Tip of the day! The Dunn Edwards Evershield Exterior paint is the best for interior baseboards! Who knew? I became more involved with paint selections while choosing colors for my projects only to discover that the painter typically had an account at one store and no matter what company I specified they got a color match from the store with their account. AND it was often the least expensive option. That was one of the reasons I started LuxeSpecs.com. Now I specify color, company and finish. Sherwin Williams is the largest paint company. Behr and Benjamin Moore are also great companies. However, I believe Dunn Edwards makes great exterior paints for our intense heat. Developed originally for southern California and Disneyland, their lab is on the west side of Phoenix. Evershield is such a superior paint that they recommend its use for interior baseboards. Available in a variety of finishes, it has great clean-ability and spread-ability. Every day in design is totally different, while not usually at the paint store, it happens! Coming Next – an experiment with Farrow and Ball paint to see how much difference there really is! Stay tuned!
Getting cozy
Many times when my clients move they just want to settle in so we make the most of what they have. Later when they are ready to make improvements, we do upgrades. Most of my clients want the home to be refreshed every few years.
First you see the move in shot. We had a small rug under the cocktail table and could have used one or two chairs between the fireplace and piano. Now well into settling in, homeowners want to be comfortable and aren’t moving anytime soon. Reading and television viewing are priorities. You’ll see in the after shot, we added a rectangular rug with the curved sofa and fireplace to pull the new chairs together with the curved sectional. The bold black curves in the custom rug pull the television, hearth and piano together. A round black ottoman and round table between the chairs complete the new look.
Do you need a refresh? On most projects the timing is a little slower but my vendors are working hard to be safe while also maintaining their businesses.
The Special Beauty of Murano Glass
Since we’re not traveling, I’ll take you on a journey! While working for Barrow’s Furniture witnessing the incoming merchandise was an educational experience! Becoming familiar with the different furniture companies gave me a hands on view of quality. Trying upholstery from various manufacturers allowed a new appreciation for vendors with long standing reputations for quality. But the owners traveled to find accessories from all over the world.
Murano glass (existing since the Middle Ages and moved to the island in 1291 to prevent fires) was a mystery. Some very contemporary designs from an old world origin. It is a particularly European look that integrates the two. The first Murano glass I purchased was in Murano was 20 years ago. We traveled to the island from Venice and listened to a presentation, viewed the facility and the studio. My son loved the champagne flutes. I wanted a carafe. My husband wanted the wine glasses. At least we all liked the same pattern! It is expensive to shop with those two! My next purchase of Murano glass was from an LA showroom – two red hand blown pendants. The remainder of Murano I own is from HomeGoods! If you watch the stickers, you will become accustomed to the Made in Murano style and learn to identify them. Add beauty to your life!
Watch this video showing how a glass is created!
Is Natural Stone Obsolete?
Is natural stone obsolete? Never! Even as we were trending toward the quartz (composite) products in recent years, many people were holding out for the real thing! Yes, quartz is lower maintenance than natural stone products that need to have the surface recoated. But the Black Galaxy granite we had in our last kitchen was never recoated in the fifteen years we lived there and it still looked great! Natural products also look real – they are! Quartz is great for the contemporary look that is now in. It doesn’t need to be refinished but it is also harder to repair. A recent project with an oversized island required natural stone as quartz was not available in a wide enough slab. Approach each situation with an open mind and use the product that is best for it. The current limestone in our kitchen is high maintenance but I would only replace it with quartzite – another natural stone!
Curved Sofas
Well, we’re all home and we’re settling in for the winter! My clients are ordering comfortable furniture or replacing old worn furniture. It is easier to social distance with chairs. It has always been a great look to have four matching upholstered chairs surrounding a round cocktail table. Another option that is popular now is a curved sofa! Only two people are comfortable on a three-seat sofa. With a curved sofa, this effortlessly takes place, the curve gives your room an updated look. And facing each other is natural. Chairs can be added as usual. A curved table will look best. The curved options are plentiful now so if it is a look you have always liked, treat yourself to a holiday update!
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