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Modern Interior Design Tips | San Francisco Design | Furniture Store in Park City & Salt Lake City, Utah

Expert Interior Design Tips

By Interior Design Tips, Interior Design Trends

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.

Use of Natural Color Scheme in Contemporary Interior Design Style

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.

Use Varied Textures | Design Experts | San Francisco Design in Utah

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.

Modern Interior Design Tips | San Francisco Design | Furniture Store in Park City & Salt Lake City, Utah

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 | Expert Interior Design Tips | San Fran Design Luxury Furniture Store in Utah

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.

Use Plants & Greenery To Your Contemporary Office | Designer Tips | San Fran Design

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.

Basic Principles of Feng Shui |

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 with Levels of Shelving | Contemporary & Modern Interior Design Tips from San Francisco Design

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.

Design Tips | Salt Lake City Furniture Store | San Francisco Design
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.

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.

modern contemporary christmas decor

A More Contemporary Christmas

By Interior Design Tips

modern contemporary christmas decor

Tradition is very important around Christmas…But making it modern and fresh is easy to do while carrying on that Christmas cheer that we all know and love! This Christmas, try a new color scheme that includes deep, rich browns, saturated apple greens, and clean, snowy whites. Combine shimmery golds with shimmery grays and add steel blue accents, or go completely contemporary with more vibrant, youthful teal blues, berry reds, and neon greens wrapping around your tree.

Rather than the traditional trees and Santa, dress up the space with abstract forms of familiar winter shapes and figures. White statues of deer, glittering gold Christmas trees, and faux fur owls will not only bring a modern touch to your Christmas décor, but they will add in some unique and contemporary textures and materials!

Bring the outdoors in while going back to basics. Place frosted twigs or branches in vases for centerpieces or use them as part of a mantle arrangement. Use crystals along with faux snow against the natural browns and greens to create a classy pop. Use fewer ornaments and more natural materials, like pinecones you may find in your backyard. Keeping your décor clean, monochromatic, and natural will bring a more contemporary Christmas look into your home.

contemporary christmas gifts and decorations
Think outside the Christmas box and do something unordinary with your ornaments. These little things can be used in a huge variety of ways: arrange them in large glass vases on the dining table, hang them from a chandelier, or add them to the garland running along your banister. There are easy instructions on how to make a Christmas tree accent out of ornaments – check out this link: thriftycraftygirl.com. Even just tastefully spreading ornaments along with the table runner atop some shimmery organza will add to the contemporary Christmas look!

Happy Holidays from your interior designer,
– Courtney Bulloch