shelves, and accent countertop. In the bathrooms I went a little bolder, combining a beautiful navy cabinet with gold and black accents. Another important design surface of the home is the ceiling! For the master bedroom ceiling, I chose beautiful antiqued and distressed hardwood by Provenza Floors. Yes, flooring on the ceiling is a thing! In one of the children’s bedrooms, we installed a distressed, whitewashed Armstrong laminate on the ceiling. The results were beautiful and less costly than any of the reclaimed hardwood options we had been considering. Beautiful Design Made Simple | 59
ANATOMY OF A SHOWHOME
CENTER STAGING After all these finishes were painstakingly installed by our team of finishers, tilesetters, and installers, we were finally ready to begin staging, decorating, and furnishing the home. My design partner and I began to pull the overall space together. This was the point when I could really put my creative touch on the space. Mixing chunky-knit textures in cushions and area rugs with distressed leather, linen draperies, and farmhouse decor gave the home its unmistakable style—a modern, but warm and livable, farmhouse look.
FEEDBACK After four weeks spent staging, the home was ready to be unveiled and turned over to the builder. What a success!! Feedback on the overall design and style of the home has been overwhelming! In the first week alone, the show home
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had over a thousand visitors, and Colbray Homes was delighted with the results. Many people have mentioned that they feel it is the nicest home they’ve ever been in! On top of all the wonderful feedback from the local home building industry, the public, and potential buyers, the home was a finalist in the Canadian Home Builders Association’s 2019 National Awards for Housing Excellence, and we won the Building Industry & Land Development (BILD): Central Alberta Best New Home and Excellence in Interior Design awards. Most importantly, though, Colbray Homes now has a beautiful show home that helps clients visualize and dream big about their new home. After all, a show home’s purpose is to demonstrate possibilities. With this home, I feel I helped accomplish that objective. I’m proud of the results and looking forward to the next opportunity with Colbray Homes: Another show home has just been given the go-ahead!
Holiday Special Section Whether you embrace the season in an extravagant or more subdued fashion, we hope the pages that follow inspire you to add something new within your home or to your holiday traditions.
THE INSPIRATION NEVER STOPS The holiday inspiration doesn’t end here. Visit the Beautiful Design Made Simple blog for more tips and ideas for making your home extra special this holiday season.
carpetone.com/beautiful-design-made-simple
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Holiday Home Tour WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA SODA INTERIOR DESIGN BY CYNTHIA SODA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE CHAJECKI
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HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
Our last calendar year was the earliest we’d ever started decorating for the holidays. Typically, we wait until the weekend following Remembrance Day to fill our house with all things festive and to begin playing holiday melodies at any given time until Christmas Day. However, this particular year; we had the honor of being part of our town’s Christmas Home Tour, in which our household and design company had the opportunity to design and decorate our house for hundreds of people to tour over the first weekend in November to raise money for charity. The idea—and process—of handing out Halloween candy with spooky music playing, all while trimming
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the Christmas tree, was certainly an experience for the books (and our kids had plenty to say about it), but it was all for the good. The tour annually collects money to donate to the Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation, which helps improve the quality of life of seriously ill children and their families; and the Able Network, a community-based program providing relevant inclusive work and recreation opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities in natural job and community settings. Because it was the season of giving, we felt this was a wonderful opportunity and a natural way to kick off the holidays.
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HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
The weekend was a bustling one—never a dull moment, from Friday evening through the weekend. Word on the street was that our home had become known as “the pink house” (which I was entirely okay with) because pink and white were our colors, in stark opposition to the primary reds, greens, and blues that typically take center stage around the holidays. Having just visited sunny California earlier that year, I drew inspiration from my California friend’s love of succulents and even popped some cactus flowers into our office tree. A fan of all textures and colors (when used together for the greatest impact), I was drawn to blush tones this year because I wanted our family home to feel light, fun, and a little romantic. We chose pink roses and simple eucalyptus garlands and twigs to adorn our tree, mantels, newel post, and vases. With the help of my mom, we wrapped some old shoeboxes with the lids separate, so they could be easily filled with gifts later in the season. (I’m all for managing my time and helping my future self!) Mixed metal accents of silver and gold were scattered throughout, set in contrast with polished and natural rustic wood elements, and the dining table was staged and set to host dinner for eight (we subsequently added five extra seats on Christmas Day). Shaggy-textured area rugs in blush and white were purchased from a home goods store and cut in half to be used as ethereal accents draped over the dining chairs to further soften the scene. Meanwhile, a “Christmas spirit” essential oil filled our home with the smell of cinnamon and oranges, accentuated by holiday music softly playing throughout the weekend.
