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.

Before you pick up that paint brush, pull up the old carpet, or run to the furniture store, check out these seven reasons to hire an interior designer.

1.  Choosing paint colors

2. Picking the right wallpaper

3. Choosing the right scale and proportion of furniture for your space and function

4. Deciding on the right flooring

5. Selecting the proper window coverings

6. Getting the best professionals for the job

7. Eliminating stress

Why Is it Wise to Hire an Interior Designer to Choose a Paint Color?

You may think that the money you spend to hire an interior designer is a waste of resources. However, do you really know that the paint colors you have chosen for your room will compliment your furnishings? Did you know that choosing a wall color is best in the mid-morning and afternoon daylight hours?

Nuances of color can make or break the final accessory or the beginning of a color palette.

Sometimes, all you need is an hour of time with a design professional to select the right paints for your do-it-yourself project.

An interior designer and a painting professional will discuss wall condition and what paint finish is appropriate for each room. Do not let the paint store determine what looks best. They know quality and applications for indoors and outdoors, but not color schemes and eye-appeal.

Speak to an Interior Designer Before Selecting Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be a challenge. The wrong pattern or texture can clash with your furnishings or cause your room to look smaller than it is. Some types of wallpaper do better in rooms that are often damp, such as a bathroom.

Another reason why you want to hire an interior designer for a consultation is that you may wind up purchasing less wallpaper than you need (or too much). You have to think ahead in case you need to replace a section down the road. Also, the interior designer will know quality wallpaper hangers to recommend.

Hire an Interior Designer for Help Selecting the Right Furnishings

Interior designers often have access to manufacturers and showrooms that you do not. An interior designer knows quality, scale, proportion, and style, and can bring your entire room together.

Carpet or Tile, Wood or Laminate – Only the Interior Designer Knows for Sure

You want the flooring you buy to last for many years. When you hire an interior designer to help you choose the best flooring, you get professional guidance that can help you make the right choice the first time.

The last thing you want to do is buy carpet, tile, or an expensive rug that will clash with your furniture, or with existing flooring. You may only need one consultation, but that meeting can create a “wow” effect in your room.

Window Coverings in South Florida – Let a Designer Steer You in the Right Direction

Living in South Florida has its own set of challenges. Your window coverings have to address afternoon sun, repel summertime heat, and keep your rooms comfortable in the winter. The money you spend when you hire an interior designer to help you select the right window coverings is often saved with lower electricity bills throughout the year.

An Interior Designer Knows Who to Call to Get the Job Done Right – the First Time

Whether you are looking to remodel your kitchen, want custom built-in furniture, or knocking down a wall, hiring an interior designer puts you in direct contact with highly-trained professionals.

With years of experience and a small militia of craftspeople, your interior designer will help you get the best quality service.

Hire an Interior Designer and Reduce the Stress of Your Remodeling Project

It does not matter if the job is small (painting one wall) or large (remodeling an entire house). If you hire an interior designer, you have a trained professional who will take away much of the stress that comes with the process. Retirees in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Boca Raton can have peace of mind knowing their homes are in the hands of qualified experts.

Busy families in Parkland and Coral Springs have better things to do with their time than sit around all day waiting on a contractor. Let an expert handle the small details for you and enjoy a simplified life.

No matter where you live in South Florida, 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.

When you think of yellow, chances are your first thought is of the sun. The yellow color is bright, cheery, warm, and sunny. It makes us feel cozy and happy. In color therapy, yellow brings a joyful feeling. For interior design, yellow furniture, walls, or accents can add brightness, even to a small space.

It is also important to choose the right shade of yellow for your room. Yellow can be very stimulating. In a bedroom, walls should be of a more muted level so as not to overstimulate the senses when you want to sleep. A pale yellow room creates a warm and cozy place to rest your head after a long day. As you can see in the photo below, the room ties the yellow color together with a brighter yellow on the rug.

One of the things that you will notice in the next photo is how the yellow paint on the walls seems to beckon the outdoors inside. When creating yellow rooms, it is essential that you bring in some other strong accents, such as a rich wood or using the color white to bring a serene aspect to the yellow. The florals in the photos on the wall along with the flowers in the vase make it seem as though the room is one with nature outdoors.

Using Yellow Color in a Living Room

In the first of the two photos below, you can see how yellow living room walls create a natural backdrop for landscape photos. Yellow is one of the most popular colors for flowers, and for a good reason. It makes us think of sunflowers which are bright and cheery. In this room, yellow accents continue in the rug, and on the throw pillows and the table lamp. The yellow does not overpower – instead, it acts as an accent even though it is seemingly all around.

You might be afraid to step up to yellow walls. Living rooms are an ideal place to go ahead and use yellow color on the walls. Unlike darker colors, yellow can open up a room and make it appear larger. When used in the right shades, yellow does not overpower. You can see how well the yellow sofas complement the walls. Instead, it creates a stunning ambiance. Accented by the white drapes, as well as the earthy hues of rust and green makes the room below a welcoming place to relax and unwind.

