Spending more time working from home inspires people to modernize their home offices. Everyone needs a section in their house dedicated to their workspace, especially since working from home has become the new normal.
Forget slouching over your laptop on your dining room table or spending hours in bed on conference calls. A home office will help you better separate your work and home lives. Outfitting the space with design transforms it using function and style.
Unfortunately, creating an office is easier said than done. Maybe you don’t have much space inside your home, your room is severely outdated, not your preferred style, or it needs new décor. There are probably several reasons you haven’t implemented a modern contemporary home office in your space.
Perhaps you don’t know where to start. That’s why the designers atSan Francisco Design have compiled a list of tips for creating your home office design layout.
The interior designers at San Francisco Design work with homeowners throughout Utah, findingmodern office furniture and accessories that perfectly encapsulate their style. Have a small home office? No problem! Even for people with limited space, there are ways to update it to keep your creativity pumping.
Here are a few suggestions to follow from our design experts:
Go Dark and Moody
Many home offices stick to whites, creams, and grays. Make your space stand out by choosing darker hues and a moody finish. You don’t need to repaint your current office to capture this style, either. Instead, find furniture, rugs, and home décor that set the tone.
You can even add some candles, stack darker-colored books, and incorporate artwork that adds a touch of drama to the space.
Or Opt for Light and Bright
Perhaps you aren’t exactly the dark and moody type. That’s okay. Light and bright office décor can bring your desired fresh and vibrant feel into your workspace. To accomplish this look, add plenty of light fixtures, shiny metallics, and an array of mirrors, and select natural materials over synthetic ones.
Remember that this light and bright home office décor trend works very well in spaces with lots of natural light. However, even with limited space and windows, you can make it look straight out of the pages of Architectural Digest.
Worry About Function
Modern & contemporary home office design is all about function over form. As you envision the design of your new space, consider the activities and work you will accomplish. Your layout should help you focus on that work with ease.
You can even separate different areas if this helps you accomplish various tasks. Considering the function of the space will help you design your office and choose modern home décor that fits your needs.
Think Minimal
Another trick that makes contemporary home office design an easier pill to swallow is going minimal. You can create a modern office interior by using shapely decor pieces, exciting details, and a hint of sophistication. Find pieces with multiple functions to limit the décor you pack into the space. Once all is said and done, remove anything that feels heavy or too bulky.
Incorporate Storage
One of the main struggles of any home office is keeping things organized. Try to get ahead of the issue by selecting modern & contemporary furniture that acts as storage and other décor features. If you have the space, add a bookcase or cabinet to arrange stylishly and store important documents and books. Other storage options include floating shelves, built-ins, baskets, etc.
Breathe Life into the Space
One of the trends that isn’t dying down anytime soon is bringing the outdoors inside your home. Getting plants into your office can even boost productivity and morale. Take a page from our book and find ways of adding greenery to your space—several options, whether low light, medium, or large, can accommodate your area. Start small and see what works for you.
Add a Personal Touch
Our experts’ last tip for homeowners updating their home offices is to add a personal touch. Make it a place that fits your style. Add a few family portraits, your favorite candle, a quote, or other items. Add anything you need to feel at home to your modern home office layout. These pieces could help you keep going when you want to stop for the day.
Modern Home Office Décor at San Francisco Design
Find everything you need to make your home office modern at San Francisco Design. Our showroom has several modern furniture pieces, including desks, shelving, seating, lamps, and more. You can also receive insight from our group of talented interior designers.
A living space should be a thriving space. It’s not just the place where you have dinner or sleep each night. It should be where you can recharge and rejuvenate.
You can do many things from an interior design standpoint to foster a more nurturing environment at home. Some of them might be more approachable than you think. In the following post, we’ll give you ideas for healthy home design and teach you the basics of interior design for wellness.
Understanding Wellness in Home Design
Wellness is a buzzword you’ve heard frequently. It usually pertains to physical fitness and diet. However, wellness also has its place in home design.
Wellness in design uses sustainability practices and design principles to create a constructive space for your overall well-being. This involves carefully designing lines, colors, plants, lighting, building materials, and space to create an area that feels nurturing to the human body and mind.
Line and Color
Line and color are just two of the most basic design elements. How you utilize color and lines can impact how you feel in your living space.
Horizontal lines communicate stability and relaxation. If you pay attention to relaxing environments, you’ll find that they use many horizontal lines. Diagonal lines communicate energy and motion, while vertical lines create strength and elevation.
Colors can be warm, cool, or neutral. Warm colors are reds, oranges, and yellows. These communicate energy and positivity. Cool colors are greens, blues, and purples. They can be used to establish a sense of relaxation or calm. Neutral colors are blacks, whites, greys, and browns. They can be used to create calm or serve as a canvas for other colors that you’d like to utilize.
Incorporating Natural Elements
In interior design and wellness, sustainable materials must be considered. Materials like stone and wood are taken from natural resources and, when displayed properly, can create a sense of earthly connection and calm.
Plant life is also a highly approachable way to breathe life into any living space. Even if it’s only an artificial plant, a splash of green can break apart the neutral colors prevalent in most living spaces. However, it’s an excellent choice if you can feature natural plants. Plants create oxygen for us to breathe, and many plants, like pathos and bamboo, thrive indoors with little maintenance.
Lighting is another natural element that has a large impact on our well-being. Incorporating large windows with lots of natural light gives our bodies vitamin D and helps regulate our sleep cycles. This is due to the circadian rhythm that tells us when to wake up and go to sleep. Natural light has been shown to impact our physical and mental health positively, so if you have the chance to let natural light in, take it.
Ergonomic Furniture Choices
Imagine creating a space with plenty of natural light, open space, and thriving plant life, but there isn’t a comfortable place to sit. It doesn’t feel quite as relaxing anymore, does it?
Ergonomics is the study of designing items to better interact with the human body. As such, ergonomic furniture is designed to better align with our bodies. Ergonomic furniture is most commonly used in spaces like offices, where people sit for long periods of time. Ergonomic office chairs are popular furniture choices.
Trust San Fran’s Designers to Design a Space to Improve Your Well-Being
San Francisco Design employs some of the best Utah interior designers for crafting healthy spaces with a modern flair. Contact us if you want to create a space that promotes wellness and balance. We’re happy to offer you a free consultation.
