Tag Archives: interior designer Scottsdale

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.

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

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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”

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Prepping Your Powder Room

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Sometimes, a powder room is treated only in terms of its function as an extra bathroom. However, since guests often frequent this space, aesthetic appeal is very important. I always keep this in mind when designing these hidden jewels.

Powder rooms in mountain homes can easily reflect a warm, inviting style. Here, a stonewall offers rustic luxury that’s enhanced by a wood vanity. A touch of greenery atop the vanity brings a splash of color, while a mirror flanked by two decorative lights makes the room feel open and airy.

Although a powder room may be small, lavish design elements used inside and out can make a big statement. For this mountain home’s powder room, I added an ornately carved doorframe to draw the eye and add the right amount of rustic appeal. Upon opening the door, the elegant vanity, mirror and fixtures are immediately revealed.

One way to make a small powder room feel more welcoming is to add decor that represents nature. Earth tones, leaf and branch patterns can easily fit into a mountain home’s signature look. These, combined with natural wood finishes, bring the rich aesthetic of mountain landscapes indoors.

While earth tone palettes are used in many rustic style powder rooms, no two rooms look alike. The combination of colors and this vanity style has a tremendous impact on the room’s appearance. Since the vanity is the most prominent feature in the powder room, I choose them carefully. This one has clean lines that fit seamlessly into the powder room’s corner. Despite its position, the vanity’s style and colors remain interesting, while the mirror and candelabra enhance the mountain aesthetic.

Often, small rooms lack space for many decorative elements. Here, we chose a vanity that makes a design statement on its own. Heavy wood keeps the vanity grounded, while the mirror above enlarges the space. The rustic candelabrum above maintains the room’s design flow.

If you’re looking for personalized, professional interior designs, turn to Paula Berg Design Associates, or contact us today with your needs and questions.

Making Room for Guests

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A well-appointed guest room offers visitors comfort and beautiful style during their stay. These surprisingly important areas can even make an overall impression about your home. With this in mind, I design guest bedrooms with the same amount of care as other areas in the home.

Colors have an immediate impact on the eye, so I make sure every palette evokes good feelings and reflects the home’s style. In this ample, airy interior, deep blue duvets and warm wood bed frames lend soothing luxuriant energy, while multicolored pillows add vibrancy. To pull the design together, I made sure the beds’ colors were represented in the throw rug and the seating in the adjoining room. Fresh flowers are always a popular touch as they show guests you care.

A mountain style home lends itself to lodge-themed bedrooms. In this case, I included a bed with a rustic wood frame to set the stage with complementing nightstands. Gold bedding and decorative accents brighten the room, while setting a warm and inviting tone. Interesting lamps add character to the space, while small, practical details, such as the wine and glass holder and the box of tissues, add to a guest’s comfort.

Too often, a guest bedroom is treated as an afterthought. However, if you want your guests to feel like royalty, let your respect for them be reflected in your design. With exposed beams on the ceiling, a hand carved door, majestic bed and storage chest, this room seems fit for a king. We placed the bed in the center to emphasize the main attraction and to keep the room from feeling too large and empty. Colorful bouquets and lamps enliven the room, bringing cheer.

For beautiful guest bedroom designs, as well as everything else, count on us at Paula Berg Design Associates to make your dream home a reality. Contact us today to learn more.

Bunk Up in Your Mountain Home

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Bunk beds are hard to beat when you’re trying to save space and increase functionality. While they’re particularly suitable for children’s bedrooms, the right design can also enhance guest rooms in contemporary mountain homes. When I incorporate bunks beds into room designs, I do so with both aesthetic appeal and practical needs in mind.

Custom bunk beds give this children’s room a fun, summer camp feel. In this room, I added several matching bunk beds in rustic blue and brown finishes to provide the perfect sleeping area for young cowboys and mountain rangers. A lot of play space is spared with under-bed storage and bunks instead of standard twin beds.

For a couple’s guest room, a double or king-sized bed is more suitable than a twin-sized one. In this room, I incorporated custom bunks that have larger-sized beds on the bottom and twin beds at the top to offer versatility for families. In addition, the retreat-like feel of bunk beds fits right in with the home’s mountain style.

We chose a light wood finish to maintain a spacious feeling in this room. Additionally, practical features, such as built-in shelves and under bed storage, give guests a designated space to keep their belongings. These beds also boast reading lamps for an extra boost of functionality.

Adding connected, built-in bunk beds in this room transformed the space into a functional retreat that can sleep up to six people. Colorful floral bedding adds a feminine touch, the look of the room could be changed significantly by switching out the bedding.

The scalloping on these bed frames adds style, but it also promotes the feeling that each bed is a private sanctuary. By using bunk beds, the room can comfortably accommodate twice as many visitors than if we used standard beds.

When you want to update your mountain home bedroom, look to us at Paula Berg Design Associates. Contact us today to learn more about our design services.

Unique Credenzas Add Interest to Formal Dining Areas

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Is there a room in your home that could use an interesting focal point? Adding a smart, multi-functional piece like a credenza can add not only style and function, but also extra storage just where you need it most.

Contrary to popular belief, a credenza isn’t the same thing as a buffet. It’s a rather wide set of cabinets that sit low to the floor on slim legs, sometimes with sliding doors. Here’s just one way a credenza can complete the look and feel of your rustic mountain home.

This room is ideal on so many levels. The dining room strikes a happy medium with handsome, strong furniture and wood finishes adorned by a simple floral arrangement and two pretty landscapes scenes on the wall and, of course, on the surface of the credenza.

If you focus on just the credenza, you’ll begin to realize just how powerful this one piece of furniture is. As a strong focal point, it doesn’t overwhelm the room. It fits perfectly up against the wall as if it was built specifically for this spot. It’s rare to find a piece that sits so snugly!

From dinner parties to holiday gatherings, the surface of this credenza is a convenient extra tabletop for everything from hors d’oeuvres to drinks and condiments. For families that prefer mealtime with no distractions, everyone can sit their smartphones and tablets on the credenza until the meal is complete.

This credenza is also the perfect conversation starter. Because of its unique face, guests will surely ask about this one-of-a-kind piece, making for lively conversation at the table. How delightful! When the party’s over, it can store platters and other silverware you may not want on display.

If you’re unsure how unique pieces of furniture can blend into your home, Paula Berg Design Associates can help. Contact our experienced teams in Park City, UT or Scottsdale, AZ to discuss how our expertise can be of service to you!