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Modern Wall Mirror with Glass Frame & Contemporary Design

How to Style a Contemporary Entryway

By Interior Design Tips

Modern Wall Mirror with Glass Frame & Contemporary Design

The entryway of your home is the first impression visitors have. Imagine walking into your neighbor’s front entrance and finding disorganized chaos: chances are you would believe the rest of their house looked similar to the entryway (whether it did or not). It could also tarnish your opinion of the entire style of their space. If you hope to make an overwhelmingly positive and lasting impression on visitors to your home, then designing a modern entryway is a great place to start.

Lately, our interior design experts have been leaning towards a contemporary entryway style. Contemporary home décor works well for the entrance of your home due to its timeless features and classic lines. This popular style is both calming and serene, a welcoming atmosphere when you arrive home after a long day. Along with its psychological impacts, it’s also effective at highlighting the architectural details of your home, which works well for establishing the style for the rest of your home.

Modern Entrance Hall Ideas For Your Utah Home

If you are looking for modern hallway ideas, here are some designer-approved ideas for designing a beautiful first impression for your home. Below, find links to our favorite modern contemporary hallway furniture as well as simple tips and tricks to elevate your space.

Focus On Simplicity

Simplicity — with clean lines, subtle plays on texture, and quiet drama — is the fundamental element that identifies contemporary design. Forget overcrowding the space with extra accessories and features. A contemporary style uses fewer statement pieces which reduces the amount of clutter in the area without sacrificing drama. Try finding minimal furniture and keeping things simple. For example, our Westin Console is a piece of contemporary entryway furniture that features diagonal lines which draw your eye to each corner of the piece, yet it doesn’t feel bulky or busy. Customizable finishes, colors, and tones mean it can adapt to any color scheme. simple modern entryway design

Hang a bold piece of modern art above and use a large contemporary tray to gather keys, wallets, and bags. That’s all you need to accomplish both form and function in your entryway. We love the Titanium Wall Clock for a fresh spin on a traditional design. It’s especially great in small spaces. The mirrored finish — in a smoke gray or antique mirror — can help give the illusion your entryway is larger than it is. 

Or, add the Rex Ottoman as a stylish and comfortable place to take off shoes or drop a coat. Its spacious seat is incredibly comfortable, and its squared metal frame is a modern finish that will complement any contemporary entryway. 

Another bonus of reducing the number of design elements in your space is the ability to save money on fewer pieces that last longer and will pay off over time.

Add Polished Fixtures to Entryway

The main light fixture is an exciting decision you will need to make for your new contemporary entryway. Most modern designers opt for polished fixtures that add a touch of luxury to the space. You can mix metals by adding brushed nickel with black hardware and white metal accessories. Polished features and mixed metals will give you the added personality you want out of a space and allow everything to flow together throughout your home.

One of our all-time favorite fixtures is the Stella Chandelier. With its subtle glamour and starlight design, it can be hung individually or grouped in larger quantities depending on the size of your space. Either way, it delivers a show-stopping moment in your contemporary home entryway. 

If a chandelier doesn’t work in your space, try a modern table lamp like our Beam Lamp. Its slim lines and industrial aesthetic complement bolder, more colorful pieces in your contemporary hallway space. On top of an entryway table, its slender profile leaves plenty of room for other accessories.

soft color palette modern entryway

Use Soft Color Palettes

The color scheme of your front entryway makes a significant impact on the mood your guests will pick up on from the moment they walk in. Paint is an excellent way of setting this pivotal space apart from the rest. It also acts as a great starting point for the other elements of your modern entryway, including furniture and fixtures. Try using a softer color palette to bring a sense of calm to the space and leave more opportunities to “wow” through furniture and fixtures. A more delicate color scheme will draw visitors’ attention to the architecture and bold design pieces of your home.

For cooler tones, we recommend colors like Wedgewood Gray, Timber Wolf, or Super Nova. For something a little warmer, try Paisley Pink, Mountain Peak White, or Hazelnut Cream.

Tuck the Aaron Chair next to your entryway table as a comfortable place to pull on boots or take off a jacket. When finished with cream-colored leather, it offers a soft neutral backdrop you won’t tire of easily.

Find Dimension in Your Entryway

Contemporary entryway interior design is purposefully minimalistic. Unfortunately, without the right accessories, most entrances won’t feel complete. One way you can increase the style of the space is by adding dimension. Whether through contrasting colors or different-sized objects, dimension is a necessary element of any good design. Look for exciting scale, color, or texture when choosing modern accessories. If you need more modern hallway ideas, look to the experts at San Francisco Design for help selecting one-of-a-kind accessories that make your space feel layered and more interesting.

Unique Modern Wall Mirror for contemporary entryway

The Olio Mirror is a beautiful accessory piece from Glassisimo that works as a functional hanging mirror and art display piece for the contemporary home.

Include a Statement Piece in Your Hallway

Just because a space is minimalistic doesn’t mean it should be boring. Instead of going overboard with various colorful, busy, or large pieces, focus on just one or two. They’ll pack much more of a creative punch when surrounded by more muted items. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box — a statement piece doesn’t have to be a painting or chair. It could be new structural elements like molding or exposed brick and pipes. Or maybe, it could be a modern glass-paneled front door or new, oversized windows to bring in extra natural light. 

If you’re ready to make an impact with furnishings, try to group a few mirrors together, hang an oversized piece of artwork, or add an ultra-modern table to make the front entryway one-of-a-kind. You could also choose a light fixture that is more over-the-top than others, thanks to the minimal canvas the rest of the area provides.

Our collection at San Francisco Design isn’t short on “wow-worthy” pieces. For oversized entryways with vaulted ceilings, go big with your entry table to fill the space; try the Neolitico Modern Glass Table that doubles as a contemporary art piece.  Hang the Olio Mirror close to the door for last-minute touch-ups. When guests arrive, it doubles as a beautiful wall hanging that feels luxurious and completely unique.

Modern Hallway Design Ideas From San Francisco Design

If we’ve convinced you of the value of a contemporary entryway, let our team help you bring it to life! From furniture, paint, and accessory selection to renovation and architectural detail ideas, our accomplished interior designers can work with you to create something unforgettable. 

For additional help putting your entryway together, get in touch with the experts at San Francisco Design. We would love to help you make your entryway the perfect entrance to the rest of your home.

upscale furniture showroom with modern living room & dining furniture

5 Things to Look for When Shopping for Furniture in Salt Lake City

By Furniture, Salt Lake City

Salt Lake Contemporary and Modern furnishings showroom

Shopping for furniture in person offers a number of advantages, not the least of which is being able to see, feel, and assess the quality of the pieces you are looking for. However, there are a number of things to keep in mind while furniture shopping, particularly in Salt Lake City. The experts at San Fran Design have developed a guide to shopping for furniture in SLC stores. Here are our top tips that will make your search a success.

 

1. Check Online

researching high end contemporary sofas

Before you visit an SLC furniture store in person, we recommend taking a look through their website. While a store’s online appearance shouldn’t determine whether you purchase furniture from them, it can sure help you make the decision. More often than not, stores with current, professional sites care about the overall user experience. A positive online atmosphere is usually reflected in their brick and mortar store, too.

Checking online also allows you to get a better feel for the furniture they specialize in, the store hours, customer reviews, and may allow you to see the faces of the people you’ll meet in the store.

2. The Store Interior

The entry of San Francisco Design's modern and contemporary furniture showroom

First impressions carry incredible weight when we form relationships, but they can also be crucial when purchasing furniture. When you enter into any Salt Lake City furniture store, consider the storefront interior. Take note of the décor, accessories, light fixtures, and artwork to help form your first impression. The care and detail that a company puts into their storefront highlights much more than their home furnishings.

For instance, a dilapidated, poorly lit store doesn’t just suggest that a company cares more about its bottom line than the furniture, it suggests that they care less about their customers.

On the other hand, a furniture store that has groundbreaking styles, stylish décor and accessories on display demonstrates that they are up to date on the latest styles and trends, have a knack for the intricacies of interior design, and have attention to detail that’s second to none. A furniture store with attention to detail provides a better overall experience, likely leaving you more satisfied with your purchase in the end.

 

3. Style

Stylish Leather modern bed from San Francisco DesignWith each furniture store you visit, make sure to get acquainted with its unique design style. Specialized furniture stores will have salespeople with a depth of knowledge surrounding every piece of furniture in their space, options for customization, and much more. Salt Lake City contemporary & modern furniture stores in particular contain a selection of furniture that is both unique and cohesive with the modern style.

On the other hand, some furniture stores don’t have a determined style, which is often due to the fact that their furniture selection is too broad, of poor quality, or out-of-date. Salespeople in this environment may not have a comprehensive knowledge of pieces in their showroom and may not recommend the best furniture for your home. For the best results in your search for the perfect furniture, choose a store with a specific style.

 

4. Quality

Bench built and hand tailored leather sectional imported from ItalyShopping in person is always a good idea, but it’s an even better idea when considering quality. Being able to see and feel furniture in person can make all the difference in your purchase. While assessing the quality of a contemporary sofa online is often time-consuming and inaccurate, it may only take a matter of seconds to determine in person.

 

5. Comfort

Man Relaxing in leather Stressless chairAlong with quality, comfort is also best determined when you shop for furniture in person. As you move through a showroom, make sure to assess the furniture, materials, and fabrics for comfort.

 

Ask Questions

No matter your style or budget, it’s important to ask questions during your search for furniture. Our experts recommend asking the following at any Salt Lake City showroom:

· How long can I expect this piece of furniture to last?