In the world of interior design, certain styles stand the test of time and continue to captivate design enthusiasts decades after their origins. One such style is Mid-Century Modern (MCM) furniture. But what exactly is mid-century modern furniture, and why is it important to know its history?
Mid-century modern furniture originated in the mid-20th century, specifically between the 1940s and 1960s. It features clean lines, minimalistic designs, and a focus on functionality. Designers created this style to respond to the ornate and intricate designs of the previous era, offering a fresh approach emphasizing simplicity and elegance. The post-World War II era marked a desire for renewal and innovation. The design principles developed for MCM reflected this mindset.
MCM remains a popular choice for both designers and homeowners alike. Its timeless aesthetic and versatile design make it a perfect fit for various interior styles. Mid-century modern furniture can seamlessly blend into any space, whether you prefer a more traditional look or a contemporary approach.
One of mid-century modern furniture’s most defining features is its simple and clean designs. This style strongly emphasizes functionality, with form following closely behind. The clean lines and geometric shapes prominent in MCM pieces create a sleek and sophisticated look.
Mid-century modern furniture often utilizes natural wood, leather, and metal materials. These materials add warmth and texture to a space while also contributing to the overall durability and longevity of the furniture. By incorporating natural elements, MCM pieces bring a sense of the outdoors inside, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
Designers carefully craft each piece to look beautiful and serve a practical purpose. This marriage of aesthetics and functionality sets MCM furniture apart, making it a beloved choice for worldwide design enthusiasts.
Timelessness of Mid-Century Modern Design
The enduring popularity of MCM design comes from its clean lines, simple designs, and iconic elements. These features continue to resonate with people of all ages and preferences. Fans of classic elegance and contemporary minimalism can find something to like about what mid-century modern design offers.
Mid-century modern design has profoundly impacted contemporary design trends, influencing everything from furniture to architecture to fashion. Its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and elegance has inspired countless designers to create their own interpretations of this iconic style. Today, you can see these design elements in various products, from lighting fixtures to textiles to accessories.
Throughout the decades, MCM furniture has remained a relevant and popular choice for contemporary lifestyles. Its clean and uncluttered aesthetic aligns well with the current trend towards minimalism and simplicity in interior design. Additionally, the functionality and versatility of MCM furniture make it a practical choice for today’s busy and dynamic lifestyles.
Update your office space with modern furniture styles. Explore San Fran Design’s selection of modern office furniture styles.
Mid-Century Modern Revival
Classic interior design styles are back, and MCM furniture plays a significant role in this revival.
This design style has seen a remarkable resurgence in recent years, becoming a staple in current interior design trends. From living rooms to dining rooms and everything in between, you can find mid-century modern furniture pieces in homes, offices, and public spaces alike. It has become a go-to choice for those looking to infuse their spaces with a touch of retro charm and timeless elegance. The clean, simple lines of MCM furniture make it versatile and easy to incorporate into a variety of design styles. This versatility makes it a favorite among interior designers and homeowners alike.
In addition to its popularity in interior design, mid-century modern furniture frequently appears in mainstream media and culture. From TV shows, movies, and magazines to social media platforms, MCM pieces often indicate sophistication and style. Celebrities, influencers, and tastemakers have all embraced the MCM trend, further solidifying its place in contemporary design and lifestyle.
Mid-century modern furniture aligns well with sustainable design principles, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers. Many MCM furniture manufacturers use natural materials such as wood, leather, and metal, which are renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly. People can enhance their spaces’ style by choosing mid-century modern furniture and reducing their carbon footprint by supporting responsible production practices.
Natural materials used in mid-century modern furniture design include teak, walnut, oak, leather, and metal. These materials are ideal for eco-friendly furniture because of their durability, beauty, and sustainability.
The eco-friendly appeal of mid-century modern makes people increasingly interested in sustainable design. In a world where environmental consciousness has become more critical than ever, consumers seek furniture that looks good and does good for the planet. By investing in these pieces, they can enjoy beautiful, well-crafted furniture while positively impacting the environment.
What Influences Our Style Preferences?
Culture plays a significant role in shaping style at any given time. Design trends, including mid-century modern furniture, come back in cycles, reflecting society’s changing tastes and preferences. While some styles may fall out of favor, they often resurface as part of a nostalgic revival or a renewed appreciation for their design aesthetic.
Personal taste also plays a crucial factor in determining how we decorate our spaces. While following trends can be fun and inspiring, choose pieces that resonate with your style and personality. Embrace a love for mid-century modern furniture, a fondness for minimalist decor, or a passion for eclectic design. Whatever you choose, your home should reflect you and what you love.
Check out our furniture style guide to help make the best style choices for your space.
Mid-Century Modern Challenges
While mid-century modern furniture maintains its durability and longevity, restoring these vintage pieces still presents challenges. The natural materials used in MCM furniture, such as wood and leather, can suffer damage from wear and tear over time. Proper care and maintenance help ensure that your MCM pieces remain in pristine condition for years to come.
As mid-century modern furniture continues to gain popularity, it may become overexposed and ubiquitous in the design world. Mix and match MCM pieces with other styles and influences to avoid falling into the trap of cookie-cutter decor. Adding your own personal touches and unique decor elements can create a truly one-of-a-kind space that reflects your style.
Expert Opinions and Stories
At San Francisco Design, our interior designers sincerely appreciate MCM furniture and its enduring appeal. They often incorporate MCM pieces into their design projects, blending the past with the present to create unique and stylish spaces. Homeowners and design enthusiasts continue to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of MCM furniture, making it a sought-after choice for those looking to elevate their interiors.
Professionals in the design industry also acknowledge the lasting appeal of mid-century modern furniture. Its organic shapes,and timeless elegance make it a staple in contemporary design, appealing to various tastes and preferences. From iconic designs to modern interpretations, MCM furniture continues to inspire and delight those who seek quality, style, and sophistication in their decor.
Mid-Century Modern Style Endures
This design style continues to captivate the hearts of design enthusiasts around the world. Its timeless aesthetic and iconic pieces have left a lasting impact on the design world, inspiring countless designers and homeowners to incorporate MCM elements into their spaces. Mid-century modern furniture’s enduring appeal and versatile nature make it a popular choice for a wide range of interior styles and lifestyles. As we look towards the future, people will continue to love and cherish MCM furniture for generations.
