Author Archives: paulaberg

Create a Private Outdoor Escape

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Blurred lines are the name of the game when it comes to your home’s outdoor escape. Now more than ever, homeowners just like you are realizing the potential that lies just outside the back door. Porches, patios, sunrooms, decks and balconies are just a few of the possibilities that’ll take your outdoor space to the next level, even if you’re surrounded by mountain peaks.

There are multiple features that can add life and enjoyment to your extra square footage outside. Pools and other water features, fire pits and gazebos — the list goes on and on. Let’s take a look at some specific (and inspiring) examples.

Here, there’s plenty of possibility for both fun in the sun and relaxation in the cool shade. The patio table and umbrella make it easy to enjoy the scenery without the risk of sunburn or too much discomfort. With this set up, outdoor entertaining couldn’t be easier. There’s plenty of seating, comfy pillows and shade.

Bright pillows achieve something that you don’t often see in mountain style homes — a touch of Bohemian tropical flair. In this bungalow style cabana, lounging after a swim is strongly encouraged and highly recommended. Are we in Mexico? It sure looks and feels like it!

No traditional mountain home would be complete without wood, and lots of it! Here, the bar, chairs, side table, ceiling, window frames and wall shelving unit are all made of this lovely natural material.

What’s admirable about all three of these spaces is that they each, in their own unique way, extend from the inside out. Each outdoor oasis allows these homeowners to enjoy the best of both worlds. They all beckon you to come inside (or out) with bare feet and a cold glass of lemonade.

It’s time for the interior of your home to extend outdoors and enhance your mountain home’s overall aesthetic appeal. If you’re located near Park City, UT or Scottsdale, AZ, get in touch with our team at Paula Berg Design Associates!

Live Plants Invite the Outdoors In

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Every room could use a touch of green. If you’re thinking about pistachio walls, chartreuse pillows and teal upholstery, think again. When you’ve got a thing for green, bringing the outdoors in with live plants is the ultimate nod to nature.

Warm tones fill this great room, so the foliage placed sporadically throughout are excellent for adding coolness and balancing the earthy browns and reds.

Even the smallest hint of greenery can make a huge impact. This all-white space is a great example of that. Too much white can sometimes wash out a room. But the sprawling plants toward the left give this space the balance it needs.

You can’t ignore how this romantic oasis is framed by greenery on either side. These homeowners might as well be in Hawaii, or perhaps in a Mexican villa!

If you are worried about the upkeep involved with live plants, there’s nothing wrong with adorning your mountain style home with artificial foliage. There’s no watering required, and you won’t have to worry about which plants need to be in direct sunlight. You might not be able to tell if the potted plant on this coffee table is the real deal or not. But one thing is for sure — it’s simple yet appropriate for the surrounding space. One plant could be all the green you need.

This gathering space represents the best of both the indoors and outdoors. Floor to ceiling windows provide a breathtaking view and the seating nearby make guests feel as if they’re already outside, perhaps sitting around a campfire. Since this space is already packed with natural elements and colors, the greenery surrounding it is fitting. What you’ll notice in almost all of these spaces is that the greenery stretches up toward the ceiling. Don’t assume that foliage is limited to potted plants on a coffee table. Tall or elevated greenery helps add height to even the most cramped space.

Incorporating plants into your home could run the gamut from underdone to over the top. Let our team at Paula Berg Design Associates customize a mountain home design that smartly brings greenery into your living space!

Make the Most of Your View

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Real estate 101 taught us that when it comes to buying a home or lot, it’s all about location, location and location. From a city skyline or a waterfront beach to snow-capped mountains, a glorious view can take on many different faces. Of course, the latter is what we love out west! If an outdoor view is what you crave, designing a home that also caters to the outdoors presents a dual challenge — but it can be done. After all, making sure that a unique tree with organic twists and curves is perfectly framed right outside your dining room window is no easy feat.