A fan of all textures and colors, I was drawn to blush tones this year because I wanted our family home to feel light, fun, and a little romantic. 68
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We chose pink roses, simple eucalyptus garlands and twigs to adorn our tree, mantel, newel post, and vases.
When the last visitors walked through our space, I thanked my helpers for the day, turned off the music, sat down in silence, and fully appreciated all our hard work. I was reminded how easy it is to get so caught up in our to-do lists over the holidays that sometimes the most important things get lost in the busy-ness of the day. My mouth was dry from all the chatting and smiling, and my legs ached from the soles of my feet to my knees. It was exhausting, and I was relieved it was over, but I also felt blessed to have been part of it. By nature, I am a Christmas fanatic. I believe in magic and wonder, and I truly love the process of giving more than my childhood self could have ever imagined I would. Seeing smiles on the faces of those you love (along with others you didn’t realize you have positively affected) and teaching our children the importance of giving back and being part of something bigger than yourself is the greatest gift you can give.
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DISTRESSED TO IMPRESS C ra f te d w i t h PRIDE, o u r u n i q u e d i st resse d h a rd wo o d p l a n k s e m b o d y a o n e - o f - a - k i n d o l d - w o r l d fe e l i n g t h a t w i l l t ra n s p o r t yo u r h o m e b a c k to ye a r s w h e n Q UA L I T Y a n d C H A R AC T E R s to o d t h e te s t o f t i m e. Shop and learn more about Rustic Riverâ„¢ Hardwood at CarpetOne.com.
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6 Holiday Season
WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MAGICAL
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Make the most out of the holidays by focusing on a few simple ways to ensure that your home reflects the magic and joyfulness of the season.
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Plan a Signature Cocktail
The holidays are full of friends, family, and hosting. Planning out a signature cocktail to serve throughout the season not only saves a little time when you entertain, but it also is a sure way to impress your guests. For an extra special feel, consider purchasing a set of decorative cocktail glasses or keep an eye out at local antique shops to mix and match a set of vintage selections. Pair your glassware with a beautiful serving tray, and don’t forget to keep fresh garnishes on hand for an added touch of splendor.
Invest in a Show-Stopping Wreath
Make Mantle Magic
Mantles offer endless options, a clean, symmetrical slate that you can decorate any which way your heart desires. Whether your preference is an impressive display or more of a minimal vibe, there are limitless ways to create a holiday mantel that will leave a lasting impression. Find inspiration in nature building a simple base with beautiful green garland or decorative berry branches. Then add in a little height and sparkle with a scattered arrangement of candles. The mantle is also the perfect place to display your prized collections from Santas to nutcrackers to village house displays.
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Handmade or purchased, hung indoors or outside, wreaths are a must-have during the holiday season. A front door adorned with a statement wreath not only acts as a first point of welcome for guests, but can also be used to set the tone for your holiday dĂŠcor within the home. Wreaths can also be used to accent interior spaces, such as window panes, mirrors, or the backs of your dining room chairs. Go traditional with greenery or opt for a hardier display of pine cones and faux snow.
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Let It Glow
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There’s something so serene and magical about the glow of a Christmas tree at night. Expand on that sense of serenity by incorporating other sources of light throughout your home. Decorative holiday houses glimmering by tea light make a great centerpiece for your dining table, or the perfect complement to your mantle. You can use a set of string lights to weave a little extra sparkle through garland or to frame interior windows. You can even consider just adding a few more candles to your everyday display.
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Curate the Perfect Wrapping Scheme
A well-considered wrapping scheme goes a long way, and here’s the secret. First, devise your desired aesthetic for the year. Are you drawn to a particular color, texture or pattern? Whatever it may be, choose your look and stick to it. Second, purchase all your wrap, ribbons, boxes, and bows in one fell swoop to ensure that everything feels cohesive. Last, keep it balanced by making sure you use all materials in even manner. Following this method will guarantee that your assortment of gifts under the tree will be (almost) too pretty to open.
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Get a Little Quirky
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It’s always satisfying to piece together the perfect curation of holiday décor, but let’s not forget the joy and laughter that each holiday season should bring. It’s okay to add a touch (or more) of quirky to the mix! Incorporate a cheeky holiday print designed for a laugh, vintage Santa lights strung for all to see, or even that tacky lawn inflatable that your kids love if you dare.
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HELP! I SPILLED GRAVY.
NOW WHAT? There are few meals more satisfying than a turkey dinner during the holidays. Sweet cranberry, savory gravy, and pillowy potatoes—these staple flavors evoke a familiar sense of family, friends, and seasonal gatherings. To ensure that your memories of this traditional meal remain positive, prepare yourself with Stain First Aid.