Where to Learn More
Explore Our Mid-Century Modern Collection Today!
Incorporate MCM elements into your home when you browse and shop San Fran Design’s collection of mid-century modern furniture in Utah. From sofas to sleeper sofas to sectionals to coffee tables, we have everything you need to create a stylish and inviting space that reflects your style.
We offer a complimentary design consultation for people interested in incorporating mid-century modern elements into their living spaces but who still need to figure out where to start. Our interior design services can help you bring your vision to life, create a space that stuns guests, and perform its designed function flawlessly. Update your living room, office, or bedroom. Our team of experienced designers can help. Schedule your free design consultation today.
Follow San Francisco Design on social media for daily doses of design inspiration and MCM decor ideas that will elevate your space with style and sophistication.
Mid-Century Modern (MCM) design has become increasingly popular in recent years for its sleek lines, iconic furniture pieces, and timeless appeal. While MCM design is often associated with living areas and family homes, it can also be an excellent fit for a home office. In this blog post, we will explore mid-century modern office design and provide insights on effectively integrating MCM office decor into your workspace.
The Home Office Workspace
As the trend of remote work continues to grow, more individuals find themselves in need of a functional and inspiring home office space. An efficient workspace can significantly enhance productivity and creativity, and interior design is vital in achieving this. By carefully selecting furniture, lighting, and decor, you can create a home office environment that is comfortable and productive.
Creating a practical and inspiring home office can significantly impact your productivity and well-being. The design of your workspace influences your ability to concentrate, stay organized, and feel motivated. With MCM design, you can find the balance between style and functionality.
How To Combine Mid-Century Modern Office Design with Practicality
Integrating MCM design into a home office requires a careful balance between aesthetics and practicality. To achieve this, follow these tips and strategies:
Choose Functional Furniture
Look for mid-century modern office chairs and furniture that prioritize comfort and ergonomic support. Consider adjustable features and ample storage options. For example, a mid-century modern office desk with built-in storage drawers or a chair that provides proper lumbar support can improve your overall working experience.
Lighten Up
Adequate lighting improves any workspace. Incorporate task lighting to ensure proper illumination for work tasks. Floor lamps, desk lamps, and pendant lights with MCM design elements can add both functionality and style to your home office.
Optimize Storage
MCM design often emphasizes clean lines and minimalism. Focus on finding storage solutions that look great while functioning well, such as sleek shelves or hidden storage compartments. Keeping your workspace organized will help enhance productivity and create a clutter-free environment.
For example, a home office designed by San Francisco Design in Salt Lake City could feature a mid-century desk with clean lines, a comfortable chair upholstered in a vibrant fabric, and a statement pendant light that adds a touch of elegance. Warm wood tones, geometric patterns, and pops of color create a visually stimulating and inspiring space to work in.
Let Your Home Office Reflect Your Personality
Your home office should reflect your personality and work style. Consider your design preferences, whether you lean towards bold colors or prefer a more muted palette. Personal touches and customization, such as artwork or meaningful accessories, can create a space that inspires and motivates you.
Consider incorporating elements that showcase your interests and hobbies. If you love nature, bring in plants and natural textures. If you have a passion for art, display your favorite pieces or create a gallery wall. Creating a space that resonates with you can have a positive impact on your mood and productivity.
Need Help? Schedule a Consultation Today!
Mid-Century Modern design can indeed belong in a home office. By following the tips and strategies mentioned in this blog post, you can achieve a perfect balance between MCM aesthetics and practicality. If you need further guidance or assistance in designing your ideal home office, San Francisco Design offers professional interior design consultations.
By scheduling a consultation with the experienced interior designers at San Francisco Design, you can receive personalized recommendations and tailored solutions for your home office. Whether you prefer traditional in-person interior design consultations or the convenience of E-design virtual services, San Francisco Design can help.
Take the first step toward creating a productive and visually stunning home office. Contact San Francisco Design today. Explore the potential of Mid-Century Modern design in your workspace and transform your home office into a stylish and functional haven.
A coffee table is a delightful and functional addition to any living space. It helps create a space where people can gather and connect, usually over drinks or snacks.
You might be wondering how to decorate a coffee table or have questions about coffee table styling. After all, a small table by the sofa doesn’t have much life without a little intention. Let San Francisco Design help you bring a room to life with your coffee table.
Choosing the Right Coffee Table
Coffee tables come in various materials and styles. Materials can include glass, wood, metal, and plastic. Styles reflect a coffee table’s shape, such as square, rectangle, round, oval, and free-form. Any mixture of shapes and materials will vary depending on the manufacturer. Some may come preassembled, or others may require some assembly at home.
Before you choose what coffee table suits your room best, you’ll need to measure the area in question. Ensure sufficient walking room between the seats and the table. Additionally, measure the seats near the coffee table, including the height from the ground to the seating surfaces. You won’t want a surface that is too high or too low while sitting down.
Understanding the Basics of Coffee Table Styling
Once you’ve selected a coffee table, it’s time to style it. This is where the fun begins. These ideas for coffee table decor should help you decide what fits your style and what will look best in your living space.
You might want to consider one of these themes as you choose your style and decorations:
Minimalist – Simple shapes, a monochromatic color scheme, an uncluttered feeling
Rustic – Earthy, organic, strong, inspired by the great outdoors
Modern – Environmentally-friendly, neutral textures, embraces practicality and function
Mid-century – Contradicting materials and textures, curved shapes, bold colors, focus on function over form
Decorative Items
These items will bring a splash of wow to your coffee table. Decorative items include books, vases, candles, and plates. It’s not just limited to these, however. Consider decorating with a vintage board game for a dash of fun or a sculpture to reflect your class.
Personal Touches
Your coffee table is a canvas to show your guests parts of your life, so it’s also an opportunity to put items like pictures and souvenirs on display. When selecting a picture frame, pick a material that matches or contrasts well with the coffee table’s color and construction. This could mean picking a white frame if you have a black coffee table or a gold frame if you have a dark wooded table.
When it comes to souvenirs, be sure it’s an item that matches the rest of the room. You won’t want your plastic bubble wand from the happiest place on earth sitting alone on a rustic steel table. The souvenir should feel harmonious with the coffee table and the rest of the room.