A room with a view requires very little in the realm of furnishing and decor. Keeping it minimal and simple forces the human eye outside to Mother Nature’s own piece of wondrous art. The neutral, slightly monochromatic color scheme inside is very reminiscent of what’s seen outside — a majestic mountain view. Here, it’s clear to see why homes that offer a view often go for a premium price tag. They’re classy, exclusive and luxurious.

Trees and acres of rolling grass just outside deserve floor-to-ceiling windows. The seating in this spacious living room is amplified by the backdrop outside.

Whether you’re able to enjoy an outdoor view or not, don’t forget that bringing the outdoors in is always an option. Wood, stone, plants, water features, landscape art, natural light and organic forms will all help keep Mother Nature close by.

Beautiful views are also said to improve our health, believe it or not. Various studies have shown that a constant view of the outdoors can lift your mental capacity. What a perfect excuse for floor-to-ceiling windows!

If you own a mountain style home, there should be plenty of opportunity for you to capture the essence of Mother Nature in your living space. Luckily, our team here at Paul Berg Design Associates thrives on creating living spaces that bring the outdoors in. Contact us in Park City or Scottsdale to learn more about how we can transform your home into a work of art that welcomes nature inside.

Natural Forms in Unexpected Places

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Here at Paula Berg Design Associates, we truly believe in using nature as a guide when designing our clients’ mountain-inspired homes. Most people take for granted the beauty of Mother Nature. From glistening white snow to the clear blue sky, there’s inspiration to be found year-round when you step outside your front door. This goes not only for colors, but also for shapes and even animals as well. When you consider nature’s totality, there’s plenty of inspiration outside that can be brought indoors.

We designed this organic space to look like a glamorous dinner setting in the middle of the woods. It’s so real that you probably didn’t even notice the trees outside the windows! Natural lighting set against natural elements is the perfect way to contrast deep, dark materials.

The two massive tree trunk columns, natural stone wall, hardwood floors and rustic chandelier topped with a modest evergreen motif all come together to form the ultimate nature-inspired living space. Although many raw materials were used in this space, everyday accessories with organic features can also make for a completely organic look. The drapes pictured here are one example of how fabrics and patterns can display a natural theme. Pillows, plants, dinnerware and rugs are other elements you can use to incorporate elements inspired by nature.

In the middle of all these organic features is a touch of modern design. The simple form of the dining table and chairs – although warm and earthy in color – counterbalances just about every other aspect of this space. But together, it all blends in a completely natural way, proving that nature and modern design can co-exist.

I’m extremely passionate about incorporating nature into my clients’ homes. If your living space is in need of an organic touch, it’s time to contact us! Our design teams in Park City and Scottsdale are ready to speak with you about all your home design needs!

Color Palettes Inspired by Nature

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It’s funny how the blogosphere erupts every time a new color trend is announced. From Pantone’s Radiant Orchid to Tangerine Tango, these bright picks always become an instant craze. However, they usually burn out pretty quickly. Chances are, bright hues of orange and pink won’t last in your mountain style home long-term. And this is exactly why warm, organic color palettes are what I build my designs around.

When your home is decorated with natural colors, your space is easier to live in. That’s because when you’re surrounded by off-the-wall colors, you’re more likely to be on edge and alert. If you prefer to relax and unwind, warm shades of brown will allow you to do just that.

Brown is said to evoke feelings of “stability, reliability and approachability.” Most things in nature are some shade of brown, which makes it the most natural color you could possibly incorporate into your mountain style home. But that’s not all. Brown affects us physically and psychologically as well by making us feel whole and connected with the earth. In fact, Pantone’s Fall 2014 color trend report includes a very natural shade of brown known as Cognac.

When choosing your neutral palette, be very aware of your home’s lighting. As much as we love brown, it can make for a dark and dreary space when the lighting isn’t quite right. Natural sunlight will always work wonders, but if that’s not possible, go with lighter shades such as cream. The room pictured above displays the best of both worlds. Not only is there a great view of natural elements outside, but it’s also a room full of soft natural colors. You can clearly see that even once the sun sets, this room never goes dark.

