A Vibrant Kitchen Design in Mexico

Posted on July 15, 2014 by paulaberg

In recent years, the kitchen has moved steadily towards first place in design importance. Functional and simple kitchens once satisfied most homeowners, but now this room is often used for entertaining guests and, with that, its design has become more important. This holds true in Southwestern style homes as well, so I always make sure to combine vibrant colors and interesting decorative features to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Warm, lively colors work very well for kitchens and are said to stimulate the appetite. The southwestern palette is fortunately rich in vibrant colors, so we put it to great use in this kitchen design I created in Mexico.

The colorful tile backsplash provides the design focal point. The tiles’ bright gold, orange and yellow ochre, soft desert rose and cactus green provide the cheery elements needed against the backdrop of dark wood, neutral walls and a rustic range hood. Wood stools match the island while the woven seats add textural appeal. Natural southwestern flora, displayed peppers and other regional edibles lend this design an inviting, organic appeal.

At this angle, you can get a better look at the wood beams on the kitchen’s ceiling, which immediately adds a rustic charm to the space. For the countertop, we used the same material as the island top and extended colorful tiles along the walls. Both of these design elements work to facilitate visual cohesion in the room.

Adjacent to the counter, a rustic refrigerator armoire in green and red brings in a touch of class and sophistication. This adds interest and character to the space, but we kept the hues subdued so they wouldn’t compete with the colored tiles. Red and green fruit, stored in clear glass containers, cheerfully connect with the armoire’s colors, as do the carefully selected green pottery and a bowl full of red edibles positioned on the island just opposite the fruit. The effect as a whole is both vibrant and inviting!

When your kitchen needs a new, uplifting Southwestern style, we can help you achieve your dream design. Contact us today at Paula Berg Design Associates to learn more about our design services.

Geometric Rugs Add Depth and Dimension to Desert Homes

Posted on July 13, 2014 by paulaberg

I love adding rugs in interior designs for their practical and aesthetic appeal. A rug muffles sound, adds comfort underfoot and increases textural interest in designs. A rug’s pattern can also emphasize a design style, as shown here in these Southwestern-inspired rooms.

This rug serves many design purposes. It defines the conversation area and pulls the room together, while the dynamic pattern enhances the room’s Southwestern vibe. While this space is rich in colors and textures, the rug doesn’t feel too busy because its soft blue, taupe and rust colors harmonize with the fireplace and mantel, the focal point of the room. The unified effect of these design elements is peaceful, warm and rustic.

Here, we chose a rug with a dark red-brown, gold, black and cream palette, as well as a bold Southwestern geometric pattern. It has a more modern appearance than the previous rug, in both style and texture, which blends well with the contemporary feel of the room. All of the rug’s colors are represented in the chic square coffee table, which helps to connect the room’s design features and create cohesion. Such a bold and active pattern wouldn’t suit some rooms. However, with neutral walls and flooring, plus the solid-colored armchairs, the rug adds the right degree of warmth and interest.

One thing that I find inspiring about working with patterned rugs is that there are so many colors and styles. A beautiful rug really can make or break a room. This rug’s main colors are desert rose and black, which complement the love seats. While the pattern has enough character to add Southwestern appeal, notice that it doesn’t overwhelm the wall art. Both coexist in the space without a sense of discord. Other colors in the rug, plus the symmetry, are also represented throughout this conversation area, creating soft, comfortable visual harmony.

Whether you want to update your Southwestern style home or you want to create an entirely new look, we can help you today. Contact us at Paula Berg Design Associates to learn more about our interior design services.

A New Look at the Modern Southwestern Style

Posted on July 11, 2014 by paulaberg

When some people think of Southwestern style interior design, they might picture design elements such as Navajo tapestries, rustic wood furniture, adobe walls and cow skulls. While these features are commonly used in rustic renderings of this style, Southwestern design as a whole is much more versatile. There are many subtle ways to add touches of the Southwest to your home, and I often use this approach to contemporize spaces with a sleek and modern aesthetic.

In this open plan home I designed, wood and stone architectural features add earthy, organic qualities, but the space is clearly modern. To imbue some Southwestern charm, we added chairs upholstered in an updated geometric Southwestern pattern, a contemporary sculpture in the colors of a desert sunset and small decorative touches throughout for additional visual hints. While there are no bold Southwestern accents, the feeling is nevertheless congruent with a modern Southwestern style.

This is the same home viewed from a different vantage point. The color palette contains gold, beige and other hues that bring to mind sand, adobe and other elements you might find in the desert Southwest. The wall art on the far left side of this hall is rich with pink, gold tan and grey with a dash of turquoise. While the painting is stylized and contemporary, the colors evoke desert horizons.

