Sherwin-Williams Poised Taupe

Sherwin Williams’ 2017 Color of the Year is the new neutral!

Sherwin-Williams is announcing Poised Taupe as the defining color of 2017. They explain this timeless neutral as a “modern, classic and a beautiful balance of warm and cool” and we couldn’t agree more! Poised Taupe is the perfect transition for the love of greys back to the warmth of those beiges. House Beautiful explains it as, “it’s like gray and brown had a baby”.

The best part about this color is that it will work well with your already existing grey color scheme and and brings to some new life to the warm hues of the approaching fall season.

Sherwin-Williams Poised Taupe

Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams Poised Taupe

Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams Poised Taupe

Sherwin-Williams

 

www.norwalkfurniture.com

Norwalk Furniture Feature

Color of the Year

2016 Color of the Year – Kansas City Interior Designer

Happy New Year!

We’re celebrating another fantastic year filled with helping our clients and community with interior design to make their spaces more inviting and beautiful.We’re excited to share with you the 2016 Color(s)of the Year and some visual inspirations to incorporate them into your own design whether it be a full room design overhaul or just a few touches to here and there.Color of the Year

All the buzz has been around Pantone’s Rose Quartz 13-1520 and Serenity 15-3919. That’s right, for the first time they are blending two shades as the official 2016 Pantone Color of the Year. These two colors embrace a balance between the opposing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue. According to Pantone, the two colors reflect “a connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace”. Don’t worry this isn’t the old Wedgewood blue or rose of the 80’s… this has a delicate touch to the tone, and beautiful in a bedroom, nursery, or office. We always enjoy seeing what Pantone has in store for us each year.  ENJOY your colorful life!

Here are some room inspirations:

If you aren’t as adventurous to commit to a full room of Pantone’s Color of the Year, Sherwin-Williams has their own take on this year’s tone. According to their website, “a hue symbolic of new beginnings, Alabaster (SW 7008), is Sherwin-Williams 2016 Color of the Year.” This neutral tone evokes its own sense of calm and stability with a “less is more” visual relief.

Here are some ideas on where to use Alabaster in your home:

Whether you’re willing try Pantone’s warm opposites are start with the blank slate as offered up by Sherwin-Williams, we can help you navigate landscape.

Call us today for an appointment at: 913-888-1388.

Decorative Touch Featured In 435 Magazine – “Form, Function, Family”

Click here to read the full story in a PDF!

10 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Interior Decorator

It’s something to think about if you haven’t already done so. Hiring an interior decorator is a smart decision if you’ve invested a good bit of money into your home and want to be able to showcase it to look its best. Decorators truly serve a purpose for everyone. Whether you have no idea where or how to begin to decorate your home, or whether you have an idea but need help tying pieces together, or you simply haven’t the time to execute your style and desires due to your busy day to day schedule.

Toss aside the idea that interior decorators are only for the rich and famous or those with so much money that they don’t know what to do with it all. In reality they save you a great deal of time and money and headache medicine!

  1. Save money.
  2. Professional assessment.
  3. Budgeting & planning.
  4. Liason.
  5. Wide availability of resources.
  6. Contacts.
  7. Wow factor.
  8. Home sale.
  9. A trained eye.
  10. Visual story-teller.

Read more on FreshHome.com

Kitchen Remodel

What goes into a kitchen remodel project?

It seems like I am finding clients asking a lot of questions about remodeling kitchens these days. We have recently completed a wonderful large kitchen remodel. So, I wanted to share with my readers some photos, just to give a perspective of how the process of a high end kitchen develops over the course of several months.

First we determine whats “wrong” in the existing Kitchen space.

  • Are the appliances worn out?
  • Are the cabinets out-dated and need “face lift”, or do they need to be replaced?
  • Is the layout right for a good working kitchen?
  • Have you simply out grown your kitchen and do you need more storage?

Its also very important to know what your home is worth, and what is the appropriate amount to spend on a kitchen remodel for you. According to the Remodeling Magazine cost vs value report 2011-2012, minor kitchen remodel is hitting a 72.1% return on investment. Minor remodel may mean replacing cabinet door fronts, hardware, countertops, and appliances… spending approximately $20,000.

A large kitchen remodel includes replacing most everything in the kitchen. Cabinets, hardware, appliances, countertops, backsplash, lighting, and more. Those are typically over $50,000 and return is approximately 50% on investment.

You will see the progression from beginning to end in the following photos…

A kitchen remodel really is a PROCESS! And being without a kitchen space for several months is very difficult… However, the end result is completely worth it!!!

I hope you enjoy these photos!

Contractor : Jim Luke Remodeling
Cabinets:  Bella Kitchens

Downton Abbey

From Downton to Kansas City: Downton Abbey Design Inspiration for Your Home

Post-I don’t know about you, but I’ve gotten hooked on Downton Abbey!  I totally love the series, but also admire the Edwardian interior decor, and can get just as hooked admiring all the details in this beautiful home.  This form of interior design has experienced a recent surge in popularity thanks to Downton Abbey, the critically-acclaimed British period drama.  While full-on early 20th century aristocratic style isn’t for everyone, it’s easy to take some cues from production designer Donal Woods in adding a note of elegance to your own Kansas City home.