Greenery
A splash of green breathes life into any room. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider an easy-to-manage plant like a succulent, pathos, or spider plant. As with other decorations, you’ll want to consider the material and color of the planter and how it’ll look on the table. Lastly, be sure to place something between the planter and the table to avoid water marks.
Practical Items
These items have not just a decorative use but a practical one. This would include items like coasters and trays. Trays for coffee tables have become incredibly popular because they are a neat way of containing and organizing decorative elements. You can also use them to create a sense of separation and balance from other elements on the table.
Placement
When placing the items on your coffee table, strike a sense of balance and motion. A helpful guide is the Rule of Thirds—visually separate your coffee table into three sections and use your items to accentuate them.
You might also want to consider creating a sense of motion by placing items of varying heights near each other. For example, you could have candles resting on three candlesticks that get progressively higher. Don’t just utilize breadth, utilize height as well.
Coffee Table Styling Mistakes to Avoid
Be intentional. Ask yourself if the decorations or styles you want to implement add or detract from the feeling of the room. If it detracts, avoid it.
Avoid leaving mail and remote controls on the coffee table. It can deflate the room’s energy. Items that are disproportionately large or small on the coffee table can also call unwanted attention to themselves.
Lastly, we advise you not to decorate your coffee table with highly valuable items. It may be tempting to showcase an expensive statue or vase, but leaving it in a place like a coffee table could leave it prone to accidents, resulting in damage. Don’t leave anything on your coffee table that isn’t ultimately replaceable.
Visit San Francisco Design
Ultimately, your coffee table design should reflect your personality. If you’d like help from our experts on coffee table decor, visit our furniture stores in Salt Lake City or Park City. If you’d like to stay home, shop coffee tables on our website to find a style and material that works for you.
If you’re in the process of building a home or would like to renovate a space, you’re also likely in the process of searching for an interior designer. Each designer specializes in a particular type of interior design, so finding one that works with your style is essential. If you are interested in modern, mid-century, or contemporary design, you’ll want to consider hiring an interior designer specializing in mid-century modern design. In this blog post, we’ll discuss just a few reasons why.
Understanding Mid-Century Modern Design
First, let’s learn about the origins of mid-century modern design and its influence on the interior design world.
As a post-World War II style that emerged in the middle of the 20th century, mid-century modern was created almost out of necessity; designers wanted to develop innovative ideas to bridge the gap between mass production furniture and the era’s technology. Mid-century modern pieces are often characterized by their focus on clean lines, organic shapes, and gentle curves. This straightforward approach to design was welcomed as a way to provide simplistic, functional furniture instead of the frilly and ornate designs from decades before. Mid-century modern design is still embraced for its functionality and widely accessible design. As an interior design staple, many mid-century modern pieces are incorporated into many modern styles.
The Value of Specialization for Clients
Now that we understand a little more about mid-century modern interiors and design, what are the benefits of hiring an interior designer specializing in this style? Mid-century modern interior designers focus specifically on the client’s needs with an in-depth focus on specialization that results in creative solutions. Modern mid-century designers can also access unique products and resources to create customized styles.
Achieving a Cohesive Vision
When you hire a designer specializing in mid-century modern interiors, you’ll also hire a designer who can deliver a unified aesthetic. They understand the importance of incorporating color in interior design and how to use it effectively. Whether you’re planning on a complete mid-century design or would rather incorporate a few pieces into your style, interior designers can do this effortlessly by choosing the correct elements to incorporate. This focus on a particular style streamlines the design process for clients by utilizing professional interior design tips and knowledge.
Maximizing Investment
Generally speaking, interior designers who focus on mid-century modern designs make informed decisions based on their clients’ budgets while also focusing on finding quality pieces to perfect any space.
Some clients may hesitate to invest much of their design budget into mid-century modern pieces. After all, what happens if a client changes their mind or style a few years down the road? Luckily, thanks to their known quality and impeccable ergonomics, mid-century modern pieces have high resale values, giving clients a great return on investment if they change their minds.
Access to Exclusive Resources
Yet another benefit of hiring a mid-century modern designer is their exclusive access to unique pieces. Instead of purchasing the same mass-market-designed furniture available in many places, interior designers focus on finding pieces unique for your space and style. With exclusive access to mid-century pieces and artwork, interior designers can personalize many design elements. For example, your interior designer can customize many mid-century modern pieces to include the fabric, leather, or pattern you choose.
Case Studies and Success Stories
At San Francisco Design, we take great pride in providing our clients exactly what they need, including mid-century modern color palettes, patterns, and pieces. Here are a few of our recent success stories:
“We always enjoy shopping for furniture at San Francisco Design. We find unique furniture products that meet our design tastes. The service is always exceptional, and this time was no exception. Camille was fabulous! She met all of our needs, and her attention to detail enabled us to meet our critical delivery needs! Thank you!” – Kelly N.
“Jane was exceptionally helpful assisting my husband and I pick out a new sofa! She was fun and asked questions that enabled her to get a feel for our tastes and price range. She was a pleasure to work with! I look forward to working with her as we continue to update our home furnishings.” – Natalie F.
Finding the Right MCM Designer
Searching for the right mid-century modern designer may seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you’ll find a designer that suits your needs. First, ask friends and family who have used interior design resources for referrals. Word of mouth is often the best place to begin a search. Next, search online directories for mid-century modern specialists in your area. While hiring anyone across the country is easy, we recommend hiring someone local because they will better understand your environment.
Once you’ve narrowed your search, you can ask additional questions to pick the right designer, such as “How much do your services cost?” and “What are your priorities when working on a budget?” Focus on how they work with you and take note of their communication skills. After all, finding a designer who can focus on providing a collaborative experience is important.
The Search for Mid-Century Modern Designers Starts at San Francisco Design
As a leader in contemporary design and modern home furniture, San Francisco Design is your source for professional and knowledgeable interior design services. Our experts create custom designs to fit the unique needs of your space. We guide our clients through the design process as their partner, working hard to capture each client’s unique vision. You can find our professionals at our storefronts in Salt Lake City and Park City. And if you live across the country but want to benefit from our services? We offer e-design virtual interior design services that are a convenient option for many clients. Learn more about us by exploring our modern interior design styles or contacting us today.