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Here’s what you’ll need on hand to make sure you’re ready for an accidental gravy spill: • • • • • • • •
Clear dishwashing detergent Enzyme laundry detergent Dry powder carpet cleaner Baking soda White towels Warm water Sponge Vacuum
CLEANING STEPS 1.
Create your cleaning solution: Detergent: Mix ½ teaspoon clear dishwashing detergent with one cup of warm (not hot) water
2.
Blot up excess spill.
3.
Apply dry baking soda.
4.
Scrape and vacuum.
5.
Apply water using a damp sponge to rinse remaining baking soda. Don’t over wet.
6.
Blot, don’t rub.
7.
Apply detergent solution using a damp towel.
8.
Rinse with water as above.
9.
Blot-don’t rub and dry well.
10. Apply dry powder cleaner. 11. Vacuum.
SPILLS AND STAINS ARE A PART OF LIFE...
Note: Not all carpet fibers react the same way when treated for stains. Before proceeding with any of the preceding cleaning procedures, we recommend you contact the appropriate fiber company for their suggested maintenance guidelines. Failure to follow these carpet stain removal guidelines may void your warranty. For more information, please contact your Carpet One Floor & Home retailer.
But they don’t have to stay with you forever. Be prepared to tackle any stain that life throws at you with Carpet One Floor & Home’s Stain First Aid app. It’s free for your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or Android tablet.
Never panic again when spills happen. Stain First Aid has over 50 of the most common household stains covered, including detailed cleaning instructions and video tips.
DESIGNED FOR SLOW, JOYFUL GATHERINGS
Every Season
“HOW DO WE SLOW DOWN IN A WORLD THAT WON’T STOP MOVING?” WRITTEN BY KELLEY BISHOP PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN POTTERF
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I ask myself this question often. These days, more than ever, the daily bustle sweeps us up all too easily, with the full schedules, the rushed meals, the hurried “hellos” between family and friends. Then the holidays arrive, and our most joyful time of year comes, with a storm of advertising telling us exactly how busy and stressed we all should be. Exhausting, isn’t it?
What if there were another way? What if we could design our living spaces to inspire slow, memorable gatherings and that peaceful, meaningful life we crave? It can be done, my friends . . . and boy, is it worth it. The following tips are simple, but they’ll go a long way toward helping you slow down and make the most of your time with loved ones, not just this season but all year long.
Heart pine mill plank and steel coffee table, indoor chair, modular sectional, and chaise lounge by Steel + Plank
1. CREATE AN INTENTIONAL FLOW First, start with the big picture: the flow of your space. Slow, relaxed gatherings don’t have to be stationary. Imagine a friendly dinner that starts at the bartop in your kitchen, moves to the cocktail table in the living room, and settles effortlessly into the dining room. Or, if the weather permits, a long Sunday brunch that flows from food prep together in the kitchen to intimate conversation around the table to after-meal drinks in the sunlit outdoors.
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JOYFUL GATHERINGS
Waterfall dining table and indoor bent steel benches by Steel + Plank
2. MAKE SOMETHING TOGETHER As a host, it can be tempting to buy or prepare all the food and drink in advance and spoil your guests silly with hospitality. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with this scenario, I also think it gives stress the most room to enter. We feel that we have to do everything and be everything, when there’s just as much (and maybe more) enjoyment to be found in readying the day’s leisure together.
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Share the enjoyment of roasting veggies or making a soup. Laugh together over baking the morning’s fresh, warm bread or inventing new cocktails for happy hour. When it’s time to finally enjoy your group’s creations, trust me, they’ll taste all the sweeter!
3. ACCENTUATE THE MEAL WITH SIMPLE WARES Part of slow, thoughtful living is taking the time to fully savor and appreciate the little things, such as the food and beverages you just prepared with your friends or family. Remember, too, we eat with our eyes first. The best way to make your food the spotlight of the table (and worthy of those slow, satisfying bites) is to keep your furnishings and wares . . . simple. A table decorated with finely crafted yet unassuming wares lets the meal take center stage, like this hand-thrown pottery we selected for our dishware. Each piece has a quiet splendor of its own, but none competes with the beauty of the meal; each piece complements the whole. Neutral tones and clean lines make reds richer, oranges more vibrant, and greens burst with life, which will inspire you to slow down and savor the meal even more.
4. KEEP YOUR SPACE NATURAL AND ORGANIZED In addition to keeping your wares simple and natural, the same can be said for your furnishings. For example, this walnut table’s clean-lined, subtle design ushers the gorgeous grain and tone of the wood to light. Its natural beauty is unmistakable yet calm, peaceful . . . as we wish to be. Another way to inspire peace in your space is to keep the area clear and organized. Remove clutter and make guests and activities the spotlight!