Here the Southwestern style is more obvious, but the look remains ultra modern. The room’s color palette is rich with saturated harvest tones, while a collection of Southwestern style pottery and some adobe-like shelves imbue the room with Old World charm. I chose a patterned textile for the furniture pieces and completed the design with a uniquely patterned rug. Other elements, such as framed wall art and a potted green plant, add a pop of color for extra visual interest. This Southwestern room contains a uniquely contemporary appeal.

If you desire unique Southwestern interior designs with a contemporary twist, we can help turn your vision into reality. Contact us today at Paula Berg Design Associates to learn more about our interior design services.

Increase Visual Interest with Patterned Upholstery

Posted on July 9, 2014 by paulaberg

Like color, texture can enrich interior designs by adding visual interest. This is especially true with Southwestern design, which often features neutral color palettes. I often use textiles with a sturdy weave or a Southwestern-inspired pattern to give this unique style an extra boost of interest. The color and texture of certain upholstery can affect a room’s aesthetic in many ways, which I’ve demonstrated in a couple of my own designs below.

This room is rich in textures, which are readily apparent in the flooring, natural wood grain, smooth stone tabletop and the cacti plant. I wanted to add color without overwhelming the space, so I chose a bold and colorful pattern for the chair and ottoman, keeping the fabric smooth. The weave of the seating in the foreground is more visible, but the solid neutral color keeps the look balanced.

If you want to add Southwestern style to your interior, but your home’s architecture isn’t traditionally Southwestern, you needn’t worry. Southwestern flair can be added with just a few additions to your existing decor, and this room is a good example of that. We kept most of the seating in a solid, neutral color. Sturdy woven fabrics set the stage for the addition of colorful throw pillows. The neighboring chairs are smoother, but are covered with a subtle Southwestern pattern. With all of these decorative elements combined, the result is a chic, contemporary design with just the right amount of desert influence.

This is another open plan space with contemporary architectural elements. Organic features, such as the natural stone slab, the firewood and tiles, add rustic appeal. We used an earth tone color palette throughout the space, but the room required more to achieve an authentic Southwestern atmosphere. The desert-inspired upholstery adds the necessary touch to complete the room’s ambience. Tiles, stone and metal design features can feel cold and unwelcoming without the balancing presence of warm textiles.

When you want to enhance your home with beautiful Southwestern designs, look to us at Paula Berg Design Associates. Contact us in Scottsdale, AZ or Park City, UT to find out all the ways we can help you fulfill your design dreams.

Add a Touch of Southwestern Flair to Your Home

Posted on July 7, 2014 by paulaberg

Southwestern design has a comfortably laid-back character, but this shouldn’t be taken as a euphemism for “shabby.” Rather, designing with natural color palettes and materials is a great way to reflect the beauty and culture of the Southwest, while creating unique and unpretentious warmth. Below, I’ve featured a design in which I used color, texture, art and other decorative accents to add the right amount of Southwestern flair.

In this dining room, the wall color sets the stage for other design elements. We used warm sand tones throughout the room and made sure the walls’ golden tones were rich enough to complement the room’s art and decor. This golden hue is also reflected in the wood planks between the floor tiles to create design cohesiveness.

Other colors used in this room also characterize the earthy, yet often vibrant quality for which Southwestern design is known and loved. Touches of blue evoke a desert sky, as well as precious gemstones like turquoise and lapis, which are often used in Native American jewelry. Medium to dark-toned wood furniture brings in old-world appeal and keeps the room grounded. I even added a potted green succulent, which adds an important dash of color and textural interest.

Southwestern art and patterns can be mixed and matched to add extra charm, but they should connect to the room’s overall design in some way. The wall art we used in this room contains the same color palette seen throughout the room and adds the right amount of whimsy to match the wrought-iron chandelier frame. Lashed rawhide, used in the chandelier, adds lots of rustic charm and connects with the room’s wall color. The textile patterns found in the dining room chairs are elegant enough to provide visual balance against the chandelier and wall art. Other features, such as the dynamic sculpture in the corner and the large candle on the credenza contribute to the room’s Southwestern feel.

If you’re ready to add a touch of Southwestern flair in your home, let me and my associates at Paula Berg Design Associates help you. Contact us today to learn more about our design services.

Warm Up Your Home with Rustic Wood Walls

Posted on July 5, 2014 by paulaberg

When you imagine a room decked out with wood paneled walls, do you envision an outdated ‘70s space? Well, maybe you should think again. It’s 2014 and wood walls have come a long way in the past 40-plus years! In order to avoid an old fashion look, balance is the key. My team here at Paula Berg Design Associates has incorporated wood in a number of projects, making it a versatile accent that creates a comfortable, cozy atmosphere.

