Commonly Asked Questions

Residents and business owners looking for South Florida interior design need look no further than HK Interiors. From Miami to Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale to Boynton Beach and everywhere in between, HK Interiors is your first choice for home and office interior design.

Today, we are talking about South Florida interior design trends, challenges, and mistakes people often make.

Current Trends in South Florida Interior Design

What are the current interior design trends in South Florida?

That is not only a commonly asked question but one I hear all the time. Interior design is not about following trends; it is about ferreting out what the client wants, what already exists in the residence or office, and how to mesh it all together. Unless, of course, they want to start from scratch.

Interior design is like fashion; it changes with the seasons – although we do not have that much of a season change in South Florida. Design trends can be overdone, saturating the market until it becomes mundane. It is not about the trend – it is about what the clients want to achieve and what the home needs.

One example of this is how the gray palette was starting five years ago. Before long, gray was everywhere. However, what happens when a client has Mexican tile but still wants to incorporate gray into their South Florida interior design? It is my job to marry the two so that the home looks cohesive and the colors compliment each other.

Challenges Facing Interior Designers in South Florida

What are the biggest challenges you find when dealing with clients in South Florida?

All too often, people think of interior design as Pinterest, a trip to Target, or Wayfair. It is none of those things. The biggest challenge is often educating people about the design requirements of their home. There are specific challenges for many homes in South Florida. Interior design often has to take into consideration two-story ceilings, 12-foot wide sliding doors, or open floor plans. Homes like these require thoughtful planning, along with proper scale and proportions of the product. We often have to consider custom window treatments, large furniture, or multiple items to fill an expansive space.

Of course, there is a difference between large and bulk. You do not want to go online and order a 7-foot sofa or 24-inch coffee table from Wayfair and think that it will look right in a room that is 18ft x 15ft. Preconceived notions frequently go out the window when reality sets in. By using the services of a professional interior designer, residents in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach can have a home that reflects their style and meets their needs.

Common South Florida Interior Design Mistakes

What are the most common mistakes people in South Florida make in their homes?

Whether you are talking about single family homes, townhouses, condos, or apartments, the mistakes are many. Wall color is a significant issue as some people naturally gravitate towards colors they like, yet do not work well together. You also have to look at how the contrast color on the walls works with the furnishings and accessories. Speaking of walls, store-bought window treatments do not always accentuate our large South Florida windows. It does not matter if you live in Coral Springs, Parkland, or on the water in Lighthouse Point, you want to have window treatments that suit your space. The goal is to compliment your room while allowing you to enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds you.

Another significant issue is furniture. Because so many homes have open floor plans (which are great for entertaining), undersized furniture can look out of place. An open floor plan requires careful planning to get the most out of the space without it looking crowded – or empty. Placing a small rug in a large room, or too large a rug in a small room is another relatively common South Florida Interior Design mistake.

The second blog in this series focuses on how interior design in South Florida is influenced by lifestyles and climate. Finally, our last blog will cover how age impacts design elements, when it is worthwhile to spend a bit more, downsizing, and what packrats and collectors can do with all their “stuff.”

Please 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 South Florida interior design needs.

Black is classic, ageless, timeless, sophisticated, versatile – a color that never goes out of style. However, you have to be very careful when using the color black in interior design. Too much black can be overpowering. When used properly, interior designing with the color black can make your home or office a visual masterpiece.

Black is universal in any design styles, and is often incorporated in Asian, industrial, minimalist, and contemporary, among others.

There are many ways to use the color black in your home or workspace, including:

• A black accent wall
• Black window treatments
• Black furniture or upholstery
• Black textiles such as rugs or pillows
• Black vases, bowls, picture frames, or other accessories
• Black iron beds
• Black lighting fixtures

Why Choose a Black Accent Wall?