5. INCLUDE MEANINGFUL PIECES IN THE SCENE When designing for gatherings (or even just for yourself), it’s always a good idea to have a few meaningful pieces around. Not only do they add a layer of personal warmth to the event, but they also give you the advantage of an easy conversation piece. For example, the centerpiece of this walnut table is a piece of driftwood collected from my family home. It has meaning to me, evokes fond memories of my childhood, and inspires great conversation when brought up in gatherings. Everyone has a childhood, after all. Take a look at your space and decide which items could help you tell a story in your space, whether it’s one from your past or from the present you’re creating right now. Waterfall dining table and indoor bent steel benches by Steel + Plank
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JOYFUL GATHERINGS
6. OPT FOR SIMPLE YET FUNCTIONAL LIGHTING A gathering that takes place over several hours is naturally subject to fluctuations in lighting. Whether it’s the changing angle of the sun or the transition from day to night, you should give consideration to how light (or lack of light) will play in your spaces. That’s why it’s always an advantage to have lighting on dimmers for an easy change in ambiance. As the night carries on, for example, you can dim the lights from a joyfully conversational dinner to sultry and pensive after-dinner drinks. Again, natural beauty is the key to an understated yet peaceful space. These lowhanging geometric pendants are the perfect mix of simple and creative.
7. USE LAYERS AND TEXTURES When it comes to designing a space, it’s all about layers: What will help each layer of the space stand out to its best advantage? As we mentioned before, contrast is key. Smooth, hand-thrown dishware plays up the colorful food, and an immaculate walnut table highlights the ceramic dishware. So what will make this handsome table stand out without stealing the show? A neutral, textured rug! Texture is the perfect contrast to the smooth, polished wood . . . not to mention the joy your guests will feel with something soft under their feet. Layers, my friend! Well, there you have it—seven tips for bringing slow, joyful, meaningful gatherings to you and yours. Each of these tips will help you create a space that is intentional, inspires conversation and community, and is beautiful to behold. Now all you have to do is gather your nearest and dearest and enjoy them. Wishing you much peace and happiness this season and in all the seasons to come, Kelley Waterfall dining table and indoor bent steel benches by Steel + Plank. Area rug by Dalton Carpet One Floor & Home. 82
GET ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE BEST FLOOR FOR YOUR HOME. carpetone.com/expert-advice
MODERN SIMPLICITY
AND BEAUTIFUL
FLOORS TO MATCH INTERIOR DESIGN BY SARA BEDERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANI BUCHMAN
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In an age where our lives are cluttered with information, digital communications, and 24/7 media, elements of modern design are extremely appealing. The clean, straight lines and simplicity can provide a much-needed respite from the chaos of our daily lives. When your life seems cluttered with appointments, to-dos, and Pinterestperfect projects, creating a home that is the opposite of your hectic lifestyle can help you to simplify your life. Well, at least part of your life. The basic rules of modern design call for uncluttered spaces, furniture that has function and a muted, neutral color palette. When it comes to flooring for your simply modern space, you’ll want to look for options that line up with these ideals. First up, the look of your floor. Wood flooring in lighter, more natural stain colors blend seamlessly with light and bright neutral palettes. Natural wood tones also provide warmth to the sometimes stark, cold feeling of modern furnishings. Don’t ignore the grain of the wood. Some
species, like maple, have very little natural graining and variations in color. This provides a more consistent even color across your floor. While many trending floor utilize multiple stain colors and even multiple species of wood, if you’re looking for modern simplicity, it’s best to choose a floor that will be more consistent from board to board. When it comes to carpet, neutrals are a no-brainer but don’t overlook subtle geometric patterns offered in cut and loop styles. These patterns can elevate the style of your flooring without distracting from the simplicity of your modern home. If you decide to go with hard surfaces throughout your home, you may still find that there are places you’d like a little softness. Area rugs can fulfill these needs, but make sure to choose a rug that matches the tones of your floor to keep that simple, clean look. Area rugs with tonal patterns and geometric designs work well. You may also find that getting a custom-cut piece of carpet and having it bound to create a rug works well in your space.
Our Favorite Modern Flooring BELLEVUE AVENUE - SUNKEN TREASURE BY INVINCIBLE H2O
CHARLESTON PLACE - QUEEN ANNE BY INVINCIBLE
WEST HAVEN PLANK - CAMEO BY RUSTIC RIVER
ARTISAN 2150:- BEIGE ELEMENTS BY KAS
Shop these floors at carpetone.com.