Beginning the design process can feel a little overwhelming. After all, there are so many design styles and beautiful items to decorate with; how do you create a relaxing and cohesive space that’s not too overwhelming? We’ve got a few expert interior design tips to share about the basics of creating a well-designed space. These designer tips are easy to follow and can be applied to almost any room of the house.
Start with a Natural Color
No matter which room you are designing or remodeling, make sure that you start with a neutral base. All of the colors ranging from cream to beige fit perfectly on the neutrality scale. A naturally-colored base gives you a lot of room to work with. Also, it opens up any space by reflecting the natural light pouring in from doors and windows. Conversely, darker colors can make a room appear smaller and limit your design later on down the road.
Mix In Texture
Keep things interesting by adding different textures, patterns, fabrics, and finishes. This is one of our favorite interior design tips because you begin your design with a neutral color base, and you can play around with various accessories and other decorating elements. All good interior decorators will tell you that accent fabrics and accessories are a great way to add visually-compelling pieces that you can easily switch on when the trends change.
Add Contrast and Depth
If you have ever been in a room that feels overwhelming, you know precisely why depth is crucial to professional interior design. However, it’s not only small spaces that need a sense of depth. Make your space more complex by adding contrasting elements, including contrasting hues, mirrors, layered fabrics, a different paint color, and minimalistic décor.
Increase Natural Sunlight
While you might think shutting the blinds is the fastest way to a calm space, increasing natural light has more benefits than artificial light. Many homeowners close their curtains and switch on their lights. Do better by opening your blinds and windows more often. It will help you relax and get your body into its natural rhythm.
Add Some Greenery
Greenery is a stylistic option for those wanting to increase positive energy in their homes. Not only can it help your mental space and productivity, but it enables you to breathe easier. Fortunately, some options work well for beginners who want a plant that is easy to maintain. For years, homeowners have added a plant and fresh flowers here and there, but nowadays, people are loading up on the home greenery. By adding a small collection into your space, you will get added style points and breathe a bit easier.
Rearrange Your Feng Shui
Here’s a simple expert interior design tip: sometimes, you need just a simple furniture rearrangement to make things look and feel better. One of the classic methods of getting calm energy into your home is rearranging your pieces of furniture, such as sofas and coffee tables, using the Feng Shui method. While you don’t need to use the technical practice of Feng Shui, rearranging your furniture can give you more open space than before. By having less in one area, you will automatically feel more relaxed. Plus, extra clutter can keep your mind racing with thoughts of cleaning. Give your space the Feng Shui makeover and free up your space. It could be the key to unlocking your stress-free environment.
Create a Focal Point
Creating a focal point in any room is a key point of any interior home styling. Packing a space with a variety of wow items is a temptation, but it is also a risk. Not only does a well-put-together mantel provide you with the perfect place to play around with different pieces, but it creates an awe-inspiring focal point.
But creating a contemporary mantel can be tricky. If you overload it with accessories, it can quickly look overstuffed and challenge the eye. Keep it too plain, and a mantel could seem boring. That’s why bringing together the perfect balance of simplicity and uniqueness is how our interior designers style their professionally-crafted mantel designs. Here are a few of our tips for creating a jaw-dropping mantel:
TIP #1: FOCUS ON A WOW ITEM
The best way to start styling your mantel is by finding an item to focus on in your design. Whether it’s your favorite piece of artwork, a mirror, or a television, choosing one larger piece to center your design will make any mantel look professionally put-together. It is also great to include artwork that is special to you, even if you have had it for years. Adding it to your freshly-styled mantel will make the piece look brand new.
TIP #2: ADD A FEW CONTAINERS
Smaller containers that fit on a mantel help add complexity to the design. Containers work well standing on their own, but are even better when filled with greenery or fresh flowers. You can also find a variety of small containers like patterned boxes and stack them on top of each other. These will add some complexity that every professionally-designed area needs.
TIP #3: CREATE LEVELS
Another element of a beautifully-styled mantel is creating levels to the design. Pick items that feature different heights and layers. If you use accessories that are one height, your mantel will look simple, no matter how many things you use. Use books, candles, vases, and mirrors that vary in size, shape, and height. Together, it will give them plenty to look at, so it stays interesting no matter how long you look at it.
TIP #4: ADD IN SMALLER ACCESSORIES
No mantel is complete without a collection of unique accessories. Our designers suggest leaving this tip for the last step of your design. That way, you can find the spaces in your mantel that need something extra. You should also opt for special items, whether picture frames, keepsakes collected on memorable trips, or accessories that match your personality. We suggest keeping your mantel accessories to a minimum. The more you add, the more eclectic your mantel will look. Our interior designers use contemporary design rules and only suggest featuring 2-3 smaller items.
For More Expert Design Advice, Trust San Francisco Design
Need more interior design help? At San Francisco Design, we’re here for any design questions you may have. Whether you’re designing a new house, redoing a house, or simply switching a few pieces out from a room, we can help you tackle it. Reach out to our interior design experts team today to get started.
At a time when we’re connected to more people and ideas than ever before, color trends allow us to express who we are and what we care about. Creating a custom, colorful home design means making many choices. Every inch of your interiors can make a statement when done right — from the layout of the space to the light fixtures, art, modern furniture, and accessories. In a modern space, there are hundreds of ways you can turn your house into a home. One area our interior designers focus on, year after year, is color schemes for your wall space.
Salt Lake City interior design trends have led many homeowners towards neutral colors like taupes, creams, or whites for several years. While these can be beautiful in the right space, brighter and more saturated tones are slowly increasing in popularity once again. In fact, paint color can significantly impact a room psychologically and aesthetically. Whichever color scheme you choose, you can make your space feel cozy, modern, contemporary, dramatic, or plain. It all depends on your choices.
What Color Should I Paint My Room?
Along with a color’s mental impact, the colors you pick can tie your space together or throw it off. That is one of the reasons many homeowners leaned towards less impactful colors. However, you can easily overcomplicate your color scheme decisions.
Don’t be scared of a bit of color in your home; our interior designers from our modern furniture store in Salt Lake City understand how to use color to your advantage. We are here to walk you through it! Below, find our go-to guide for selecting the right wall color for your home — and then learn how to let that choice guide the rest of your interior design.
