Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the desire for warmth, coziness, and the delightful ambiance of a crackling fireplace. If you're longing to embrace the fall season and give your home a touch of modern elegance, consider updating your fireplace to create the ultimate cozy sanctuary. Join me as we explore some inspiring ways to modernize your fireplace for those perfect fall vibes.
Read MoreWhen embarking on the journey of creating your dream custom home, the decisions you make at the beginning can significantly impact the final result. One of the most crucial decisions you'll make is when to bring in an interior designer. While some may view interior design as a finishing touch, it's actually a foundational element that should be integrated from the very start of your project. Join us as we explore why it's crucial to hire an interior designer as early as possible for a custom home build project.
Read MoreWhen it comes to transforming your kitchen or bathroom into a space of timeless beauty, most people don’t automatically think of porcelain tile. It’s thought of as a good choice for flooring or wall tile, but not necessarily for countertops and more...
In actuality, few design elements rival the allure of large format porcelain countertops. Porcelain is not only visually stunning, but it also boasts remarkable durability and functionality. Join me as we explore the many reasons why porcelain is an excellent option for your countertops and so much more, offering a seamless blend of style and practicality for your home.
Read MoreIt’s not just fake boobs, fake butts, and even fake virtual “homes” (we think we’re living in) we’re glorifying. We do it in the realm of interior design too. In today's age of social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram and even online shopping, it's easy to get swept away by the allure of interior design dupes—affordable imitations of high-end products. While these knockoffs might initially seem appealing due to their budget-friendly nature, there are several compelling reasons why homeowners should invest in authentic interior design products instead. Let’s look at the value of true authenticity in interior design and discuss the benefits it brings to your home.
Read MoreIn the world of luxury interior design, technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with our homes. In a previous blog post, I talked about how the term “luxury” goes beyond what things cost. Luxury is an experience. It’s how you feel when you’re in your home. It’s convenience. It’s ease. You don’t have to live in a huge mansion to have a luxurious home.
One of the aspects of a luxury interior is the use of smart home technology. This type of technology has made significant advancements (especially with all the hoopla about AI), offering a seamless integration of high-end features that enhance convenience, comfort, and security. From automated lighting and temperature control to state-of-the-art entertainment systems, incorporating smart home technology in homes is a trend that is redefining modern living.
Read MoreWhen it comes to interior design, there's no denying that full-service options can carry a substantial price tag. This often prompts the question: "Why is full-service interior design so expensive?" As homeowners, it's natural to feel the urge to take on interior design projects ourselves. After all, we have access to a wealth of inspiration online and countless DIY tutorials at our fingertips; however, there's a distinct advantage to enlisting the expertise of a professional interior designer.
While the cost may initially seem daunting, it's crucial to understand the value and intricacies involved in this comprehensive design service. I will shed some light on the factors that contribute to the higher costs of full-service interior design and demonstrate how it ultimately benefits clients in achieving their dream spaces.
Read MoreLuxury, a term often associated with opulence, extravagance, and being unattainable is much more than a price tag. In the realm of interior design, luxury transcends monetary value, encompassing a holistic experience that is timeless, captivating, and deeply satisfying. This may be extremely hard to believe for most people because of what has been drilled into our minds for so many years through past experiences and how TV commercials and Hollywood movies depict the “luxury life” over and over again. Times have changed my friend and are still changing as we speak. What is considered luxury to you may not be what luxury is to someone else.
Let’s embark on a journey to unravel the true meaning of luxury within interior design and explore how it can transform your living spaces into havens of refined elegance and unparalleled comfort without necessarily breaking the bank.
Read MoreI have personally always loved and preferred gas cooktops and ranges over electric stoves. Having grown up watching my parents cook on electric stove tops, it was all I knew for a very long time. But, once I started cooking on my own and got a taste of the “gas life”, I was instantly hooked!
I fell in love with the way you could adjust the temperature instantly by adjusting the intensity of the flame. It was so cool and the food seemed to be cooked to perfection (at least in my mind, I’ll have to ask hubby and the boys for their interpretation); however, in recent years, induction cooktops have gained significant popularity among home chefs and culinary enthusiasts. With their advanced technology and sleek designs, induction cooktops offer a range of benefits that make them a preferred choice for modern kitchens.
Read MoreWhen it comes to selecting the ideal material for countertops, homeowners are faced with a myriad of options, including quartzite and granite. It seems that most people select granite as their go-to…perhaps because it has become such a “staple” in kitchen and bath remodels over the years. Homeowners have gotten quite comfortable with it.
