Monthly Archives: June 2014

Play Time: Kid-Friendly Bedrooms

Posted on by

Does your child dread being told it’s time for bed? Maybe it’s ripe time to rethink your child’s bedroom design. With the help of a professional, your kid’s bedroom can be strategically designed to create a space that both you and your child love.

Whether its animals, cowboys or astronauts, one thing I try to do when designing kids’ rooms is to incorporate motifs that parallel their favorite childhood fantasies. Once I know the child will love it, I make sure the parents will love it, too. From carefully selected palettes to built-in features with smart storage, I always find ways to make staying tidy easier, while also making sure to maintain an air of sophistication that will complement the rest of the home.

I thoughtfully designed this kid’s room with a symmetrical layout to maximize floor space for playing, while discouraging messiness and clutter. Custom-designed bunk beds with cubbies for each child not only create a neat aesthetic, but also help to keep belongings off the floor.

These bunk beds may look plain at first glance, but kids love having their own special, built-in drawers for their favorite toys. A rough-hewn finish was added to the wooden bunk beds to create a rustic feel that would match the home’s style and decor.

I designed these custom bunk beds with decorative touches to add charm and playfulness to this room for a family with little girls. The bunk beds not only add beautiful style the girls and parents both love, but they also make it fun and easy to have friends sleep over, which the girls especially love!

Are you designing a kid’s bedroom in your home? Contact Paula Berg Design Associates for a bedroom makeover or other home design projects today.

Placing Sculptures in the Home

Posted on by

An affinity for fine art opens the door to a wide range of design possibilities for elegant and sophisticated interiors. While I love incorporating beautiful paintings and other works of art into interior designs, there are few two-dimensional pieces that can impact a space like a sculpture can.

I love working with Roman and Greek sculptures because of the Classical tone they add to interiors, whether traditional or modern. Not only do they add dimension and drama while accentuating ceiling heights, but they also show off your impeccable taste for timeless works of art.

Here are some of the ways stunning sculptures can impact interiors:

  • Sculptures turn unusable spaces into interesting focal points
  • Sculptures can fill out corners to anchor rooms
  • Sculptures balance visual weight within a space
  • Sculptures can nicely contrast or complement architecture
  • Sculptures add intriguing textures to engage the eye
  • Sculptures add graceful lines, curves and forms
  • Sculptures add emotional drama to interior designs
  • Sculptures tell a story through materials, subject matters or details like facial expressions
  • Sculptures express personality and reflect passions

Foyers, hallways, great rooms, dining rooms and home libraries are among the most common rooms to place sculptures in. Where you place a sculpture will determine its impact and role within a design.

I incorporated a Classical sculpture to add artful sophistication to a traditional dining room with a rustic, European feel. It’s the perfect piece for drawing the eye amidst a sea of rich colors and textures. I love the way the female figure is also subtly framed by the curved staircase. The placement of the sculpture gives this unusable space purpose, while allowing you to experience the sculpture from various angles as you use the stairs to enter or exit the space.

Let me and my design team help you achieve interiors that beautifully showcase your favorite keepsakes, whether it’s a collection of fine art or a treasure of artifacts. Contact Paula Berg Design Associates in Park City or Scottsdale online or by phone to begin discussing a potential home remodel or design project.

Contemporary Kitchen Designs Radiate

Posted on by

A unique mixture of materials in a pristine setting of clean lines is often the most distinguishing factor of contemporary designs. When it comes to contemporary kitchens, sleek and high-tech appliances are the final piece of the puzzle.

I love working with clients to create custom contemporary kitchen designs that are cutting edge and breathtakingly beautiful at the same time. Here are a couple of my favorite contemporary and modern kitchen designs I’ve worked on in recent years.

I love how we’re able to use contemporary design methods to achieve a timeless, white kitchen design. Each material and accent looks divine against the all-white backdrop. Marble backsplashes make for sophisticated and artful focal points, while stainless steel appliances and glass curio cabinets keep it edgy and sleek. A warm, wooden dining cabinet adds the perfect pinch of charm.

