Tag Archives: mountain design

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.

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.

Paula Berg Design Associates Featured in Western Art & Architecture

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I was absolutely thrilled to be featured in Western Art & Architecture magazine. Celebrating everything “from cowboy to contemporary,” this magazine is the definitive source for Western design inspiration and ideas.

Western Art & Architecture editor Eliza Cross devised a fantastic piece that beautifully articulates my design background and the history of my firm. The article highlights how, despite the numerous awards and success of my firm, I maintain a client-centric approach by remaining the lead designer and meeting each client in person. I love this part of my job, not only because it allows me to truly get to know my clients and see them in their natural surroundings, but it also gives me the opportunity to travel extensively.

When Eliza asked me how I was able to accomplish everything, I explained that my strong team is very selective about the clients and projects we take on. Eliza also mentioned the high level of trust I share with my clients. In fact, I was asked to design one of my client’s final resting places as a result.

The article then goes back to the beginning by recounting my experiences as a concert organist and Pan Am flight attendant before attending Ohio University and studying abroad in Europe. From there, I completed Georgia State University’s graduate program in interior design. My experiences hosting a radio program on design and running an interior design boutique eventually culminated into my very own design firm.

Finally, Eliza shares, in detail, how I navigate the design process with my clients by talking and listening and creating hand-drawn renderings to illustrate my visions and ideas. My client-centric approach explains why my designs are so diverse, as I base them on their geographic region and personal aesthetic and lifestyle.

Read the whole piece by Eliza Cross in Western Art & Architecture online. Contact Paula Berg Design Associates in Scottsdale and Park City for more information about my services and design work.

Vendor Spotlight: Hammerton

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Beautiful interiors are best shown off with a series of custom light fixtures. This was my motto for many of the projects I designed involving unique chandeliers. Traditionally, light fixtures have been viewed as functional objects, but are now playing a bigger design role in creative ventures. Therefore, I decided to shine some light on Hammerton, one of the largest custom residential lighting manufacturers in theUnited States.

Based in Salt Lake City,Utah, Hammerton was founded in 1995 by Levi Wilson. Since then, the company has grown tremendously in the design world. Best known for their custom services, Hammerton has gained national recognition for creating exquisitely designed light fixtures entirely from scratch, as well as with customer-specified materials, such as rawhide and textured glass.

Source: Hammerton

From classic to contemporary and western to urban, Hammerton carries a range of collections with both indoor and outdoor products. Designers can find frontier elegance in their Log & Timber Collection or sophisticated city influences in their Contemporary Collection. But best of all, every sconce and ceiling light is finished with hand-applied paints and decorative finishes.

Paula Berg Design Associates

Here’s one of my interior designs featuring a truly magnificent light fixture by Hammerton. I designed the chandelier and had Hammerton custom make and manufacture the piece for a contemporary mountain home. The mica used in the fixture really makes the chandelier glow in an understated way. Additionally, the energy exuding from the fixture is both eye-catching and dynamic, serving as the perfect focal point for this rustic yet modern interior.

Visit the Hammerton website to view more of their beautiful fixtures, and be sure to check out Hammerton’s blog, The Spark, as well. And if you’ve had a piece by Hammerton installed in your home, leave a comment to let us know about it. We would love to hear how you’ve incorporated one of their gorgeous designs into your space.

If you are in need of assistance designing a new home or remodeling your current space, let my team and I help you achieve the look you’re dreaming of. Contact Paula Berg Design Associates in Park City or Scottsdale to schedule a design consultation.

Unique Materials for Fireplace Mantels

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The fireplace mantel is an important surface within the home where families often place their photos on display. It’s also a natural focal point that the human eye can’t help but take a look at. But when the mantel itself is a work of art, there’s little to no need for predictable extras.

The fireplace is an obvious location to install stone in the home. Together, fire and stone create a harmonious, warm and classic atmosphere. It’s also the perfect focal point during the rough winter season. This cozy living space is a great spot to catch up with friends over coffee.

Over-accessorizing the mantel is a mistake you’ll want to avoid. Too many knick knacks will create a feeling of clutter, which is not relaxing. A simple pairing of large urns on either side here is more than sufficient. After all, the floor-to-ceiling stacked stonework is what’ll really catch everyone’s attention. Even so, the mantel doesn’t feel unfinished or bare – there’s a happy balance.

A mantel with a metallic finish like this one needs no further adornment. Some people may think that a bare mantel needs a predictable vase or picture frame, but that’s not always the case. The combination of rugged stone, metal and tile here will give you plenty to admire. Materials like these are perfect for creating a one-of-a-kind mountain-style home design.

For centuries, natural stone has been trusted and admired for its strength, durability and longevity. But we can’t forget the beautiful masterpieces that can be created. This natural stone fireplace mantel looks perfect just a few feet away from a peaceful, inspiring and equally natural view.

This rare wood piece above the fireplace is surely a sight to see. It’s not your traditional mantel, which makes it a distinctive and unique feature in this home.

These rooms are so inviting, don’t you think? Paul Berg Design Associates would love to design a custom fireplace mantel that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Contact us to find out how our team of design experts can bring out the best in your home! 

Buffets – A Homey Addition to Dining Areas

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An attractive buffet not only lends functionality to a dining space, it can enhance or even change the appearance and ambiance of a room. I incorporate them often to add the right touch of homey and grounded energy to cozy living spaces.

