Archive | interior design RSS feed for this section

Favorite Kitchen Design Trends 2018

January 8, 2018 · Comments { 1 }

With a new year, many of us have plans to renovate or fresh-up our homes. One living space I’d recommend starting with the heart of the home, the kitchen. We recently finished our kitchen renovation and I must say, it was worth the pain. If you are considering a kitchen renovation of your home, take a look at my favorite kitchen design trends for 2018.

ONE :: DARK KITCHENS

Move over all-white kitchens – dark kitchens are in! The dark kitchen however is not a new trend in 2018, but one that’s been building momentum over the last few years and can’t be ignored. From modern to traditional, dark gray, navy and black are hues are being used on cabinetry. I love it paired with white walls like in this kitchen designed by Studio McGee.

TWO :: STATEMENT RANGES

Another trend in kitchen design are statement ranges. Elaborate hoods are being toned down, while ranges are ramping up in style. Even though there are several luxury ranges that would certainly make a statement in your kitchen, La Cornue is leading the pack. La Cornue gives you more flexibility in customizing the color and trim of their ranges with 8 colors and 3 trim options. This gourmet kitchen (spotted on Instagram) feature’s a gorgeous La Cornue range in tapestry.

THREE :: COZY KITCHENS

Open floor plans have allowed for a easy access from kitchen to living spaces, however it’s been the textiles and furnishings which help deliver a seamless flow. In the process, kitchens are now getting more inviting, approachable and cozier. Adding upholstered banquettes, throw pillows and plush area rugs in the kitchen is a trend I don’t see slowing down in 2018. (image sources – first via Instagram – Kate Marker Interiors and second via Instagram – Amber Interiors)

FOUR :: BLACK FINISHES

FOUR :: MATTE BLACK FINISHES

As I mentioned, darker colors are making a comeback in the kitchen, but it’s not just the cabinetry. I’m specifically noticing a shift from polished finishes (brass, chrome, etc.) to matte black. From lighting to faucets; appliances to hardware, matte black finishes are trending. Loving this breakfast nook with a woven pendant in black. (image sources – first via Instagram – Lilly Gianikas and second via Studio McGee)

Read full story By Cristin on January 8, 2018 in breakfast nooks, color, decorative hardware, design trends, Features, home accessories, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, throw pillows, Uncategorized

Outside In: The Gardens and Houses of Tichenor & Thorp

October 28, 2017 · Comments { 0 }

disclosure: This “Outside In: The Gardens and Houses of Tichenor Thorp” post contains some affiliate links, which means Simplified Bee receives commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Southern California architects and husband/wife team, M. Brian Tichenor and Raun Thorp are known for their thoughtful attention to the relationship between architecture and landscape. Their goal is to seamlessly knit together exterior and interior spaces. In their newly released book, Outside In: The Gardens and Houses of Tichenor & Thorp (Vendome), the design duo invites us into their own beautiful, luxurious homes. From Mediterranean to Colonial, California desert to the foot of the Tetons in Wyoming, the book delivers over 475 stunning photographs and illustrations. Starting with the land and views, it also dives into Tichenor & Thorp’s core design elements of each project. I found myself enjoying going between projects I was personally drawn to instead of reading from cover to cover. It a great book for any architectural and landscape lover.

When outside and inside are designed together and as a whole, there is a cohesiveness that is extraordinary: Interiors feel expansive and light, and the garden feels connected and accessible—an integral part of the living environment. – M. Brian Tichenor, AD

*all images used with permission by Vendome

Read full story By Cristin on October 28, 2017 in book, book review, Features, home exterior / curb appeal, interior design, Interiors

Book Review :: David Hicks Scrapbooks

September 20, 2017 · Comments { 0 }

David Hicks // David Hicks Scrapbooks @simplifiedbee

David Hicks, the iconic English interior designer, is best known for his bold use of color and geometric pattern as well as his famous clientele including British royals. His inspiring career spanned nearly five decades – from the 1950s to the 1990s, Hicks carefully and thoughtfully chronicled his vast work and accomplishments in scrapbooks. Clips from shelter magazines featuring his designs, newspaper articles, ticket stubs and personal letters from clients were just some of the memorabilia collected in the twenty-five volumes he created.

David Hicks Scrapbooks // Book Review @simplifiedbee

The precious scrapbooks became his legacy and his son and interior designer, Ashley Hicks pared down over 3,000 pages to just over 300 of the best that are featured in a newly released book, David Hicks Scrapbooks by Vendome. First off, the book’s cover is a stunner – it’s coffee table worthy for sure. And as you flip through the collage style pages with drawing and handwritten notes, you get a personal glimpse into the fascinating world of David Hicks. This beautiful book is a must for any Hicks fan and a great addition to your design library.

David Hicks Scrapbook page // book review @simplifiedbee

*all images used with permission // Vendome

**this post contains affiliate links

Read full story By Cristin on September 20, 2017 in book, book review, Features, interior design, pattern

Chic Modern Entry

September 7, 2017 · Comments { 1 }

disclosure: This post, Chic Modern Entry contains some affiliate links, which means Simplified Bee receives commission if you make a purchase using these links.

A home’s entry is one of the most important spaces to decorate and organize. It’s the place where you will meet & greet guests, take on and off shoes and hang up coats and scarves. And for this, it needs to be both beautiful and functional. This chic modern entry was designed by Lauren Nelson and recently featured in San Francisco Cottages & Gardens.

I’m loving all the design details – the chevron front door, striking Pietra marble floors and rustic wooden bench topped with an organic sheepskin rug. The console table and baskets are perfect for helping organized keys, scarves and shoes.