HGTV Magazine features the interior design of Jessica Dauray Interiors in its May 2016 issue.
Read MoreWhat to Consider When Choosing Colors for a Kitchen
Paint colors are important in the kitchen - and every room, for that matter - because they help set the mood. Do you want a vibrant space that suggests a flurry of family activity, or would you prefer a calming space where you can quietly sip coffee and read the paper in the morning? Perhaps something in between? Paint color goes a long way in setting the tone.
Here are five of our best tips for choosing a paint color that not only sets the right mood in the kitchen, but also one that reflects your personal taste and works within the overall design and feel of the home. These are considerations we use when selecting paint colors for our clients.
1. Choose colors that make you happy
This may sound oversimplified, but it’s true. Paint color is a very personal choice. Some people find the color yellow warm and inviting while others find it harsh and jarring. This is your home, and you have to be satisfied with the choice. Avoid choosing a color simply because it is trendy or because a designer suggests it. We always talk to our clients in depth about their personal likes and dislikes before suggesting a color palette.
2. Consider the rest of the home
Proper flow from room to room is a crucial component of beautiful design. Consider the color scheme in the rest of the home before choosing a paint color for the kitchen. If the dining room is teal, you don’t want to paint the kitchen red. When you’re considering paint colors, walk from the kitchen to adjacent rooms. Imagine how the color will flow from one room to the next.
3. Don’t be afraid of bold colors
In some rooms of the home, bold colors are a risky choice. The bedroom, for example, is supposed to be a calm and soothing space. If you like bold colors, however, the kitchen is a great place to introduce them. The kitchen tends to be a center of activity. Also, kitchens tend to have less visible wall space than other rooms because of the cabinets. So a bold color can be more like an accent or a pop, contrasting with more muted cabinets and countertops.
4. Always test your colors first
Paint colors will always look different on your walls than they do on a swatch or in the can. The finished look is affected by factors such as the size of the room and lighting. Always buy samples of any paint color you’re considering and test them first by painting a small spot on the wall. Better yet, test two or three similar shades to find out which you like best. Tempting as it may be, it’s risky to invest in paint without having tested it first. The last thing you want is to paint the entire room only to discover that the color doesn’t work.
5. Never underestimate the importance of good lighting
As we’ve mentioned, lighting has a tremendous impact on how a paint color looks in a room. Consider both the natural and artificial light in the kitchen when choosing a color. In general, all paint colors look their best with softer and more natural light. However, bulbs that are higher on the Kelvin scale can be used to warm up a paint color, while bulbs lower on the Kelvin scale can be used to cool it down. When you’re sampling paint colors, be sure to inspect the colors at different times of the day as the lighting changes.
For many Jessica Dauray Interiors clients, the kitchen is the center of the home. It is a place to gather with the kids to do homework at night, a place to socialize and entertain guests, and a place to share relaxing meals after a long day of work. Work with an interior designer that understands color and can create an environment that meets your lifestyle and makes you happy when you enter the room.
Jessica Dauray Interiors is a full-service, residential and commercial interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Founder, Jessica Dauray, and her design team specialize in custom interior design, as well as renovation and new home construction project consulting and management. JDI' unique interiors can best be described as livable and sophisticated. The designs incorporate classic, clean lines that function to fit your family's lifestyle and design aesthetic. JDI's projects include residences and corporate interiors throughout the New York Metropolitan area.
Picking Light Fixtures for a Home Renovation or Remodel
Designers are always thinking about lighting when they tackle a remodeling project. We understand how important proper lighting is to the look and feel of the finished project. We also know that lighting can serve as a showpiece in itself. A beautiful chandelier can be the focal point of a room or the foundation of a cohesive room design.
During a remodeling project, think about lighting early and often. One of the greatest mistakes we see homeowners make is treating lighting like an afterthought, leaving little in the budget. If you’re not sure where to start, follow our advice for choosing the best lighting for each room.
How to choose a lighting fixture or chandelier
If you have any sort of penchant for design, chances are you can walk into a lighting store and choose a beautiful piece. That’s the easy part. But there are many more factors to consider when selecting a piece. Ask yourself:
Do you want the lighting to point up for a softer bounced light feel or down for direct light that may be great for tasks but comes with harder shadows? Lighting the ceiling can make a space look larger, while lighting the floor can make it look smaller, cozier or more intimate.