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MODERN FLOORING
For bathrooms, kitchens and entryways, tile is another versatile option for modern flooring. Similar to wood, it’s important to keep the floor color neutral and variation between pieces minimal. Clean lines and geometric shapes are a staple in tile flooring so the look easily fits with modern décor. But, don’t think that your modern floor needs to be boring. Tile offers a wide variety of options for installation. Another aspect of modern design is functionality. Choosing furnishings and décor that also serve a purpose can help keep clutter at bay and keep your look simple. When it comes to flooring, functionality is important too. For spaces that get more foot traffic,
opt for more durable flooring options like luxury vinyl tile or porcelain tile. Many hardwood floors also have strong, durable finishes that will stand up to time and activity. For spaces where you want to relax and feel more comfortable, extra-soft carpet is a must. If you’re looking for ways to simplify your home (and your life), modern design elements could be just the solution you’re looking for. And, even if super sleek modern isn’t for you, these modern design-friendly floors, could get your next project started off on the right foot.
Our Favorite Modern Flooring FABRIQUE FIELD TILE UNPOLISHED BLANC LINEN
GALLOWAY CIRCLE DISTANT WHITE BY BEL TERRA
LINDEN POINT BIANCO BY BEL TERRA
CHAMBORD II ARCTIC BY TIGRESSA®
CHEERS! SEAMIST BY INNOVIA TOUCH
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Shop these floors at carpetone.com.
CONTRIBUTORS JOANN KANDRAC & KELLY KOLE
Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs Voted one of Atlanta’s Top 20 Residential Interior Designers by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole has been featured on HGTV as well as in publications such as The New York Times, Better Homes & Gardens and Southern Home magazines. Together, they have established a well-known reputation for their approachable, dynamic personalities; their signature use of color; and their one-ofa-kind custom designs. In addition to their design firm, the pair also shares their love and commitment to the power of interior design through their popular blog and new podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.”
kandrac-kole.com @kandrackole
LAURA UMANSKY Laura U Interior Design
Founder and Creative Director of Laura U Interior Design, Laura Umansky is an industry leader and top Houston interior designer. Her signature Classically Current aesthetic brings iconic designs of the past into the modern, creating interiors that are warm, luxurious, and elegantly practical. From working with builders and architects to designing custom furnishings with local artisans, Laura leads a talented team that focuses on high-end residential projects around the world.
laurauinteriordesign.com @laurauinteriordesign
CYNTHIA SODA Soda Pop Design Inc.
Cynthia Soda is the owner and principal interior designer of Soda Pop Design Inc. Cynthia believes in and uses her design filter to successfully merge her clients’ lifestyle, personality and architecture to create customized, liveable luxury that tells each client’s unique story.
sodapopdesign.ca @csodapop
ANNIE FAIR Annie Fair Design
Annie Fair is an interior designer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a North Carolina native, a former Los Angeles resident of 17 years, and graduate of the NYC-based Parsons School of Design, Fair maintains a growing number of projects on both the East and West coasts. Before starting her own namesake firm in 2017, the talented designer honed her skillset under the wings of Kelly Wearstler, Michael Smith, and House of Honey.
anniefairdesign.com @anniefairdesign
ANGELA ORR FELTS
Red Deer Carpet One Floor & Home Angela Orr Felts is one of ten talented, certified interior designers at Red Deer Carpet One Floor & Home. The local flooring and design center has been serving the Central Alberta community for over 40 years. Their innovative showroom layout offers it all, with inventory in carpet, luxury vinyl plank, tile, hardwood, curtains, countertops, and the largest selection of area rugs in Central Alberta, Canada. Their commitment to excellence and unmatched customer service has won the retailer many consumer choice awards over the four decades they have been serving their community.
carpetcolourcentrereddeer.com @carpetonerd
KELLEY BISHOP Steel + Plank
Architect, designer, and maker Kelley Bishop is the founder and creative director of STEEL + PLANK in Athens, Georgia, a furniture brand and lifestyle boutique showcasing the wares of like-minded artists under one vision. Kelley brings together a team of master crafters to create clean-lined, minimalist-inspired, and sustainably sourced furniture created to last a lifetime and inspire their owners to live their simplest and most beautiful life.
steelandplank.com @steelandplank
Beautiful Design Made Simple | 87
BEYOND this
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The best interiors are those that take you and your lifestyle into consideration. When focusing only on the final look, it will lack soul. ~ Shaynna Blaze ~
88 | Beautiful Design Made Simple
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† View warranty guide for details by visiting carpetone.com/the-beautiful-guarantee. © 2019 CCA GLOBAL PARTNERS, INC.
