"Getting Trim"

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

For today’s design blog we will be talking about “getting trim.” No, folks, we will not be talking about how to get thin or your workout or weight-loss routine. We will be discussing paint color that is ideal for woodwork, chair rails and baseboards.

My choice as an interior designer and wallcovering expert has always been white; yes, just plain white! Be it an off-white or a grey white which always appears crisp and clean looking. The reason is simple. Whether you paint or wallpaper, a crisp white or off-white paint trim sets off wallcovering and any wall paint color. By using a contrasting color trim just seems to be too busy and calls attention to too many details in your living space. Also, a color trim choice will lock you in when you are choosing fabrics or floor coverings. It just simply makes the living space too busy and complicated.

White trim is a classic choice, and goes with traditional decor or a contemporary theme. If you take a look in most design magazines you will find that white trim is favored by my fellow interior designers.

So folks, if you want to keep your home up to date, choose white trim. And, as I always say, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin

To Upholster or Not To Upholster...That is the Question.

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To upholster or not to upholster? That is the question…

As an interior designer and owner of the Four Walls Wallpaper Studio, I am asked by my clients quite often, is it worthwhile to reupholster a sofa, or dining room chairs or any piece of furniture in the home for that matter. Unfortunately we are seeing more low-end furniture that is being fabricated with inferior materials, and not to mention toxic chemicals that are being applied in the seat cushion stuffing. When reupholstering a quality piece of furniture that is either one you’ve purchased through an interior designer or inherited from your family, it is in my opinion the best option to reupholster it. The reason why I feel this way, is the mere fact that the framework used is better quality and more concern is placed in the construction and quality of the wood accents used on the arms and legs of chairs and sofas. I have recently been involved in the redesign of a client’s living room where I had suggested reupholstering two Bergere chairs of excellent framework, which I like to call “good bones!” I suggested to my client to use a contemporary, hip, bohemian Ikat as the fabric choice. The end result gave my client a unique look that can’t be replicated in today’s furniture market!

So readers, when you’re visiting family and they want to give you a piece of their old furniture, don’t say no, look at it from a different design perspective. Older is sometimes better!

And, as I always say folks, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin

A "Light" Subject

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

For today’s blog we will discussing LED lighting. Lighting is a design element that I have had extensive experience with in my years of interior design. It is both a commercial and home element that is most important and often overlooked by consumers. According to a recent study by the American Institute of Architects, LED lighting is leading the growth and demand for both kitchen and bathroom features in the American home. And unlike many design trends the switch to LED lighting is not slowing down any time soon, as both my colleagues and I agree.

As a matter of fact, LED sales have doubled in the last two years, and I can see why as a great number of my clients have requested that I specify energy efficient lighting to their closets, shelves in their study’s and stairways. This has been a must with the restaurant interiors that I have been involved with most recently. LED lighting has become important in outdoor spaces such as its use on decks and walkways.

Being both an interior designer and the owner of a wallcovering and fabric studio in Newton Mass, the real reason LED lighting is so important to me is the fact of the CRI/Color Rendering Index, which enhances the true color tonality of wallcoverings and fabrics. I won’t bore you on the different levels between warm and cool tones I promise! So with all these fabulous advancements with LEDs let’s shed more “light” on your world. And as I always say folks, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin

Robin's Design Concept for Spring 2016!

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There’s an exciting new design feeling for Spring of 2016. This concept seems to be the trend for my clients needs. The “old design concept” was filling a room with a lot of accessories and too much over-scaled furniture. Now it’s simple, friendly and serene. The new designer fabric choices are more durable and user-friendly. That’s not to say that it sacrifices look, by any means. More linens, chenille’s, and crushed velvet blends have taken a forefront.

Window treatments have a strong emphasis on straight panels with more of a tailored edge. Roman shades have been the number one choice for my current projects. When it comes to the wallcovering, deep tones such as grays and blues, incorporating the use of grass cloth or a very high-end vinyl texture from England and Italy were favored. This concept allows my clients to utilize their personal elements such as their area rugs in the design plan. The spring colors for 2016 have been neutrals paired with jewel tones, such as grays and milky blues with purples, lilacs and corals.

