Blackband Design

Orange County Interior Design, Renovations, New Builds.

SHOP THE LOOK // COLLINS COTTAGE CHRISTMAS

by Filed Under: Accessorize, DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

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We got a head start on holiday decking out the Collins Cottage at Lido House Hotel in Newport Beach for the special season ahead. The full tour is coming soon (update: it's HERE), but we had to take advantage of these sales and share with you all our festive finds!! Happy decorating!!

CLICK THE PHOTOS + TEXT LINKS TO SHOP!!

*Disclaimer: Most are affiliate links so we do receive a commission on applicable purchases.

BOOK YOUR HOLI-STAY HERE

FESTIVE FRONT DOOR

These happy colors are sure to spark the holiday spirit! Pair with these Christmas Trees grouped on either side of your door and you're set. We got the 3FT • 4FT • 5FT pre-lit trees.

We only got the 30x48" Happy Howlidays Mat, but included the others for festive alternatives by the same designer. Love the oversized style.

WINTER GREENS

Faux wreaths and garland brought the fresh green feel into the cottage, without the worry of keeping them alive. These whimsical wreaths hang in the windows of our octagon-shaped living room and front door, while a smaller and stiffer wreath completes the kitchen decor.

Battery-operated garland knocked out two steps in one lighting up and adding green to the front patio pillars. We also used this garland upstairs on the rooftop with XL ornaments.

Cedar garland stepped up our stair rail game with its feathery branches, also battery-operated.

ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

A sunkissed-color scheme and natural textures kicked off our coastal-chic Christmas tree (love the shape + sparseness of this one). Then we sprinkled in one-off ornaments for personality, each adding to the beachy theme. If you've been up to Topside, the rooftop bar at Lido House Hotel, you may recognize the mermaid!

This capiz shell star topped off the tree with the perfect amount of seaside sophistication. We originally ordered this one, but it didn't come in time for our install so the Amazon dupe did the trick!

A woven tree collar conceals the faux tree base and adds a touch more of coastal character. We also considered these -- zigzag woven tree collar • black woven tree collar • hammered brass tree collar -- and bet they would make a great holiday statement!

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Santas // board • sunning • surfing • snorkel

Sea-Inspired // clam • tackle box • junonia • oyster • mermaid • palm • nautilus • woody

Fun + Festive // champagne • rose

HOLIDAY STORIES

Your book collection is about to get more spirited! These beautiful covers make a statement on coffee tables and shelves while offering sweet stories and recipes to share.

The Polar Express • Fizz • Expect a Miracle • A Classic Christmas • A Vintage Christmas • A Timeless Christmas

HOT COCOA BAR

What's a winter holiday without something warm and sweet to sip on! This hot cocoa bar has all the necessities stashed in pretty, brass-lidded canisters (we got this size for candy canes and this size for marshmallows).

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bottle brush trees • cocoa book • glass mugs • candy canes • scoop • canisters • cocoa mix

TABLETOP TINSEL

Mini trees were the perfect fit for our entry console (we used the large and XL sizes) and the candy ornaments could be the cutest things we've ever seen!

DECKING THE DECK

Our "stay awhile" sign is home of the festive photo ops. Sunbursts sparkle in the sun on the green wall and would look great hanging from a roofline or fence. String lights keep the sparkle strong all night long. There was a lot of DIYing (and time) involved in the painted surfboard designs and wooden presents so no finished products to link there but let us know if you want some tips for the handmade pieces!

Around the octagon lounge, fluffy garland and oversized ornaments hang for a pop of holiday color seen from above and below. We got the blue, orange, white, red and gold ornaments, and also spray painted these gray ones pink to coordinate with our colors inside.

WRAPPED IN STYLE

The style doesn't have to end with your tree decor, continue your scheme into the gift wrap for an extra special touch. You may even get style points with the people on your gift list!

We would also love to try: wild berries • stripes • mistletoe • nutcrackers • fawn • partridge • stars

Perfectly pair with: velvet ribbon 1 • velvet ribbon 2 • velvet ribbon 3 (we are clearly loving velvet, a holiday staple!)

FESTIVE FAVORITES

We styled this palm tree art with tiny red bows for a coastal take on traditional Christmas and leaned the piece in our kitchen shelfie.

Our woody model carrying a tree and surfboards didn't make it in time but this classic red truck was a great book topper in our living room set up.

The brass bell garland is no longer available but this felt bead option would be a sweet alternative.

We hope this jumpstarts your holiday decor shopping with some festive new additions to your collection!

Follow along on Instagram @blackbanddesign for more styling tips.

TAKE A TOUR OF THE COLLINS COTTAGE IN HOLIDAY STYLE

TOP TEN TIPS // SHELF STYLING MADE SIMPLE

by Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

Looking at an empty bookcase or built-in that you want to see styled can be overwhelming, and getting started is often the biggest challenge. If you're reading this at home, the good news is you're already in the right place! Many of our go-to shelf accessories are actually common household goods that have been given new life on display, you just need to dig them out of storage and give them a chance.

Keep it simple by starting with these basics, and let your creativity lead the way. Happy Styling!!

Built-in Build + Design: Graystone Custom Builders

Cabinetry Color: Benjamin Moore Lead Gray 2131-30

1. VASES

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If your vases aren't already on display in your home, they're probably stashed away in a cupboard and only see the light of day on a special occasion. Let's change that! Show off your vases year round in your built-ins and open shelving. Vases bring height, shape, texture and color to your styling arrangement, and they double as a work of art with their unique silhouettes. Simple, clear vases can be displayed with more interest by grouping them as a collection or pairing them next to a bolder item. Since vases can vary so much in their characteristics, multiple vases can be used in an arrangement without looking repetitive.

Vases don't even have to be filled to be included on a shelf display. In fact, vases that stand close to the height of the shelves should be left empty simply because there is not enough open space above for anything to pop out of the top. We like to give vases some "room to breathe" by keeping a few inches of empty space between the vase opening and the shelf above it.

If you do hope to fill the vases on your shelves, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind. Fresh florals are beautiful but they don't last forever. If replacing the blooms every week isn't practical for you, opt for a faux or dried bouquet. Branches and sticks can also add height without the maintenance of flowers. Clear vases can be filled with a variety of objects that don't necessarily peek out the top such as a collection of stones, wooden spools or marbles (depending on the style you want to achieve).

BONUS TIP: Recycle your empty glass drinking bottles as vases by removing the labels and displaying them as home decor. Coke bottles make for a vintage statement!

2. BOXES

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Decorative boxes are great items to display on open shelving for many reasons. Aside from the interest they can bring with their varying materials and designs, boxes double as concealed storage for items you'd rather not show off. Large boxes or stacks of boxes are great for taking up a chunk of space on your shelves to balance out the collections of smaller items. These tall box set ups also work well on higher shelves because they're still visible from the ground. However, if you're utilizing your boxes as storage that you pull from often, we recommend keeping the boxes displayed within arm's reach -- no stepladder needed!

3. BOOKS

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Whether you're an avid reader or not, we bet you've got books! Stack large coffee table books on top of one another to show off their spines (color and interest: check!) and build up platforms to highlight an object sitting on top. Smaller chapter books can be lined up (standing up like those in a library) to create a collection that takes up more horizontal space. Bookends or other sturdy objects can be used on each end of the collection to keep the books upright.

4. BASKETS

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In comes the texture! Woven rattan, wicker and seagrass baskets bring in a natural element to your shelf styling arrangement. These warm, earth tones are full of natural beauty and spark a handmade feel that makes everything more special. Baskets vary in shape from lidded boxes to round bowls with handles, and like vases and boxes, can be filled or left empty. Moral of the story: baskets are versatile!

5. FRAMES

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Pull out those picture frames, we've found a spot for them! At least a few of them... We have no shame in displaying some family memories on your shelves but we do recommend narrowing them down to your favorites and grouping them with other objects. A whole shelf or bookcase full of framed photos breaks our rule of diversity (and feels a bit like grandma's house).

Frames are great because they can fill space both vertically and horizontally. The border of the frame can vary in color and texture to bring in different elements, and of course, the photo adds personality and sentiment to your shelves. Larger frames can even lean against the back of a bookshelf with smaller items layered in front to add depth to your arrangement.

BONUS TIP: Frames aren't just for awkward family photos -- magazine clippings, fabric swatches, flags and art all make for unique talking points on your shelves.

6. GREENERY

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Spruce up your #shelfie with greenery! Real or faux, plants bring home decor to life with their natural beauty. If you're putting the real deal on display, keep care in mind -- does the shelf get enough sunlight and is it in reach for you to water? Faux plants have more flexibility on where they can be placed, but sunlight is actually still a concern. It's best to keep faux plants out of direct sun because the leaves can fade or turn unrealistic colors.

BONUS TIP: Placing faux plants on higher shelves can help them look more real since the details can't be seen up close and the leaves are out of reach to be touched. In contrast to real flowers... we typically keep fresh florals on counter height spaces or lower so they can be enjoyed below eye level (looking up to the bottom of a bouquet isn't as pretty as the lush petals on top!).

7. SCULPTURES

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Don't be a square, add some interest! A solid #shelfie mixes up the straight lines of boxes, books and frames with uniquely shaped objects. A few of our go-to's are statues and figurines, bells and globes. Since these curved and intricate items don't fit into a standard shape, they make your whole arrangement more interesting.

8. TRAYS

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Corral your collection of smaller or like items with a tray to keep shelves from feeling cluttered. Grouping objects on a common ground unifies the collection to feel like one item while still offering the interest of the many pieces. Trays are typically kept at eye level or below since their low profile disappears on the higher shelves.

BONUS TIP: A tray can also be utilized as a "drop zone" on shelves that you're pulling from often. Keys, wallets and sunglasses aren't typical #shelfie material, but if they're confined to a decorative tray, we're all for the multifunctional display!