When thinking about wall color, many people first consider white or a shade in the white or neutral family. The color black is about as far away from white as you can get in the color spectrum. However, painting an accent wall black can add a dramatic flair to a room, just keep in mind the following if you do:

• A room with a black wall requires an abundance of natural light – make sure there are plenty of windows otherwise reconsider your color selection
• Black works well with monochromatic, neutral colors
• Consider using natural materials and textured fabrics to soften the black accent wall
• Pick one bright accent color to provide a vibrant contrast against the black wall
• Graphite stone provides a textured look for walls, such as in a shower

Using the Color Black for Window Treatments

You can use the color black for window treatments against light colored walls for bold contrast. Correctly used, black can impart an expansive feel to a room. Patterned shades make a statement while adding dimension to a room. Therefore, using a neutral curtain over the shades can create a multidimensional and layered look.

Black sheers offer a bit of elegance, especially when accented with a tiny bit of color. Light filtering roller and solar shades still allow you to use the color black while allowing in natural light. Sheer black drapes create an exciting image in a room that features metallic furnishings as the light bounces off the metal.

A black cornice over sheer white drapes compliments a black rug, accessories, and zebra print chairs. The combination of black and neutral colors with gold, aqua, and blue accents on the wall lend an open airy feel to a small space as highlighted in the photo below.

Choosing Furnishings in the Color Black

Selecting furniture in the color black creates a timeless look in your room, as black is elegant, classic, powerful, and gives a rich feel to the home or office. Many people choose a black leather couch as it creates a look of wealth or abundance. Since black furnishings can make a room feel smaller, it is best to incorporate this color in larger rooms. One thing to remember about black furniture is that it will also show dust, scratches, lint, and pet hair more than some lighter colors.

In the photo below, you see how black has been incorporated into an elegant dining room, complimented by a gold and crystal chandelier and glass table top.

Using the Color Black to Accessorize Your Room

Pillows and rugs that feature black geometric shapes attract the eye and make a room “pop.” You can take that same effect upwards and use geometric designs as a cornice over sheers or blinds, as shown in the pillow below. The eye-catching appeal draws your attention to what might have otherwise been a boring corner.

A black chandelier hanging from the ceiling contrasts against white walls and will help draw the eye upward, enlarging the feel of the room. In the photo below, you can see how to incorporate black lighting fixtures over a corner table with black seating. A small area can receive a visual pop of color and elegance when incorporating black into the design.

Black vases, picture frames, end tables, and other accessories can help you add a bold touch of this color to your room. In the room below, floor to ceiling windows bring the beauty of nature indoors, while providing an abundance of natural light. The placing of a black, Oriental screen in the corner, along with black accents on the throw pillows adds a unique flair to the room.

Pairing the color black with other hues can provide the following feel to your room:

• Black and white – timeless, classic, sophisticated
• Black and gold – luxury
• Black and red – dramatic
• Black and purple – royalty
• Black and silver, brass, or copper – opulence

When pairing the color black with pastel colors, you will create a harmonious look to the room. Use bright hues for vibrant contrast.

Contact HK Interiors to discover how to incorporate black and other colors into your home or office. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

What are your favorite interior design styles? Perhaps you do not know the difference between country and farmhouse, or coastal and tropical. Have no fear; we can help.

Some people go into their interior design meeting knowing exactly what they want, what kind of style they like. Others have no clue where to start or what they like. Perhaps they know that they do not like earth tones or the cold look of metal. Some have so many different likes that they want every room of their home to reflect a distinctive style.

Before you wind up with a home that reflects chaos rather than style, speak with an interior designer to discuss how to incorporate your likes and desires into your home. Choosing from the many interior design styles below can help you bring out the inner you and reflect it in your surroundings.

You can also take our Interior Design Styles Quiz to help narrow down your choices.

Your A to Z List of 21 Interior Design Styles (Part 1)

Because there is so much to know, we are splitting these styles into two blogs. Learn more about the first ten of these 21 interior design styles in the alphabetized list below:

Keep an eye out for part 2 of this blog.