- Do you need task lighting? Whether this is a kitchen workspace, sewing nook or reading area, some spaces require special lighting considerations. When the space is designed for a certain task, you want to choose overhead lighting that points directly toward where the activity will take place, not diffused lighting or lighting that points upward.
- Do you want a statement piece? If the room could use a pop, consider a statement piece such as a bold chandelier or oversized pendant. However, if the room has a bold design or another statement piece, you probably want to go with something simpler and classic. Too many statement pieces can make a room look cluttered, overwhelmed and incohesive.
- What kind of mood do you want to set? Lighting sets a tone for the room. Generally, softer and more natural lights tend to flatter a room. In a bedroom or living room, consider opting for diffused lighting fixtures that flatter the space and the people inside it. In a kitchen or bathroom, of course, you’ll want brighter and more direct lighting.
Keep in mind, too, that the best lighting comes in layers. You don’t want to rely solely on overhead lighting or chandeliers to light a room. The best-lit rooms have a mixture of task, decorative and accent lighting. They incorporate overhead lightings with lamps, picture lights and more.
One final tip: Always pay attention to height when hanging light fixtures and chandeliers. If the lighting is too low, it will be in the way. If it is too high, it will not feel like a part of the room design, and it may be overlooked. If in doubt, reach out to a professional interior designer for the advice of an expert. They will be able to show you how to integrate the right lighting fixture with the style, color and size of your room.
How to choose kitchen lighting
We touched on kitchen lighting above, but, again, the key is to layer. Kitchens need a mixture of overhead, task, and accent lighting. You might have recessed lighting on the ceiling above the countertops, softer pendant-style lighting or a chandelier above the island, and under-cabinet lights. Other beautiful and functional lighting options include mounted wall sconces, lighted glass-front cabinets, under countertop lighting to illuminate drawers, and toekick lights for ambiance and visual interest.
The kitchen is one of the most complex rooms to light because you need to strike the right balance between functional and decorative lighting. If you’re not sure how to go about layering, we recommend consulting an interior designer or lighting professional for advice.
How to choose bedroom lighting
Bedrooms are primarily for sleeping, of course, but a balance of lighting is important here, too. Soft light and ambiance are important in the bedroom to create a relaxing environment, but if the light is too soft or subtle, it will not be adequate for tasks like reading and dressing. Balance overhead lights with bedside lamps or sconces. Consider using a dimmer for overhead lights to control the ambiance. In general, opt for softer lighting but in many layers.
When you’re shopping for bedroom lighting, pay attention to the size of the room and the ceiling height. You want the light to be scaled properly for the room, and it shouldn’t hang too low. Avoid putting overhead lighting directly over the bed. It can be uncomfortable on the eyes when lying down. And remember to think about the closet. Closets need to have good lighting so you can see the true color of your clothes.
Jessica Dauray Interiors is a full-service, residential and commercial interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Founder, Jessica Dauray and her design team specialize in custom interior design, as well as renovation and new home construction project consulting and management. JDI' unique interiors can best be described as livable and sophisticated. The designs incorporate classic, clean lines that function to fit your family's lifestyle and design aesthetic. JDI's projects include residences and corporate interiors throughout the New York Metropolitan area.
Interior Design Color Trends for 2015
Interior design color trends are constantly changing, and it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we, at Jessica Dauray Interiors, recommend modern and timeless over extremely trendy. However, that is not to say that you have to ignore trends altogether.
There are ways to infuse color trends without committing yourself to a style that will look outdated in a few short years. Paint is most certainly one of them, as are bold accessories like accent pillows, throws, and rugs. These are great ways to update your space without a full redesign.
Some of the color trends for 2015 are continuations of what we’ve seen in previous years, and others are fresh. While we’re not recommending you invest in an expensive item like a couch in one of these bolder hues, splashing these colors throughout will give your room a fresh and updated look.
Greek blue
This Mediterranean-inspired hue is rich and vibrant. Think of the church rooftops on the Greek island of Santorini. This color adds a dramatic pop when paired when paired with neutrals like grey, white or cream.
60s colors
Bold 60s-inspired hues like olive and tangerine are back in fashion - in a big way. This is in line with a trend we’ve seen for several years toward the Mid-century modern style. You can pair a couple bold 60s colors together to add major pop to a room. The look is especially chic paired with wood furniture.
Gray
Grey has been the neutral of choice for a few years now, eclipsing tans, beiges and browns in popularity. That trend is expected to continue. Some people are even calling grey the color of the decade.