How to Choose the Right Wall Color
One area that can make the biggest impact (and with the smallest price tag) is your wall color. Introducing a bolder wall color does more than fulfill a trend — it can also have a significant psychological and aesthetic impact on a room. Studies from the London Image Institute show a direct correlation between color and specific moods, such as red for excitement, strength, and love; blue for trust, peace, and loyalty; and purple for luxury, spirituality, and ambition. Whichever color you choose, know that it will immediately impact the feeling of your space. Cozy, modern, contemporary, dramatic, or calm? It all depends on your choices. Here’s how to get started:
Make A Plan
Before you head to your local paint shop, you must have a plan. Designing a space that fits your home requires considering what will go into the room. You must understand other elements in the area: existing furniture and decor, architectural elements, and even nearby rooms or spaces. Keep the rest of your home in mind throughout the color-swatching process; it’ll help you narrow your choices.
It will also help to envision your dream home. Keep in mind that changing up the color scheme of your home will dramatically affect the look and feel of your home. Fortunately, paint can always be swapped out, so have fun, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes.
Hue Matters More Than Shade
One of the secrets experienced interior designers understand is that a color’s hue is more critical than its shade. While picking out your paint color, choose the hue (e.g., red, white, blue, orange, or grey), then narrow it down to the specific shade (e.g., Robin’s egg, cobalt, navy, or sky).
While an overall hue like blue can convey similar emotions, different shades bring forth nuances that can speak directly to your unique space. Dark shades can make a room feel smaller and more intimate. They are ideal for cozy spaces like an office, powder room, or bedroom. Lighter shades expand the room, making it feel open and fresh. These are great for rooms with higher foot traffic, like a kitchen, living room, or a space with lots of natural light.
Get Inspired
The space will feel different depending on the color you choose for your walls.
Color can help create the desired mood in your home. Certain colors will evoke certain emotions in anyone who sees them. To make your bedroom feel calming, try using warm colors associated with peace and serenity, like yellow or pale blue. If you need more interior design inspiration, research what colors are trending. While trends aren’t everything regarding a lasting home design, they can introduce you to new and different colors you may not have considered.
For example, here are some of the latest trending colors to consider for your space:
Sunnyside Yellow
Yellow conveys creativity, happiness, and warmth. Bold, vibrant, and beautiful, a bright yellow will make you want to get up and dance. In place of neutrals, let your personality show through your wall colors and decorations. Create an inviting kitchen space or guest bedroom by painting your wall (or a portion of your wall) with this outstanding tone. Yellow is a great color when it comes to both interior and exterior design. It conveys creativity, happiness, warmth, and brightness.
In interior design, yellow can be a focal point or accent. For example, in a living room, you could add a yellow ottoman with some pillows to make it pop. You could add a small vase of yellow flowers in a bathroom to decorate the sink.
Dusty Pink
Compassion and sophistication come through with this muted pink tone. Not only is this a great shade for a master bedroom or bathroom, but it’s also an unexpected tone for a library or powder room. Dusty Pink is a great color for anyone who wants to add more of a touch of sophistication.
This tone is often found in rooms with very light-colored walls and furniture or in white or light-colored wall colors. Dusty Pink can be used as a very deep accent color in this color scheme, providing contrast against the lighter surroundings. This color also adds warmth to a predominantly cool-toned room, especially when paired with deep teal or turquoise blue shades.
Dusty Pink also pairs well with neutral-toned fabrics such as cream and beige. It can make for an elegant nursery wall paint color on its own if you want to go for something simple and clean. A lighter Dusty Pink can also make for a beautiful accent wall. Use this color in your living room, bedroom, or home office to accent furniture that would otherwise blend in.
Blue Breeze
This shade is peaceful and serene for anyone looking to give their home a high-class aesthetic. Blue is a classic color for a bedroom, thanks to its ability to calm your mind and lift your spirits. This shade is excellent for anyone looking to give their home an elegant and tranquil feel. The blue tone reflects peace and tranquility, making it the perfect choice for the home décor.
Adding this cool color to the home puts more emphasis on cabinets and furniture. We think this shade is ideal for the bathroom, kitchen, or home office. Pair it with white accents and simple greenery for a delicate touch.
Green, Green, Green
Bring nature inside with shades of green. From sage to seafoam, green is airy, whimsical, and has a restorative touch. Green is if you’ve been searching for a color to engage the senses and bring newfound freshness to your home. Earthy tones have the power to remind us of our connection with nature.
Smooth Gray
The best thing about gray is its versatility. If you’re in the process of updating your space, chances are you’ve noticed that the neutral shade is everywhere. Not only is gray a great option for wall colors, but it’s also perfect for furniture, cabinets, fireplaces, and everything in between. Gray can be overlapped and doesn’t clash easily with any other color in the spectrum, creating endless design possibilities. No wonder it’s one of the most popular colors for everything from wall paint to furniture.
Gray is a safe and versatile choice for any room in the house. It has been around for centuries and never seems out of style. It’s also easy to match with other colors when it comes time to refresh your decor. If you need a grounding color in your home, choose a smooth gray and enjoy it for years.
Pale Lavender
A soft lilac can be a fresh take on “neutral” as it pairs well with other colors. This whimsical shade is perfect practically anywhere and can be paired with bold modern furniture. Add this pale lilac to your dining room for a wonderfully subtle pop of color.
Choosing a single color to commit to may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Try this exercise: flip through several magazines and tear out the home images you feel drawn to. What colors or themes do these images have in common? Do you like soft, light, or darker, more saturated shades? Use this info to guide your search.
Try It Out
Always test paint colors in the space they’ll live before you decide on a color. Why? Lighting varies drastically from home to home and even from room to room. While you may love color in the paint store, you may find it looks very different in your own space. Plus, bringing a sample home lets you test the color with your furniture and decor.
If you are afraid of sampling the color on your wall, try putting it on a poster board and hanging it on the walls you intend to paint. This makes it easy to manipulate and swap out for different colors. Don’t forget: peek at the color several times throughout the day. Morning and evening light may change the color of your room.
Let Your Wall Color Guide The Rest Of Your Space
“Picking a color for a room should be a thoughtful process because colors can influence moods and feelings.” As mentioned by Interior Design Expert Lauren Nicole Shaw. You have to take into consideration that once you pick the perfect wall color, it has an impact on everything else that you put in your space. Let your wall color dictate what other colors you use in the room, picking paint colors for furniture and accents like lamps and rugs.