Each of the interior design projects that I’ve been involved with recently have one important design philosophy; the rooms are functional, lived-in and represent my clients’ personal taste. More of the emphasis is placed on the comfort and enjoyment of the owners of the home, their family and the welcoming of their guests. In conclusion, a room should feel well-designed but not be afraid to be used, and it is my belief that the overall look should appear that the interior of the home reflect my clients personality and not my own. There is a right and wrong within a client’s taste, that has been my design standard for over thirty years. As I always say folks, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best always,

Robin

A Four Walls Favorite - The Pierre Frey Design House

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We are always looking for good quality items and experiences, in everything from our food choices, travel and the interior of our homes. Pierre Frey is one of the most original and unique design houses I have had the pleasure of working with. They recently came out with two new wallcovering books, Foxtrot and Jungle, which I have just received in my wallpaper & design studio.

Pierre Frey’s designs are always interesting and unique. Foxtrot is the modern and contemporary take on classic twentieth designs, recalling a bygone era of freshness, luxury and elegance. Frey looks back to a classic time to bring you the essence of those years in contemporary décor. The design Erevan is a soft floral motif in a gentle geometrical pattern that is appealing to the eye and classical. Darius is a more geometrical take on a classic floral, recalling the idea of a child’s kaleidoscope.

Jungle is the second book by Pierre Frey that Four Walls has just received. This collection is a journey into the colorful and brilliant world of dreams and imagination, with inspiration taken from the vibrant world of South America. Otomi is reminiscent of the flowers and birds adorning the Amazon. Kipling recalls the richness of the thick forests of the Equator where every step is a new discovery.

Pierre Frey takes concepts and reinvents them into new and exciting visions for us to experience and immerse ourselves in. His designs fill our hearts and minds with wonder and creativity. With wallpaper as famous as Pierre Frey, it WILL take over the conversation with guests in your home!

So, as I always say, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin

No More ... the Forgotten Room.

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

Recently in the interior design industry, powder rooms and bathrooms have become a large focus, primarily because of the variety of decorative tile options now available. Flooring classics such as marble and granite give a timeless quality. Cabinetry are now being crafted as pieces of custom designer furniture. These rooms express the same amount of importance as any other room in your home, mainly because clients are spending large dollars on decorative hardware and appointments. As far as shower curtains go, all are being made with custom designer fabrics, mainly because there are not as many stunning ready-made options. When it comes to the wallcovering selections, they’re no longer the typical ‘shell and fish’ choices!

Today there’s much more variety of design and texture to show off your individual style that one would never have expected to be considered. The main design objective that I personally notice when helping my clients with their re-design of their powder room and bathrooms is that they’re not afraid to give these spaces a ‘wow’ factor. The more original the space, the more fun we’ll both have in the creation and end result!

So, as I always folks, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin

Warm Weather Living

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

Spring is one week away, and with all the amazing weather we’ve been having, our thoughts have already turned toward the outdoors. We are always looking for the newest thing, the latest trend, to add to our homes, to make them amazing, so that when your friends visit they will ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ with amazement.

The big thing now is your porch or patio. It’s no longer just a walkway in front, sometimes leading to the back door into the yard. Porches have become patios that are an extension of your living room; they’ve become a part of your house itself, sometimes through floor-to-ceiling walls that fold back like curtains to really open up your house.

But that’s only the beginning. Once you have your patio, it’s time to dress it up. I’m talking about fabulous furniture, pillows, and of course the right color scheme. People go so far as to have a full furniture set, complete with rug and side tables to hold your summer drinks.

A classic theme for your outdoor living space is Nautical; those navy and white stripes that are so reminiscent of a New England seaside town. Tropical and bright floral patterns are also a huge hit, with eye-catching colors; lime, orange, turquoise and hot pink are always favorites.

Then there is the deck itself. It’s the outdoor representation of your home, and you’ll want it to reflect your personality. Smoothly finished wood or rustic stone, your choices should seamlessly blend the inside of your home to the outside, making for the perfect entertaining experience this summer.

It’s time to get those ideas going, so things are ready when the warm weather really kicks in. And, as I always say folks, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin