Tis the season at Paradigm to embrace your home, new or old. Dawn and her husband recently moved into a new home in NYC and now I am set to close on a house in Denver at the beginning of April.  We have given you tips on how to make a space feel bigger, more inviting, less cluttered, brighter, warmer, more welcoming, or cozy – whatever it is that you are looking for - we have recommended adding paint, lighting, plants, artwork, window treatments, cool textures, or moving furniture.  All of these things can make your house feel more like a home, but in the end there are a few things that make a dwelling your personal refuge and they have nothing to do with renovation, decor, or paint.  Here are five ways to make your house more of a home.

Quality Time - Your home should be more than the place you go to get 6 hours of shut eye every night.  To make it yours you need to be in it.  Try turning down one activity a week to spend an evening at home.

Use Your Space - Has your oven become another storage compartment?  If so, it is time to clear it out and get cookin!  Make your significant other or a friend a home-made meal, back some chocolate chip cookies (YUM), sprawl out on the living room floor to work on a project, or soak in the tub with a glass of wine.   Make your routine more than home, dinner, TV, bed.  This is how you will get acquainted with your home.

Practice Kindness - Your home is a place to share with loved ones, so be mindful of the memories you make in it. The walls of your home will hold onto the love and kindness you dispel within them, so share you positive energy.

Add Music – Remember that song you heard in the 5th grade and still know all of the words to?  This is just one example of how music makes an impression on us. Music makes the heart happy. Turn on your favorite tunes to dance, sing, and jam out in the privacy of your living room.  It’s okay to be a kid!

Entertain Without Worry – We are all guilty of wanting our home to be perfect when we invite guests over.  Remember that creating the “perfect” home is a constant work in progress.  Your surroundings will evolve and change daily just as you do.  Instead of worrying about footprints on the floor or dust in the corners try to be present.  Allow yourself to enjoy the moments shared with good company and close friends.

Have you noticed terraniums are the new hot thing?   A terranium is a small enclosure often made of glass that is used indoors to grow and display plant life.  I remember my grandparents had a large one in their basement and I thought it was weird as a kid but now I want some for my deep window sills.  Apparently the plants are easy to maintain which is good for my brown thumb.  Simply water once a week and keep near a moderate light source.  They are a great way to incorporate a bit of green into your home and a much more sustainable option than floral arrangements.  Here are a variety of ideas to help you create your own indoor “miniscape”.

 The contrasting layers of earth and rock create an interesting composition.

I love the use of funky, exotic looking plants and the smooth rocks compliment the organic plant shapes.

This pear shape vessel looks great sitting on a table or hanging.  The whispy greens and sand remind me of the sand dunes in Michigan.

 No space for potted indoor plants?  Add a dash of color to your “air plant” by using a small flower in your terranium.

Who needs a lavish garden when you can create a mini-masterpiece.  What a fantastic combination of color and texture!

 These little guys are from Matteo Cibic. How cute are they?

Drum roll please…Congratulations to Rosa, the winner of our room re-do contest! 

Here is what Rosa had to say about her living room: I generally like our living room but I’m curious as to ways to improve it. Is the furniture clashing? Do we have too many trinkets? Can we do something different with the paintings on the walls? What kind of curtains can we add? Although our ceiling is high, the eye seems to go low. And there’s not enough light in the evenings. How can we add lighting that doesn’t cost too much and goes with our antique motif?

Rosa, this room has an abundance of potential! You have some beautiful, unique pieces and we can’t wait to help you get the most out of your space – both visually and functionally.  Stay tuned to see the before and after shots…

We posted earlier this week about the traditions of Valentine’s Day and how to bring the heart-happy color ‘red’ into your home in forms other than a heart shaped box of chocolates.  Today we are switching gears a bit and recognizing February for a lesser known event – Heart Month.  ”February is American Heart Month, and unfortunately, most of us know someone who has had heart disease or stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day. These conditions are also leading causes of disability preventing people from working and enjoying family activities. Cardiovascular disease is also very expensive—together heart disease and stroke hospitalizations in 2010 cost the nation more than $444 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity” – CDC Website.

The CDC has what they call the ABC’s for your heart health:

-Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day.

-Find out if you have high Blood pressure or Cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment.

-If you Smoke, get help to quit.

