Tag Archives: contemporary interior design Utah

Wall Sconces for Every Room

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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.

Placing Sculptures in the Home

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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

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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

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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.

Stylish Media Room Designs

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Better technology means that we have access to more sophisticated entertainment options in the home than ever before. For this reason, media rooms have grown in popularity. When designing these media rooms for mountain style homes, I stayed true to the contemporary rustic flavor, while providing space for the best new technology. Here is an example of how a well-designed media room combines style with function.

A media room need not be hidden away in a basement or spare room. In this open plan home shown below, it connects with an adjacent bar and dining area.

I chose seating with both comfort and beauty in mind and arranged them in a semi-circle to stimulate conversation when the large screen television is off. Extra throw pillows add a colorful and fun touch.

In keeping with the media room theme and mountain style, I used a customized entertainment center with a warm wood finish. The television is placed naturally at the center and at a comfortable eye level. Illuminated compartments surrounding the television provide perfect spaces for displaying valued art, which adds important visual interest to the room when it’s not used for viewing media. The closed cabinetry at the bottom serves as a storage area for the sound system, DVDs, television guides and other related items.

The angle shown below accentuates how roomy this media room really is. Nevertheless, it still retains a sense of intimacy and separateness from the dining area. While the spaces are clearly differentiated, I maintained design cohesion by making sure the wood finishes and furniture styles blended harmoniously.

A scenic view offered by the windows enhances the expansive feeling, while the furniture arrangement and use of natural colors keep everything cozy.

Even in an open plan when the dining area is close by, surfaces to place snacks and beverages are important in a room designed for entertainment. I included a large wood coffee table and an end table for this purpose.

Let us bring you the best in media room design to match your lifestyle. Contact Paula Berg Design Associates today to learn more.

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!

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.

Designing Kitchen Layouts

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The kitchen has long been a secluded space. But these days, homeowners want to prepare meals and mingle openly without feeling confined. As such, open-concept kitchens are in high demand. If some privacy is still a must, you’ll be surprised that even the most open kitchens can still leave something to the imagination.

This kitchen is shown twice from different angles. Even if entertaining is a priority, that doesn’t mean you want your kitchen mess on display. And perhaps you don’t want the aroma of your meals to linger long after everyone’s eaten. This kitchen achieves openness, while still managing to hide behind a clever passageway.

This warm and cozy kitchen is all about the island. There’s plenty of counter space to serve goodies, but did you also notice there’s no seating? Guests will get the picture — grab some grub and keep moving.

How about masking just part of the kitchen with a half wall? Here, you can see the living room on the left along with a partial dividing wall. The sink and range are out of view, so guests won’t see you rushing to get the hors d’oeuvres and drinks ready. Still, it’s open enough that if anyone needs help, you’re still easily accessible.

Some think that a closed-concept kitchen is too isolated and doesn’t allow easy access to the main dining area. This diner-style kitchen demonstrates the exact opposite. Much like a trendy cafe, this kitchen is perfect for interacting with friends while whipping up meals.

What’s great about this kitchen is that it combines the concept of open and closed on the sly. The island in the middle creates an illusion of separatism. The host’s space is to the left, while the guests can gather to the right. Although everyone can easily mingle all over the kitchen, the island helps to keep both parties in their own zones.

Which kitchen concept is right for you? It’s all about you and your family’s needs. Paula Berg Design Associates would be happy to help you design your future kitchen.