Break up the monotony of a plain wood wall by accenting it with an outstanding piece of art. A pretty landscape painting completes this intimate, traditional style living room. Depending on your own preference, many other art styles could either complement or contrast a wood wall, including abstract, contemporary or even a bold photograph.

Wood interiors pair magnificently well with bold, natural colors. This dining table, garnished with decadent fall colors, couldn’t be a better match for the light wood panels surrounding it. It’s very reminiscent of Thanksgiving. What better way to get the family gathered around the table more often?

Rooms with wood walls require lots of natural sunlight. Although this room is showcased at night, you can easily imagine just how bright this space would look during the day. Don’t become too reliant on natural light, though. Notice how the overhead fixtures brighten the space once the sun sets.

Why limit yourself to just wood walls. Look up, and apply that same design aesthetic to the ceiling! Often thought of as the fifth wall, the ceiling is a surface with infinite design possibilities. Located just above this seating area, the ceiling does a great job of topping off a cozy little conversation nook.

The wood panel backdrop here makes for the perfect complement to a simple tree branch headboard. And the horizontal positioning of the panels makes it an unexpected feature. The antlers really play up the rustic experience in this room, too.

Let me and my award-winning team help you achieve a home style that blends rustic wood walls seamlessly with your home’s decor. Contact Paula Berg Design Associates to schedule a design consultation.

Wall Sconces for Every Room

Posted on July 3, 2014 by paulaberg

I appreciate sconces for their beauty and exceptional versatility. As wall-mounted fixtures, they save space while also functioning as task, accent and ambient lighting. Sconces offer illumination, while enhancing any design style. They can even be used for mitigating architectural problems, such as shadowy nooks.

These sconces remind me of candleholders. I chose them for their Old World charm, which parallels the aesthetic flavor of the painting they illuminate. Their position above the mantel, flanking the wall art, provides visual balance. Their warm light is soothing during daylight and offers a dramatic glow after the sunsets.

The design of these sconces mirrors the bold furniture below. They help lift the line of sight, illuminating, as well as visually centering the small sculpture of a woman. Thanks to this effect, she is showcased rather than overwhelmed by the detailed elements of the “stage” upon which she sits.

Most kitchens benefit from extra lighting, and this one was no exception. I added these sconces to brighten the cupboard and hutch area, which otherwise might fall under shadow in the evenings. The soft glow lends warmth to balance the white and stainless steel, and the sconces’ lampshade style adds a homey touch.

This bathroom called for vanity lighting that was practical and beautiful. These wall sconces lend the right amount of light around the mirror, perfect for grooming tasks. They also add plenty of ambient lighting in this spa-like bathroom.

Whether you need lighting design help or comprehensive design help for one room or your whole home, I can help. Contact me anytime at Paula Berg Design Associates to schedule a consultation.

Unique Light Fixtures Add Rustic Charm to Mountain Homes

Posted on July 1, 2014 by paulaberg

Light fixtures in living rooms and dining rooms should go beyond simply achieving the perfect balance of task, ambient and accent lighting. They should work overtime to create focal points and enhance the overall design through rich textures, interesting details and architectural appeal.

When it comes to designing luxury mountain homes — one of my specialties — I always try to find or commission one-of-a-kind rustic fixtures that elevate the space and make a statement through rugged materials, unique shapes and awe-inspiring craftsmanship to bring the outdoors in.

I absolutely love the double-tier rawhide and steel chandelier I used for this luxurious log cabin. The silhouette is so elegant, but the materials still ensure a truly rustic look. Gorgeous details can be found throughout the fixture in the form of a leaf and branch motif.

I knew as soon as I saw this antler chandelier that it would be the perfect centerpiece for a cozy living room. The artfully arranged antlers add stunning sculptural interest, and the rustic design expands to the shades, which feature delicate landscape etchings.

Thanks to soaring ceilings and the clients’ request for an authentic, rustic home, I was able to go all out with the light fixture in this grandeur dining room. I had a chandelier custom-made to feature an evergreen scene that would complement the natural log columns, while doubling as a work of art.

This stunning dining area needed a light fixture that was equally sophisticated, while also subtly continuing the rustic theme. I was able to achieve both with this seemingly traditional chandelier with intricate leaf embellishments.

I chose this dramatic chandelier because of the way it contrasts with the warm woods, while echoing the copper and steel hearth surround in this rustic dining room. I also love the way the individual lanterns add an Old World feel to complete the look.

To see more of my luxury home design work, browse the gallery on my website. When you’re ready to discuss a potential home design project, contact Paula Berg Design Associates online or call 435.655.9443 (Park City) or 480.998.2344 (Scottsdale).