Accenting Your Interior Design with Yellow Color

Yellow room ideas do not need to be as dramatic as what you saw in the previous photos. Some people want only a touch of yellow color to accent their color scheme. Yellow works well with white, blue, black, and gray. As you see in the photo below, there are many ways you can incorporate yellow in accent pillows. Textures and designs can make quite a visual impact in a room.

You can accent yellow rooms with wallpaper designs or with a variety of knickknacks. Items can include vases, candlesticks, and other objects of art.

Too much of bright yellow color in a room can increase anxiety and can be difficult for the eye. It is essential to get the help of an experienced interior designer to help you select the right shades of yellow for your room.

HK Interiors can help you discover how to incorporate the color yellow into your interior design.  Call 954-401-8542 to find out how our services can help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire.

Before you reach for that paintbrush, think about wallpaper. We are not talking about the green or yellow floral wallpaper designs you remember from your grandmother’s kitchen. Today, wallpaper can bring exciting colors, patterns, and textures into any space. Know the pros and cons of wallpaper before you decide to paint your walls.

If you have a room full of solid color furnishings, patterned wallpaper can add new dimensions to your home. Without changing a single piece of furniture, you will feel as though the entire room has changed.

The Pros of Choosing to Cover Your Walls with Wallpaper

As we delve into the pros and cons of wallpaper for your next makeover or interior design project, we will start with the pros.

Pros of using wallpaper:

• Long-lasting durability – paint often needs retouching or repainting every two to five years depending on children, pets, and traffic. Using wallpaper for a room instead of paint can provide 10 to 15 years of durability.

• Cost-effectiveness – although the upfront cost of wallpaper vs. paint is higher, its durability will save you money over time.

• Visual appeal – wallpaper provides a level of creativity you will not find with paint unless you hire someone to paint designs on your wall (higher cost). New styles of wallpaper today offer the look of faux suede, cork, velvet, vinyl, embossed finishes, textiles, and more. Using wallpaper for a room provides a level of versatility you just will not find with paint.

• Damaged walls – wallpaper can make even poor condition walls look good. If your walls have defects that you do not want to fix, a good quality, thick wallpaper can make them look spectacular.

• Versatility – using wallpaper for room décor also has come a long way. If you find a pattern that you love, but do not want to wallpaper an entire wall, consider placing it inside a picture frame for a new take on artwork. The monetary savings can be tremendous over purchasing fine art. It is also easily changeable when you want a new “look.” You can also use wallpaper behind shelving to add dimension to a room while accenting your displays.

• Easy to clean – textured wallpaper is readily cleaned by vacuuming, brooms, cleaning cloths, or even wallpaper dough. For families with young children, easy to clean vinyl wallpaper can save you from frequent repainting of your walls.

• Ease of application – some companies offer temporary wallpapers that are removable and easily applied.

• Easy removal – depending on application, traditional wallpaper can be removed with some effort and without wall damage when you no longer want them on your walls. It is essential to prep and prime the walls before installation to facilitate this process.

Wallpaper adds a lot of personality to a room, allowing you to use it as an accent on just one wall to coordinate with paint colors, or to cover an entire room. Many wallpapers today even come in complimentary partner patterns and solids. That allows your wallpaper room décor to take on a more customized appearance.

Cons of Wallpaper – What to Know Before You Buy

Next up in the pros and cons of wallpaper is what you need to know before you buy. Make a mistake here, and you can get in over your head.

Cons of using wallpaper:

• Higher cost – yes, the cost is more upfront. However, remember the pros; wallpaper can save you money in the long run.

• Difficult removal – yes, we just said it was easy to remove wallpaper. However, the job can get taxing after a while, and you need the right tools. If the walls were not properly prepped before hanging, removing the wallpaper could become difficult. That is why you should consult with a professional interior designer or wallpaper specialist before using wallpaper.

• Hard to replace – wallpaper patterns come and go. If a wall becomes damaged, and you need to replace the wallpaper, that could be a problem. Dye lots also come into play. If you need to repair a wall with wallpaper, ordering another roll might not match.

• Humidity and climate – choose the right paper for the room. Luckily, there are new wallpapers designed to withstand moisture for humid areas.

• Difficult to install – wait, we just said it was easy in the pros of wallpaper. Yes, it is easy if you know what you are doing. Most people do not. Hanging wallpaper is a lost art. You want to match patterns at the seams, and that requires a great deal of skill. An experienced wallpaper hanger will know which adhesive is the correct one for your type of wallpaper.

• Running out of paper – a qualified professional will ensure that you have enough wallpaper ordered to complete your job.

• Clashing with the room – the wrong pattern of wallpaper can dominate or clash with the room. That is why you need the guidance of an interior designer to help you make the right selection.

• Toxicity and fumes – just as with paint, some wallpapers can release VOC compounds. Eco-friendly wallpaper is an excellent option.

There you have it, the pros and cons of wallpaper. To find out if wallpaper is the right choice for you, contact HK Interiors. Learn 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.

Interior Design with the Color Blue

If you are considering an interior design with the color blue, you have come to the right place. Blue is a primary color that easily fits into most design plans. Mixed with yellow, blue becomes green. Alter the amount of blue and yellow, and you have a vast array of different hues. When you combine blue and red in various amounts, you get differing shades of purple.

Blue and white are fairly common colors for china patterns. Blue is serene like the sky, powerful like the ocean, and brings a refreshing touch to any room. The color blue is often associated with creativity and can have a calming effect, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms.

Deep blue accents in an office can instill a feeling of reliability and trust. You get an orderly feeling when blue takes control. When you bring interior design with the color blue into a home office, you also get a sense of security and tranquility.

Light shades of blue bring:

• Healing
• Health
• Tranquility
• Softness
• Relaxation
• Intuition
• Inspiration
• Peace
• Understanding

Dark shades of blue offer:

• Integrity
• Knowledge
• Strength
• Trust
• Stability
• Confidence
• Elegance
• Power
• Professionalism

Using the Color Blue When Updating Your Home’s Interior Design

Blue is one of the most versatile colors to use in interior design. Although considered to be an appetite suppressant, blue is often seen in kitchens. In the room here, you can see how the blue in the granite and the pendant lighting bring the ocean and sky indoors. It is as if they are an extension of nature. Rather than suppressing, interior design with the color blue in this kitchen provides a relaxing feel for meal time. Blue helps to lower the metabolism, especially when using pale shades of blue.

In the photo here, you can see how blue makes this room stand out with the solid color wraparound sectional sofa. The color scheme is accented with yellow, in the rug, on the wall, and even in some of the pillows and lamp. Varying shades of blue in the pillows and the many vases on the wall tie the room together.

The two concept photos below are for a home currently under renovation. You can see how we incorporate blue into both the reading room and the family room. The reading room features a deep blue, patterned rug, and dark blue pillows.

The family room makes blue more of a focal point with the rich blue sofa. Blue accents in the rug and the throw pillows complete the look.

You can see from the photos how well blue combines with other colors. If you are considering interior design with the color blue, we can help. 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.

Questions and Answers from HK Interiors

The is the final blog in a three-part series that focuses on many of the commonly asked questions about interior design. South Florida life provides us with many opportunities for entertaining year-round – both indoors and out. Living in Coral Springs or Parkland provides different issues from residents in Lighthouse Point and Hillsboro Beach. There, the effects of saltwater can influence their design elements.

In our first blog, we covered design trends, challenges, and mistakes people often make in their homes.

Our second blog featured answers to how lifestyle and climate can influence design.

Here, we discuss common requests, how your age can impact design elements, advice to packrats and collectors, downsizing, and when it is worth it to spend a little bit more.

South Florida Requests for Interior Design

What do clients ask for when it comes to interior design? South Florida has an older population, as well, so does that influence the requests?

I find that many of my clients are in their 40s and older, especially in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach. They see their children leaving home for college or getting married. Some are working from home or want to revamp their lifestyle and rejuvenate their homes. Others are downsizing to smaller residences. (More on that later.)

Because people are often living in a fully furnished home, it is about discussing what they want to keep and what they want to change. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh, new color on the walls, some exciting window treatments, and new accessories to incorporate with the current furniture.

Age plays a significant role for some people who have been in their communities for a long time. They have friends and do not want to move. Their wish – to fall in love with their home again. The role of the interior designer is to pull together the past, present, and future to create a look that they can enjoy for many years to come.

Interior Design South Florida Advice for Packrats, Collectors, and People Who Are Downsizing

What advice do you give to packrats and collectors – you know, the people who just cannot part with anything? Or, those who are downsizing and have lots of “stuff?”

I would never tell someone what to keep and what not to keep. We begin by talking about what they love, and what they really want to showcase. It is about finding ways to make it all work without a cluttered look. Sentimental value is not something to get between, and everything has a place – even if it is in a closet.

Sometimes we can incorporate what they want in a secondary room if it does not fit with the new interior design. I also have wonderful craftspeople who create magnificent units to display collections and assorted knickknacks. Many people like to travel and collect items they wish to showcase in their homes. Incorporating all of that into a cohesive plan is part of the role of the interior designer.

Downsizing brings its own unique set of circumstances. This is the time to take a long hard look at what you want to keep and what you wish to part with. Some people want to take their furniture with them, but it will not all fit in the new space. Others want to start from scratch. The services of an interior designer are invaluable at a time like this.

Interior Design South Florida – When Is it Worth it to Spend More?

Final question – when it comes to interior design South Florida residents want to know what is the one thing that a person should consider spending more money on than all else?

It is simple really, just keep this in mind. Your home is an investment. When you purchase items for your home, you are investing in the future. Invest quality when remodeling your kitchen or purchasing flooring. Not only will it hold up for many years, but it will also pay out in dividends someday when you are ready to sell.

Please contact HK Interiors to discover how our interior design South Florida 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.