Once you settle on a color for your space, let it drive new design choices throughout the room. Switch up your furniture layout. Introduce a bold rug. Replace a tired light fixture. Here are some things to keep in mind when introducing new, colorful pieces to your freshly painted room:
Know The Difference Between Complementary And Analogous
When picking your color schemes, there are two ways you can go: complementary or analogous. Complementary color schemes involve colors that lie across from each other on the color wheel. These schemes tend to have a more calming effect on the mind and blend warm and cool tones.
Analogous colors, on the other hand, include colors that sit next to each other on the wheel. These tend to be more dramatic and stimulating and are usually either warm or cool. Read below to learn how to distinguish the temperature of your color choices.
Warm Tones
Warm tones include red, orange, and yellow, and variations of those three colors. These are the colors of fire, fall leaves, sunsets, and sunrises and are generally energizing, passionate, and positive.
Red and yellow are both primary colors, with orange falling in the middle (making it a secondary color), which means warm colors are all truly warm and aren’t created by combining warm and cool colors. Use warm colors in your designs to reflect passion, happiness, enthusiasm, and energy.
Cool Tones
Cool colors, including green, blue, and purple, are often more subdued than warm colors. They are the colors of night, water, of nature and are usually calming, relaxing, and somewhat reserved. Blue is the only primary color within the cool spectrum, which means the other colors are created by combining blue with a warm color (yellow for green and red for purple).
Because of this, green takes on some of the attributes of yellow, and purple takes on some of the attributes of red. Use cool colors in your designs to give a sense of calm or professionalism.
Start Small (And Don’t Be Afraid To Go Slow)
One of the great things about color is that you don’t have to use a lot to make an impact. If a fresh wall color is enough of a color injection for you initially, slowly introduce more color over time. Consider adding small decorative items like pillows and vases before working on a new sofa or custom curtains. “Slow” design is smart for achieving long-lasting results you’ll love.
Use Neutrals Strategically
Neutral colors can be powerful tools in your design when paired with colorful furniture, decor, and walls. Warm or cool taupes, creams, and blacks give your eye a place to rest when scanning a colorful space. They also offer a sophisticated backdrop to help color pack a heavier punch into your design. When experimenting with color, it’s often a good idea to invest in timeless neutral pieces that can evolve with your space over time. For instance, think about using a neutral sofa as the backdrop of your colorful living room. Or, invest in high-quality neutral drapes or an area rug to give colorful chairs and artwork center stage.
Remember The 60-30-10 Rule
Last but certainly not least, learn and memorize the 60-30-10 rule — a timeless design tool every interior designer knows. It is a helpful guideline for determining how much of one color and how little of another should be used. The concept is meant to bring balance and works in tandem with the color wheel, so it can also be applied to your space
60% of your design should be the main color for your room.
Most likely, the 60% in a living room would be most of your walls, large accent pieces like area rugs, and perhaps a sofa. The 60% color anchors the space and is a backdrop for what comes next.
30% of your design should be the secondary color.
You’ll be using half as much of this color as your main color. So this could be draperies, accent chairs, bed linens, painted furniture, or even creating an accent wall. The secondary color supports the main color but is different enough to set them apart and give the room interest. The real fun comes with the accent color you’ll be adding next.
10% of your design should be the accent color.
This is your throw pillows, decorative accessories, and artwork for a living room. For a bedroom, this could be accent pillows on the bed, bedside table lamps, and nightstand candles. Your accent color can be pulled from artwork in the room or from a printed fabric on larger items.
The 60-30-10 rule is a bit of a cheat sheet for novice DIY designers. It can make choosing color simple and help you achieve balance in decorating.
Get Colorful with Help From our Interior Designers
A fresh color can do wonders for helping you see your space in a totally new light. And if you’re looking for a professional opinion, chat with our interior designer team at San Francisco Design. Our modern furniture stores in Salt Lake City & Park City, UT, have the fresh, trendy pieces you need to revitalize your space after a fresh coat of paint. Contact us or stop by a showroom today to see what’s new.
What Interior Design Trends Are Going Out of Style?
As you begin the process of decorating your house, figuring out your style can be a challenge. You’ll want to ask yourself, what do you want your home to be? Do you want a serene retreat? An energetic, colorful space for entertaining? Or perhaps an eclectic space to collect your treasures? It’s helpful to write down or save pictures of what inspires you. What colors, patterns, and styles do you gravitate to?
If you prefer a fresh design that is updated with current design trends, you’ll want to know trends that are on their way out. In this blog post, we’ll talk about why trends change so quickly and what is out when it comes to trends in 2024.
Outdated Interior Design Trends
As we all know, design styles come and go quickly. Social media and the internet spread trends far and wide, only to move on quickly when things feel saturated. Influencers always look for the next big trend, which constantly changes things. With trends updating so fast, here’s a glimpse into some items in your home that could be outdated and might need a little refresh.
Are Sectionals Out of Style?
Sectionals are here to stay; this sofa style is gaining popularity, partly due to everyone spending a lot of time at home in the past few years. Many people favor them over the smaller statement sofas that were popular in the past. They’re loved for their practicality and comfort. While some styles of sectionals are out, search for one that keeps your room feeling light and spacious.
Above all, consider what will work for your family. Will you be watching TV? Doing homework or family projects? That will determine whether you need a sectional for optimal seating or a sofa and chairs.
Are Accent Walls Out of Style?
With so many different design styles out there, you may wonder, are accent walls out of style? Accent walls are still in as long as they’re done correctly. Avoid using a solid, bold color when designing an accent wall in your space. Instead, make an accent with a unique texture (like beadboard or a textured compound over drywall) or a subtle wallpaper in the same color tone as the rest of the space. Above all, make sure you’re choosing the right wall to accent. It’s wise to pick the first wall you see when you walk into a room.
Is Dark Wood Furniture Out of Style?
While recent trends have steered towards light and bright rooms, dark wood furniture still has its place in modern design. The key is to balance dark furniture with contrasting flooring, bright colors, and plenty of light fixtures to keep your room from feeling dark or crowded.
Is Oil-Rubbed Bronze Out of Style?
Oil-rubbed bronze is a classic fixture color that can be timeless in the right space. While oil-rubbed bronze isn’t out of style, a bright faux bronze or faux gold fixture could probably use a refresh. Many homeowners opt for more modern, flat black fixtures that work well with most interior styles.