Which design speaks to you? Contact HK Interiors, your South Florida interior design specialists to help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

Our first blog in this series about 21 popular interior design styles covered everything from Art Deco to Mediterranean. If you haven’t done so yet, please check out our Interior Design Styles Quiz that can help you get an idea of where your tastes fall. We can help you use your answers to create a living space that speaks to your tastes and desires.

Here are the remaining 11 interior design styles, covering everything from Mid-Century Modern to Vintage:

Have you chosen your favorite interior design styles? Contact HK Interiors, your South Florida interior design specialists to help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

Have you ever wondered what type of interior design style best fits you? Our interior design styles quiz will help determine what is most important to you in your surroundings.

1. What statement describes your current interior design?

a) Everything is well planned out and to my complete tastes

b) My furnishings are a little bit of this and a little bit of that

c) My tastes have changed since I first decorated my home

d) What interior design?

2. What are you looking for in furniture?

a) Sleek designs, sharp lines, less is more

b) Oversized furniture that you can get lost in

c) Comfortable, functional, and long-lasting

d) Not sure, but I will know it when I see it

3. What type of wall art catches your eye?

a) Large paintings with ornate frames

b) A cluster of smaller, themed paintings or photos

c) Landscapes, seascapes, or nature

d) People, animals, or action photos

e) Am I supposed to put art on my walls?

4. What type of accessories do you like to have around your home?

a) Meaningful knickknacks from trips and special times

b) Photos of family members

c) Large vases, crystal, pottery, plants, or statues

d) Functional accessories that perform a duty while looking nice

e) Nothing – the less to dust the better

5. What color scheme most defines how you want your surroundings to be?

a) Neutral whites, beiges, pale colors

b) Black, white, grey, silver, and maybe a touch of one color (red?)

c) Sea colors such as aqua, blue, teal, green, and turquoise

d) Brown, gray, black, and neutral

e) Orange, red, yellow, blue, and gold

f) Color scheme – you mean there is an order to it?

6. What makes you feel most at home?

a) Wood, wood, and more wood

b) Metal, brick, stone, glass, and wood

c) Rattan, wicker, and light-colored wood

d) Fabric, fabric, and more fabric

7. How do like your walls covered?

a) White paint – the cleaner the better

b) Brightly colored paint

c) Wood paneling

d) Wallpaper

e) Textured paint

8. What is your idea of storage space?

a) Built-in bookshelves

b) Moveable bookshelves

c) Staggered shelves on the walls

d) Hidden storage

e) I have nothing to store

9. What is your favorite type of flooring?

a) Wide wood planking

b) Tile

c) Carpet

d) Hard flooring and area rugs

e) Whatever is easiest to keep clean

10. What is your design style?

a) Traditional or old-fashioned

b) Modern or contemporary

c) A mish-mash of this and that

d) Something very stylish

Here is one last bonus question from our interior design styles quiz:

11. What room do you most want to change in your home?

a) Bedroom

b) Living room

c) Dining room

d) Den or family room

e) Kitchen

f) Bathroom

g) Home office

h) Every room

You can learn more about different interior design styles in our A to Z guide to 24 styles. Make sure you check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the blogs.

Now that you have answered our interior design styles quiz 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.

Getting back from a lovely European vacation, my husband and I had an opportunity to tour 12^th century castles in Germany. It is always fascinating to learn about their daily life. It was especially hard for those toiling away in the kitchen. Just think about this for a minute – there were no microwaves, dishwashers, self-cleaning ovens, or any of the other modern conveniences we take for granted. Back in the 12^th century, they knew how to build kitchens. In a medieval castle, kitchens were an important feature as the Lord of the manor would often throw grand banquets and lavish feasts.

In many medieval castles, the kitchen location is below the Great Hall as in the photo above. After preparation, the banquet would be taken upstairs to the guests. Some castles had kitchens housed in separate buildings to reduce the risk of fire to the primary residence. Still other medieval castle kitchens were located in the great hall.