We let natural stone steal the show again for this contemporary kitchen design. White flat-panel cabinetry gives it a modern look that also creates a stunning contrast with the earthy colors and patterns of the stone. Dark hardwood floors provide subtle elegance to tie this design together.

I also love the idea of mix and matching flat-panel cabinetry with traditional cabinetry for a contemporary appeal that’s not too modern. I especially love a neutral palette paired with open glass shelving.

Another popular way to achieve a contemporary look is by using old materials in new ways. For example, yellow glass countertops, illuminated onyx and wood paneling accents combined with modern architecture can create a contemporary design with an eclectic twist.

Whether your style is more traditional, contemporary and modern, or somewhere in between, Paula Berg Design Associates has the skill and experience to create gorgeous custom kitchens and interiors that meet your lifestyle needs, while reflecting your unique and sophisticated sense of style. Contact us in Park City or Scottsdale to begin discussing a potential home design project.

Comfortable Window Seats for Every Room

Posted on by

Who doesn’t love a window seat that takes advantage of a breathtaking view, while adding elegance and functionality? Being able to sit by a window in your home and soak in natural light during the day and a starry night sky after dark is priceless. Plus, a beautiful built-in window unit can be an excellent use of space as it turns an unused area into functional seating for relaxing and entertaining.

A window seat can be custom designed to enhance your quality of life in a variety of ways, depending on where and how its incorporated. Imagine being able to watch the snow pile up outside, while snuggling up in your warm and cozy window seat. Or, picture being able to savor the extra hours of daylight by enjoying a book, while perched on your personal reading nook. I love the idea of designing a window seat where you can watch the sun rise or set every day. What a great way to connect with Mother Earth and recharge your battery, all while in the comfort of your own home.

Window seats are also a wonderful place to retreat to for quiet contemplation or an intimate phone conversation. They can also add functionality by creating a sitting area for conversation with family and friends in the living rooms or great room. As Natalie Myers reminds us, a dreamy window seat can even “provide ample storage or accentuate the architectural elements of the home.”

Here’s a fabulous example of a window seat I designed for one of my clients. When designing this elegant urban dining room, I incorporated built-in bench seating under a stunning row of bay windows to play up the cityscape, while adding functional over-flow seating for guests. I love how it frames the city skyline with eloquent woodworking.

Whether you envision window seats, dramatic fireplaces or other architectural features and interior design touches, my design team can help you realize an artful home design that’s tailored to your personal style and day-to-day needs. Contact Paula Berg Design Associates to learn more.

Chests, Benches and Seats – Styling the Foot of Your Bed

Posted on by

If any room in your home deserves its own personality, it’s definitely the master bedroom. After a long day’s work, you want to relax in a comforting oasis that shuts the world out. When it comes to decor in the bedroom, think outside the box! I love the idea of placing chests, benches and seats at the foot of beds. Take a look at how I’ve incorporated a few stylish furnishings where it counts.

This earthy, vintage style wood piece is a handy storage haven. It adds an unexpected twist, and extra pillows and bulky blankets can make their home here without over stuffing the linen closet. Don’t you love how the surface acts much like a coffee table with a simple vignette? Lastly, because of its height, you could also sit your laptop here to check emails.

Ottomans are ideal pieces as well. Not only does it serve as extra seating, but you can customize an ottoman with any fabric or material to complement the rest of your bedroom’s decor.

If you’re worried about leaving enough space to walk, a small, simple piece can still work wonders. This upholstered low bench packs a powerful punch. You can easily sit here to slip on your nylons, or place a throw blanket on top in case it gets chilly.

Do you find yourself retiring to the bedroom even more now that winter is rearing its head? Curling up on this bed with a good book and a warm cup of green tea sounds so relaxing! This antique style chest is there to hold your book and drink when it’s time to catch up on your beauty rest.

This upholstered bench, with its zebra print pattern, is the perfect finishing touch to an exotic bedroom. Even though it fits in quite well, the bench still stands out in this dark, yet romantic setting.

Paula Berg Design Associates would love to transform your master bedroom for the New Year. Contact us today to set up a design consultation!