Downton Abbey

Traditionalhome.com

Deeply saturated colors take center stage on Downton Abbey, particularly burgundy red, paprika, and gold with highlights of emerald, navy, and celery green.  Luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk lend a richness that can be borrowed by homeowners today, in the form of draperies or upholstery, which play well against hardwood floors and hand-knotted rugs.

Downton Abbey furnishings and high ceilingss

“he show’s designers benefit from the high ceiling rooms filled with priceless paintings and furnishings.” – traditionalhome.com

Wood takes an important role in furniture and detailing as well, and Downton Abbey’s set designers prefer a medium tone.  Antique woods have a sense of depth and complexity, but professional staining can simulate the patina of age, and when paired with red and gold hues the overall effect is a warm ambiance.

Downton Abbey staircase

Photo: Traditionalhome.com

The most important details, however, are often the smallest. Carved mouldings can change the entire feel of a room, and ornate frames capture the sense of decadence that saturates Downton Abbey’s sets. Consider investing in a detailed newel post for your staircase–this subtle touch can elevate an often-overlooked part of the home.

The Decorative Touch is ready to help craft your Kansas City home’s interior, whether you prefer an understated design or the full elegance of the British gentry. Contact us to discuss your ideas and we’ll work with you to bring them into reality.

outdoor living space

What Are Homeowners Really Looking For in Home Design?

When choosing a home what features and amenities are most important to you? Each prospective buyer has a different set of wants and needs but there are obvious trends in home design that appeal to many buyers. Recently released home survey reports show that kitchen amenities, bathroom features, outdoor spaces, and energy efficient upgrades are at the top of most buyers’ lists.

outdoor living space

Photo: Jeff Garland via Houzz.com

Analyzing the data more closely we find:

  • 65% of respondents report that overall living space and the layout of the home is important.
  • Nine out of ten buyers were willing to pay more for a home with energy efficient amenities that would permanently decrease utility bills.
  • Buyers are seeking storage options and organization. They want linen closets in bathrooms, a walk in pantry in the kitchen, a dedicated laundry room, and garage storage.
  • Kitchens and bathrooms continue the trend of being high on buyers’ priority lists. Respondents report wanting a fully equipped kitchen with plenty of cupboard and counter space and a nicely appointed master bathroom.
  • Outdoor features ranked high on the survey results as well. Buyers are seeking homes with outdoor living spaces such as large yards, patios, and decks that provide additional living space.
kitchen design 1

Photo: Phillip Mueller via Houzz.com

The home design experts with The Decorative Touch can help bring your design dreams to life and ensure upgrades will improve the likelihood of a future sale. Contact us to learn how partnering with an interior designer here in Lenexa, KS will lead to a home you love both inside and out.

metallics interior design

Using Metallics in Traditional Interior Design

metallics interior designMetallic-inspired decor and home accessories are the number one design trend for 2013. Whether your home is decorated in a sleek, contemporary style, or features a traditional interior design, shiny furnishings and accessories add design details to make your room pop.

The use of metallic finishes such are showing up in a variety of room applications, including kitchen fixtures and furniture. Metallic fixtures appeal to homeowners who desire a warm, clean look to their home design. Combined with soft, neutral colors, these pieces accent a room without overwhelming the style. Introducing the punch of metallic finishes in luxurious fabrics draws visual interest, while drawing attention to other, more subtle design elements. Here are some design ideas to help you incorporate more bling into your Kansas City living space:

Push your design element by featuring metallic finishes on your ceiling. This is a good way to introduce reflective materials to your room without it competing with your other design choices.

  • Install ceiling tiles in a tin, copper, silver or gold finish.
  • Use metallic ceiling paint to highlight overhead architectural elements
  • Dress your walls in classic gold and cream patterned metallic wallpaper, for instant sophistication.
  • Look for window treatments featuring shots of metallic threads and embroidery.

 

When combined with traditional interior design elements, metallic finishes add glamour and a sense of luxury, bringing your room to life in inspiring new ways.

Furniture Style Vanities Give Character to Powder Rooms

An antique or vintage dresser repurposed as a vanity and topped with a matching ornate mirror adds more personality and character than a standard cabinet could. Consider rich wood, a low-slung chunky base and sleek custom countertop to create the perfect blend of masculine and feminine aesthetics.  This is one of our favorites done by us here in Kansas City…
DTI-powder room
For a Mediterranean flair, consider a furniture style vanity created from a wine chest featuring rustic glimmers of gold to set the stage. Underfoot, ornate ceramic tile blends with terracotta walls, another way to complete beautiful bath!

wine chest vanity

Photo via Houzz.com

Classic nautical art and a nature-inspired rustic towel bar create a serene atmosphere. A hefty, solid wood vanity topped with a boxy basin backed with cool, organic tiling creates a masculine focus for a powder room. And traditionally inspired, dignified vertical stripes accentuate the lines of the neoclassical mirror.

Rich gold-patterned wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for an Asian-influenced furniture style vanity. An ornate, gilded mirror and serious, striped lamp will play well with blue and white china accents.

If you are interested in adding a furniture style vanity to your bathroom design contact The Decorative Touch today at 913-888-1388.