9. CANDLES

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Like vases, you probably have a stock of candles that either never make it out on display or are waiting to replace the burning one on your counter top. Make use of those pretty vessels and canisters now on your shelves! Candles come in so many interesting jars and that's what we what you to show off. Place them on a stack of books, next to a tall vase or against standing books as a bookend.

Candle sticks can also be used with candle holders to offer thin height and contrast bulkier items.

DISCLAIMER: Burning candles displayed on shelves is actually a huge NO because of the rising heat and smoke from the flame. Please move to an open air space for burning!

10. PERSONAL TREASURES

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Last but furthest from least are the personal treasures, souvenirs and memorabilia that you've collected over the years and tell the story of your life. Instead of hoarding these collectables in closets and drawers, show them off on your shelves to make your #shelfie truly one-of-a-kind. The less "store-bought" your collection of shelf accessories look the better. Have fun with it and be proud of what you have to show!

FOLLOW @BLACKBANDDESIGN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE #SHELFIE STYLING BEFORE + AFTERS

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We hope you're inspired to shop around your own home to bring new life to your existing #shelfies. Check out our Pinterest board for more styling ideas, and as always, leave your thoughts below!

TOP TEN TIPS // DINING ALFRESCO

by Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS, LIFESTYLE Leave a Comment

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

With good weather comes endless opportunities for outdoor gatherings and that's something we like to take advantage of! Here in Southern California, we're blessed with beautiful weather most of the year, so our home designs give special attention to making exterior living and dining spaces useful for entertaining through all the seasons.

The Italian term "al fresco" simply translates to "in the fresh air" and instantly elevates your outdoor dining description ("al fresco dining" and "dining alfresco" are both correct ways to use the phrase). The party-planning tips we've gathered below prove just how simple it is to host your next dinner party outside. Whether you're getting the gang together to celebrate a holiday or simply to enjoy the fresh air with good food and friends, we've collected the tips to boost your hosting confidence in the great outdoors!

1. THE BASICS: WHO / WHAT / WHEN / WHERE / WHY

PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

First, let's nail down the basics. The who, what, when, where and why will help you establish the general plan for your party and determine the logistics to keep in mind.

WHO: How many people will you be hosting? Make your guest list and send out those invites!

WHAT: What are you hosting? A backyard barbecue, summer soiree, friendsgiving festivities? What you want the gathering to be can help you narrow down the decisions you'll be making along the way.

WHEN: Pick a date and a time with the weather in mind! Daytime vs. evening and warm weather vs. cold can determine some of the practical things you'll need for a comfortable time together.

WHERE: Choose a location and note what it has and what it doesn't have, yet. Are you hosting at your home where you have many necessities on hand or at a public place where you'll need to bring everything? Will seating be at a traditional table and chairs, or is it a BYOB towel situation on the beach?

WHY: Are you celebrating a special occasion or finding any reason to get the gals together? Either way, keep the purpose in mind to create the experience you desire through all the little details.

2. WHICH COMES FIRST: MENU OR THEME?

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Fixing a delicious (and doable) menu is an important element to your dinner party's success! The food isn't just about the taste, but it's about creating the whole experience. Your choice in food may influence a theme for the gathering (pasta dish = whimsical Italian dinner under the moonlight) or your theme may determine the natural dishes to serve (Cinco de Mayo = taco party). A "theme" can be as obvious or as subtle as you desire, but thinking through these connections can amplify your guests' experience.

Preparing food and serving it at the appropriate temperature is not an easy feat, especially while hosting a party! Plan ahead and recruit more hands to help to eliminate the stress and maximize your own enjoyment. Remember, catering is also an option!

3. MAKE IT PRETTY: CENTERPIECES + DECOR

PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

With all your guests gathered around the table, the centerpiece is the work of art between you all. You can go big and elaborate for a fancy soiree, or keep it simple for a smaller crowd. No matter how grand you're going, layering is always key!

As we say in our interior design tips, layering textures, shapes, sizes, and colors adds so much dimension to your space (or in this case, your table). Start with height in the center, then work your way down as you move outward. Some common objects to use in your centerpieces are bottles, vases, florals and greenery (many of which can be collected from around your house or clipped in your yard). Even family-style dishes can be included in your arrangement to complement the decor and bring your guests together.

Beyond the table's focal point, it's great to add touches of decor throughout the general area to keep the ambiance alive from every angle. Sprucing up your serving space and beverage station with hints from your centerpiece style can add cohesiveness to the entire setting. These details can create perfect photo ops for your guests to have fun and capture the memories!

4. NO LONGER A CHORE: SETTING THE TABLE

PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN

Unique table settings can also add formality and fun to your event. Switching up the flatware, dishes, drinkware and napkins from your everyday use makes your guests feel extra special and can contribute to the decor.

A semi-formal place setting will take your table a step up from your daily dinners. A standard semi-formal place setting includes: a dinner plate and smaller salad plate in the center, a dinner fork and smaller salad fork on the left, a knife and spoon on the right, and a water glass and wine glass above your flatware on the right. Napkins and name cards can be displayed in a variety of ways on or around the plates -- let your creativity lead the way!

Even if you're working with what you've got, setting the table can be just enough to make your guests feel special!

NICE + SIMPLE

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A LITTLE SOMETHING SPECIAL

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SEMI-FORMAL

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5. FAKE IT IF YOU DIDN'T MAKE IT: SERVING AESTHETICS

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you've been slaving over the stove for hours or picked up goods from the store just in the nick of time, how you present your food can make a huge difference in your dinner party appearance! Ditch the packaging of any store-bought foods and display the treats in bowls or on platters. This simple hack immediately elevates your offerings to feel specially prepared for your guests.

This trick can be used for beverages, too. Fill pitchers with the drinks you're serving so guests can help themselves to what they assume is your creation, even though it might have been poured out of a bottle! When it comes to red wine, a decanter adds sophistication while allowing the wine to breathe. Lastly, water carafes are a simple upgrade for the table that offer easy refills without having to visit the refrigerator inside.

BONUS TIP: Save and up-cycle pretty glass bottles to use as water carafes. Gerard Bertrand's Cote de Roses rosé comes in a beautiful 1.5L glass bottle with a rose detail on the bottle. Enjoy the rosé, soak off the labels and you've got yourself a pretty carafe for your next party.

EXTRA BONUS TIP: You can never have enough ice! Since you'll be serving more guests than your household usually accommodates, start stashing ice from your ice machine a few days in advance or stock up on bags from the store. Keep it all in the freezer until your party is just about ready, then toss the packaging and add the ice to the tub or bucket at your beverage station to make a one-stop-shop for your guests to refill their drinks.

6. DAY TO NIGHT: SHADE + LIGHTING

PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN

The weather and natural light may not be in your control, but you can definitely plan ahead to prepare your space for enjoyable conditions. Luckily rain isn't a concern for most hosting an outdoor get together (at least not in Southern California) since the al fresco entertaining typically follows a warm weather trend, but you may still want some overhead cover to protect guests (and food) from harsh sunshine. Umbrellas can be a practical addition to your decor that create the shade you need while keeping an open air environment.

For an evening party that continues after sundown, you'll want to make sure you have adequate lighting to keep your guests around a little longer. Lanterns and candles double as decor and are a great temporary option if your yard isn't wired for spotlights. Bistro lights can be strung over your table if there are trees, fences or rooflines around to support the strands. All of these lighting options offer enough light to see while boosting the intimate ambiance of your setting.

BONUS TIP: Choose your candle scent (or lack there of) carefully. You don't want the fragrance to clash with your guests' tastebuds.

7. SET THE TONE: PICKING YOUR PARTY PLAYLIST

PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Is it even a party without a playlist?! Turn on the tunes to set the tone for your gathering and guests will feed off of what they hear. Mellow music fills your conversations with serene background melodies, while familiar soundtracks can rowdy up your guests to let loose a little. We compiled our favorite dinner music picks in a playlist on Spotify so the work is already done for you!

Playing the music that matches the cuisine you're having is also a great (+ easy way) to transport your guests to a destination and create the full experience. It's amazing how much a culture's style of music can make you believe you're there!

PRESS PLAY: BLACKBAND'S BACKYARD DINNER PARTY PLAYLIST

8. SHOO FLY: BUG-REPELLENT SOLUTIONS

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Outdoor dinner parties are great for gathering good friends, but there are a few "friends" that are not invited... sorry bugs! Keep the mosquitoes away with scents that they can't stand. Herb and citronella aromas are two that fight off the bugs without wiping out the humans -- most guests will even enjoy these scented touches! Incorporate small potted herbs in your centerpiece or use sprigs to garnish your table setting and dishes for just enough fragrance to do the job. Burning citronella candles is a common hack for disguising bug repellent in decorative vessels that can be a part of your decor scheme. For a more natural solution, citronella essential oil can be used on your skin, diffused into the air or diluted in a spray.

BONUS TIP: Peppermint oil can fend off spiders! Spray it around the perimeter of your party to keep the creepy crawlies away.

9. PERSONALIZE IT: STATIONARY + SIGNAGE

SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN
SECRET GARDEN PARTY BY BLACKBAND DESIGN

Making your guests truly feel welcomed and celebrated is all in the details. Before friends even show up to your party, an invitation can set the tone for the festivities' theme and formality. While printed stationary and snail mail tug at our heart strings, they aren't always necessary for a backyard shindig. Sending out an e-vite or texting a graphic to your guest list can be just the ticket to build excitement for the coming event.

When your guests do arrive, a welcome sign can offer a warm first impression and direct them to the party. Name cards, printed menus, drink menu signs and other festive signage throughout your party can emphasize your theme and answer your guests' common questions. Signs revealing where the bathrooms are located allow guests to slip away without any embarrassment of asking and directs them to the specific bathroom you want them to use (aka not your personal space, if you have the option).

10. PARTY TIME: RELAX + ENJOY

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

You've put in the work, now it's time for you to sit back and enjoy! Pour yourself a drink, indulge in the spread you prepared and soak in that precious time with friends. As the night goes on, take advantage of your guests offering a hand to handle any last minute prep or problem-solving so all can get back to the party without missing a beat. Hosts and hostesses with the mostest can still have help!