Breaking Area Rug “Rules”

Posted on by

Area rugs do much more than add coziness and comfort to bare feet. They also serve fundamental interior design functions. Area rugs contain furniture by creating subtle outlines that distinguish and define individual living areas. On top of this, they can also provide added color, pattern and texture. The right rug, therefore, can have a significant impact in completing the look and feel of a room.

Choosing an area rug for your home requires careful consideration of “pile, durability, size, shape, patterns, textures, weight, cost, dye, practicality, manufacturing processes and, last but not least, beauty,” as one design writer notes. But be careful not to get hung up on area rug “rules.” After all, there are no real rules in interior design.

One rule is that you must leave a significant amount of bare floor around the rug. In this elegant design, however, I placed the rug quite close to the hearth to help soften the expansive stonewall.

Another area rug rule is that either all furniture legs must be on the rug or at least all front legs. But in this luxurious log cabin, some of the front legs fall on the area rug, while the couch sits back with no legs on the rug. This way, the rusted brown color of the couch and the gorgeous pattern of the rug do not override each other.

In this stunning contemporary design, I happened to follow the previously mentioned “rule.” I love the way this looks because it highlights the subtle trim of the rug.

While I left plenty of inches around the edges of this table, I decided to let the rug extend out farther on one end in order to create slight asymmetry, which adds to the eclecticism.

Rather then simply placing area rugs in the hallways, I added a beautiful area rug to complement and help draw attention to the stunning stone accent wall.

To learn more about my work, browse my portfolio, and then contact Paula Berg Design Associates in Park City or Scottsdale. 

Add a Touch of Drama with High Cathedral Ceilings

Posted on by

Some people may look at a high cathedral ceiling as a design dilemma. It may seem like the highest point is miles away, but the trick is to incorporate a variety of elements to help keep the space feeling homey and comfortable. Below are some of my mountain designs that feature high ceilings as stunning focal points.

There aren’t many features that add structure to a room quite like exposed trusses. A natural touch of architecture, complete with arches and horizontal beams, really brings this mountainous living space to life.

Breaking up decor elements here is just one of many techniques that add visual interest. The stone fireplace, along with the various windows, all combine to make this room look even more handsome. The blending of materials here — wood and stone — doesn’t hurt, either. Both are natural and complement each other well, but each also does a dynamite job of standing on its own.

A high cathedral ceiling might make you feel small, as if you’re being swallowed up by a massive space. But making sure there are plenty of things to keep you busy is the key. This open living space will keep any family occupied with plenty of seating, a warm fireplace to gather around and a scenic view. Plus, the kitchen is only a few steps away.

Are you afraid of a cathedral ceiling that seems like it’s a million miles away? Go dark! When the ceiling is outfitted in a shade that’s darker than the rest of the room, it can take away from the perceived feeling of too much distance or depth. This dark ceiling also does a fabulous job of creating a special zone, highlighting the kitchen as a unique space within the house.

Another way to avoid the feeling of a giant gaping space up above is to add some element of sculpture or art. This unique lighting fixture, with its warm glow, adds drama and really ties this dramatic room together nicely.

Here at Paula Berg Design Associates, my team and I have the ability to create the luxurious mountain-style interiors you crave. Contact us today to learn more about our interior design services in Park City and Scottsdale.

Welcome Overnight Guests with Plenty of Storage

Posted on by

A guest room is not complete without sufficient space for storing guests’ clothing and personal items. A gorgeous design is important, but bedrooms need storage to prevent clutter and to keep everyone comfortable. Here are a few ways I incorporate stylish storage solutions into interior designs.

A rustic trunk fits seamlessly into this room’s decor and is large enough to hold extra bedding or other items. The top also serves as a convenient surface for placing suitcases or overnight bags. The nightstand can hold small personal accoutrements, while beneath the bed and veiled by the skirting, you can keep extra storage bins.

Here, several built-in bunk beds turn this space into a fun camp-like retreat for visitors. Bulky storage furniture would defeat the space-saving style of the room, but the under bed storage drawers meet the need without taking up any additional floor space.