Coral
Sherwin-Williams has named its coral reef shade the official color of 2015. Coral pairs beautifully with neutrals like grey and white. Used sparingly for an accent wall or a pop of color on throw pillows or accessories, coral looks fresh and modern.
Olive green
This organic shade of green is back in fashion, and it is being used in unexpected ways - even for kitchen cabinets. Keep a light touch with this shade, however. If it’s overdone, the look can be dark and drab.
Pastels
We know what you’re thinking - it’s the 80s all over again. Not quite. The modern take on pastels is more Monet than Troop Beverly Hills. It is subtle, sophisticated and chic. Think pistachio, light pink and lavender. Anchor the look with plenty of neutrals for balance.
Aquamarine
This soothing, airy shade has made a resurgence in the past few years. It is easy on the eyes, and it promotes a relaxing atmosphere. It works in just about any room of the home, but it is especially great for bedrooms.
Lucite green
If you’re sensing a theme, you’re correct. Ocean-inspired colors are huge for 2015. This color is cool and calming - a medium green with just a hint of mint color. Think of the color of the beaches in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand. The look is soothing but fresh.
Custard yellow
Even people who are not big fans of yellow gravitate to custard. It’s a darker, more muted shade of yellow, yet it still manages to feel bright and sunny. This color is great for creating an unexpected pop. Use it for breezy curtains, accent pillows or a decorative throw.
Jessica Dauray Interiors is a full-service, residential and commercial interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Founder, Jessica Dauray and her design team specialize in custom interior design, as well as renovation and new home construction project consulting and management. JDI' unique interiors can best be described as livable and sophisticated. The designs incorporate classic, clean lines that function to fit your family's lifestyle and design aesthetic. JDI's projects include residences and corporate interiors throughout the New York Metropolitan area.
Why Fabrics Matter in Interior Design
Interior decorating is not just about finding the right furniture and accessories. It is also important to choose the right fabrics. From the proper materials to the best patterns, here is our starter guide to choosing fabrics that will look beautiful, last and suit your lifestyle.
Natural vs synthetic fabrics
The most popular natural fabrics include cotton, silk, linen and wool. For synthetics, you will find rayon, acrylic, nylon, polyester and acetate. Both natural and synthetic materials have their pros and cons. Most homes have a blend of both natural and synthetic fabrics.
• Cotton is very strong, versatile, breathable and affordable, making it a popular choice for everything from furniture upholstery to sheets. It also works for curtains, although the look is fairly informal.
• Silk is luxurious but far more expensive. It’s a great investment for some items, including Oriental rugs and throw pillows. However, be mindful of how the sunlight hits silk items. The material fades over time in direct sunlight.
• Like cotton, linen has a more casual look. It has a breezy and beachy feel. Linen is also great for stain resistance, but it wrinkles easily.
• Wool is the strongest and most durable of natural fabrics - wool upholstery and carpeting will last a long time. It is also warm and cozy. However, wool can be itchy and uncomfortable to the touch (think wool sweaters).
• Rayon is commonly used for window treatments because it hangs well, but avoid this material if you live in an area with high humidity. It will shrink.
• Acrylic is stain resistant, colorfast and fade resistant, but it can be difficult to clean and it gets pilly over time. Often, acrylic is blended with natural fabrics for increased durability.
• Nylon, like wool, is very tough and long lasting. However, nylon is not breathable, which can make it uncomfortable.
• Polyester is another fabric that is often blended with natural fibers in upholstery. It resists fading, but it is difficult to clean and not as strong as fabrics like nylon and wool.
• Acetate is long lasting. It is a great alternative to acrylic because it does not pill and it is wrinkle resistant. It is a great fabric for draperies.
Choosing the right mix of fabrics and patterns
Some people are afraid to mix fabrics and patterns, but sophisticated design involves layering various patterns and textures. Generally, the key is to mix no more than three patterns or textures. More than that and the room starts looking disjointed and unbalanced. Here are some tips:
• Find a fabric or a couple fabrics you love and make that the base of the design. Build your color scheme around the fabrics.
• If you’re going to use multiple patterns, vary the style. Rather than using three florals, use one floral, one stripe and one geometric.
• Vary the size of your patterns. If you have a really large floral, opt for a smaller stripe or geometric pattern to create balance.