· What is the best way to clean or maintain this piece?

· Is your furniture guaranteed?

· Do you have customization options available?

· How do you deliver and what is the delivery timeframe for this item?

· Why should I buy from you?

 

Shop Modern Furniture at San Fran Design in Salt Lake

upscale furniture showroom with modern living room & dining furnitureShopping for furniture in SLC doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming, particularly when you find the right store. San Francisco Design is Utah’s choice for modern & contemporary furniture. With a breathtaking showroom, the latest styles, and unparalleled quality, we provide a customer experience that is unlike any other. Visit our website to see our modern furniture selection or stop by our Salt Lake City showroom today!

 

white modern luxury sofa with multi-colored living room furniture

Shopping for Modern Luxury Sofas? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

By Furniture

white modern luxury sofa with multi-colored living room furnitureWhen you’re shopping for high-end sofas, you likely have a myriad of questions. Which brands are genuinely high-quality? Should I visit a furniture store in person or order online? How can I make sure my sofa will match my home? Which styles are the most popular?

Fortunately for you, the experts at San Francisco Design have the answers to make your search for an upscale sofa a breeze! Shop with confidence by following these steps:

#1: Do Your Research

researching high end contemporary sofasThe simplest way to get acquainted with a high-end modern furniture brand is by visiting their website and getting familiar with what they offer. Doing your research beforehand allows you to make an informed purchase, avoiding the woes of buyer’s remorse down the road. We recommend discovering where their furniture is produced, the individual product’s materials and dimensions, and browsing through product images. Additionally, looking through the store’s Google reviews and reading customer assessments is a good idea.

#2: Find a Store that Specializes

modern brown sofa in a contemporary furniture storeAs you browse a store’s website or showroom, look for a specific style. If there’s no clear area of specialization, the store is likely not high-end. Upscale furniture stores offer a variety of products that can be defined as one design style. The employees will know the ins and outs of every piece in their showroom and which sofas will best complement a home’s interior. Even better, certain stores have in-house interior designers to help you find the perfect sofa for your living room.

#3: Plan Ahead

tan leather sofa with modern living room accentsYou know better than anyone that upscale sofas aren’t (and shouldn’t be) the cheapest option around. Luckily, your living room furniture is something you should feel free to splurge on, and price often correlates directly with quality. After all, a high-quality sofa can last for years longer than a cheap one, standing the test of time and looking undoubtedly chic.

#4: Ask About Customization

custom luxury furniture options with fabric and leather samplesIf you’re paying a lot for your sofa, it should be something you love. Luckily, some furniture stores today are experiencing an evolution. While few and far between, select high-end stores offer personalization, allowing you to bring your unique vision to life. That’s right, you can be the designer!

Custom furniture is crafted with care, is high-quality, and entirely unique for you. While mass-produced sofas are a dime a dozen, original pieces can be found nowhere else. If you can put your flare in a contemporary sofa, take it.

#5: Contact the Seller Directly

high end modern leather sofa with tan accent pillows

Feeling unsure about a particular sofa? You’re not alone. Purchasing upscale furniture based on an online listing alone can be challenging. Luckily, many of your questions can be answered with a quick call to the store! Ask about the sofa materials, customization options, price range, and shipping timelines to determine whether the piece is right for you. Since some stores offer custom, built-to-order furnishings, their website may not display the full range of products, so requesting additional photos of your item from the seller is a good idea.

#6: Visit the Brick-and-Mortar Location

upscale furniture showroom with modern living room & dining furnitureIn some cases, buying a modern sofa online might be your best option, particularly when proximity is an issue. However, we strongly recommend visiting a high-end furniture store in person (if possible) to help you decide. Strolling through a store’s showroom gives you an inside look at sofa styling ideas straight from the experts, and you may even find a few pieces that look stunning in person.

Visiting a store in person also allows you to “try before you buy”. Many furniture stores accurately depict their offerings online, but it’s always a good idea to test out your luxury sofa before purchasing. Feel the fabric, inspect the craftsmanship, and ensure it’s comfortable enough to become your living room’s centerpiece.

High-End Furniture at San Francisco Design

blue leather contemporary sofa with modern coffee tableWhen you purchase an upscale sofa, it’s no longer just a piece of furniture. Instead, it becomes an investment in your home’s aesthetic. The perfect contemporary sofa for you will turn an ordinary interior into absolute luxury, ideal for entertaining, lounging, or working from home.

Modern luxury sofas at San Francisco are second to none. Made from the finest materials and crafted to the smallest detail, San Fran sofas stand alone in the world of upscale furniture. To outfit your home with one of our contemporary masterpieces, browse our website, contact our store directly, or visit one of our showrooms today!

modern mantle with mirror from san francisco design

What Every Contemporary Mantel Needs

By Interior Design Tips

modern mantle with mirror from san francisco design

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 for creating 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.

