Entra: the New, High-End Online Shelter Magazine

/in /by

It seems as though every other month there is news of a new online shelter magazine debuting, and once again there is a new kid on the block. However, it is different from the latest crop interior design magazines. Entra, the design + architecture magazine was not created by bloggers as were the most recent others. The staff at Entra is comprised of former print magazine editors and art directors, as well as design history experts from one of our favorite publications Architectural Digest.

It has a much more serious take on design and architecture than its counterparts, focusing on fine photography and high-end spaces that are ahead of the curve. And unlike the many other online magazines Entra will only be available to paid subscribers. To give you a preview of what’s in store the inaugural issue of Entra is free. Visit Entra Magazine to read the issue then come back and let us know what you think!

Images from Entra Magazine

The Classic Characteristics of Traditional Kitchens

/in , , /by

Have you always favored the look and feel of traditional styles when it comes to the interiors of your home? Traditional designs are often a popular choice because of their ability to withstand the test of time, and their versatility. A traditional kitchen can be rustic, country, eclectic, old world, and even contemporary with the use of high tech appliances.

The Decorative Touch

If you are considering redesigning your kitchen to feature a traditional look consider adding these classic characteristics compiled by Apartment Therapy:

  • Recessed panel cabinets or raised panel cabinet doors
  • More texture and variation, less sleek uniformity
  • Handles and knobs (as opposed to handle-free doors in modern kitchens)
  • Use of freestanding furniture
  • Country or rustic elements, such as farmhouse sinks or weathered woods
  • Natural materials, especially hard wood and stone like marble
  • Upper cabinets and storage
  • Glass or open cabinet
  • Skirting boards
  • Crown molding
  • Neutral tones and white
  • Antique or vintage elements
  • Natural or oriental rugs

The Decorative Touch

If you are in the Lenexa, KS area and would like to discuss the interior design of your kitchen call The Decorative Touch at 913-888-1388.

Amazing Outdoor Room Inspiration

/1 Comment/in /by

Since our post a few weeks ago on the new Robert Allen outdoor fabric collection, paired with the hope of upcoming days filled with the sun’s rays we’ve been completely enamored with the design of outdoor rooms. We love everything about them from the fact that you can comfortably relax in nature, extend the interior design of your home and use all the bright colors you’ve been too modest to try indoors.

Have you been thinking switching up the design in your outdoor room? If so we have some amazing designs that are sure to be a healthy dose of inspiration. So sit back, relax and take a look at these gorgeous spaces…

Images from House Beautiful and HGTV

Are you suddenly itching to redecorate your outdoor from bottom to top? If so we would be glad to help. Give Janine of The Decorative Touch a call at 000-000-0000 to begin discussing design ideas.

Glamorous Design Ideas for your Home Office

/in /by

Given your busy lifestyle and the latest innovations in technology are you able to work from home a few days a week? As more people begin to take on work duties from their house home offices are on the rise. And we don’t just mean a room with a desk and a computer, but a completely functional and well designed office. You may not realize how important the design of your home office is until you try to working in one with completely bare walls, or better yet from the kitchen table. To keep you motivated and excited about working from home consider these glamorous home office design ideas…

  • Create an accent wall with the help of a decorative wallcovering, or bold paint color.
  • Include an equally stylish and comfortable office chair.
  • Use creative home accessories to store office supplies.
  • Use a chic desk lamp to provide task lighting.

FEMTALKS

Material Girls

creamylife

The Design Fairy

After working for two different design centers for about 10 years, my small design business started right in my old dining room. I know first hand how important it is to stay focused on work even when “at home”. Creating your working world is incredibly important, and having everything at your fingertips is critical. It didn’t take long before my business expanded right into my living room as well, and then into my entire lower level…and then….into our current design studio.
The bottom line is surround yourself with what makes you happy, inspired, and organized. You really don’t know where you might go. Maybe you will find yourself expanding right out of your home as well! Give us a call at 913-888-1388 and let us create a chic home office space for you to work in.

A Very Happy Mother’s Day

/in /by
Happy MOM’s DAY…to All the mothers and grandmothers out there!!
I was so inspired by my own Mother…she truly was a one in a million woman.
She taught me so much about life, and how to live it.  How to treat other people, and how to hold my head up high even when I didn’t always feel I could.   She taught me to be the best at whatever I chose to be… She will always be the wind beneath my wings, and an angel on my shoulder.  There is not a Mothers Day that I don’t miss her and wish I would have cherished our time more…
I hope all of you have a blessed Mothers Day…and if you can…hug your mom just one more time…
Janine

Design Your Room with Multiple Styles

/in /by

Have you ever found yourself completely enamored with the look of traditional interior designs in your favorite shelter magazine and immediately decided that you would have your room decorated just like them, only to turn the page and fall head over heels in love with a modern design? If you find yourself coveting the looks of various design styles we want you to know that you can in fact have your cake and eat it too. By infusing multiples styles you can please both of your interior design tastes while creating a unique space.

We found a beautiful example on coco+kelley of a room that features traditional and modern elements. Together the styles create a colorful space that still manages to exude an air of elegance. Take a look at the design and let us know your thoughts.

Images from coco+kelley

The contemporary art piece clearly is the defining element of this room. This is such a great presentation of how just one gorgeous and fun piece of artwork can set the entire tone and mood for the whole space.  It might strike your fancy, or you may look for you personal inspiration elsewhere, but the concept of just one great piece is surely shown in this fresh and whimsical space.

Need help infusing two design styles together in your home? Call The Decorative Touch at 913-888-1388.

42nd Symphony Designers’ Showhouse Set to Open

/in /by

For 42 years the Kansas City Symphony Alliance, a nonprofit volunteer organization which promotes an interest in classical music throughout the Kansas City area, has hosted their annual fundraiser the Symphony Designers’ Showhouse. Known as Kansas City’s biggest home makeover project the showhouse is the place for the latest in interior and landscape design.

This  year the interiors and landscape of the showhouse were designed by 28 professionals located throughout the Kansas City area that include craftsmen, designers, manufacturers, and furniture builders to name a few. Aside from touring the showhouse and viewing the creative designs other events will accompany the tour. Thursday nights will feature live music, food and drinks. If you are in need of design inspiration and entertainment swing by the Symphony Designers’ Showhouse for a taste of both.

As an interior designer myself, and having participate in this event, I know how much work goes into making these rooms look grand enough to be on tour.  I love to walk through these stately homes and see how they have been transformed in a very short time…it is truly magical.
Grab your best friend and have a girls-day-out, it is a treat, and you never know what inspirational message you just might find around the corner!! If you are inspired by the tour just give The Decorative Touch a call and let us help you further develop your ideas!

Visit Historic Homes Tour for Antique Design Inspiration

/in /by

Are you interested in historic architecture and the look of antique filled interior designs? If so you can gain inspiration this weekend at the Fort Leavenworth Historic Homes Tour. The tour, which is an annual fundraiser for the Friends of the Frontier Army Museum, will feature eight of the most historic homes in Fort Leavenworth. Tour participants will be able to view the architectural features of the homes, as well as the current interior designs. Many of the homes are decorated with a nod to the past with antiques and historic heirlooms on display, so if you are looking for antique design inspiration for your home the Fort Leavenworth Historic Homes Tour is the place to be.

Need help bringing your ideas of how to infuse antiques into your interior design to life? Call The Decorative Touch, we would love to help!

Image from the Ft. Leavenworth Lamp

Add Sparkle to Your Kitchen Design with a Chandelier

/in , /by

Does your kitchen seem to be missing that little something extra? If you’ve been finding the design in your kitchen to be slightly drab lately we have the perfect pick-me-up. New lighting can always transform the look of a room, so why not add sparkle to your kitchen with a chandelier? We know you’re probably thinking chandeliers are typically found in more formal rooms, but work just as well in kitchens.

No matter the design of your kitchen be it formal or casual, a chandelier can bring the slightest taste of elegance, and not to mention a unique look. If you favor over the top design go for a large, elaborate chandelier. If you prefer a more simple design you can achieve the look with two mini chandeliers.  Take a look at these well executed designs and tell us what you think.

Images from houzz

Would you like to add sparkle to your kitchen design with a chandelier? Let Janine help you find the perfect one by calling The Decorative Touch at 913-888-1388.

New Home Lines and Shelter Magazine to Debut

/in /by

There has been a lot going on in the interior design world this week, first we shared the news of Cynthia Rowley creating a paint palette designed after her read-to-wear fashion line. Now there’s news of two celebrity home lines as well as a new shelter magazine.

Estee Lauder heir Aerin Lauder and Food Network Star Sandra Lee recently revealed their plans to launch home lines in spring of 2012 respectively. Lauder plans to make things easier for consumers with her line Aerin by providing what they are looking for. Lee’s goals are to help customers live their lives simply and beautifully.

Soon after hearing about the new home lines we learned of the new shelter magazine. Hearst is teaming up with HGTV to launch HGTV Magazine. The press release states that the magazine will provide “personal tips, tricks and expertise, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at their shows.” The magazine headed by former Coastal Living editor Sara Peterson will hit stands this fall as Hearst’s fifth shelter magazine.

What are you thoughts on the latest interior design news?