BONUS TIP: Having a batch of drinks ready for the first guests before they arrive can buy you some time for final prep. Guests can help themselves as soon as they're ready and you won't feel like you're holding up the bar.

EXPLORE MORE AL FRESCO DINING INSPIRATION ON OUR PINTEREST BOARD

Have other party-planning tips to add? We're all ears! Share your go-to hosting hacks in the comments below and we'll give them a try at our next party!!

CREDITS: BLACKBAND DESIGN // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY // LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES

LEARN THE LINGO // CEILING STYLES

by Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

If you've got a home, we can pretty much guarantee that you've got ceilings (prerequisite: check!). But there's a chance that you haven't yet taken advantage of that open real estate over your head to make an impact on your overall home design. A bold ceiling can set the tone for a room's experience, subtle details can prove that every inch of a home's design was intentional, and a simple ceiling can fade away to allow other design elements in a room to shine. As we often say, it's all about balance!

So, if you're looking to up your ceiling design game and brush up on the terminology to make it happen, we've got you covered with all kinds of info and ideas. First, we'll walk you through the basics of ceiling structures and treatments so we're all on the same page with what's what. Then we'll show you a variety of ways we've designed ceilings for our projects, and top it off with answers to FAQs!

CEILING STRUCTURES

There are many styles and structures of ceilings in the world, but we're focusing on the three most common to our residential interior design projects.

CONVENTIONAL: A flat, seamless surface. Conventional ceilings are typically 8ft high based on standard build materials, but can range higher in custom homes.

RECESSED / SOFFIT / TRAY: Regardless of what you call it, this ceiling's perimeter hangs lower than the inset section in the center. A standard tray ceiling consists of drywall and plaster and mimics the shape of a room on a smaller scale. The recessed area can be purely decorative to add interest and height to a space, and can be treated with many of the materials listed below. This two level style can also be utilized to hide air ducts, plumbing pipes and support structures without bringing your entire ceiling down to conceal the framework. The projected portion of the ceiling that hides those "behind the scenes" necessities are called soffits, which is why our team often refers to this ceiling style as a "soffit ceiling."

VAULTED: An angled ceiling that meets at a higher central point. This element draws your attention upwards while creating the illusion of a larger room. Cathedral ceilings are a type of vaulted structure where both sides slope at equal angles and follow the pitch of the roof.

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

CONVENTIONAL

PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ARCHITECTS // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ARCHITECTS // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

RECESSED

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

VAULTED

CEILING TREATMENTS

While the structure of your ceiling can really only be tailored with an in-depth renovation of your home, many ceiling treatment options are more accessible for a quick refresh.

BEAMS: Part of the ceiling's structural support that can be exposed to add visual interest and style to a room. Beams can also be added purely for the visual charm without any structural responsibility.

BOXED BEAMS: Decorative beams arranged in a grid pattern. Typically three-sided, hollow structures that can be added to a ceiling for visual interest. Boxed beams can be used to create a coffered ceiling effect.

FAUX WOOD BEAMS: Beams made to give the illusion of architectural wood beams without the weight and price of the real deal. Faux wood beams can be made of foam and finished to replicate the look of wood, or they can be engineered with real wood milled into thin panels that surround a hollow structure.

SOLID WOOD BEAMS: Real, solid wood (as you would have guessed!) that can serve as structural support and visual interest.

COFFERED CEILINGS: A series of recessed sections in a grid layout. This ceiling detail is typically decorative and adds a nod to historic style. Coffered ceilings bring a sophistication and intimacy to a room.

MOLDING: Decorative trim that can be arranged in various layouts to add a more traditional and ornate style to your ceiling. Molding typically follows the perimeter of a room to hide the seam where the ceiling meets the wall.

PAINT: Adding a coat of paint to your ceiling is one of the simplest ways to refresh your space. Choosing strategic hues and sheens can create different effects in the room. (Scroll to FAQs at the bottom for tips on how to achieve your desired look.)

TONGUE + GROOVE: Continuous wood planks that run parallel to each other and interlock leaving a ridge in between. This side-by-side style adds texture and depth into a room while maintaining a uniform look.

TRUSS: An A-frame structure that supports the roof, commonly seen with vaulted ceilings. Trusses can also be added as a decorative feature where the structural support isn't needed.

WALLPAPER: A decorative accent that can bring color, texture and pattern to a ceiling without weighing it down with heavy materials.

WOOD ACCENTS: Planks of wood that cover a ceiling in a staggered pattern without ridges in between, similar to that of hardwood floor. These planks can be found as smooth or as rustic as you intend for the style of your space.

CEILING STRUCTURE + TREATMENT COMBINATIONS

CONVENTIONAL CEILING WITH COFFERED TREATMENT

PROJECT SAN CLEMENTE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SAN CLEMENTE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

CONVENTIONAL CEILING WITH SOLID RECLAIMED WOOD BEAMS

PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

CONVENTIONAL CEILING WITH FAUX WOOD BEAMS

PROJECT SAN JUAN // BLACKBAND DESIGN // MEGAN WELKER PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SAN JUAN // BLACKBAND DESIGN // MEGAN WELKER PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SAN JUAN // BLACKBAND DESIGN // MEGAN WELKER PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SAN JUAN // BLACKBAND DESIGN // MEGAN WELKER PHOTOGRAPHY

CONVENTIONAL CEILING WITH BOXED BEAMS

PROJECT BACK BAY // CHRIS BRIGANDI // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BACK BAY // CHRIS BRIGANDI // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY

CONVENTIONAL CEILING WITH BOXED BEAMS + TONGUE + GROOVE

PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

CONVENTIONAL CEILING WITH WOOD ACCENT

PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

STANDARD TRAY CEILING

PROJECT OUTRIGGER // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT OUTRIGGER // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

RECESSED CEILING WITH MOLDING

project dover // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM
project dover // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM
PROJECT DOVER // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM
PROJECT DOVER // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM

RECESSED CEILING WITH BEAMS

PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

RECESSED CEILING WITH TONGUE + GROOVE

PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

RECESSED CEILING WITH BEAMS + TONGUE + GROOVE

PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

RECESSED CEILING WITH WOOD ACCENT

PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

VAULTED CEILING WITH BOXED WOOD BEAMS

PROJECT SHADY CANYON // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SHADY CANYON // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

VAULTED CEILING WITH TONGUE + GROOVE

PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

VAULTED CEILING WITH BEAMS + TONGUE + GROOVE

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BAYSHORES // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BAYSHORES // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

VAULTED CEILING WITH TRUSSES

PROJECT SHADY CANYON // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SHADY CANYON // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ARCHITECTS // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ARCHITECTS // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

FAQ

How do I make a room with low ceilings feel larger?

When working with low ceilings, you want to stay away from adding any treatments that are too bulky as it will bring the overall ceiling height down. Thin materials such as wallpaper, paint and wood planks are great solutions for adding interest to standard height ceilings.

Generally, light colors brighten and broaden a room while darker hues create a cozier feeling, so we recommend keeping that in mind while choosing a finish for your ceilings. Light colors will help a low ceiling feel taller!

If my ceilings are painted, should they match the color and sheen of my painted walls?

Walls and ceilings can match in color, but they don't have to. For white walls and ceilings, we typically match. In a room with all colored walls, matching the color on the ceiling can unify the space and create a cove feeling, especially with darker hues. In the middle photo below, we contrasted the light tan walls with a white ceiling that brightens the room and coordinates with the soffits and trim work. If one wall is painted as an accent, we usually match the ceiling color to the majority wall color (example below: pink accent wall, white remaining walls and ceiling).

Again, light shades open a space to feel larger, dark shades pull in a space to feel cozy and inevitably smaller.

A flat or matte paint sheen is recommended for ceilings to reduce the glare from lighting and hide any surface imperfections under the paint. Whereas wall sheen can vary depending on the use and traffic of the room. Read more of our paint tips here.

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Do the ceiling treatments need to match the materials of the walls or floors?

Nope. Ceilings can match another material in the room/home or they can add contrast with a new material. The white-wood beams at Project Newport Waterfront that match the white painted walls and ceiling add subtle texture and dimension to the room while keeping a soft transition from wall to ceiling.

The music room hallway at Project Orchid shows how wood accents on the ceiling can differ from the hardwood floor style. We mixed several mid wood tones throughout that home!

Do ceiling designs need to be consistent throughout a home?

Definitely not! Each space has the opportunity to express its own unique style to enhance the room design. Check out Project Orchid for mixed and matched ceiling inspiration!

Think of the ceiling as another wall of the room, it can be as simple or dramatic as you want for the specific space. The structure of the ceiling should also guide you in your designs to maximize its potential.

We do recommend keeping ceiling designs cohesive with the general style of the home -- for example: chunky, knotted wood beams can add great character to an earthy, Mediterranean home, but probably aren't the best fit in a sleek, contemporary residence.

What is the benefit of using different ceiling designs throughout a home?

Strategic ceiling design can be the cherry on top of a well-designed home bringing your eyes all around the room in an intentional way. We design each room in a home to take advantage of its best features and that goes for ceilings too. If it was built to make a statement, highlight it! If you want the focus to be on another design element in the room, keep it simple.

Ceiling designs can also help define spaces in an open concept floor plan. Check out the great room at Newport Coast to see how the direction of ceiling beams breaks up the open space.

How do you determine which ceiling design to choose?

First, look at the structure of the ceiling and size of the room to determine which options you have. Decide whether you want to use the ceiling as an accent wall to make a statement or let it fade away with a simple design. Once you understand your parameters, design away! We've saved loads of inspiration on our Pinterest board.

SOME CEILING STYLE INSPIRATION FROM AROUND THE WEB

SHOP SKOUT // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
NOMAD DESIGN
VIOLY MCCAUSLAND-SEVE'S NY APARTMENT VIA @ROMANEK.DESIGN.STUDIO

+ MORE ON OUR PINTEREST BOARD!