We asked these professionals from San Francisco Design, how they help their clients create a contemporary mantel. Here are the top elements they include in any mantel design that keeps every space looking fresh and exciting.

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.

Mirrors are also an excellent option for many homeowners as they open up space. Perhaps one of the biggest perks of using a mirror is that it helps the room appear even bigger than it already is. You can find a mirror that is round, rectangular, framed, or plain. Whichever option you choose, it will make a great focal point in your space.

Televisions are another popular choice for homeowners. Some believe it will cheapen their design, but with the right styling, it will look just as contemporary as any mantel without one. Just take a look at the design featured in the picture above, where a framed TV actually brings the entire mantel design together. Don’t be afraid—grab your flat-screen TV and let it take center stage on your mantel.

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.

 

Contemporary & Modern Decor from San Francisco Design

Tip #3: Create Levels

Another element to 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 items that are special to you, whether it is picture frames, keepsakes collected on memorable trips, or accessories that match your personality.

However, keep 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.

 

modern mantel design with greenery from San Francisco Design

Contemporary Mantel Styling at San Francisco Design

If you need help designing your living space, San Francisco Design is here to help. Our contemporary interior designers know how to make any mantel look perfectly put together. Contact us to learn more about our interior design services. You can also browse our site for a variety of contemporary items, accessories, and larger furniture pieces that you can use in your home.

 

modern houseplant design for a contemporary home

Your Guide to Household Plants

By Interior Design Tips

Succulents, florals, live, or faux greenery is truly taking the interior design world by storm. Interior plants add the fresh pop of color by breathing new life back into outdated designs.  For years, homeowners used faux plant or fresh flowers here and there throughout their home, but today, loading up house plants is everyone’s go-to design tip. From flowers, greenery, and succulents, to fake plants and more, indoor plants are one of the best style trends to follow.

Unfortunately, finding the household plant that works for you can be a challenge. Chances are you have bought a few only to find they are more work than you planned. Knowing which plants to buy and how to take care of them is the first step in making the right choice for your home. So, instead of buying the first plant that catches your eye, here are a few expert tips to get you started on the right path.

modern houseplant design for a contemporary home

How to Choose the Right Household Plant

House plants breathe life into your interior space. These eco-friendly additions help clean the air in your space as well as adding the splash of color a modern or contemporary home needs.  House plants also force you to keep natural light flooding the space around them which is an obvious trick many experts use in their design spaces. To help you get started here is our guide to household plants.

House Plants for Beginners

When you are just starting to get into the household greenery life, you should find plants that are easy to take care of. This is especially helpful for homes that lack the natural sunlight that many plants need to survive. Luckily, there is an array of options to choose from, including plants that survive in harsh conditions. Here are a few choices that work well in dimly lit spaces, crowded areas, and require little maintenance. You should also research these plants more in-depth for the best results.

 

Fiddle Leaf Fig

A popular choice for many homeowners, the Fiddle Leaf Fig perfectly complements larger spaces with high ceilings. This plant is tall but not bushy and boasts dark green leaves that require medium light and only needs water when the soil is dry to the touch.

fiddle leaf fig tree modern greenery

Spider Plant

Another low-maintenance option for homeowners looking for a starter plant is the Spider Plant. One of the most popular choices available, this plant is small, self-propagating, and attractive. The Spider Plant needs low to bright indirect sunlight, making it an excellent choice for those living in confined spaces.

 

Air Plant

Air Plants, also known as Tillansia, are one of the house plants that require little maintenance. Actually, they don’t need soil and get their moisture from the air making it a great choice for bathrooms. These plants use a minimal root systems that comes in over 500 different species with a variety of stunning options to choose from. You can hang your Air Plant in stylish Air Plant holders that perfectly complement the plant’s coloring.

air plant modern greenery for a contemporary home

Iron Plant

Another minimal option for the beginner caretaker is the Iron Plant. This deep-green plant survives in low light, poor soil conditions, and requires little watering, making it one of the most durable indoor plants. You can add this plant to any space for added dimension thanks to the beautiful coloring.

 

ZZ Plant

The last live plant on our list is the ZZ Plant or Zamioculcas Zamiifolia. This plant can survive in harsh conditions surviving in low light. You only need to water it three times a month, and it doesn’t require a lot of light to thrive.

zz plant with contemporary pot modern greenery

Faux Plants

Faux plants are growing in popularity thanks to their nearly-real look. You can find a variety of options that look great no matter the time of year. Faux plants also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Adding a faux plant to your interior is a great option for any homeowner.

faux greenery for a modern bedroom

For additional help finding the right house plant for your home, contact San Francisco Design. Working with our interior design team you can find the right type and amount of house plants for your space. Contact us to get started.