Is Gray Going Out of Style?
Neutrals are some of the most used colors in home design, with whites, beiges, and browns all having their moments. While once appealing for their modern look, gray walls, floors, and kitchens are on their way out in favor of warmer beiges and whites.
Are Wood Walls Going Out of Style?
There’s always a place for wooden accent walls in a home. But the type of wood and accent wall matters. Shiplap and reclaimed wood are more likely to make your home look dated to the farmhouse craze of just a few years ago, while fluted walls and trim make your home look updated and modern.
Is Acrylic Furniture Out of Style?
Regarding whether acrylic furniture is trendy, it depends on the piece. It’s best to use acrylic furniture sparingly. Use a single acrylic table or chair to balance the weight in a room, pack an aesthetic punch, and add a modern touch to a room. Sculptural and curved furniture is big in 2024, as softer shapes and angles are a trend for the year.
Is Wood Furniture Out of Style?
Wooden furniture has been a home’s mainstay for centuries and isn’t likely to go out of style soon. Natural materials like wooden furniture age well, have long-lasting beauty and have a timeless aesthetic. You’ll find many beautiful, modern wooden furniture pieces in our collection at San Francisco Design.
Are Dressers Out of Style?
Dressers are a furniture staple for many bedrooms. Not only are they a beautiful design element, but they’re also a functional storage space for clothes. Matching bedroom sets are on their way out; the trend is mixed bedroom pieces that come together for a beautiful, curated design.
Are Gallery Walls Out of Style?
Gallery walls are a trend that’s still going strong. Choose coordinating frames with clean lines to make yours look more modern, using a piece of original art as the focal point. Incorporating sculptures or pottery adds dimension and depth to the wall.
Stay On-Trend with San Francisco Design
Are you in the beginning stages of your home design and need a little help? Trust the design team at San Francisco Design. Come into our Salt Lake City or Park City furniture store locations to view the beautiful pieces of furniture you can incorporate into your space. With the purchase of any furniture from our store, we offer a free two-hour design consultation at your house. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference a new piece of furniture can make in your home.
How to Mix Mid-Century Modern Style Furniture Into Your Home’s Interior Design
Since its introduction, mid-century modern furniture has evolved from a new, unique style to a classic interior design staple. This retro-modern style offers unparalleled timelessness and a casual vibe that can instantly transform any space. If you want to incorporate mid-century modern design into your home without completely redoing your entire room, read on to learn some easy, effortless tips.
Defining Characteristics & Design Elements of Mid-Century Modernism
As a style that grew in popularity during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, mid-century modern design has remained a beautiful design staple. Characterized by its minimalism, organic shapes, and focus on functionality, it’s a timeless design style that is easy to incorporate into your home. Created as a way to reimagine traditional design styles, it features clean lines, bright colors, and beautiful, natural wood tones.
What Makes MCM an Easy Style to Incorporate into an Eclectic Home?
While many homeowners love the look of mid-century style, they’re hesitant to design a home that looks like a time capsule from the past. Luckily, many homeowners can enjoy the look and feel of mid-century modern simply by incorporating a few pieces into their current decor. Why is mid-century modern such a simple design to use? The cleanliness and modernism that clearly define the style mean a timeless look that easily blends in with many different design styles. In addition, mid-century modern furniture often comes in a variety of rich wooden hues and muted colors that blend well into any color palette.
Which Elements of Other Style Types Work Well with Mid-Century Modern Furniture & Decor?
It’s easy to get stuck in a design rut and stick to only one design style when decorating a space. However, mixing up design styles can create a unique, well-designed space that looks luxurious and reflects your personality and history. Here are a few interior design styles that easily incorporate modern mid-century pieces.
Transitional Interior Design
As a blend of traditional and modern styles, transitional is an increasingly popular style that effortlessly blends a mix of old and new styles. Combining mid-century modern furniture with transitional interior design is a cinch because of its focus on integrating furniture from different periods. To create a transitional look in your living room, try incorporating a modern mid-century armchair, lamp, or coffee table.
Eclectic Interior Design
The eclectic design style is all about showcasing your personality and filling your home with things that mean a lot to you. There are essentially no rules with this design, which makes it perfect for incorporating any mid-century modern pieces. Add a fun-shaped or sunburst mirror on the wall, a vintage-inspired lamp, or a unique art piece from the era to catch the eye. Or, ground your home’s design with a minimal sofa or sectional sofa that provides a perfect backdrop for bold colors and patterns.
Contemporary Interior Design
While not always easy to define, contemporary style features design styles that are currently popular. In other words, it is constantly evolving. Today’s contemporary design features neutral colors, minimalism, and curved lines. Incorporating mid-century modern into today’s contemporary interiors can be a cinch by adding a mid-century modern couch, side table, or pendant lights.
Bohemian Interior Design
The lack of structure and carefree mix of texture, patterns, and color defines the bohemian style. In the bohemian style, you’re encouraged to blend in artful pieces that are fun and have sentimental value to you. To add a touch of modern mid-century to your bohemian room, add a beautiful credenza, a patterned mid-century modern rug, or a chandelier.
Coastal Interior Design
This laid-back interior design style inspired by coastal living is characterized by its incorporation of natural elements, such as jute, rattan, linen fabrics, and natural woods. With a light, airy feel, incorporating mid-century modern into this design style is effortless. Add an oak dining room table with coordinating chairs or a tan mid-century loveseat.
Rustic Interior Design
The rustic interior design exudes a welcoming, relaxing vibe and shouldn’t feel stuffy. The style has recently evolved to include modern elements emphasizing warm neutrals, earth tones, and natural textures. You can incorporate modern mid-century into this style by using clear pendants or a lamp with clean, straight lines.
San Francisco Design is Your Source for Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Pieces
Finding the right mid-century modern furniture pieces for your home should be enjoyable, and when you shop with us, it will be! At San Francisco Design, we’re here to help you find the perfect piece for your space, and our design assistance allows you to incorporate it into your room effortlessly. You’ll receive a free two-hour design consultation when purchasing any furniture from our stores. We are conveniently located in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. Stop in at either of our furniture showrooms today to see all of our unique, beautiful furniture that you’ll love to add to your home.