Have more thoughts about ceilings? Share them with us below!

CREDITS: BLACKBAND DESIGN // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS COMPANY // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY // BRANDON ARCHITECTS  // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // C.J. LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY // MEGAN WELKER PHOTOGRAPHY // CHRIS BRIGANDI // AMY BARTLAM INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE

MIX + MATCH // METALS IN THE KITCHEN

by Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

Kitchen design is full of a million and one decisions to make and a good chunk of those have to do with metal finishes. Selecting these finishes is a common hold up for homeowners with so many possibilities to choose from. We're debunking the belief that you must stick to one metal finish in a room and sharing our thoughts on mixing and matching materials to create customized and sophisticated kitchens.

WHAT METAL IN THE KITCHEN?

First, let's visualize where we are likely to find metal in a kitchen. Cabinetry hardware, plumbing fixtures (faucets, pot fillers, sink drains, etc) and kitchen appliances are almost always made of metal due to their functions. Decorative light fixtures, range hoods and furnishings can be metal but are also available in a variety of materials.

RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

CABINETRY HARDWARE

VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY
VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

APPLIANCES

VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY
VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

PLUMBING FIXTURES

RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

RANGE HOODS

RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

LIGHTING FIXTURES

RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

FURNISHING DETAILS

METAL TYPES + FINISHES

Without getting too science-y.... metals are chemical elements (think periodic table) made of varying properties and a range of natural coloration -- nickel, copper, gold, aluminum, iron, etc. These metals can also be combined to form alloys -- brass, bronze, steel, wrought iron, etc. We share this to understand that it isn't just the color of metal finishes that make a difference in decisions but their physical and chemical properties could be a factor as well.

For the sake of this post though, we are focusing on the color and aesthetics of these metals and how they work in kitchen design. Texture and shine complete the look with different finishes they can be given such as polished (shiny), matte (not shiny), antiqued (painted or tarnished to look aged) and hammered (dented and uneven). For more comparing and contrasting of metals and their finishes, check out this post we discovered.

WHY MIX + MATCH METALS?

Mixing metals adds interest, depth and timelessness to a design. Just like our recommendations to vary fabrics and mix and match pillows in your home, switching up your metal finishes will also create a unique and personalized space. Melding several styles and trends into one design keeps our clients' homes current because they're not relying on one "fashionable" trend to keep it cool, and this rings especially true for metals. Hardware finishes come and go in popularity so we like to sprinkle a few in when it works for the home's overall style.

Matching is definitely still part of the game here, too. Coordinating finishes throughout a room brings cohesiveness and balances out the mixing of other elements. Even the matching of all the cabinetry hardware in the same finish in a room gives a peaceful sense of familiarity regardless of the plumbing fixtures displaying a different finish.

HOW TO MIX + MATCH METALS

A general rule of thumb (which is sure to be broken in its time and place) would be to MIX between metal elements (hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, appliances, etc can vary in finishes) and MATCH within metal elements (all the same finish for a set of hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, appliances, etc). To clarify, a set could be all the hardware on the same colored cabinetry in a kitchen (versus the island cabinetry which might be different and call for an alternative hardware finish) or the group of pendants that hang over the island (which don't need to match the sconces on the opposite wall).

There are countless combinations of mixing and matching metals in the kitchen and not only one "right" way to do it, so we're sharing our thoughts behind twelve Blackband kitchen designs in varying styles to give you ideas on what works and why.

MIX + MATCH: INDUSTRIAL MODERN FARMHOUSE

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPY

HARDWARE: POLISHED NICKEL

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: MATTE BLACK

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: MATTE BLACK

FURNISHING DETAILS: --

We played with bold, black and white contrast in this kitchen balanced by natural wood tones and muted details. Polished nickel cabinetry hardware adds a crisp, clean touch to the doors and drawers without drawing too much attention. This subtle style gives way for the matte black fixtures to take center stage and capitalize on the home's industrial flair. The stainless steel appliances create large canvases of metal contributing further to the modern, industrial style. Check out #projectiris on Instagram for more photos of this home.

MOSTLY MATCH: ECLECTIC CHIC

blackband_design_lido_house_hotel_kitchen_hardware

HARDWARE: BRASS

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: STAINLESS STEEL

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: BRASS

FURNISHING DETAILS: BRASS

In a kitchen full of so much color and interest, we coordinated most of the metals here for a cohesive look. Pops of brass throughout make bold statements against the blue and white kitchen, while the stainless steel faucet "sinks" back into the white washed wall without garnishing too much attention. The stainless steel appliances also take a back seat to the brass accents yet offer a sleek and timeless cooking space. When it comes to mixing and matching, it's all about finding a balance -- not every detail can be in the spotlight at the same time. See the full tour on our blog.

BONUS: Book a stay at the Collins Cottage to see this three-story private beach house for yourself at Lido House Hotel in Newport Beach, CA.

TOTAL MIX: MODERN RANCH

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: LIGHT BRONZE

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: POLISHED NICKEL

HOOD: STAINLESS STEEL

LIGHTING: TWO-TONED BRASS

FURNISHING DETAILS: IRON

All of the metals come together like magic in this modern ranch house kitchen... and by magic we mean the creativity of the talented design team and the confidence of our trusting clients. The stainless steel hood and appliances harmonize beautifully with the gray hues in the surrounding cabinetry and neighboring stone wall while the scale of the commercial-sized hood speaks for its wow-factor. Two-toned brass pendants hang over the island offering both warm (brass) and cool (blackened brass) tones that are also visible in the light bronze cabinetry hardware. A polished nickel double-spout faucet sits in the middle of the masterpiece like a shiny new toy we all want to play with and boasts black gears that tie in with the iron base of the barstools. The stove top is styled with copper and brass salt and pepper grinders for the finishing touch and completely rounds out the range of metals. The majority of this home's photos are on hold for a publication coming out soon but we've shared a number of #projectsantaynez sneak peeks on our Instagram.

MOSTLY MATCH: FEMININE MODERN FARMHOUSE

PROJECT NEWPORT CANYON // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT CANYON // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: POLISHED NICKEL

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: STAINLESS STEEL

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: POLISHED NICKEL

FURNISHING DETAILS: ANTIQUE BRONZE

Subtle variations of soft grays give this kitchen a sense of serenity and simplicity. Keeping in the silver tones of metal finishes, stainless steel covers the appliances and plumbing fixtures, and polished nickel adds shine to the light fixtures and cabinetry hardware. Antique bronze nail heads on the barstools bring in a bit of depth and history to the sparkly new kitchen. Tour more of the fabulous #projectnewportcanyon on Instagram.

MIX + MATCH: HOLLYWOOD GLAM

PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: --

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: POLISHED CHROME

HOOD: STAINLESS STEEL

LIGHTING: --

FURNISHING DETAILS: BRASS

This modern kitchen is minimalistic in its use of metal. The design team opted for sleek, push-and-release cabinetry leaving no need for pulls and knobs, and a statement ceiling with surrounding recessed lights fit the bill in lieu of decorative lighting fixtures. Metal was thoughtfully used on the stainless steel hood and appliances coordinating with the incredible marble slab veining. Polished chrome dresses the plumbing fixtures for a "barely there" look while brushed brass makes a statement on the salon-like counter stools. More of this Bel Air home can be seen in our portfolio.

TOTAL MIX: TIMELESS TRADITIONAL

PROJECT BACK BAY // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BACK BAY // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: BRONZE

APPLIANCES: SATIN CHROME

PLUMBING: POLISHED NICKEL

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: BRASS

FURNISHING DETAILS: --

This timeless kitchen design pulls trends from throughout the ages to keep it current. The statement French range is dressed with satin chrome details which share the silver tones of the polished nickel plumbing fixtures, but that's as close to a match as we're getting here. The bronze cabinetry hardware plays off the dark features of the room and actually exhibits an example of breaking our rule of thumb! Glass knobs are used on the island to accompany the bronze pulls -- an extra special touch of personality. Brass light fixtures line the ceiling for a pop of warmth to contrast the cool, gray tones in the kitchen. Tour the rest of this rad home in our portfolio.

TOTAL MIX: CAPE COD MEETS WEST INDIES

PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: ANTIQUED NICKEL

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: POLISHED NICKEL

HOOD: COPPER

LIGHTING: WEATHERED ZINC

FURNISHING DETAILS: --

Copper is the star of the show in this tropical paradise of a kitchen. The bright, rose gold tinted material is playful and practically indestructible making it a great choice for both aesthetics and function. Stainless steel appliances and polished nickel plumbing fixtures balance out the unique hood with more classic finishes. The antique nickel cabinetry hardware plays off the mid-tones of the wood elements and reveals an aged silver tone. Weathered zinc lanterns hang over the kitchen island contrasting the white ceiling and add three times the charm to the space. There is lots to love about #projectorchid in the full tour.

MIX + MATCH: MODERN FARMHOUSE

PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: POLISHED NICKEL + IRON

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: POLISHED NICKEL

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: IRON

FURNISHING DETAILS: IRON

This blue and white take on a modern farmhouse kitchen shows a pretty even share of mixing and matching, and it includes a great example of those hardware sets we talked about in our "rule of thumb" section above. Polished nickel hardware on the white cabinetry ties in with the sink faucet while a separate set of gray cabinetry is adorned with iron hardware to match the decorative lighting and barstools. The change in cabinetry hardware finishes works here because these too sets of cabinets are made distinct by there paint colors and locations. Stainless steel was chosen for the appliances that show (the refrigerator is covered by white cabinetry panels) for a clean look that deflects attention to the statement island. This modern farmhouse is also home to coastal bohemian accents, as seen in the #projectflowerstreets reveal.