While both quartzite and granite are natural stones with remarkable beauty and durability, quartzite has been gaining popularity and surpassing granite as the preferred choice for many. Whew, it’s about time! Let’s look at some reasons why quartzite emerges as the superior option over granite.
Read MoreWhen it comes to kitchen remodeling or building a new home, selecting the right countertop material is a crucial decision. Granite has long been a popular choice due to its durability, natural beauty, and timeless appeal; however, I have to say…I’m extremely over it (major yawn)! It has been so overdone and in recent years, homeowners have finally started exploring alternative options that offer similar benefits while providing unique advantages of their own. Join me as I delve into why homeowners should consider countertop alternatives for their next remodel or new home project instead of exclusively opting for granite.
Read MoreYour home is not just a place where you eat and sleep, it’s where you spend most of your time (especially if you’re still working from home). The design of your home can have a significant impact on your physical and mental well-being. A well-designed home can promote a healthy lifestyle, increase productivity, and reduce stress. If I may, allow me to prove why the last two sentences are indeed facts. Let’s dig a little deeper by discussing six aspects of how a well designed home affects your health.
Read MoreIn recent years, the farmhouse style has taken the interior design world by storm, with its rustic charm and cozy aesthetics capturing the hearts of many homeowners. Chip and Joanna Gaines shocked us all into this particular style when Fixer Upper first aired back in 2013 and it has definitely had a strong hold on the interior design industry…in fact, it blew it up!
Having said that, trends in interior design are ever-evolving, and what was once highly sought after can gradually fall out of favor. While I have seen some pretty amazing farmhouse style homes, (kudos to the designers who nailed it), it feels overdone…just like the use of granite countertops! That topic is definitely for another blog post, so stay tuned. This blog post aims to explore the reasons behind the current and fading unpopularity of the farmhouse style and shed light on the emerging trends that are shaping the design landscape.
Read MoreIn a previous blog post, we established the sad reality that lighting is often overlooked or underestimated. Once that basic foundation is realized and applied, you’re ready to take your living space to the next level! Incorporating statement lighting into your design can make a world of difference, elevating the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of your space. Think of that beautiful statement jewelry piece you adorn when attending a gala or a formal dinner. It becomes the star of the show. You want it to stand out from the rest.
Read MoreWhen it comes to designing your home, there is one crucial element that often gets overlooked but possesses the power to transform the entire ambiance and functionality of your living spaces: lighting. Proper lighting design goes far beyond mere illumination; it sets the mood, enhances aesthetics, improves functionality, and promotes overall well-being. We’re going to explore five (5) ways on why lighting is so important when designing your home and how it can elevate your living experience to new heights.
Read MoreLet me go ahead and bust this myth right now! Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all the rage today. The desire for such technological advancement has grown exponentially. So much so, that to be completely honest, it’s actually a little scary. Do we really want this type of “intelligence” running every aspect of our lives...possibly even taking over just so we can have the luxury of convenience?! Listen. I love the Matrix movies and Will Smith’s I Robot, but I don’t need (or want) them to become our reality. Yikes.
Read MoreHome remodeling can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. With so many decisions to make, it can be difficult to know where to start. One of the most important decisions you'll make is whether to hire an interior designer or a general contractor for your project. While both professionals play important roles in the remodeling process, an interior designer can bring a unique set of skills and expertise to the table that a general contractor cannot. Let’s explore why you should consider hiring an interior designer for your home remodel.
Read MoreLuxury kitchens are the epitome of elegance and sophistication, and they are an essential part of any upscale home. The kitchen is the heart of the house, where family and friends gather to cook, eat, and socialize. We'll take a look at some of the latest luxury kitchen trends that are popular right now.
Read MoreWhen it comes to designing or decorating a bathroom, many people focus solely on practical elements such as storage, lighting, and fixtures. Although those things are important, adding art to your bathroom can be a great way to add personality and a touch of luxury to the space.
Read MoreOne of my favorite things about High Point Market is seeing the new trends in furniture and décor. There is always so much to see, but never enough time. It can be overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. It’s impossible to see everything!
Even though I wasn’t able to visit all of the showrooms I “favorited” on the High Point Market app, I was able to hit some really amazing ones. Plus, it’s just an excuse to add the missed ones to my strategy for Fall Market later this year (wink, wink).
Read MoreAt Shades of Gray Design Studio, we love to create one-of-a-kind, modern living rooms! Modern living rooms are often characterized by their sleek, clean lines and minimalist design, but there are many ways to add personality and warmth to this type of space. We’re sharing some tips and ideas we use to create a modern living room that is both stylish and unique.
Read More