My design team would be honored to devise a customized and personalized natural color scheme for your mountain style home. Contact us at Paula Berg Design Associates in Park City or Scottsdale to learn how we can make natural, neutral and rustic colors work for your living space for years to come.

Truly Indoor/Outdoor Rooms

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Does an open, airy home sound like just a dream? Well, it doesn’t have to be. Homes that successfully and beautifully connect the indoors with what’s outside are expansive and leave little need for you to go elsewhere for relaxation and fun. Let’s go ahead and dive into a room I designed that immaculately represents this trend.

If you’ve ever wondered how to add value to your home, the answer is pictured right here. Although the concept of blending indoor and outdoor spaces is no new phenomenon, it never gets old. When it comes to entertaining guests or just enjoying time with your family, a seamless open floor plan like this is the perfect solution.

When a wall or window is in place, it sends a very specific message: “This is inside. That’s outside.” So here, the absence of an obvious door or wall is a strategic design mechanism. It allows everyone to easily flow in and out of the home without much thought. There’s no bothersome door to constantly open and close. There’s nothing to obstruct the view or the good time to be had. You can see how modern home design lends a hand in blurring your interior with Mother Nature.

The beauty of these two spaces is that you give yourself options. Some people prefer to remain in indoors, while others don’t mind taking in nature’s heat. Either way, everyone can enjoy a comfortable environment. In this open space, the festivities can be enjoyed from anywhere, ensuring that no one misses out on the fun!

Paula Berg Design Associates would be honored to customize an indoor/outdoor room for your mountain home. We encourage you to contact our team of experts in Park City, UT or Scottsdale, AZ to speak with us about your design needs!

Landscape Art Adds a Soothing Touch to Rustic Interiors

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Natural elements have a calming effect in the home, which is one reason why I like to incorporate wood, stone and greenery into designs. However, architecture and plants are not the only ways to add in the earth’s elements. Landscape paintings offer another, versatile way to create a soothing touch.

It’s important to avoid hanging just any landscape artwork on a wall. There’s an art to choosing the right type of painting, the appropriate size of painting and then hanging it in just the right spot. The colors, textures and theme of the artwork must connect in some way with the room’s style and palette.

The gold and green color in the painting above harmonizes with the light-wood walls and elements in the upholstery. Even the shimmering water portrayed in the painting has a counterpart in the room – the reflective glass surface of the coffee table. The effect is subtle enough so that it seems completely effortless.

Beyond its softening effect, the painting also provides an attractive focal point for the conversation area. Other types of wall art could have been used, but this interior space called for a natural scene to bring some natural elements indoors. Windowless areas can sometimes feel cold and claustrophobic. The framed landscape painting offers a beautiful view and a feeling of spaciousness.

I carefully considered size as well. As the room already has multiple colors, textures and patterns, it needed art that could also function as an anchor. In this case, this meant a single large painting rather than several small paintings, which would have made the area feel too busy, haphazard and ungrounded. The wall is large enough to accommodate the painting’s size both physically and visually.

Are you ready to turn your home into a masterpiece of comfort and beauty? Whether you’re simply looking for advice about choosing wall art, or you require extensive design services, let me and my award-winning design team help you create your dream home. Contact me today at Paula Berg Design Associates.

Add a Touch of Modernity with Textured Wood Ceilings

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Many people automatically categorize wood interiors as old fashioned and outdated. But please don’t be fooled — knotty wood can make for the ultimate modern interior design when incorporated properly and creatively.

First, let’s talk about what exactly knotty wood is. It’s a pretty simple concept. Have you ever seen a freshly cut tree trunk? You may remember seeing a number of spots or “knots” present. These natural demarcations, when left fully intact, can help emit a natural and rustic feel in the home.

Contrary to popular belief, bold interior designs don’t have to involve use of bright colors and off-the-wall decor. Many times, it’s all about the way you use common materials in unpredictable ways. In this particular space we designed, the ceiling is much more than just its name. Acting as a fifth wall, these wood planks and beams play a vital role in adding visual texture for an overall appealing focal point.

