5 Ways to Create Architectural Interest in Your Home

Mercedes Amato · September 22, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

During these long months of being in quarantine, we’ve all been staring at the same walls in our homes, looking around for ways to upgrade a few things here and there (I know I most definitely have). Clients have asked me to help them come up with some ways they can spruce up their house without doing a whole ‘lotta construction. I’ve come up with 5 of my top ways to give your home a little bit of character and I’m so excited to share them with you!

1. CEILING BEAMS

What better way to make your living room, bedroom, dining room, kitchen, or even your hallway feel and look cozy than by adding ceiling beams. Now I know what you’re thinking. OMG this is going to cost me sooo much money! And that’s where I come in to tell you “nope”. Who says you have to use solid wood beams when you (or your contractor) can create faux beams that are budget-friendly AND they look like the real thing.

Amber Interiors

PRO TIP: It’s best to add beams if you have high ceilings, light and bright spaces , and if you use a lighter, more natural paint color. If your room is small, doesn’t get a lot of natural light and has dark paint on the wall, I wouldn’t recommend adding beams. It’ll only make your space feel small and enclosed as if the ceiling is coming down on you.

Kate Marker Interiors

2. SHIPLAP (OR OTHER PANELING SUCH AS BOARD AND BATTEN)

Anyone else immediately think of Joanna Gaines when you hear “shiplap”? Cause me too. Shiplap is just one of those ways where you can really transform a boring wall. It really brings a totally different feel to the space! But for those of you thinking about the show “Fixer Upper”, I’m sure you might be thinking, “well, I don’t want my house to be a farmhouse or too country”. And that’s perfectly fine! Shiplap isn’t just for farmhouse/country style homes. It can bring a modern touch to a room without feeling like Joanna Gaines might pop up from behind you. Keep in mind, the rest of the decor in your space will determine if you’re going more on the modern route or the farmhouse/country route.

Rebecca and Genevieve- Shiplap wall + Ceiling

Joanna Gaines aka the shiplap Queen

Let’s just say you’re not a big fan of shiplap but you still want to do some sort of paneling. Board and batten is another great way to add interest to a plain wall. There are so many possibilities with what pattern you’d like to do and I’ll show you some of my favorites!

Angela Rose Home- Board and Batten Wall

Kismet House- Board and Batten Wall

3. GIVE YOUR FIREPLACE A LITTLE MAKEOVER!

There are a couple of fun ways you can give your fireplace a “facelift”. Fireplaces tend to be the focal point in a room, so why not make it look the absolute best?! I’ve seen so many homeowners who upgrade their kitchen, paint, refinish their floors, buy modern furniture, but they fail to bring their fireplace to modern times.

Here are some of my ideas:
Paint your red brick either white or black (you can even do German smear if you don’t want a solid paint color)
Rip out the old outdated marble and upgrade with some fun tile designs
Add a new mantle like a rustic wood beam (if that’s the style you’re going for). Maybe even match the ceiling beams!

Add a new mantle like a rustic wood beam (if that’s the style you’re going for). Maybe even match the ceiling beams!

Anita Yokota

Arrows and Bow

Rebecca and Genevieve- German Smear

4. UPDATE CASINGS (TRIM)

When you add new trim to your doors and windows, it gives a room a completely different feel right off the bat! It’s a great way to add character to your home. I’ve seen houses over the years that have casings that have been painted over and over again, leaving such a sloppy look. Lots of times, I’ve also seen architectural profiles that do not match the rest of the house’s style so this is an important element when designing your home. While you’re at it, you might want to consider updating your baseboard trim as well.

Windsor ONE

Plank and Pillow- Modern Window Casing

5. BUILT INS

One way to really add some architectural interest (and storage) is by adding built ins to your space. This can be done in your living room, dining room, office, or even your bedroom. Let’s say you just updated your fireplace (using my tips and tricks, of course). You have dead space on either side of your fireplace and you really don’t want to keep your hand-me-down bookshelves. Well, why not consider building some built in shelves (or have a woodworker do it if you’re not too handy). It truly makes the space feel cozy and tied together. PLUS you get some added storage. It’s pretty much a win-win situation.

Decor Pad

The DIY Playbook

The Creativity Exchange

I really hope these ideas have inspired you to look around your home and find ways to love it again (or even love it even MORE)! Sometimes you just have to think outside of the box and get a little creative. If you have any questions, feel free to comment on this post or email me and I’ll be happy to talk with you

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

5 Tips on Mastering the Art of Mixing Textures

Mercedes Amato | April 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

Mixing textures in interior design can add warmth and depth to a space, making it feel more inviting and visually interesting. The way different textures are combined can make or break the overall aesthetic. By combining different textures, you can create a multi-layered and visually appealing space that reflects your unique style. Here are some tips on how to mix textures effectively in your home:

1. Start with a neutral base: To mix textures effectively, it's best to start with a neutral base. This creates a cohesive foundation for the different textures that you will add to the space. A neutral base could be a neutral wall color, such as white or beige, or a neutral-colored sofa or bed frame. Starting with a neutral base allows you to experiment with different textures and colors without overwhelming the space.

2. Mix materials: Experiment with mixing different materials to add interest and variety to a room. You could mix materials such as wood, metal, leather, and fabrics. For example, a leather sofa paired with a chunky knit throw, or a metal coffee table with a soft, shaggy rug. Mixing materials will create contrast and add depth to the space.

3. Vary texture scale: Varying the scale of textures in a room is an important aspect of mixing textures in interior design. To do this, you can mix large and small textures together. For example, a large, nubby rug paired with a delicate, sheer curtain. Or, a smooth, glossy side table next to a chunky knit blanket. Varying texture scale will create visual interest and add depth to the space.

