Live Plants Invite the Outdoors In

Posted on May 16, 2014 by paulaberg

Every room could use a touch of green. If you’re thinking about pistachio walls, chartreuse pillows and teal upholstery, think again. When you’ve got a thing for green, bringing the outdoors in with live plants is the ultimate nod to nature.

Warm tones fill this great room, so the foliage placed sporadically throughout are excellent for adding coolness and balancing the earthy browns and reds.

Even the smallest hint of greenery can make a huge impact. This all-white space is a great example of that. Too much white can sometimes wash out a room. But the sprawling plants toward the left give this space the balance it needs.

You can’t ignore how this romantic oasis is framed by greenery on either side. These homeowners might as well be in Hawaii, or perhaps in a Mexican villa!

If you are worried about the upkeep involved with live plants, there’s nothing wrong with adorning your mountain style home with artificial foliage. There’s no watering required, and you won’t have to worry about which plants need to be in direct sunlight. You might not be able to tell if the potted plant on this coffee table is the real deal or not. But one thing is for sure — it’s simple yet appropriate for the surrounding space. One plant could be all the green you need.

This gathering space represents the best of both the indoors and outdoors. Floor to ceiling windows provide a breathtaking view and the seating nearby make guests feel as if they’re already outside, perhaps sitting around a campfire. Since this space is already packed with natural elements and colors, the greenery surrounding it is fitting. What you’ll notice in almost all of these spaces is that the greenery stretches up toward the ceiling. Don’t assume that foliage is limited to potted plants on a coffee table. Tall or elevated greenery helps add height to even the most cramped space.

Incorporating plants into your home could run the gamut from underdone to over the top. Let our team at Paula Berg Design Associates customize a mountain home design that smartly brings greenery into your living space!

Natural Forms in Unexpected Places

Posted on May 12, 2014 by paulaberg

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!

Landscape Art Adds a Soothing Touch to Rustic Interiors

Posted on May 6, 2014 by paulaberg

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.