Stylish Media Room Designs

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.

Fresh Floral Arrangements Bring Fresh Style

In the world of interior design, trends come and go all the time. From bold color blocking and shades of gray to Pantone’s Color of the Year, there’s always a new fad that eventually has to make way for something new.

And then there’s florals.

No matter the space, the fresh presence of flowers breathes life into the atmosphere. Whether it’s live blooms in a vase or tucked neatly in a basket, the elegance of classic flowers never goes out of style.

Anyone who opposes the idea of fresh flowers as decor is probably thinking a bit too hard about what can and should be a very simple concept. Sometimes, all it takes is a hint of floral essence to top off a well-designed space. Clean, understated arrangements can help create a surprisingly modern look and feel. Allow some of our projects to demonstrate what this means.

Should you add florals in an unexpected space? Absolutely! This very handsome bar nook is characterized by dark chocolate wood finishes and a neutral color scheme. However, touch of femininity can always make even the most macho of spaces a little more interesting.

This thin sculpture of a floral arrangement makes a huge statement. Notice how the white bloom contrasts so nicely with the floral painting in the background.

Oftentimes, floral arrangements are so distinct that less really is more. This clean, zen-like bathroom only needs a hint of natural flair.

Another way to use florals in decor is to make them the statement piece in a sea of neutral, earthy tones. The eye is naturally drawn to this coffee table where the only impression of color is the greenery.

This small yet bold floral arrangement is the perfect contrast to what lies just outside the window — the hard coldness of concrete. Here, a space heavily defined by straight lines is slightly softened with florals.

Let Paula Berg Design Associates help enhance the aesthetic of your mountain home with florals and other natural elements. Contact one of our design teams in Park City, UT or Scottsdale, AZ today!

Natural Forms in Unexpected Places

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!

Add a Touch of Modernity with Textured Wood Ceilings

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!