MIX + MATCH: COASTAL CONTEMPORARY

PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: POLISHED CHROME

APPLIANCES: --

PLUMBING: POLISHED CHROME

HOOD: POLISHED STEEL

LIGHTING: BRONZE

FURNISHING DETAILS: BRONZE

This state-of-the-art kitchen keeps the cooking space sleek and clean with an abundance of polished steel. This mirrored finish on the commercial-sized range hood and glass cabinetry frames reflects the natural light and literally makes this kitchen shine. Polished chrome hardware and plumbing fixtures practically match the other silver finishes while chain link bronze light fixtures and barstool nail heads bring a course and aged metal to the mix. If you think the kitchen is incredible (and huge) just wait until you see the rest of this bayfront beauty.

TOTAL MATCH: BRIGHT + AIRY TRANSITIONAL

PROJECT SAN CLEMENTE RESERVE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SAN CLEMENTE RESERVE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SAN CLEMENTE RESERVE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SAN CLEMENTE RESERVE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: POLISHED NICKEL

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: POLISHED CHROME

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: POLISHED NICKEL

FURNISHING DETAILS: POLISHED NICKEL

We're calling this kitchen makeover a total match since all the metal is in the silver family. Polished chrome covers the plumbing fixtures while a slightly warmer toned polished nickel is visible on the cabinetry hardware, lighting fixtures and barstool nail heads. Stainless steel appliances complete the silver theme and break up the back wall of white cabinetry. See the before and after story of this kitchen renovation on our blog.

MIX + MATCH: BOHEMIAN FARMHOUSE

PROJECT TALEGA // BLACKBAND DESIGN
PROJECT TALEGA // BLACKBAND DESIGN

HARDWARE: MATTE BLACK

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: MATTE BLACK

HOOD: --

LIGHTING: POLISHED NICKEL

FURNISHING DETAILS: IRON

This bright white kitchen with a bohemian flair mixes and matches metals to thoughtfully add contrast to the space. Matte black hardware defines the white cabinetry and multiple faucets while the polished nickel pendants dress the floating space without demanding recognition. The stainless steel appliances complete the modern farmhouse style with black knobs to tie into the iron barstools and dark details throughout.

MOSTLY MATCH: MODERN MEDITERRANEAN

PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS COMPANY // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS COMPANY // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

HARDWARE: BRONZE

APPLIANCES: STAINLESS STEEL

PLUMBING: STAINLESS STEEL

HOOD: STAINLESS STEEL

LIGHTING: BLACK

FURNISHING DETAILS: STAINLESS STEEL

With intricate mosaic tiles making up the focal point of this kitchen, metal finishes play an important supporting role. Stainless steel is used throughout on the appliances, barstools, hood details and even back splash. Bronze knobs and pulls pair effortlessly with the rich wood cabinets and connect with the dark details of the light fixtures. Overall this kitchen is a beautiful showcase of mixing and matching materials. Check out the rest of #projectnewportcoast here.

As you can tell, there are so many ways to mix and match the metals in your kitchen. We hope with the inspiration from these tried and true designs that you feel more confident in making your next home project decision!

Do you have more kitchen design and hardware questions? Leave them in the comments below for us to answer on the blog!

CREDITS: BLACKBAND DESIGN // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY // LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES// TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY // AMY BARTLAM INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY // VANESSA LENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS COMPANY

THE DESIGN PROCESS // WENDY’S 10 STEPS

by Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

If you're hanging around this blog, we must share a love for beautiful and functional interiors loaded with unique personality. Ever wonder how those spaces come to be? We're breaking down our tried and true design process into 10 practical steps you can follow to pull your ideas together and create a home that brings you joy.

Great designs are built upon captivating inspiration, so if you haven't already, check out our tips for sourcing inspiration first to spark your creativity and jump start this design process!

BONUS: Hear it all from Wendy Blackband herself in this home design video on our Facebook page!

1. FIND YOUR MUSE

PHOTO VIA DOMINO

ENTERTAINING

PHOTO VIA BLACKBAND DESIGN
PHOTO VIA BLACKBAND DESIGN

FOOD

PHOTO VIA BLACKBAND DESIGN
PHOTO VIA BLACKBAND DESIGN

MUSIC

Tap into the things that bring you joy. As designers, we design spaces for our clients (not us!) so it is essential that we get to know the homeowners and what brings them joy. We ask our clients (and you can ask yourself) questions like --  "What do you like to do?" "What are your interests?" "How do you entertain?" "Do you cook a lot?" "Do you have young kids and want surfaces that are bomber-proof?" "What is it that really brings you joy?" Those are the things that we continue going back to in our design process to stay true to who our clients are.

BONUS TIP: A space that works for what you want it to work for is sure to bring you more joy than one that isn't set up for its use. So while you're writing that list of things you love, be sure to include how you use the space or how you want to use the space. Homes can look beautiful in a photo, but it's the ease of function that brings the real sense of luxury to life.

2. DEFINE YOUR STYLE

blackband_design_emerald_bay_midcentury_modern

MIDCENTURY MODERN

blackband_design_bel_air_contemporary

CONTEMPORARY

blackband_design_santa_ynez_farm_ranch_modern

MODERN RANCH

blackband_design_newport_wedge_coastal

COASTAL

What is the look and feel you want for your space? What styles are you drawn to? Some people know these answers before they look for inspiration and collect specific images true to that style. Others might not know (which is totally fine!) and it will take collecting images they love to determine a common theme throughout.

It's important to remember that you don't need to limit your style to one defined name! In fact, we encourage you not to. We are very eclectic designers meaning that we borrow trends from one style, mix them with elements of another and don't always follow all the rules. This keeps the overall design unique and timeless as some trends come and go. When there's a collection of styles in one space, the design isn't relying on one fad to keep it cool.

3. COLLECT YOUR VISION

blackband_design_pinterest_vision

We are visual people and most of our clients are too, so sharing and discussing imagery is an essential part of our communication. Whether you're working with a professional, your spouse or on your own, visioning helps move your thoughts along to what you want a space to look and feel like.

Collect images from anywhere you find inspiration (we find ours here!) to show styles and details you're drawn to. What you don't like can be just as important as what you do, so save photos you're not crazy about too to hone in on what you really love.

Gather these photos in one place to begin comparing and organizing your ideas. Pinterest boards, desktop folders, three-ring binders and physical pin boards are all great places to see your images together.

With your favorite images, create vision boards to begin grasping a sense of what the space will be. In addition to photos of specific furnishings or materials you want to incorporate, include imagery of potential layouts for a sense of how the space will be used and lifestyle shots to bring you back to your muse. There's a reason "vision boards" are also known as "mood boards" -- what you see is equally important to how you feel!

These boards can be physical foam or cork boards with printed photos and magazine clippings or created digitally on softwares like Microsoft PowerPoint or Adobe Photoshop. In our studio, we bring out giant foam boards to move around all our pinned ideas, but in this season of working from home we've sharpened our computer skills to bring our clients a more tech-savvy approach.

PHOTO VIA FAMILY HOME DESIGNS

DESIGN BINDER

PHOTO VIA BLACKBAND DESIGN
PHOTO VIA BLACKBAND DESIGN

POWERPOINT

BONUS TIP: Stay organized throughout the process by keeping your inspiration, visioning, floor plans, tearsheets, invoices and communication in one place. We use three-ring binders for each client and sort all of our paperwork by room. Digital slideshows and desktop folders are a great alternative and are often used in conjunction with the binder.

4. UNDERSTAND SPACE + SCALE

blackband_design_floorplan

FLOORPLAN

blackband_design_elevations

ELEVATION

The size and scale of the furnishings and decor you bring in are just as important as the style. The most incredible ideas can turn out to be a total flop if they're too big or too small in relation to their surroundings. Choosing pieces that fill the space correctly will create a sense of balance instead of chaos, clutter or disconnect.

Start with well-thought-out floor plans to determine the dimensions that fit best in your furniture layout (think horizontal spacing). Pair these with elevations to determine the ideal size and spacing of wall details and light fixtures (think vertical spacing). Keep in mind adequate room for walk ways so you're not side stepping through a maze of furniture, and pay attention to appropriate heights for light fixtures so you don't bump your head on the chandelier when you stand up from the dinner table.

Thorough space planning is a crucial part to design and a huge perk for hiring a professional. Interior designers have the software and experience to create proper drawings and analyze them for adjustments on site. There are also apps and resources available for personal use if you're up for the geometric challenge!

5. PULL + CULL YOUR OPTIONS

blackband_design_options-1
blackband_design_options-2

Now that you've determined the styles and sizes that work for your space, it's time to narrow down to the actual products you will purchase. Start eliminating the styles, sizes, colors, price points and lead times that don't work for your project, and focus on selecting your favorite out of the ones that do. This step creates character in your design because you're actually choosing the materials and silhouettes that will be on display in your space.

6. VARY YOUR FABRICS

blackband_design_fabrics

FABRIC MEMOS IN THE OFFICE

blackband_design_fabrics_presentation

FABRIC SELECTIONS IN A DIGITAL PRESENTATION

If you're familiar with our projects you'll notice that our designs at Blackband are fabric-driven. Wendy is a self-proclaimed fabric junkie "ensconced in velvet" (a Seinfeld fan too!) and gathers a lot of her inspiration foraging through our collection of fabric memos. An entire wall of our studio is made up of baskets full of fabric samples sorted by color -- we're talking thousands of fabrics! Our team spends a great deal of time nurturing relationships with our fabric reps and fabric mills, big and small, all over the world to bring cool new finds to our clients that make their spaces unique.

The colors, patterns and textures of these fabrics add a vast amount of depth to our designs. From upholstered and slipcovered furnishings to pillows and window treatments, fabric takes up a lot of real estate in a home and can literally make a space feel right.

We're always looking for a mix of weaves and styles in our fabric selections to keep our designs interesting. In this pillow styling post, we've included many tips for mixing and matching fabrics in your home that ring true for more than just pillows.

