The Lighter Side of Leather

May

Just Ask — by Cathy Wolfram

A deign dilemma that I consistently face is how to design around an existing leather sofa or clients that love the durability of leather but are looking for a way to keep the room from looking too heavy. This past week I received several questions from readers looking for a fresh ideas to brighten up their rooms with leather furniture confirming what I have been experiencing with my clients so I decided it was time to share some ideas while answering our readers question from Just Ask. Read more →

Just Ask A Designer: Bathroom Design

May

Just Ask — by Cathy Wolfram

Q. What do you recommend for the the front of the tub, wood or tile, I really want wood but my husband thinks tile will be more durable? Gianna

A. Wood or tile on the face of the tub deck are both durable and acceptable design options. The main difference between the two is the design aesthetic that you are looking to achieve. The tub deck itself is where the material will effect the durability. Above, the face is covered with recessed wood panels, the top is a quartz material (natural stone crushed and manufactured into a solid surface) and there is an under-mount tub. I personally love this look and the top will wear like iron. Read more →

Kitchen Island vs. Peninsula

Apr

Just Ask — by Cathy Wolfram

I love answering design questions from readers especially questions about kitchen design. If you don’t already know we have an exciting category on the blog called Just Ask where you can send in your design dilemmas for professional advice. Let’s talk kitchens!

Color vs. Neutral: Bedrooms

Apr

Just Ask — by Cathy Wolfram

This past week the questions kept pouring in (Just Ask) regarding color vs. neutrals and they mainly pertained to master bedrooms. A place where you can truly relax and recharge but what I have learned throughout all of these years designing interiors is that everyone’s idea of what a retreat is varies greatly. The main variation seems to be the use of bold colors or soft neutrals.

Inspiration to Interior: Milan Fashion Week

Apr

Fashion, Just Ask — by Cathy Wolfram

This week we had an AYP first, a reader sent in a design question that involved a dress she bought on vacation. I am so excited to answer her question because we have a column called, Inspiration to Interior that is all about bringing the latest fashion from the runway into your home Q. I am in love with a Bluemarine dress I bought on vacation last year, can I design a room around it? Grace Read more →

Creating a Kitchen: Top 10 Design Questions

Apr

Just Ask, Kitchens — by Cathy Wolfram

Designing kitchens and selecting the finishes for my clients is one of my favorite tasks as an Interior Designer. From the eat in kitchen to the galley my clients have similar topics that arise and today I am sharing the top 10 questions/answers from the design process. Read more →

Swooning for Staircases

Apr

Entryways, Just Ask — by Cathy Wolfram

Wednesdays are the day I take to answer reader design dilemmas and I have to say it is such a fun day. I just love the combination of working with my design clients and then helping hundreds of readers weekly in Just Ask, so send your questions in friends. Today we are talking about entryways, staircases and railings.

Q. We are building a new home and I “think” I want an interesting railing but my husband wants basic spindles, help! We both agree on white wood spindles with a stained wood hand rail. Roxanne Read more →

The “Finishing” Touch: Current Trends in Finishes

Mar

Just Ask — by Cathy Wolfram

Wow, Spring has sprung we had a record high in our Just Ask category for design project questions and dilemmas to solve this week, love it! After answering all of the questions I found a topic that was trending; what are the finishes being used in kitchens and should the faucet and hardware match? Let’s dive right in.

Q. I have been thinking about fixtures, lighting, hardware, etc and trying to decide what color to go with. I liked the Brushed Nickel but it seems like the oil rubbed Bronze is more popular now. I am not one to get caught in trends and I don’t plan on changing them for a very long time. What do you think is the more timeless choice? Shannon Read more →

Shabby Chic Influence

Mar

Just Ask, Springtime — by Cathy Wolfram

In honor of the first day of Spring I decided to go with a question from Just Ask that feels and looks like Spring, Shabby Chic inspired. I was introduced to the style of Shabby Chic design while in high school when the queen of Shabby Chic, Rachel Ashwell’s brand hit the scene in 1989 called Shabby Chic Couture. I was working for a design firm part-time and everyone wanted the Shabby Chic look. I also have parents that collect everything vintage so by the time I graduated from design school I was so over distressing everything to feel Shabby Chic. French Country and other variations of cottage influenced design seem to have taken the place of the Shabby Chic style. The interesting thing is that after designing interiors for the past twenty years the influence of Shabby Chic can still be found in many different styles, it’s just more hip to say “Cottage Chic” these days. Read more →

Delectable Dining Rooms: Ditching the China Cabinet

Mar

Just Ask — by Cathy Wolfram

This week the majority of design questions that came through our Just Ask category pertained to dining rooms and entertaining. I just love re-defining the tradional dining room, creating dining rooms that my clients enjoy spending time in so let’s explore some ideas.

Q. I am not a fan of china cabinets for dining rooms but need some storage, can you make suggestions? Elise