In this open-concept, mountain-rustic home, I nestled a buffet between two wood support columns that separate the dining room from the rest of the living area. The buffet, along with the subtle steps leading into the dining space, distinguishes the area sufficiently to emulate a private retreat without detracting from the grandness of the home.

Any well-crafted buffet may serve as a visual anchor to a dining space, but this buffet takes the rustic style to new and beautiful heights. The attractive art across the front ties in with the painting placed directly above. The brilliant gold throughout connects with the warm glow of the lamp, the blooms on the table and other gold elements within the room.

The right style of a buffet can also be at home amidst contemporary styles. Here, we kept the lines simple and made sure the buffet blends with other decor elements. It provides unobtrusive function that won’t detract from the large contemporary painting or other works of art.

When buffets are not being used to display food, they provide a place to display decorative items. A stately buffet offers an ideal setting for displaying valuable china and attractive accent lamps.

Built-in buffets link the kitchen and dining areas, which is a practical and attractive way to add visual spaciousness to both rooms, in lieu of an open-concept design. Dishes can quickly be placed directly from the oven onto the buffet – a big time saver and space saver for parties and family gatherings.

Does your dining room fit your personal style? Let my team at Paula Berg Design Associates help you with your design needs. Contact me for a design consultation today.

Energize Living Rooms with a Home Bar

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Why limit your living room to a fireplace and media center when you can amp up entertaining power even more with a full home bar? Great rooms and open floor plans that lend themselves to large living spaces offer perfect opportunities for incorporating functional and sophisticated home bars. These additions can be thoughtfully designed to seamlessly flow with the rest of the architecture and decor, while also enhancing the space with gorgeous finishes.

For a client who loves to entertain, me and my team designed this open kitchen and great room in a way that allows the kitchen island countertop to be a breakfast bar by day and a full cocktail bar by night. This multi-purpose design encourages gathering and socializing no matter how casual or formal the occasion.

I used clean lines, natural stone countertops and rich wood finishes to seamlessly connect this sleek and cozy bar area to the rest of the living room. Open shelving holding collections of art also extend around the bar to create cohesiveness, while adding color and interest to this space.

Whether you want a home bar for entertaining or a spacious library for studying, me and my design team can help you achieve luxurious living spaces tailored to your passions, hobbies and lifestyle. Contact Paula Berg Design Associates in Park City or Scottsdale online or by phone to learn how we can transform your home not only into a sanctuary, but also into a work of art.

Hanging Works of Art

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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.

High Lighting Designs

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“Design is defined by light and shade, and appropriate lighting is enormously important.” – Albert Hadley

The lighting phase of the interior design process is more than simply choosing the right fixtures. It’s an intricate undertaking that requires juggling and balancing several design elements to get it just right. Lighting fixtures, color palettes, natural light provided by windows and sky lights, and even the finishes throughout the space all have to work together to create the perfect combination of task and ambiance lighting. When lit right, spaces not only look fantastic but feel fantastic, too.

For this sleek city condo, I took advantage of natural light by opting for sheer window treatments and a soft neutral palette that I then anchored with a few dark accents.

Lighting in the bedroom can be tricky as clients are often particular about lighting as it relates to their sleep schedules. Since this city condo has space limitations, I knew that I had to keep it airy and light. White bedding helps to amplify natural light while the area rug and window treatments provide the perfect amount of color.

To achieve a truly luxurious spa-like master bath, I used a combination of fixtures and a strategic window treatment to achieve a therapeutic-like ambiance.

A ceiling dome fixture and track lighting supply the task lighting in this elegant urban kitchen while cabinet lighting and warm marble lower lighting to make the space inviting.

My design team and I achieved the layers of lighting in this sophisticated dining room using a stunning modern chandelier and contemporary lamps. Display lights illuminating pieces of art add the finishing touch.

 
This was one of my favorite spaces to really play with light. For this exquisite art deco foyer, my design team and I created a true masterpiece by harmonizing lighting effects with carefully selected finishes and artistic touches.
Here at Paula Berg Design Associates, my team and I are passionate about approaching every design with attention to detail in order to achieve luxurious interiors with high style, luxury, and comfort. Contact us today to learn more about our interior design services in Park City and Scottsdale.

 

Putting the ‘U’ in Custom

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One of my favorite parts about creating custom home designs is personalizing living spaces to reflect my clients’ lifestyle, passions and hobbies. Whether I’m working with a fine art collector to design a chic Honolulu high-rise condo or an avid hunter and outdoorsman to design a beautiful backwoods mountain home, there is always a way to gracefully incorporate personality.

For this home design project, I had a custom media center designed to hold my client’s collection of sculptures. The custom art cases are even complete with display lights. As Vicente Wolf says, when it comes to incorporating art, “Good lighting is crucial.

Another custom media center I had designed for a home design project created the perfect platform to display my client’s colorful glass art collection. I love the energetic color accents it adds to the space.

For this client, I was challenged to come up with a design that incorporates a multitude of fine art from glass sculptures to large-scale paintings. The key was to create a design that focused on textures while a serene, neutral palette allowed the colors of the artwork to really shine.

Who ever thought a canoe could look so good? This decoration was no easy feat to install, but it was definitely worth the final results. The client loved the rugged touch it added to their rustic mountain home.

 
In another mountain home design, I enlisted the help of a lighting fixture artisan to craft these snowshoe sconces. They were the perfect touch to this rustic powder room with natural stone and wood vanity.

No matter what your design aesthetic, lifestyle and passions, my award-winning design team can help you to achieve a home custom designed to reflect what you love most. Contact Paula Berg Design Associates to schedule your design consultation today.