What’s also great about this space is the overall tone-on-tone theme. Although there are lots of materials used in this room, it all comes together to produce a warm, earthy feel that’s still completely modern.

Using wood in design can do much more than make your home a modern, yet rustic haven, too. If you’re looking for deeper meaning and going green is your thing, wood that’s renewable, sustainable or even locally harvested are all ways to ensure your home project doesn’t use unnecessary resources. Not only will these options save materials, but they’re often more cost-effective as well.

I’d love to have the opportunity to blend knotty wood into your rustic home design. Be sure to check out my photo gallery to see of examples of how we’ve already done this. To speak one-on-one about your design needs, you can always reach out to one of our studios in Park City, UT or Scottsdale, AZ. The team at Paula Berg Design Associates can’t wait to speak with you!

Polished Living Rooms – Contemporary Furniture Arrangements

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Arranging furniture in a contemporary style living room might seem like a fun way to spend an afternoon. But without proper planning, a one-day project can quickly become a nightmare.

Contemporary design is primarily identified by tons of natural light and plenty of open space. But furniture plays a vital role here too, as strong lines and form are key in finishing an authentic contemporary look.

Consider the room’s function. Will it be a space for gathering, or a quiet room for rest and relaxation? The purpose of the living room should guide how furnishings are arranged and how much will be needed.

Lots of people fall into the trap of pushing sofas up against the wall. But contemporary home design is all about breaking the rules. Unless your space is extremely small, centering sofas in the living room will create a more conversational atmosphere.

Also, be mindful of foot traffic. People should walk around the outskirts of a room, not through the middle if at all possible. This will make things less awkward when getting up in the middle of a conversation.

A rookie-decorating mistake is investing in a matching living room set from a single store. I firmly believe that a good living room needs variety. Play with different materials, finishes and sizes to really mix things up. Combine large and small, tall and short, rough and smooth — you might be surprised at how mixing and matching things actually falls nicely into place.

The living room pictured above is an excellent example of most of these tips. Foot traffic is forced to the outer parts of the room, while three tables take up the space in the middle. And, with the exception of the two sofas, no other pieces within this room are part of an identifiable or preconceived set.

Arranging furniture in your living room doesn’t have to be yet another chore on your list. Let Paula Berg Design Associates work magic in your home’s most social space. Contact us in Park City, UT or Scottsdale, AZ to schedule a design consultation.

Elegant Fireplaces for Luxury Master Bathrooms

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Most parts of the U.S. have experienced a brutal winter so far this year. While we may not have been snowed in or gotten caught in the arctic front, that doesn’t mean those of us out west don’t like to come home to a toasty retreat after a long day’s work.

Is a luxurious and relaxing master bathroom makeover on your radar? Placing a fireplace in this unconventional space is the ultimate feature that’ll warm you up in no time. Adding a hearth in the bathroom is a calming feature that allows you to unwind, de-stress and collect your thoughts. Not only is it visually appealing, but it will stimulate your other senses as well. The sound of crackling flames and the woodsy, smoky aroma of logs burning will all contribute to an hour or two of rest and relaxation.

This is just one of many bathrooms from our portfolio. It evokes a charming Old World feel, and the fireplace helps to enhance that aura. Stacked stone, a handsome copper freestanding tub and a beautiful Oriental rug complete the look. The mix of natural materials like wood and stone really bring this space to life.

Another great feature of this bathroom is its lack of symmetry. Many master bathrooms are designed with a predictable, perfectly equal his and hers sections. Here, our bathroom still exemplifies balance with the vanity, fireplace and tub all taking up equal thirds of the entire space.

With a fireplace in your bathroom, extreme weather and freezing temperatures are no concern of yours. Paula Berg Design Associates would be happy to design a space that goes beyond your wildest dreams. We have two studios located in Park City, UT and Scottsdale, AZ. Contact us today to find out how we can transform your ordinary bathroom into a toasty, year-round retreat!