7. CHOOSE YOUR FINAL SELECTIONS

blackband_design_kitchen_overview
blackband_design_bathroom_overview

Now that you have a pretty clear idea of what you want, arrange your number one picks on a board (physical or digital) to see how they all work with each other. This will help you to really pull the concept together and spot details that you didn't notice when looking at the pieces individually.

8. SHOP, EAT, SLEEP, REPEAT

blackband_design_shop-1

Now it's time to shop! You can "add to cart" those pieces you've been eyeing knowing confidently that they'll work in your design and your space plan. Have fun with this step and look outside the general furniture store options. Adding pieces from flea markets, online vendors, Etsy shops and local carpenters can diversify your home to reflect your personality and elevate it from mainstream style.

BONUS TIP: Hiring a designer to shop with or for you has its perks. Designers have access to both wholesale and retail sellers multiplying the options available to you. As full-service interior designers, we handle all the sourcing, shopping, ordering, communicating, receiving and installing for our clients to streamline the process.

9. INSTALL IT ALL

blackband_design_iris_installation-2
blackband_design_iris_installation

Installation day is undoubtedly Wendy's favorite part of the process and most people involved in these projects would likely agree! We store all of the purchased goods in our warehouse until the home is move-in ready which makes for a grand reveal moment at the end for the homeowners (and us too).

Installation days are a cumulation of all the hard work that's gone into the project for months or even years. Getting to see everything come together is hugely satisfying, not only for us as designers, but also for our clients who have spent a lot of time, money and resources in making their home special. It's an emotional journey working on spaces that are so personal to our clients so these days involve a lot of smiles and laughs as well as some tears of joy and relief. Most install days end with a well-deserved cocktail to celebrate!

10. LEAN INTO NOSTALGIA

WENDY'S MOM JUDITH CORONA'S HOME LIBRARY IN MALIBU, CALIFORNIA

JUDITH'S HOME LIBRARY (WENDY'S MOM)

PROJECT SAPPHIRE // BLACKBAND DESIGN

BLACKBAND FAMILY HOME

Coming around full circle in our process, we remind our clients and ourselves to keep it personal. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy. When it comes to styling your space with the finishing touches, choose the items that make you and your home happy.

For Wendy, it's cookbooks, travel magazines and photo albums on her coffee table that remind her of the sweet memories she's made and spark inspiring conversations when entertaining. Pictured above is her dining nook that features beautiful fabrics and textures that Wendy loves and the color plum -- a personal favorite that she "couldn't sell into any projects so she did it herself."

Wendy's mother Judith has an incredible home library that is also a testament to what it means to "lean into nostalgia." Judith is an artist, world-traveler, professor of design and very well-read. Her home reflects who she is through the sculptures, maps, travel logs, photos and collections of books that she displays.

Homes are all about YOU and that's what we hope you will focus on. There are endless resources and an abundance of information at our fingertips to make the "right" home design decisions, but your unique perspective is the key to making the "perfect" home for you! 

What other questions do you have about design? Let us know in the comments below and you just might spark our next blog topic!

TOP TEN TIPS // FINDING HOME INSPIRATION

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As designers, we're often asked where we find our home design inspiration and how we stay inspired project after project. The simple answer -- inspiration is all around us! The key to collecting inspiration and being inspired is opening our eyes and minds to our surroundings. Inspiration is a huge part of our design process so it's important to have go-to sources to browse when we need a spark in our creative thinking.

Check out our top ten places to find inspiration below and feel free to share yours in the comments!

BONUS: Hear it all from Wendy Blackband herself in this home design video on our Facebook page!

1. HOME MAGAZINES

PHOTO VIA ELLE DECOR
PHOTO VIA COASTAL LIVING
PHOTO VIA ARCH DIGEST

Home design magazines are an obvious choice for home design inspiration, but nonetheless a favorite. These publications are a great source for incredible home ideas, products to purchase, resources and designer insight. They keep us current with emerging trends and what's happening in the design world.

2. TRAVEL MAGAZINES

PHOTO VIA TRAVELER
PHOTO VIA NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
PHOTO VIA TRAVEL + LEISURE

Another genre of magazines to subscribe to are travel related. These pages are filled with incredible destinations to visit and beautiful places to stay that could inspire your next project (without spending resources on a trip). Years ago, Wendy Blackband set Travel & Leisure as her web browser's home page to keep inspiring images and current events front of mind. Everyday when Wendy logs in she wonders “Where in this great, big world am I going today?”

3. PERSONAL TRAVEL

blackband_design_eiffle_tower_kids
blackband_design_travel_inspo
blackband_design_british_inspo

We are so fortunate to have access to incredible imagery from around the world online and in publications, but we would argue that nothing beats inspiration from personal travel and experiences. Travel has always been a huge part of Wendy's life -- traveling with her parents as a child, backpacking as a young adult, living abroad, exploring with her husband Greg and now vacationing as a family with their kids. Gathering inspiration on travels is found in more than just the places you stay, but in the people you meet, sights you see, food you eat and cultures you immerse yourself in.

4. HOTELS, RESTAURANTS + BARS, OH MY!

blackband_design_bar_inspo
blackband_design_bar_inspo2

There's a ton of money spent on design in the hospitality industry because it's the feelings and experiences that bring people back again. Hotels, restaurants + bars often showcase top designers' work making them great resources for unique inspiration.

BONUS TIP: Try searching for the top sights to see in an area with a style you're interested in. For example, Wendy loves searching things like "top hotels in Bali," "best bars in Morocco," or "top farm-to-table restaurants" for projects that could use that inspiration.

5. SOCIAL MEDIA

It's at our finger tips and bursting with news and imagery to spark ideas. We use Instagram and Pinterest most often to see current trends or hone in on specific details we're trying to envision. Being able to search hashtags on Instagram or keywords on Pinterest is really helpful in narrowing down what we're looking for.

BONUS TIP: As we're sure you've already come to realize in one way or another, as inspiring as social media can be, the constant show of perfect scenes can also be overwhelming and take a toll on our creativity and well-being. A lot of time and resources are spent in the design industry staging rooms and vignettes to look a certain way for photos (it's our art!), but it doesn't always reflect what's true in daily life. It's important to know when to turn it off if it isn't bringing you joy.

6. FAVORITE DESIGNERS

PHOTO VIA KELLY WEARSTLER
PHOTO VIA MARTYN LAWRENCE BULLARD

Wendy keeps a list of favorite designers to refer to for inspiration. It could be their style that's drawn her in or a specific project they've worked on, but regardless, it is refreshing to see things from another's point of view. We study and analyze our favorite designers' work to understand what makes it cool and how it can inspire our own. Reading interviews and blog posts from other designers can also provide insight and inspiration.

7. CELEBRITY HOMES

As with the hospitality industry, celebrity homes also benefit from the monetary resources that are not common to the general public. A few notable designs in Wendy's eyes are Ellen Degeneres' homes (she's always got cool things happening and even has her own line of home decor), Ellen Pompeo's home (designed by a favorite designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard), George Clooney's outdoor living space in Cabo and Tom Brady's home (because Wendy loves everything Tom Brady does)!

8. HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOWS

HGTV, Bravo and even Netflix are loaded with hours of home design inspiration and insight. From the home improvement episodes to real estate tours, there's a lot to learn from the teams on camera. We admit, we don't watch too many of these simply because it can be overwhelming to fill our down time with more design content, but for most homeowners they're a great source of ideas, solutions and entertainment!

9. MOVIES + TV SHOWS

PHOTO VIA ARCH DIGEST
PHOTO VIA ARCH DIGEST
PHOTO VIA HARPERS BAZAAR
PHOTO VIA HARPERS BAZAAR

More of our inspiration comes from non-design related shows and films. We're often asked about the kitchen in Something's Gotta Give -- it seems that there's a fabulous home in every movie Diane Keaton stars in! With her eye for design (see book: The House that Pinterest Built), we're thinking she must have a say!

The Blackband family also enjoyed watching Netflix's The Crown (a nod to Greg's British roots perhaps) and Wendy soaked in all the inspiration from the neoclassical architecture, palace interiors and avant-garde wardrobe styling.

10. HOME TOURS + OPEN HOUSES

PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

We're fortunate to live and work in an area with a strong design community and an abundance of home design resources. Our two major high schools in town (CDM and Newport Harbor) host home tour fundraisers which give supporters an opportunity to walk through uniquely (and many professionally) designed homes in the district. Our team looks forward to these events each year, especially when we have a home to show off!

If home tours aren't popular in your area, open houses for homes on the market can be a similar source of inspiration. It often helps seeing layouts, colors, styles, etc in person to visualize changes in your own space. Regardless of how you go about it, we encourage you to take advantage of local inspiration and opportunities -- what you're looking for just might be right in front of you!

Near and far, inspiration is everywhere! Just remember to open your eyes, keep an open mind and look for it.

Where are your favorite places to go for inspiration? Let us know in the comments below and collectively we can get some major creativity pumping in this quarantine!!

TOP TEN TIPS // DESIGNING WITH THE EARTH IN MIND

by Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

HAPPY EARTH DAY!! We're celebrating 50 official years of honoring Mother Nature's beauty, grace and growing need for our support with our team's top ten tips for making eco-friendly design decisions in your home. From upgrading appliances to honing everyday habits, we all have a part to play in planet Earth's beautiful story.

1. SAVE WITH THE SUN

PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN
PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN

Solar power may be the most obvious solution for energy efficiency, but it's also likely to be the biggest investment. In our ever-changing environment, this renewable resource is undoubtedly the most reliable and natural source of energy. It's becoming increasingly popular to make the switch to solar and witness the energy bills dive down.

BLACKBAND DESIGN OFFICE
BLACKBAND DESIGN OFFICE
XERO SOLAR PANELS

We added solar panels to our Blackband office building just over a year ago and it has made a dramatic difference in our electricity bills... we're talking $1,200 a month down to $30! It was a huge investment but we're already seeing its benefits. Shout out to Xero Solar for upgrading our sustainability game!

