What is good design? Experts weigh in

I am honored to have been asked to contribute to a Houston Chronicle article on interior design:

Modernism shook the world with its radical departure from classic and traditional styles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The modernists brought their attention to craft and "less is more" and "form and function" mantras to the masses, along with the concept that through an improved built environment, we could improve our lives. Out of that philosophy has grown today's sustainability movement, which focuses on conservation, reuse, adaptibility and our relationship to the natural environment.

The next movement has yet to present itself, so meanwhile, we asked a few Texas designers and architects, "What is good design?"

Julie Schaff Risman, furniture and interior designer, owner of the Inside Story Design, San Antonio; www.insidestorydesign.com:

Some of my guiding principles: Follow the rules of scale and proportion. Don't use small furniture in a large room with high ceilings. Better a few larger items than many small ones. Expensive purchases (furniture and rugs, for example) should be classic and enduring; other, less-expensive items can be more trendy — think pillows and accessories.

Mix materials and style to create interest - wood, glass, stone, metal and fabric. Mixing antiques with modern pieces makes a room interesting and not predictable. All of one material or style creates what I call the furniture showroom effect.

Your home should tell your story. Art and artifacts from your travels, collections and artful photos turn a house into a home and prevent the model-home look. Always add an organic element to a space: plants, fresh flowers, seagrass, shells and salvaged items breathe life and warmth into a space. Edit - if in doubt, leave it out.

( read more )

By Melanie Warner Spencer Copyright 2011 Houston Chronicle

Decorating a Luxury Bathroom

Luxurious bathroom remodeling is one of the things that I most love to do for my clients here in San Antonio.

Luxury bathrooms have become one of the hottest trends in home décor in the last few years. Now more than ever bathrooms are becoming spa-like retreats where people go to unwind and relax after a hard day. To make your bathroom a luxurious retreat that will make you feel like royalty, check out some of these tips and ideas.

Lighting

Task lighting is important in any bathroom, but for a luxury bathroom it's also important to include ambient lighting. To create a romantic, rich look consider including a chandelier and possibly sconces. Look for materials like gilt and crystal to amp up the rich look. And most importantly, don't forget to include dimmer switches on all the lights.

Vanity

If you're starting from scratch and you need to put in a new vanity consider purchasing an antique marble-top chest of drawers and putting a sink in it. You'll lose some of the storage because the plumbing will need to be accommodated but depending on the chest you should still be able to get a drawer or two (this also works with old cabinets and buffets). This idea isn't for the faint of heart because once you've altered the piece you can't go back, but the results can be well worth it. [ read more ]

Decorating a Luxury Bathroom by Lauren Flanagan

Piano for Sale in San Antonio

Piano for Sale: HYUNDAI BABY GRAND PIANO

$3500 - FREE Local delivery (up to $100)

1993 Hyundai G-50A Baby Grand Piano in Very Good condition. Original owner. Plays and sounds fantastic.

Interested?

Contact owner at 210-240-9209 or Julie.Risman@gmail.com to schedule an appointment to see and play this wonderful piano.

Details:

• Purchased new in 1993
• Serial number: ILLG0318
• Finish: High Gloss Ebony
• Matching piano bench included
• 55" String length
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 4' 7"
  • Width: 4' 8"
  • Height: 3' 2"

  

• Minor cosmetic wear only
• FREE local delivery to San Antonio area (up to $100)

Tips for selecting plumbing fixtures

Selecting the right fixtures is an essential - and challenging - aspect of any kitchen or bathroom remodeling.

Plumbing fixtures come in varying metals, faucet types, and control options.  There is a style to match your decor, and your family’s lifestyle. From faucets that turn on with a slight touch, to fixtures that cascade water out in a waterfall, there are ones that are perfect for your home. Here are tips to choose plumbing fixtures that will enhance your sink, tub or shower area, and be a joy to use every day. ( read more )

How to Choose Plumbing Fixtures to Match your Decor Style by Ronique Gibson

Crown Molding Tips and Tricks

Crown molding is an often overlooked part of home remodeling efforts.

In the world of trim, crown is king. Lording high over casings, chair rails, and baseboards, it cuts an impressive profile with elegant curves and distinguished angles. It also elevates a room's stature, drawing the eye up to the ceiling and echoing design motifs seen in other moldings to create a cohesive and polished look for the space. [ read more ]

"All About Crown Molding" by Sal Vaglica, This Old House Magazine

Choosing colors? There's an app for that. Actually, at least 10.

Whether it’s coordinating a new color with an existing color in your home, or it’s finding an all new color palette, choosing decorator colors can be fun - if you have the eye or the tools to help you. Here are 10 iPhone apps that will help make the color choosing process easier.

10 iPhone Apps to Help you Choose the Perfect Home Colors by Ronique Gibson

Secrets Of The Sixth Wall

Think of a room as having six walls: the obvious four walls, the ceiling, and the floor.

While we spend much time agonizing about the right color for the walls and ceilings, we should spend equal amounts of time thinking about the floor materials, color and finishes.

There’s so much to choose from:  hardwoods, engineered hardwoods (distressed, wide-plank, etc.), natural stone, ceramic tile, stained concrete, wall-to-wall sea grass and so much more. Once the flooring is selected, we have another important decision to make – choosing the rug that is going to go on top of the floor!

I often use oriental rugs for the more formal rooms of clients’ homes but this isn’t always an option due to the project scope or budget. I want to share some ideas for rugs that are wonderful and won’t cost an arm and a leg. [ read more ]

The Floor: The Sixth Wall by Julie Risman