Get up and get moving by being physically active for AT LEAST 30 minutes on most days of the week - I suggest trying a group exercise class at your gym, they come in all shapes and sizes so you can find something that suits your fitness level and needs.  They are also a great way to stay motivated.

Another important piece of your health and well-being is stretching.  Take 5 minutes when you wake up and before you go to bed to lengthen your muscles.  You will be amazed by how quickly you can gain flexibility!

Consider a new activity like yoga or after dinner walks with your family.  As a certified yoga instructor, I encourage you to give yoga a try as I whole heartedly believe in its benefits.  Here is a little Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, also know as Upward-Facing Dog for you!

Make your calories count by eating a heart-healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and trans fat.

This means venturing into the produce department EVERY time you go to the grocery and avoiding the aisles with all of the pre-made, pre-packaged “stuff”. Try a new vegetable that is in season or test out that recipe you have been meaning to make.  Think about what you are putting into your body.  Food is your fuel, so if you are feeling tired or lethargic during the day take a look at your diet.  What are you eating and when?  A few simple changes may be the answer to preventing those late afternoon crashes…and help your heart!

Most importantly, find something active that you enjoy doing – walk, run, go to the gym, take a class, swim, bike, hike, and the list goes on!  Experiment and try something new.  Exercise is meant to challenge your body yet leave you feeling accomplished and happy.  Best of all, it is a great way to relieve stress. So what are you waiting for?

Happy Valentines Day!  Tired of receiving chocolate?  Perhaps one of these fun wallpapers and fabrics might spice up your interior.

 Studio Bon fabric available through Schumacher

 Studio Bon fabric available through Schumacher

Fabric from Romo

 Indoor/Outdoor fabric by Trina Turk for Schumacher

Trina Turk fabric available through Schumacher

 Studio Bon fabric available through Schumacher

 Fabric from Schumacher

 Fabric from Romo

Wallpaper from Osborne & Little

Lush velvet from Osborne & Little

Wallpaper from Osborne & Little

Post pictures of or write about your LEAST favorite room in your home on our Facebook page for a chance to win a room re-do between now and February 20th!  Leave a brief description about what you dislike and why. Encourage friends to “like” your post.  The person with the most “likes” will win. The winner will be announced Monday, February 27th. Details are below!

5 Easy Steps:

1. Log into your Facebook account.

2. Find us on Facebook at:   http://www.facebook.com/ParadigmInteriorDesignInc  

3. Click on “Photo” which is write next to “Post”.

 4. Select Upload a Photo

5. Click “Choose File” to select the image you want to upload

Contest Details:

- Submit photos of one room – post via your computer or phone to Facebook.

- Encourage friends and family to like your post and picture.  The person with the most “likes” will win.

- There are no restrictions on the location of the property.

*Winner will receive a room re-do. We start by rearranging your existing pieces of furniture to make the space more functional and visually appealing.  Next we can help you select paint colors, accessorize, and fall back in the love with your home!

- Winner will be announced February 27th via Facebook and our website/blog.  Pictures of the before and after will be posted on our blog upon completion.

 Before

After

Bored with your home?  Looking for some easy, affordable ways to freshen things up?  Look no further!  Here are some quick fixes to update any room in your home.

Option 1: Paint

Get rid of the boring beige.  Below is a great example of how a little color on the walls can brighten up a space and make it feel larger.

 Work to find the right balance of light and dark.  This will prevent a room with dark walls from feeling small.  The light floors, cabinets, and ceiling are a beautiful contrast to the navy walls.

Don’t be afraid to try a bright color.

That said, neutrals can also make a statement when the right hue is used.  Notice how crisp this color looks with the white trim.

Try a pattern to make a bold statement in a small space.

Consider putting the pattern on the floor.  It is a great way to provide color and visual interest in any space.

Option 2: Revamp or upgrade a light fixture

This is a great example of how an old brass chandelier can have a new life if you have the time for a little DIY project.  Try a spray paint with a gloss finish.

I had to throw this in.  I made a wine glass chandelier to go with my thesis project back in college.  It took 36 wine glasses, fishing line, and a single light bulb.

I love using chandeliers in different spaces such as bedrooms, closets, or bathrooms.  They add a touch of nostalgia and intimacy to a room.

A funky grouping of fixtures can make a dynamic statement.

Option 3: Make your bed the throne of your bedroom

Reinvent your headboard.  Try a found material like the one below made of old plank floor boards.