PHOTO via PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES
PHOTO via PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES

From a design point of view, solar panels present us with a few extra challenges, but none outweighing the long-term environmental and financial benefits. Positioning the panels to maximize sun exposure while keeping them hidden from the curb appeal is always our goal, where possible. For the majority of our residential projects this means finding angles of the roof line that bask in the sun while remaining mostly out of sight from below, whereas a home we're working on in Rancho Santa Fe took advantage of their sprawling property to add a solar field away from their home all together.

2. LET THE BREEZE IN

PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT CARLOW // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // CHAD MELLON PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT CARLOW // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // CHAD MELLON PHOTOGRAPHY

In our coastal climate, a fresh breeze through the home is all we need to feel comfortable most days. Opening a dutch door to let the air in and keep the pets and youngins from adventuring out is a great alternative to turning on the air conditioning.

PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
Project BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
Project BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

Also common in our beach communities are sliding, accordion and retractable doors that eliminate the indoor/outdoor barrier with ease. These disappearing walls allow the natural temperatures and fresh air to  regulate the home environment without expending any energy.

3. EMBRACE THE PANE(S)

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // MANOLO LANGIS PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // MANOLO LANGIS PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

The windows themselves are an important element that allow light and scenery to be enjoyed inside while keeping the weather out. Single, double and triple pane windows offer respective amounts of insulation to protect against the elements. Glazing and tinting options add to the energy-efficiency (and the cost) with additional layers that keep the inside temperature in and the outside temperature out.

A common trade off to consider: eco-friendly window materials vs. long-term energy efficiency. Luckily the glass that makes up the bulk of a window is the product of natural resources (sand) and 100% recyclable so it's mostly the framing that has pros and cons to weigh.

We refreshed our window basics here.

4. BE A FAN OF FANS

PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ONE FORD ROAD // BLACKBAND DESIGN // LEIGH ANN ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ONE FORD ROAD // BLACKBAND DESIGN // LEIGH ANN ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // AKINS HOMES // FOREST STUDIO // MERIDIAN INTERIORS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // AKINS HOMES // FOREST STUDIO // MERIDIAN INTERIORS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Many of our clients have opted for ceiling fans in place of air conditioning all together. Lucky for us, ceiling fan design has come a long way so we're able to specify stylish solutions for our clients with a much lower overhead.

5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHT

PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

LED lighting uses a fraction of the energy to illuminate your home in comparison to incandescent, fluorescent and halogen lights. Opt for the energy-efficient LEDs to fill your can lights, and simply swap out the original bulbs that come in most decorative lighting fixtures for the more sustainable option.

Learn more about LED lighting here.

6. GO WITH LOW FLOW

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // MANOLO LANGIS PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // MANOLO LANGIS PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // ryan garvin PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // ryan garvin PHOTOGRAPHY

Selecting faucets, toilets and shower heads that meet low flow requirements will ensure less water is used (or wasted) per use, and will in turn save you some expense in water bills. California enforces a high standard of plumbing regulations so if you're living in the drought-conscious Golden State the eco-friendly choice is made for you.

Besides the plumbing mechanics, we can each make a difference in limiting the amount of water we let run. Shutting off the faucet while brushing your teeth, scrubbing the dishes or even shaving can reduce your water footprint. As 'they' say, "save some for the fishies!"

7. OPT FOR EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

The big energy-users in your home (refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, etc) are essential to 21st century living and make our lives a whole lot easier.  So there's no way we could convince you (or ourselves) to forgo these modern day luxuries for manual chores, but we do advise doing your homework and selecting appliances that are suitable for you and our planet long-term.

8. USE GREEN FABRICS (OF ALL COLORS)

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Even the materials we use to cover upholstered furnishings and decorate our homes can make a difference for the environment. Natural fabrics such as linens, cottons, hemps and wools are made from plants while synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester are by-products of petroleum and emit a greater amount of pollution to the atmosphere and waterways. Good thing our casual California style is in favor of all the natural weaves.

9. DON'T SWEAT THE HEAT

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOHRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOHRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PIPER BLACKBAND AT PROJECT SAPPHIRE
PIPER BLACKBAND AT PROJECT SAPPHIRE

With California's susceptibility to droughts, it's important to choose landscaping that will survive and thrive in a low-water environment. Succulents, mulch, and rocks are some of the most popular solutions for eco-conscious curb appeal and are best paired with a thoughtfully-planned irrigation system.

Another low-maintenance favorite is bougainvillea. Beautiful bougainvillea climbs the walls of the Blackband home and makes for a cheerful first impression. This vibrant vine grows relatively carefree and flourishes in our mild, coastal climate.

Learn more about water-efficient plants that are native to California here and creative ways to make the most of your irrigation systems here.

10. FLIP THE SWITCH

PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // ryan garvin PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // ryan garvin PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SANTA YNEZ // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

We couldn't resist leaning into Drake's "flip the switch" tune trending on TikTok for a catchy reminder to save energy -- we know you're watching those challenges on repeat! But in all seriousness and simplicity, turn out the lights when you leave the room, unplug electronics that aren't in use, and don't leave the air running for an empty home.

Automating your systems is a great solution for unnecessary energy expenditure because we're all guilty of forgetting. Program your thermostat to a schedule that works for you and install motion detectors or timers to shut off lights after a lack of movement or amount of time has passed.

DOING OUR PART AT THE OFFICE

blackband_design_team_crop

...well home is our office in these quarantined times but regardless of where we are, we can all make a difference. Day to day there are so many small decisions we can make and new habits we can form to show Mother Earth the love she deserves. Here are a few ways our team limits the waste in hopes for a brighter, more sustainable future.

SKIP THE (PLASTIC) STRAW

Piper Blackband's middle school classmate started a campaign to SKIP THE PLASTIC STRAW to reduce the plastic waste that ends up in our waterways. In support of this movement, our team opts for more sustainable sipping solutions such as glass and metal straws to enjoy their iced coffees and vitamin water.

USE REUSABLE UTENSILS

Bringing our own, reusable utensils to the office is also a great way to eliminate the waste of plastic forks daily. These titanium utensil sets are compact and store in a convenient case to slip into your desk drawer.

BRING A LUNCH BOX OR BAG

All in favor of bringing back the lunch box say AYE! Our lunch carriers may not be character-themed like those cute Kindergarteners rock but recycled shopping bags (shout out to Lululemon for a popular one that makes its way to our office kitchen) and these silicone snack bags make for smarter options than single-use plastic and paper baggies!

B.Y.O.B.

Bring your own bottle! Gone are the days of half drinken plastic water bottles laying around the office. We bring our own bottles and refill at our water station to stay hydrated and even make a style statement while we're at it. These pretty bottles and colorful designs beat out plastic any day and make for great desktop accessories.

RECYCLE PAPER

We keep paper trays near our copy machine for lightly used scrap papers that can be repurposed for internal printing and note-taking. Papers that can't be reused make their way home with our team to be recycled since our office dumpster is a free-for-all.

LIMIT THE PRINT

Working remotely with our team has launched our paper-saving initiatives into action with a focus on digital, sharable documents. It has forced us to break the habit of printing and create more sustainable work flows.

SOAK UP THE SUN

As we mentioned above, solar power has made a huge difference for us.  Skylights and large windows also allow natural light in which is best for making color decisions in our designs and limits the use of electricity.

How do you show Mother Earth your love? We would love to hear your tips and tricks for eco-friendly living in the comments below.

CREDITS: BLACKBAND DESIGN // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY // LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // CHAD MELLON PHOTORAPHY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY // LEIGH ANN ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY // AKINS HOMES // MERIDIAN INTERIORS // FOREST STUDIO // MANOLO LANGIS PHOTOGRAPHY

TOP TEN TIPS // STYLING PILLOW COMBINATIONS

by Filed Under: DESIGN TIPS Leave a Comment

Wendy Blackband styling pillows for Blackband Design
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Our goal in styling pillows is always to show off our clients' personality while creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing space, and that's what we want for you! Pillows are an opportunity to bring in lots of interest with relatively small, interchangeable pieces, so have fun with it and show off what makes you happy. You are not a boring person, so why let your space be!!

Pillows are like the spices in a recipe. The finishing touch that seems small in regards to the full home (or main dish) but makes a huge difference in the final outcome. Our design team has rounded up their top tips for curating the perfect (or perfectly imperfect) pillow combinations for your spaces. Let the pillow party begin!

1. MIX + MATCH

The key to a unique design is mixing styles, colors, patterns and textures in unexpected ways. The counter part to this is repeating some elements to match and therefore calm the space with familiarity. It's no different with pillows so we're breaking it down by furniture piece where to mix and where to match to create that ideal balance.

ON A SOFA OR SECTIONAL - MOSTLY MIX, CAN MATCH

Sofas and sectionals provide a large canvas of typically one solid color so it's the perfect clean foundation to mix up your pillows with lots of interest. To get started, gather pillows in a variety of colors, prints, and types of fabric that relate to your space or convey the feelings that you want to bring into the room. Then arrange these in small groups spreading out like colors, patterns and textures. Our rule of thumb would be that each neighboring pillow should not be the same shade, print or type of fabric as the one next to it. We'll go into more detail on this in tips 2, 3 and 4, so hang in there and keep reading!

Matching pillows can be sprinkled in to balance the overall design. Use like pillows near opposite ends of a sofa to connect the arrangements and bring the design full circle. When styling a pair of sofas or sectionals, you can definitely repeat pillows on each piece to give them related looks (but they don't have to be identical twins!).

PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

ON OCCASIONAL CHAIRS (or other matching sets of furniture) - MATCH

When the chairs match, it's a great place for the pillows to match – #twinning. This mellow balance allows for freedom to mix it up elsewhere.

PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT WATERFRONT // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

ON A BED - MIX + MATCH

We style our bed pillows in rows parallel to the headboard. Each row is a different fabric than the next (MIX), but within each row the pillows are generally the same (MATCH). This combination of mixing and matching provides symmetry that is soothing to the eye while showing off personality and interest with the varied fabrics. A bed is meant for relaxing so we want to prepare it that way, but it can still energize us with inspiration!

PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

ON A BENCH - MIX OR MATCH

You’ve got free range with bench pillows! Our styling is split between pairing two different pillows together on a bench or two identical pillows together. Depending on the size of the bench, you may limit it to one pillow (leaving room for a small bench to still function as a seat) or you may throw on several! Keep in mind how the bench functions and how too many pillows or a lack of pillows can affect the use.

ECLECTIC MIX

PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // CHAD MELLON PHOTOGRAPHER
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // CHAD MELLON PHOTOGRAPHER

EFFORTLESS MATCH

PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE BY BLACKBAND DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN GARVIN
PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

MAXIMIZED MIX + MATCH

PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHY MIX: Like we’ve mentioned above, the more you mix, the more unique your design becomes. Mixing styles pulls your home out of the pigeonhole of a specific title and broadens it to reflect the complex personality we each have.

WHY MATCH: Subconsciously, we all feel most comfortable in familiar and expected environments. Repeating like pieces in a home makes it easy for our eyes to understand what’s around us and why it’s there. Matching creates a soothing space, a uniform look and an understood connection across a room.

2. WELCOME COLOR

Since pillows can be changed out more easily than most of the furniture or surface materials in your home, we hope that you feel the freedom to make bolder choices with them! Bring the large, neutral furniture pieces to life with colorful pillows in a scheme of your choosing. Whether you mix colors from around the color wheel or play up various shades of a single tone, colorful pillows instantly bring warmth to a cold, plain sofa and brighten up an entire room.

Going for a neutral palette? Try bringing in some darker and lighter neutral tones to add more depth to the design without drawing too much attention to a “color.”

PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE BY BLACKBAND DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN GARVIN
PROJECT NEWPORT WEDGE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

3. LAYER TEXTURE

Texture is truly what gives designs the depth to look and FEEL unique. Varying the type of fabric your pillows are made of is a simple way to add depth to your space. From smooth cottons and fresh linens to plush furs (and faux furs) to all the velvets, leathers, mud cloths, and embroidered details in between, there are so many stunning weaves to choose from.

We try to make all pillows in a combination a different texture, unless it's a pair of the same fabric. Like we mentioned above with the non-matching neighboring pillows, it is ideal for at least the touching pillows to vary in texture – otherwise it can start to read flat and we don’t want that!

Incorporating texture is also a great way to add interest to a minimal color palette. So if you’re feeling new to this whole mixing thing and find comfort in matching, try gathering similar shades of pillows that vary in the texture of fabric.

Our favorite texture to throw in is a "nubby knit" – think sweater weather for your sofa!

PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT FLOWER STREETS // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

4. VARY THE SIZE + STYLE OF PRINTS

Just like color and texture, prints add lots of interest to design. Let your personality shine through your selection of prints – polka dots, stripes, florals, block prints, geometric shapes, abstract designs, you name it – whatever speaks to you!

When mixing prints, the scale and repeat of each design should vary. Arrange pillows with larger prints next to smaller prints that won’t compete. Use solids and stripes to break up the designs and spread the love (prints).

Scale: The size of a pattern in relation to a fixed amount of fabric.

Repeat: The distance from one end of a pattern to the place where it begins again (repeats).

In this case, think of the fixed amount as a 22" square pillow face and notice how some patterns cover more space with a unique design (large scale) while other patterns are duplicated several times to fill the space (small scale). Where that unique pattern duplicates is the repeat.

SIZE OF PRINTS

SMALL SCALE - LARGE SCALE - MEDIUM SCALE

PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT IRIS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

STYLE OF PRINTS

PLAID - DIAMOND / DECORATIVE - SCRAMBLED

PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT OCEAN BLVD // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

5. DETERMINE THE FORMALITY + FUNCTION

Formal living rooms can be home to elevated pillow styles, but high-traffic family rooms call for high-performance threads. In general, fabrics with more shine, delicate details and luxurious feels belong in rooms with a more sophisticated style and thoughtful use. Pillows that have a better chance of being laid on, squeezed, stepped on, and thrown (we’re looking at the kids, not you…) are best to be made of durable fabrics. For these family-friendly spaces, look for fabrics that are thick, textured and colorful to hide the inevitable stains.

FORMAL + SOPHISTICATED

PROJECT NEWPORT CANYON // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT CANYON // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

PLAYFUL + CASUAL

PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT PORT MARGATE // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

6. GROUP ‘EM UP + FLUFF ‘EM OUT

A simple way to freshen up your pillows is simply to group them in different combinations. Creating these small groups across a sofa or sectional instantly perks up a drab seating arrangement. Instead of spreading pillows out to evenly cover the length of a sofa, try grouping a few together in the corners – they’ll look more intentional when they’re sitting proudly with a buddy or two.

While you’re at it – give those pillows a nice fluff! Shift the inside fill around so that it reaches the ends and corners of the cover (especially that top half since gravity naturally pulls it down). Then gently squeeze the sides to lift the pillow so it stands up tall. Finish off with a little (or big) karate chop to the top middle of the pillow for a nice plush belly and perky ears.

These grouped and fluffed pillows will stand their ground better than when they're flat and slouchy so you might not need to add more pillows to the mix – work with what you've got first!

PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

7. SHUFFLE THE PATTERNS

Alternating colors might work for a theme-y space, but in general home design we try to disguise any hint of a noticeable pattern. Spreading out like colors, prints and textures is all about balance, not perfect symmetry or patterns. So instead of going red-white-blue-red-white-blue on a sofa pillow layout, try grouping them in imperfect clusters to mix it up and therefore elevate the design. Groups like this could work: (red-white) (blue-white-red) (blue).

Instead of matching the same pattern of fabrics on each side of a sofa, mix the pillows to evenly spread out amounts of light/dark, bright/neutral, print/solid, and textured/smooth.

ON A SINGLE SOFA OR SECTIONAL

PROJECT DOVER // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT DOVER // BLACKBAND DESIGN // AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY

ON A PAIR OF SOFAS OR SECTIONALS

PROJECT CAMDEN // SC HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT CAMDEN // SC HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT CAMDEN // SC HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT CAMDEN // SC HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

8. SIZE YOUR SEAT

Give thought to the sizes of pillows you are placing. Pillows that are too small will look dinky and misplaced on a large piece of furniture, and pillows that are too big may interfere with people’s lounge space. Use all the same size for a more uniform look, or use varying sizes for a more eclectic style.

A 22” square is our most commonly used pillow size and our base for almost all pillow styling. Where we use the same size pillows we bring in our eclectic style through varying colors and textures. Here’s where you’ll typically find our pillow sizes:

ON A SOFA OR SECTIONAL – 22” pillows, occasional lumbar pillow

ON OCCASIONAL CHAIRS – 22” pillows or lumbar pillows

ON A BED – 26” pillows in the back (Euro shams), 22-24” pillows in the middle, 18-22” pillow or lumbar in front

ON A BENCH – 22” pillows, occasional lumbar pillow

SOFAS / SECTIONALS / OCCASIONAL CHAIRS

PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT NEWPORT COAST // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

BEDS / BENCHES

PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT EMERALD BAY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

9. FIND THE FILL THAT FITS YOU

Our standard inserts are 90% White Goose Feather and 10% White Goose Down. These pillows are plush and keep the shape they’re formed to (when you chop it, it stays chopped).

Poly fills on the other hand are still plush but bounce back to their original form after squeezing. For everyday use, these don’t typically look as natural and effortless compared to the down, but we do recommend them for outdoor use! The Polyurthane inserts are treated to prevent the growth of mold when they’re sitting out in the weather – thank goodness for these!

INDOOR - DOWN

PROJECT SAN CLEMENTE // Blackband DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT SAN CLEMENTE // Blackband DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

OUTDOOR - POLY

PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT BEL AIR // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // BLACKBAND DESIGN // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY

10. “MUDDY IT UP”

In the words of Wendy Blackband (Blackband Design’s principle designer and co-owner with her husband Greg), you’ve got to “muddy up” the pillow combination with fabrics you wouldn’t expect to be included. Take a chance, do something different, and make sure it makes you smile!

PROJECT ORCHID // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PROJECT ORCHID // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // ANDRADE ARCHITECTS // BLACKBAND DESIGN // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

BONUS TIP: CHOP IT!

We mentioned this briefly in tip #6, but it's a big one that can't be missed! Give that pillow a CHOP!! Get in karate chop position and use the side of your hand to create a crease in the top middle of the pillow. We like to give a little nudge to the sides too so it sits nice and plump and not too perfect.

BEFORE THE CHOP

Blackband_Design_Pillow_Chop-1-WEB

AFTER THE CHOP

Blackband_Design_Pillow_Chop-2-WEB
Blackband_Design_Pillow_Chop-9

Now you are more ready than ever to play around with the pillows in your home and create new arrangements like a pro. Give it a try and let us know how it goes – we would love to see some success stories!

Tag your Instagram photos @blackbanddesign or send an email to hello@blackbanddesign.com to share your pillow praise.

Have more questions about styling your pillows? Let us know in the comments below.

CREDITS: BLACKBAND DESIGN // GRAYSTONE CUSTOM BUILDERS // TEALE ARCHITECTURE // RYAN GARVIN PHOTOGRAPHY // LIDO HOUSE HOTEL // RDO DEVELOPMENT // MATT WHITE CUSTOM HOMES // SINCLAIR ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS // PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES // CHAD MELLON PHOTOGRAPHY // CJ LIGHT ASSOCIATES // TM GRADY BUILDERS // BRANDON ARCHITECTS // MIKEN CONSTRUCTION // WOLF DESIGN STUDIO // CORR CONTEMPORARY HOMES // TESSA NEUSTADT PHOTOGRAPHY // AMY BARTLAM INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY // SC HOMES INC // STAND ARCHITECTS // RS MYERS COMPANY

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