• Choose colors that are opposites or near opposites on the color wheel. Plum and yellow look great together, for example, as do teal and tangerine.
• If you’re introducing two or three patterns, it is usually a good idea to choose patterns that share a base color such as red or blue.
• If your room is small, avoid large patterns. They will overwhelm the room and make it look smaller.
• Introduce bold prints on smaller and less expensive items like throw blankets and accent pillows. That way, when you grown tired of the pattern, making a change is easy and affordable.
• Use horizontal stripes to make a narrow room feel wider and vertical stripes to make a low ceiling look higher.
Jessica Dauray Interiors is a full-service, residential and commercial interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Founder, Jessica Dauray and her design team specialize in custom interior design, as well as renovation and new home construction project consulting and management. JDI' unique interiors can best be described as livable and sophisticated. The designs incorporate classic, clean lines that function to fit your family's lifestyle and design aesthetic. JDI's projects include residences and corporate interiors throughout the New York Metropolitan area..
Kitchen and Bath Tile That Won't Go Out Of Style Quickly
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms of the home to remodel. You want the spaces to look fresh and modern, but you don’t want to choose materials that are too trendy and will go out of style. Some design trends, like granite counters and eco-friendly appliances, have staying power, while others are hot for a few years and then fall out of fashion. Kitchen and bath tile are one of the telltale signs of age in a kitchen or bathroom. Picture the bright pink and blue tiles of the 1960s or the ornatly patterned tiles of the 1980s. The make a home feel dated. To avoid regretting your decision in a couple years, follow these tips for choosing tile that won’t go out of style.
Play it safe with neutrals
While you don’t want the kitchen or bathroom to look drab, colorful and bold tiles - while trendy - are a risk. If you tire of the color in a few years or the shade goes out of style, you’ll have to either live with the tile or rip it out and start again. If you’re craving a pop of color, consider incorporating a row of accent tiles in the bathroom or using a colorful backsplash in the kitchen. Or, you can introduce color with paint or accessories instead. Generally, it is best to avoid tiling your entire kitchen or bathroom in a bold color.
Consider white subway tiles
Subway tiles have been popular in bathroom and kitchen design for nearly a century. They are neutral and classic, but they also have character. Subway tiles are also easy to clean, which is imperative for kitchens and bathrooms.
If you choose a pattern, keep it classic
Patterned tile is far more likely to look dated in a few years than plain tile. However, that is not to say that you can’t choose a pattern if that’s what you like. They key is to find a pattern that is subtle, classic and understated. Think a subtle geometric pattern in a neutral shade such as light gray.
Avoid anything too new
Any style that is brand new can be a risk. There’s a balance here, naturally, because you want to design a space that looks fresh and modern. But it’s unwise to jump on the latest trend without knowing if it has staying power. Be wary of any tile trend that is brand new to the market or different from anything you’ve seen before. Sometimes these tiles are in vogue for just a season or two, then fall out of fashion. When in doubt, consult an interior designer to ask for an opinion on the whether the tile will look dated in a few years.
Consider natural stone
Natural stone has proved its staying power. No other material has survived the test of time so well. If you’re looking for a safe choice that is also beautiful, natural stone, granite or marble is an excellent choice. You won’t regret the choice five or 10 years down the road.
Choose dark tiles
Dark tiles in shades of black, gray or brown are in fashion, and this is a trend that doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. Darker tiles look fresh and unexpected, but they’re still classic in style because they are neutrals. Tread lightly with dark tiles, however. You don’t want to cover the entire bathroom in dark tiles - perhaps just one area such as the shower. And if your bathroom is very small, it is probably wise to avoid them altogether.
Jessica Dauray Interiors is a full-service, residential and commercial interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Founder, Jessica Dauray and her design team specialize in custom interior design, as well as renovation and new home construction project consulting and management. JDI' unique interiors can best be described as livable and sophisticated. The designs incorporate classic, clean lines that function to fit your family's lifestyle and design aesthetic. JDI's projects include residences and corporate interiors throughout the New York Metropolitan area.
Interior Design Trends vs Timeless Design That Last
Timeless interior design versus short lived design trends: It’s the ultimate catch-22 for many homeowners who are seeking a design for a new home or looking to redecorate an existing space. Most people want a home that looks current and modern now, but you don’t want it to look outdated in three years. The question is where to invest hard earned money so that it doesn't turn out to be today's version of the avocado and mustard gold appliances from the 1970's.
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