4. Mix patterns: Mixing patterns is another way to add texture to a space. To do this effectively, it's important to balance the patterns so they don't clash with each other. You could mix a bold, geometric print with a subtle, organic pattern. Or, a small-scale pattern with a large-scale pattern. Mixing patterns will create a dynamic and visually interesting space.

5. Layer textures: Layering textures is a great way to add depth and interest to a space. You could layer a faux fur rug over a jute rug, or layer a velvet throw pillow on top of a linen sofa. Layering textures creates a multi-dimensional look that adds visual interest to the space.

Mixing textures in interior design is a great way to add depth, interest, and personality to a space. By experimenting with different materials, textures, and patterns, you can create a visually dynamic and inviting environment. Remember to start with a neutral base, vary texture scale, mix patterns carefully, layer textures, and most importantly, trust your instincts and have fun! Mixing textures is an opportunity to express your unique style and create a space that feels like home.

How To Create a Functional Kitchen Using The Working Triangle

Mercedes Amato | March 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

Let's talk about the functionality of a kitchen. The working triangle in a kitchen refers to the layout of the three main elements in a kitchen: the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove or cooktop. The ideal layout is one in which these three elements are arranged in a triangular shape, with the refrigerator, sink, and stove positioned at the three corners of the triangle. This design allows for easy movement and efficient use of space, making it a popular layout for kitchen designers and architects.

The dimensions between a working triangle in a kitchen can vary depending on the size and layout of the kitchen, as well as the personal preferences of the homeowner. However, a commonly recommended guideline is to have no side of the triangle longer than 9 feet or shorter than 4 feet. This allows for easy movement and efficient use of space while still allowing enough room for other kitchen features such as countertops, cabinets, and an island. Additionally, the sum of the three sides of the triangle should be between 13 and 26 feet. These guidelines ensure that the kitchen is functional and efficient.

Here are some examples of common kitchen layouts:

U-Shaped Kitchen: This layout consists of cabinets and appliances lining three walls, forming a U-shape. This layout provides ample counter space and storage, making it ideal for larger kitchens.

L-Shaped Kitchen: This layout consists of cabinets and appliances lining two adjacent walls, forming an L-shape. This layout is versatile and can be adapted to a variety of kitchen sizes and styles.

Galley Kitchen: This layout consists of two parallel walls with cabinets and appliances lining both sides. This layout is ideal for smaller kitchens as it maximizes the use of available space.

Island Kitchen: This layout includes a central island that provides additional counter space and storage. This layout is ideal for larger kitchens with ample floor space.

Peninsula Kitchen: This layout includes a connected island that is attached to one wall, providing additional counter space and storage. This layout is ideal for smaller kitchens that require additional workspace and storage.

When it comes to designing a kitchen with the working triangle in mind, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the three main elements - the refrigerator, sink, and stove - are arranged in a triangular shape. This allows for easy movement and access between the three areas.

Now that you know the importance of the working triangle, I'm sure the next time you're scrolling on Instagram or Pinterest, you'll be more mindful on the proper kitchen design layout. You might even be able to notice the different styles of kitchen designs!

Moody Blues Master Bedroom Retreat

Mercedes Amato | February 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Hello Design Lovers!

This project was a long time coming but wow! I'm so happy with the way it came out. But more importantly, my clients are thrilled with the end result. Let me give you a little run down on this project came to be. My clients, Hillary and Josh, were in desperate need to get their master bedroom updated. They no longer felt their room was a sanctuary for them, a place where they can come to unwind, relax, and ultimately sleep (of course).

The biggest eye sore though probably had to be the carpet. They wanted to rip up the carpet and have hardwood floors throughout. They knew there was hardwood under the carpet in the hallway of their master bedroom, but they didn't know if the main bedroom space had hardwood since that part of the house was an addition. Sure enough, there was only hardwood flooring in the hallway. I brought in a contractor to add hardwood in the rest of the space, making the transition as seamless as possible.

Hillary wanted to do some sort of accent wall, but she wasn’t really sure what exactly she wanted. She had shown me several photos of inspiration on Pinterest and then I began to work out some ideas. We had spoken about possibly putting up wallpaper, but she really wanted some dimension.

It was a bit challenging to come up with a design since there are two windows on that wall which would ultimately break up the flow, but after some planning, it worked out perfectly! The windows don’t seem like such a big deal anymore.

Once the accent wall was complete, it was time to paint. We said goodbye to the outdated gold/taupe color and freshened up the space with updated colors. We went with Benjamin Moore Thousand Oceans for the accent wall and the rest of the space is Benjamin Moore November Rain. Paint makes a HUGE difference and just like that, the room was ready to be decorated!

I wanted to go with a neutral bed frame to allow the accent wall to stand out. The contrast between the white headboard and the blue wall is exactly what I was going for! We went with off-white drapery for the two back windows, making sure not to take away from the accent wall.

The windows on the side walls were a bit challenging since they are so close to the windows on the accent wall. I didn't want to add more drapery to those side windows which I felt would take away from the showstopper of a wall, so we opted for beautiful simple roman shades. Plus, my clients informed me they needed privacy from the neighbors, so roman shades did the trick!

We incorporated light wood tones for the nightstands and dresser which really makes the room feel airy and spacious. Had I selected dark wood tones, the room would've felt a lot smaller and closed in.

I brought in some color with the beautiful vintage inspired area rug (the touches of blue compliments the accent wall really well). I wanted to bring in some more color without it overpowering the space. The neutral duvet allowed for us to play with color for the rest of the bedding and that's exactly what we did with the throw pillows. There's just enough color without it all feeling too overpowering.

My clients and I are so happy with the way this room came out! Such a major transformation...it's like night and day. Now onto the next project. Stay tuned for more!

DESIGN LOVERS UNITED: A BLOG

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply