In our previous blog about Green vs. Sustainable, we discussed how builders, manufacturers, and designers are making buildings eco-friendly. Today, we will address some of the ways you can improve the indoor “health” of your home by purchasing green products.

What are green products and how do I get them?

Green products are items that can meet either of the following definitions:

• A product that is less detrimental to the health of the inhabitants than its traditional equivalent
• A product that has a lower environmental impact than others in its category

It is also important to point out that just because a product says it is “green” does not necessarily make it a fact. The terms “green,” “sustainable,” and “earth friendly” do not always mean the same thing. Labeling can be deceiving.

Also, although something may be truly “green,” it will likely still leave some small impact on the environment. Ultimately it is the degree of impact that makes the difference.

What to Look for When Choosing Green Products

Some of the attributes to consider when choosing green products for your home include:

• Biodegradable or reusable
• Locally obtained – fewer fossil fuels used for transport
• Made from recycled materials or sustainable and renewable sources
• Energy efficient
• Low maintenance
• No ozone-depleting chemicals
• Free of toxic compounds
• Do not produce toxic by-products

Whether you are looking for green building products, energy-efficient appliances, organic foods, responsibly forested wood, or organic furnishings, there are some seals of certification that you can look for to help you with your selections:

• Green Seal Certified – This symbol of Green Seal Certification lets you now that the product has met rigorous, science-based standards. Some of the green seal-certified products include household cleaning supplies, food packaging, paper items, sanitary paper products, and printing & writing paper.
• Energy Star – When you see the Energy Star symbol on a product you know that you are taking a step in the right direction towards sustainable living. Energy Star certified products use less energy and water and help cut annual greenhouse gas emissions. You can find the energy star symbol on a wide variety of products, including computers, light bulbs, ceiling fans, refrigerators, washers and dryers, phones, air conditions, televisions, and more.
• USDA Organic Product – This symbol lets you know when food is grown without genetic engineering, irradiation, synthetic fertilizer, pesticides, and other dangerous chemicals. Produce, dairy, meat, poultry, and packaged foods may be labeled USDA organic.
• Forest Stewardship Council – When you see the FSC symbol, you know the wood products you are looking at came from environmentally managed forests. Since 1993, the Forest Stewardship Council has worked to promote responsible forest management.
• Global Organic Textile Standard – Products that are GOTS Certified contain organic fibers. More importantly, the certification looks at the entire textile supply chain to meet the proper tracking and management of organic
• Global Organic Latex Standard – GOLS certification also ensures the proper tracking and management of organic materials and finished goods.
• Greenguard Certification – The Greenguard Certification mark lets you now that the products meet strict chemical emissions limits to back up sustainability claims. You will find this certification on interior furnishings, furniture, cleaning products, electronic equipment, and other products.

These are only some of the many certification programs available for a vast array of green products for your home.

There is an excellent website that you can turn to when purchasing cleaning supplies and consumer products for your home. www.ewg.org is the Environmental Working Group that tests many of the items you buy every day. For their website that tests personal care products, visit www.ewg.org/skindeep to see if the makeup, shampoo, and other products you use are safe or toxic.

Next month, we will highlight some of the many wonderful products you can buy that are green and eco-friendly.

Contact HK Interiors to discover how to incorporate green products into your next interior design project. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

Luxury – as a noun, it means sumptuous, opulent, lavish, magnificent, splendid. For some, luxury is synonymous with decadent, and when it comes to interior design, nothing is too much. Decadent interior design is a whole world away from everyday comfort and functionality. That is not to say that luxurious furnishings cannot also be comfortable and functional – it is just that those are not the primary quality.

When most people think about decadent interior design, they envision massive crystal chandeliers, marble countertops, gold fixtures, rich fabrics, and expensive price tags. You also expect the finest quality from luxurious home furnishings.

Perhaps you are looking for that one-of-a-kind piece that will make a statement in your home. Or, maybe you want to redo a room that will be a showstopper. Whatever your desires for interior design, it is out there – or it can be custom made to your specifications.

Some Options for Decadent Interior Design

Everyone has their likes and dislikes for styles and furnishings. The photos below offer a vast array of decadent interior design pieces that may compliment your lifestyle. Perhaps you want to add them to your wish list for your next remodeling job.

In this photo, we have a pair of Swedish Modernist Winged Back Spider Web Armchairs, circa 1940, valued at $7,900. The chairs are both functional and comfortable, offering a unique design.

When you think opulent chandeliers, the one below probably does not come to mind. The Bocci 28.19 Cluster Chandelier below features 19 color globes with a round ceiling canopy. 64 assorted color options are available. You can choose spheres that are transparent in color, opaque, or only have color on the “satellites.” Both Xenon lamps and LED are available for a price tag of $17,100.

If you are in the market for a new sideboard, your head might be turned by the Heritage Sideboard by Boca do Lobo. White and blue hand-painted tiles cover the sideboard which features two bronze and glass shelves. Gold leaf covers the interior door and four drawers. This limited-edition product featuring bronze, ceramic, glass, and gold leaf materials from 2015 is valued at $21,996.21.

Next up in our quest for unusual and decadent interior design we find this Illuminated Resin Chair by Hally Olivetti. The 1991 signed and dated fiberglass chair features a single light underneath to illuminate the flora and leaves cast into the resign. This chair can be yours for $25,000.

Another unique sideboard offering is the Piccadilly Sideboard in Wood and Smoked Glass. This sideboard, also by Boca do Lobo, is made from smoked glass and wood. It is a contemporary new design that blends enchanting fantasy with potent reality. This limited-edition item houses an exquisite mirrored interior with four drawers and two smoked glass shelved. The price to bring this piece from Portugal into your home is $47,550. Of course, as with all designs highlighted here, shipping is extra.

Perhaps your taste in decadent interior design sends you on the quest for an opulent place to lay your head at night. If so, you may find this Personalized Classical Italian Canopy Bed Frame right up your alley. This 21^st-century masterpiece has been marked down from $206,019.96 to only $167,215.97. If you are looking for a bargain, this might be the bed for you.

Our final feature today is a magnificent ash armoire created in 1895 for the Winter Palace of Tsar Nicholas II. Towering over eleven feet tall, this masterfully crafted armoire features Corinthian columns, elaborate turrets, stepped arches, and urns. This armoire can be yours for the price of $348,500.

Now that we have embarked on a tour of some decadent interior design options, what are you looking for to make your home complete? Contact HK Interiors to discover how our interior design services can help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

No matter your child’s age, you want his or her room to be stylish, functional, and fun. Most of all, you want it to grow along with your child. Of course, the thought of an all blue or pink nursery still appeals to many parents. However, kid’s room ideas don’t end there. Today’s parents often look for broader creativity and a room that will grow with the child.

When looking at room ideas for kids, some parents lean towards a theme – such as Disney, Sesame Street, Superheroes, Nature, Wild West, Space, Under the Sea, or Animals. Of course, these are only a few of the unlimited number of options available for kid’s room design. Once a child is older, he or she may want a say in the room décor you select. Until that time, the kid’s room ideas are all yours to decide.

Nursery Room Design – Short-Term or Long-Lasting Ideas

One of the first things to decide in nursery design is the duration of the décor you select for the baby’s room. Yes, baby Mickey and Minnie are adorable. However, how long do you think your child will last in that room before he or she wants a change? If you select a theme like that, the minute your little one is old enough to fall in love with the next animated movie, a room change may be in order. That could mean swapping our wallpaper, repainting, or a complete overhaul.

Sometimes, starting with baby room ideas that incorporate neutral colors makes it easier as the child grows to simply exchange a few pictures and change the linens.

When you look at room design for kids, that is going to grow with your baby from infancy through the toddler years, and beyond, the best place to start is with the walls. Selecting either warm or cool neutral colors can give you an excellent palette for further creativity. Although contrasting patterns such as black and white are easier for a newborn to distinguish, it will only be a few months before other colors are recognizable. There is no need to focus on creating a whole room to attract an infant’s eyes. A better option may be a black and white mobile to hang over the crib for the first few months of life.

You will likely spend a lot of time in the nursery, especially in the baby’s first few months of life. The overall ambience should provide the setting, mood, and comfort you desire. There will be plenty of time over the next 18 years to incorporate kid room ideas from your child.

When looking at children’s bedroom ideas for a nursery, think about what will foster imaginary play as your little one grows. You want a surrounding that will lend itself towards creativity and fun. The bedroom should be a place your little one will enjoy – not a showplace for your friends.

Interior Design for Toddlerhood and Beyond

Once your baby moves up the ladder and graduates to a big girl or boy bed, he or she will likely begin to express certain interests. However, before running to the store to incorporate your kid’s room ideas with new wallpaper, pictures, and linens, try to figure out if this is nothing more than a passing fad.

Investing in well-made furniture early on that can last throughout the 18 years your child lives under your roof can save you quite a bit of money. Some furniture manufacturers make furniture that can “grow” with your child. By avoiding a theme that can go out of style, the furnishings can last until you no longer need them.

Neutral colors lend themselves to most any décor. Adding a splash of color in your kid’s room décor also makes it easy to make changes whenever the mood strikes. Rich woods and earthy shades lend themselves well to a hint of color in lamps, accent pillows, and rugs. By mixing textiles, patterns, and textures, you can even get creative with kid’s bedroom ideas on a budget.

The Modern Bedroom – a Teenage Hangout

It is not surprising to see a variety of kid’s wall art through the years. Superhero posters in a boy’s room and flowers in a girl’s room may give way to rock groups or sports teams. Your teenager’s bedroom should be a fun and comfortable hangout for your child and his or her friends. Modern lighting, versatile furnishings, and a plentiful supply of pillows for reclining and tossing are a must.

No matter your child’s age, a kid’s room makeover can be a fun, bonding experience for parent and child. Decide on a budget and stick to it. The services of a professional interior designer can help you create a wonderful paradise that can take your child from infancy through high school graduation.

HK Interiors provides interior design services to families throughout South Florida. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your home and office interior design needs.

You have likely heard of “smart” buildings, where everything is automated, including air conditioning, security, lighting, and more. However, do you know the difference between green vs. sustainable buildings? Perhaps you have heard of eco-friendly environments. That automatically leads you to believe that the materials used were sourced in an ecologically sound manner. You think safety and reduced toxicity and that is why it is time to understand the difference between these terms.

When comparing green vs. sustainable, it is vital to know that these terms do not mean the same thing:

• Green building definition – a building that reduces or eliminates a negative impact on the environment. One that creates positive influence on the environment and climate. Green buildings may include any of the following features:
  • Solar or another form of renewable energy
  • Healthy indoor air quality
  • Efficient energy and water resources
  • Adaptable design to changing environment
  • Utilization of green roofs and rain gardens
  • Use of non-toxic, sustainable, low-impact, and ethical materials
  • Reduction of waste and pollution
  • Recycling and re-use abilities
  • Design and construction that considers the quality of life of occupants
  • Consideration of environments needs in design, construction, and operation

A green building may vary in definition from one city to another. Culture, environment, climate, economics, and resources are some of the issues that may impact green architecture. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) provides the rating systems for green building design, construction, operation, and maintenance. The U.S. Green Building Council developed the LEED system.

• Sustainable design definition – here, the goal is to eliminate a negative impact on the environment through skillful, sensitive design. Through a minimalistic approach to impacting the environment, sustainable design utilizes renewable resources. The focus is on creating a healthy, productive environment for the building’s inhabitants. Principles of sustainable design include:
  • Use of environmentally friendly products
  • Optimize building site potential
  • Enhancement of indoor environmental quality
  • Protection and conservation of resources, such as water
  • Optimize renewable energy
  • Enhance operational and maintenance procedures

What Is the Primary Difference between Green vs. Sustainable?

When comparing green vs. sustainable, the primary difference is that sustainability design is a broad ideology that takes into consideration social, environmental, performance, and financial implications. Green design focuses more on the environmental aspects.

While many green products are environmentally friendly, looking at them from the sustainability aspect involves digging deeper. How are they sourced, where did they come from, what resources went into the production?

For example, if you were to look at purchasing wood planking for your floors, a green definition might be that the wood contains no measurable volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) or urea formaldehyde. Taking it a step further, sustainability would mean that the company adheres to highly selective processes where a new tree is planted for every one that is cut down. If a company uses only mature timbers, it minimizes the impact on the environment.

How does knowing the difference between green vs. sustainable help you make decisions in your home’s interior design?

While we will delve more deeply into this topic in a future blog, for right now it can help you be aware of products that you are purchasing, and the impact they have on both your health and the environment.

HK Interiors can help you discover new ways to improve your home or office using green or sustainable products. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

Before you get any preconceived notions about using the color pink for your interior design plans, take a moment to look at this pink diamond. What do you see? Elegance, sophistication, beauty, shimmering, richness? All that is possible when you incorporate pink into your home. Pink interior design can transform your space in ways you never expected.

We associate the color pink with femininity, love, and babies. Pink is warm, soothing, and, as a muted shade of red, passionate. We often think of a pink bedroom as being girly or feminine, but pink goes well beyond that limitation. In fact, the use of pink is limited only by past perceptions. It is time to bring pink out into every room of the home – whether in subtle hints or bold statements.

Pink lets your imagination run wild, with shades such as fuchsia, carnation, magenta, rose, and blush. According to Benjamin Moore’s website, soft, muted blush tones of pink are perfect for living and dining room walls. Balance the bold beauty of magenta paint with cream trim for classic glamour. Pink pairs beautifully with white, neutral, or grey colors. If you are looking for vivid contrast, opt for black or deep brown to pair with pink.

Who says pink furniture is just for girls? The Sketch Lounge in the UK envelops you in a sea of pink that is subtle, inviting, relaxing, elegant, and, some might say, even seductive. The stark contrast of the zigzag design on the flooring with the gold and brass accents creates an intimate setting.

Using Pink Interior Design Throughout the Home

Incorporating a pink color scheme into your existing home can be as simple as a new piece of furniture or as extensive as a whole room makeover. You can paint one accent wall the perfect shade of pink to go with your present color scheme or change it all up for a bright, fresh look. Think textures, patterns, and hues. There is no limit to the imagination as to how to infuse pink interior design into your home.

Some people fear that pink home furnishings will make a room look too girly. That is not the case. You can create a feminine look without going overboard. The elegant design of this daybed/sofa imparts practicality along with style. For those looking to brighten up the design, a variety of accent pillows in assorted colors could bring an interesting contrast.

Incorporating a mixture of pale and bold colors in varying shades of pink draws the eye without being overbearing. In the dresser pictured here, the gradient approach to the drawers starts out light, moving down the spectrum until you reach a muted hot pink. Whether on its own merit, or incorporated into other pink touches, this dresser makes a bold, yet sophisticated statement.

The use of pink bedding can be relaxing and calming in soft, muted tones, or invigorating and inviting in brighter hues. Today, it is common to see pink incorporated into bedding with leopard prints. Pink pairs beautifully with geometric shapes, stripes, and polka dots.

Grey and Pink – Interior Design That Speaks Elegance and Sophistication

Grey and pink interior design bring sophistication to any home. In the room below, we find the understated elegance you get when combining grey with pink. A grey sofa accented with pink throw pillows is both inviting and refined.

We continue the pink and grey combination in the bathroom below, where elegant pink wall tiles are a perfect backdrop to natural materials. Pink pairs beautifully with stone, wood, concrete, and ceramics.

A close cousin to pink and grey bathroom décor is substituting black for the grey to give a nostalgic look to the room. The use of pink and black takes us back to the 1950s – the “happy days” of yesteryear. You can also bring pink and black into the 21^st century by combining pink with black metallics for a bold statement.

Accessorize with Pink Interior Design Accents

Pink decorations and accessories can soften the look and feel of a room. Whether for display or practicality, incorporating a small amount of pink adds a touch of class.

Pink kitchen décor can extend to elegant bar stools that are perfect for any counter or island. Again, you see how well pink and brass work together to create a sophisticated look.

Getting back to hot pink interior design ideas, take a look at this tufted storage cube. Bright pink instills a feeling of confidence. A small eye-catching “pop” of hot pink invigorates a room without seeming overbearing. When done right, pink can make quite an impact. Just one small, unexpected touch of pink in a room can make a tremendous difference in eye-appeal.

Contact HK Interiors in Coral Springs to discover how our interior design services can help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs throughout South Florida.