Hanging Works of Art

Art can be so important to interior design that it should never be just an afterthought. When I introduce wall art to a space, I consider it carefully, including details such as how it should be positioned on the wall, the size of the work of art and how it affects the overall design.

This open space would be dull without the splashes of color this work of art provides. Blank, white walls provide the ideal backdrop for hanging art. Because each are detailed and colorful, I gave them a designated space on the wall to prevent overcrowding.

Large paintings like this one serve well as a primary art piece or focal point. The nearby sculptures don’t detract from the overwhelming sense of majesty — their similarity to persons portrayed in the painting only enhances it. One almost senses the sculptures are sentries, holding watchful vigil.

A mammoth stone mantel is the perfect backdrop for this immense painting, which contains enough southwestern flair to fit in with the room’s rustic style. Black chairs tie in with the black in the painting to bring design cohesion. We illuminated it to prevent the dark colors from fading into the stone background.

This painting enhances every element in the room above. The background is nearly the same color as the nearby walls, aiding the design flow rather than hindering it. The frame delineates the painting just enough without overpowering it, and nearby pottery underscores the art’s theme.

The style of this dining room is elegant, but also possesses a laid-back charm typical of most southwestern design. We chose art that injects comfortable charm, inviting guests to relax and take things easy for a while. Its colors connect with the decor, and we hung it low enough to be at eye level for everyone seated to see.

I love bringing out the beauty of a space with art. When you’re ready for an amazing change, contact Paula Berg Design Associates for all of your home design needs.

Walls that Talk

Too many walls are underestimated for the potential impact they can have in a space. I love empowering walls with wall coverings, tiles or artwork that can enhance the look and feel of interiors. When designed right, these decorative walls can provide phenomenal beauty and interest without taking up precious space and without running the risk of clashing or competing with other design elements. Here are a few examples of how I like to help walls talk.

For this luxury home inspired by nature, I incorporated an onyx accent wall in the dining area to serve as a stunning backdrop. As you can see, the natural patterns and variations in color create beautiful movement that makes this wall more like a work of art while still maintaining an air of understated elegance.

Paula Berg Design Associates

Backsplashes are always a popular way to infuse kitchen walls with more interest while serving their utilitarian purpose. Here, I used a bold and eclectic tile backsplash to infuse this space with energy and artfulness. I love the results!

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Thoughtful and engaging architecture can also help to empower walls with eye-catching interest. For this space, I designed a wall with built-in shelving to hold a collection of artful vases. I also took it as an opportunity to play with depth and direct where the eye goes next.

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A combination of materials can be selected to give walls more of a role in the overall design. Here, I used two types of stone side-by-side to bring rich texture and intriguing shapes and lines to a sophisticated rustic-style kitchen.

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Simply adding the right piece of art to the right wall can create a focal point that helps to tie different design elements together while introducing new lines, forms and colors into the space. I love this large-scale abstract piece of modern art and how it tactfully brings out tones in the wood ceiling and stonework.

Paula Berg Design Associates

Let me and my award-winning team help you achieve a home that is full of inspiration and interest. Contact Paula Berg Design Associates to schedule a design consultation.

Inspiration Abounds Just Outside

I’ve traveled the world, but oftentimes I find the most inspiration right here in the Western region of the United States. One of the most wonderful parts of living and designing in the West is the infinite source of inspiration in the phenomenal beauty and wonders of the landscape.

And it goes beyond aesthetics. Interior designs inspired by their surroundings not only achieve stunning aesthetics but they create a feeling of harmony, inspiration and awe. Experiencing them is like a constant reminder of the beauty and bounty right outside our windows.

With thoughtful application and combination of lines, colors, forms and textures, interior spaces can become gorgeous reflections of the most breathtaking features and elements of nature. Even more, they become an experience. Just like a photo of a majestic mountain cannot compare to the feeling of looking out over a valley from a mountain vista, interiors inspired by their surroundings allow you to infuse your home with a look and feel that brings you joy and serenity.

The rich palette, patterns and materials I used to achieve this space were inspired by a desert scene.

Paula Berg Design

I love how we were able to design this living room to become an extension of the shoreline.

Paula Berg Design

Every element in this magnificent mountain home was carefully selected and integrated to create a connection to the great outdoors.

Paula Berg Design

We designed this foyer with elegant and artful lines, curves and finishes that would nod to the sparkling skyline and excitement of luxury urban living.

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What inspires you most about where you live? Share with us in a comment below.

If you are looking to reflect the love and passion you have for where you live, let my team help you by working with you to achieve custom designed interiors that express your passions and personal aesthetic while also perfectly suiting your lifestyle. Contact Paula Berg Design Associates in Park City or Scottsdale to schedule a design consultation.

Meet Paula Berg – Then & Now

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The creative process works in mysterious ways. What began as a career in communications, teaching and traveling has now evolved into an award-winning interior design business. But it was my passion for art and culture that has chartered my path to becoming a designer.

When I opened my first interior design boutique – Beyond Horizons – in Scottsdale, I was largely inspired by the Southwest style. The traditions, culture, and rich rustic aesthetic all spoke to me. I developed an expertise in purveying fine furnishings in the style as well as interior design advice on how to get the look. I eventually became the first design professional to earn the “Master of Southwest” accolade from Phoenix Home & Garden.

By the time I opened my own design firm – Paula Berg Design Associates – I already had a loyal customer base. But the more clients and perspectives I worked with, the more I was dipping into past experiences of traveling around the globe to draw inspiration from a wide range of traditions and aesthetics.

When Park City, Utah became the home of Paula Berg Design Associates, I was designing interiors in Tuscan, art deco, contemporary, mountain modern, contemporary Hawaiian and even Palladian, among other styles. The expansion of my design experience and knowledge into a wide range of design styles was driven by my ability to adapt to different needs and tastes as I aimed to create magical environments tailored to my clients.

My client-centric design philosophy encouraged me to work with natural and innovative combinations of materials. I was the first designer in the Southwest to incorporate stained concrete floors and etched metals, for example. Consultation regarding the selection of harmonious materials is now one of my specialties.

To see how my inspiration and design experience began in the Southwest and then expanded to cultures and traditions from around the world, browse my portfolio here on my website. If you see a design that speaks to you, and you would like to discuss your own possible design project, contact me today at 435-655-9443 (Park City) or 480-998-2344 (Scottsdale).

Meet the Team

As H.E. Luccock once said, “No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it.”

The Paula Berg Design Associates firm has won numerous industry awards, but we couldn’t have done it – and continue to do it – without our exceptional team. Our team has incredible talent and passion for design and stellar customer service.

Each individual member of the Paula Berg Design team brings something special and has contributed to our fantastic success. Meet the Paula Berg Design Associates team in person to see how together we can help you achieve the custom home design you’ve always envisioned. Let’s write a symphony! Email us at courtney@paulabergdesign.com or call  435-655-9443 (Park City, Utah) to to learn about our full-service design offerings.