Consider reupholstering an antique headboard with a bold color or pattern that draws the eye.

If you don’t have room or the budget for a headboard, consider a wall decal.  They are an inexpensive, fun way to give a room character.

Option 4: Reupholster or refinish

Find a piece of furniture that has good bones but is in sad shape.  Give it some TLC and the end product can be stunning.

This console has an old school finish, but a carefully applied coat of paint gives it a lovely new life.

Option 5: Invest

Invest in ONE “statement piece” of furniture per room.  It can be a piece that you lovingly refurbish or one that you choose to splurge on.  Whether a chair, desk, mirror, accent piece, table, or rug, the choice is up to you, but one thing is certain – it must steal the show.  What is your eye drawn to in the images below?

Have you ever wondered why a Persian rug costs an arm and a leg? Or what the difference is between a hand tufted versus hand knotted rug?  Here is some  information that we compiled to help you make an informed decision when buying a rug.  First off, there are three general types of rug construction:

Machine Made – done entirely by a machine called a power loom that is electrically automated.  Notice how uniform the loops are and how consistent the color is in the image below.  Another way to know if it’s machine made is by looking at the fringe.  If it is sewn or serged onto the rug (also seen below) it’s been machine made.  Hand knotted rugs use the warp threads that run through the entire rug to “create” the fringe.  Machine made is the least expensive of all rug construction types.

Hand Tufted – someone uses a “gun” that inserts the pile into a cloth foundation and therefore creates a loop pile or “knot”.  The back of a hand tufted rug (shown below) is usually covered with latex to hold the yarn in place then covered with a cloth backing.  It typically doesn’t have any fringe but can be sewn on.  See how they are  made.

Hand Knotted  or hand woven– someone ties each and every knot.  To be called a hand knotted oriental rug, it must be made of natural fibers (wools, cotton, silk), be woven entirely by hand, and of Asiatic origin such as Iran, India, Russia, China, Tibet, Nepal, Morocco etc.  Notice the slight changes in color and knot size in the image below.  The bit of white you see is the weft threads.  These will typically have fringe made from the cut warp threads.  Sometimes on more contemporary designs, the fringe has been “tucked” to make it more modern in appearance.

Value: A hand knotted 8×10 rug takes over six months to complete.  The quantity of time required to create the rug, the knot size, and pattern difficulty dictate the end cost of a rug. A rug in your home could have anywhere from 90 to 350 knots per square inch!  A well made, high quality hand knotted rug using fine wools, true color-fast dyes, and the most skillful hand-weaving techniques can last over four generations.  An oriental rug can be an investment that gains value over time.  After sixty years it is considered an antique oriental rug.

Differences between Persian and Turkish:  The main difference between Persian and Turkish rugs are the types of knots they use.  The knots used also define a broader region that uses that specific knot.  For example, Turkish rugs don’t come from just Turkey.  The knot that makes up the Turkish rugs are often used in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and more Eastern countries whereas the Persian knot is common in Pakistan, China, Nepal, Afghanistan, etc.  See this map (midway down) for more detail.

Content and why it matters (wear, style, etc). Silk, wool, nylon, etc.:  Silk is what gives oriental rugs that shimmer or sheen.  It is usually used in accent colors or intricate details in a rug.  A rug with high silk content will look shiny and should be used in a space with minimal traffic because silk is less durable than its wool and nylon counterparts.  For example, if you are doing a rug in an entry I’d avoid a rug with a high silk content.  Nylon is cheaper and will wear considerably well.  That being said, wool is used in higher-end rugs because it is extremely durable and a natural product.

If you want to really educate yourself, I recommend this site.  It’s from a rug company, Nejad, in Pennsylvania and is very thorough.  It has diagrams, stain tips and everything you could possibly need.  They did a great job of putting this info together, so enjoy!

Check out this fun picture we found on the Nejad site showing one of the largest looms – over 50 meters wide!  It is hard to fathom the size and complexity of weaving a rug of this size.

The kitchen is a gathering space.  Along with the friends and family who often congregate here, the kitchen is home to a million types of utensils, appliances, pots, pans, junk drawers, and much more.  The amount of “stuff” we accumulate in our kitchens can be overwhelming.  There are never enough nooks, crannies, cupboards, drawers, or shelves to put everything away.  Instead of trying to hide the things that make your kitchen a kitchen, consider a different way to store or display them.  They just might blend right in when given the right home in plain sight.

This is a beautifully simple kitchen.  Everyday items become the visual focal point from countertop to ceiling on butcher block shelves.

 I love the vintage table used as an island, open display of kitchen knives, and unique wall pattern that contrasts the plain white cabinets.

Try putting your coffee grounds, sugar, flour, and other household staples in glass jars instead of hiding them in cupboards.  The different colors and textures provide visual interest.

If you don’t have space on a shelf for your spices, try using the bottom side – buy matching jam jars with metal lids that you can tack to the underside of a shelf.

Warm up stainless steel with a few accents that bring your personality into the kitchen.

Pick two styles of containers/baskets that have different textures to organize open shelves.

Layer objects of varying size and scale.  Stack shelves of different lengths and widths to give a wall depth.

The perfect spot for every utensil.

Combine shelving and basic wall-hanging elements to create your own storage unit.

Now lets switch gears and put all of these pieces together.  Below are a selection of beautiful kitchens that caught my eye. Enjoy!!

There are two spaces in a home that people want to remodel most: the kitchen and the bathroom.  Unless your home is a new-build, it is highly unlikely that you love every nook and cranny of your bathroom.  For most of us in older homes, condo’s and apartments, there are a number of things in this space we would like to change, but don’t have the budget or ability to follow through on.  Before you decide to blow up your bathroom and start from scratch, take a look at some of the beautiful abodes we found and our tips to take your bathroom from ho-hum to your personal sanctuary.

Warm and cozy, the collection of unique mirrors in this bathroom are tied together through a simple coat of paint.  Try finding a few mirrors that have interesting frames at garage sales or thrift stores, spray paint the frames to match, and voila, your own wall-feature is complete.

Mirrors also help small spaces feel larger and reflect the colors of their surroundings so there is less need for artwork.  The use of reclaimed wood, likely from a wood shop table in this case, offers a touch of nostalgia.

A chandelier can completely change the feel of a space.  I love this wire one, it adds dimension and a touch of the whimsical to the already soft color palette.

Are you a bookworm?  Then bring some of that love for literature into your bathroom.  These backlit shelves give a very simple room color and personality.  Accessorize the shelves with a few objects that pull out the brightest color in the space.

This look is clean and fresh.  The vintage wall-mounted mirror offers some open storage, as the pedestal sink and subway tile create a balance between matte and glossy finishes.

Love the use of an antique armoire and bold colored claw foot tub.  To get a little extra spice, try adding a cool printed paper, wallpaper, or fabric as the insert panel in your storage unit.  The one shown was likely a china cabinet with glass panels.  Try painting the outside of your old claw-foot tub.  Both are easy weekend DIY projects that could transform you bath quickly.

Yay storage!!  To the women reading this, show off your shoes and handbags!  They are works of art in their own right.  This will give you a place to store them and admire them.  I also love how this bathroom makes use of the vertical space, and who doesn’t love a charming ladder.

A very easy way to change the feel of your bathroom is with a fun new shower curtain and a floor length mirror.  The chunky frame on this mirror is the perfect opposition to the ethereal shower curtain and playful tub.

This was too clever not to show.  What a great way to reuse an old bike and give a pedestal sink a little bit of storage for hand towels or other necessities in the bike’s basket. It feels funky and retro.

A great use of color and asymmetry.  This is a great idea for a small space.  You get a full length mirror, sink with vanity mirror, little bit of counter space, and 2 drawers all in one wall-mounted piece (gotta love the one leg!).

 An organic or sleek ledge is a beautiful, easy accent to add to a bathroom.  Put it on the longest wall to help elongate the space.

Storage is key in most bathrooms.  Pick a wall and turn it into a sort of apothecary cabinet.  Keep colors the same and hide unruly items like hair dryers, etc in boxes or baskets.

Ladders can be an great addition to any bath.  Simple and easy management for towels or magazines.

If you have very little space, one of the best things you could do is add a recessed Robern cabinet.  They come in many configurations and depths.  I used to have one with interior electrical outlets in our old home.  This is brilliant because it can hide razors and toothbrushes while charging so they don’t clutter the bathroom counter.  They also have a mirror defogger which is great when you are in a hurry and can’t see your mirror.