In the absence of a closet, a large armoire meets all your storage needs. Since corners are often wasted space in a room, I built this armoire into the corner where it takes up as little active space as possible and rounds out the design. The built in bench next to it provides extra seating, perfect for when guests are putting on shoes in the morning. Also, beneath the cushioned top is additional storage area.

The windows of this room offer a stunning view that I didn’t want to obstruct with bulky storage pieces. To keep the outdoor scenery visible, I placed a wide desk beneath the windows for drawer space. The earth wood hutch on the adjacent wall functions as a wardrobe and general storage area.

We made sure these charming bunk beds had built-in space-saving drawers tucked beneath the bottom bunks. We also nestled a child-sized cabinet and drawer combo between the bunks to hold extra items, such as toys and camping gear, for young explorers.

If you’re in need of unique design solutions for your mountain home, consult with Paula Berg Design Associates. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Keep a Fire Roaring with Beautiful Wood Storage

Posted on by

The fireplace is one of the most popular elements in contemporary mountain homes, so I always approach this feature with style and function in mind. This includes incorporating wood storage in ways that add aesthetic appeal to the home. Few treasure the thought of going into a garage or braving the cold weather to bring logs in throughout the day. Ample indoor storage is a practical solution for keeping wood logs conveniently close and dry.

This design shows one way a storage space for wood can be attractively integrated with the surrounding architecture. The vaulted ceiling and vastness of this living area requires a fireplace and mantel visually strong enough to hold its own. For this purpose, I used natural cut stone and an extra-large, rough-hewn log for the mantel. Furthermore, built-in storage for firewood on each side of the mantel creates design symmetry to balance out the design.

Texture is a design aspect that’s as important as color. One thing I love about designing wood storage spaces is that it offers a unique chance to add interesting texture. Briefly try to visualize how a stone fireplace would look without a place for log storage. You’ll likely find your mind adding a niche on each side of the fireplace to visually balance the log mantel. Creating balance and interest is how wood storage helps this room’s aesthetic appeal. The sense of depth the storage adds and the change in texture from the stone to the logs anchors the lower half of the stone wall and fireplace. Without this feature, the top half would feel unsupported and this majestic room’s contemporary rustic appeal would feel a bit lacking.

For the best in contemporary mountain design, look to Paula Berg Design Associates in Park City, UT and Scottsdale, AZ. Contact us today to learn more about our expert services.

Enjoy Double the Entertainment with Double the Islands

Posted on by

The importance of a functional and beautiful kitchen design increases substantially for anyone who loves to entertain guests. A popular feature in the kitchen has long been the island. In many instances, however, I use not one, but two islands to increase functionality in my mountain home designs.

Double islands offer additional countertop and storage space. Anyone who entertains frequently knows how important it is to have designated spots for serving pieces, silverware, extra dinnerware and other miscellaneous items and ingredients to keep guests happy. Good storage solutions keep everything conveniently at hand and will even prevent moments of last-minute panic when you can’t find something you need. Sufficient counter space is also helpful when you’re preparing food for a large gathering.

Having different workstations is also very helpful for workflow. One island can be used for chopping and mixing ingredients, while the other can be used as a temporary holding place for cooked dishes.

I believe that busy rooms such as kitchens should always be easy to navigate. By arranging double islands wisely, they provide the same surface area as one large island without hindering the flow of foot traffic. A two-island layout creates a clear path and allows for easy movement throughout the kitchen.

Style-wise, double islands can offer additional visual interest. I could have used the same style and wood finish for both islands, but installing a darker one adds more visual appeal. Since the ceiling is higher above the darker island, there’s a visual weight that keeps the design anchored and balanced.

Another reason I encourage adding double islands is that they allow a host to work unimpeded. Guests are inevitably drawn to the kitchen, especially when delicious aromas begin to permeate the air. An additional island gives guests a place to gather and enjoy a beverage or appetizer while you’re cooking.

When you want your home to match your style and functional needs, let us at Paula Berg Design Associates help you today by contacting us in Park City, UT or Scottsdale, AZ.