Essential Elements of a Gracious Front Porch and Entry

Front PorchGuest Blogger: Kerrie Kelly, ASID

As an interior designer, it’s hard to beat the fun and satisfaction of a front porch and entry makeover. Nothing delivers more instant curb appeal, and you can achieve real charm on a large or small budget. Whether you spend a little or spend a lot, my colleagues in the real estate world all insist that this is one of the best returns on investment that homeowners get when prepping their home for market. But don’t wait until you’re ready to sell!

The time and effort you put into overhauling the approach to your home is returned to you every time you walk up. This is a great time to start planning that makeover. Check out my favorite simple and affordable upgrades, and when the sun comes back out, you’ll be amazed how much you can change your home in a weekend! First, consider what role your porch plays as an entry point. Does it have potential Read More

Mardi Gras Inspired Home Design

In 1718, New Orleans started celebrating its now infamous Mardi Gras.  It originally started with high society functions and then later became the Mardi Gras we know today with parades and parties throughout the city. This event starts the eve of Lent giving people the ability to indulge to their hearts’ content prior to sacrifice for the weeks to come. Read More

50 Shades of Grey for the Home

The books have taken the world by storm and now with the movie being released this weekend, it is time to showcase the many shades of grey for your home.

Grey oftentimes is considered a drab color to add to home yet in recent years, richer shades of grey have been popping up showing us that grey really is making rooms stand out. Grey or gray is a color that evokes neutrality and has a calming presence in someone’s life.  It is free of chaos Read More

Interior Design Tile Style Guide

interior designFrom the floor that you walk on to the unique accents in your shower, tile offers a customized look to your home’s interior design. With options including glass, porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, and exotic tile, there are tile options for every budget. And every area, and every desired aesthetic. Read More

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

November marks Native American Heritage Month.  In celebrating the people and tribes that helped build this country, we are highlighting design elements that incorporate the Native American heritage and culture.

Native Americans leveraged natural elements to craft a culture and a lifestyle.  Using hides from buffalo to create homes and clothing and clay to create serving pieces and art.  Using feathers to create ceremonious head dresses. Using wood to create tools, utensils and sculptures.  Later embracing the gems and stones found in our lands for jewelry.

Using natural elements like stone, exposed wood beams and leather can help incorporate a feel to your home that might pay tribute to the Native American culture.  Adding paintings or weaved art by tribal members to highlight a piece for a personal touch of tribute is another way to incorporate a Native American design style.  Leveraging colors that are natural can highlight the plains of Oklahoma or the red colored terrain of New Mexico.  Using tribal designs to furniture patterns or paintings on your walls can create a unique look to a room while still showcasing your appreciation for the culture.

Native Americans ate from the land and used the hides, furs, feathers and more to respect the animals that fed them by building useful tools, clothing and home furnishings.  Using similar items to create a home design respectful of the culture can add value by incorporating nature to your home.