A benefit of having the kitchen in the main castle was that it also served to heat the building. Many castles that had kitchens in the primary structure also had separate stone staircases used by the servants to deliver the food. …more

The color ivory is neutral, falling somewhere in the color spectrum between cool shades of white and more yellow-based shades of cream. Its calming warmth draws you in and can unify a room, allowing for a mix of diverse colors.

Another aspect of the color ivory is its image of luxury. Ivory is associated with many cultures as being something of immense value. Both elephant tusks and rhinoceros horns are made of ivory and have been prized throughout the centuries for prosperity, healing powers, and wealth. Of course, today we value saving species rather than hunting them for their ivory. Instead, we find other ways to incorporate the clean feel of ivory into the home.

Ivory is compatible with any color of your choice. When paired with a dark color such as navy blue or black, ivory provides a bright focal point for the eye. You can add depth to a room by pairing ivory with dark wood tones. Use lighter woods for a fresher look.

Using the Color Ivory on Walls

When you paint the ceiling a lighter color than the walls, the ceilings will feel higher. Lighter color walls will also make the room appear larger. Conversely, if you have a large room that you want to make feel cozier, opt for darker colors on the walls and ceiling.

You can see an example of the color ivory on the walls in the photo below. White crown molding, ceiling, and doors offset the ivory color. The neutral color scheme continues in the patterned floor rug, sofa, and chair cushions. Rich wood accents bring balance to the room on the chairs, coffee table, ceiling fan, and even the curtain rods at the window. A touch of color, such as shown in the curtains, vase, and accent pillows compliments the ivory walls.

Ivory is relaxing and can bring a touch of elegance to a room. It adds a warmer and richer feel than the color white.

The color ivory works equally well with jewel tones as it does with shades of teal or aqua. When used with these shades of blue, you can create a tropical look in any room.

Of course, there are many shades of the color ivory, and you can see some of them in the links below:

• Benjamin Moore
• Sherwin-Williams

Using Ivory in a Kitchen

Ivory used in a kitchen provides a bright and inviting feel. The natural light that enters through windows appears brighter.

You can use ivory in a kitchen in many ways. As you see in the photo below, shades of ivory are used on the upper cabinets, tile backsplash, and even the accent candles.

It is important not to overdo it with ivory in the kitchen. You do not want the clash of neutral upon neutral, so make your appliances either brushed aluminum or colored enamel. Contrasting with a darker shade for the lower cabinets provides a light, yet rustic feel.

Incorporating Ivory Color Accents in a Room

Most any room can benefit from a touch of ivory color. You can incorporate something as simple as a few accessories to a piece of furniture or even throw pillows on a brightly colored couch. Ivory works well with contrasting colors, furniture styles, and décor.

A nice benefit of ivory is that it seldom gets too busy when mixing textures and patterns. An example of that is highlighted in the photo of ivory accessories below.

HK Interiors can help you with all your interior design needs. Contact us at 954-401-8542 for more information about our many services.

Whether your bedroom is small or large, the right design can combine functionality and personality. What is it that you want most out of your bedroom design? That is the first question to answer.

Some people want to turn their bedrooms into a serene escape from the hectic pace of daily life. Others look to their love of creativity for a visual masterpiece that transforms their bedroom into a work of art.

Whatever your desire for your master bedroom, it is possible to create, and on budget.

The next thing to do is to look around your current bedroom. Are there elements you would like to keep? Some people love their window treatments or a piece of furniture that they want to use to enhance their new bedroom design.

Perhaps you want to start from scratch – keeping nothing from the past and instead opting for a whole new look. You might even be moving into a new home and working from the ground up.

Your interior designer will help you identify the elements most important to you by discussing bedroom design ideas. Colors, textures, patterns – all are essential elements of your new space.

How to Get Started on New Bedroom Design Ideas

Everything in life starts with a plan, and interior design is no different. Bedroom design begins with discussing your likes, dislikes, and visions. Then, your designer will likely create concept boards such as the ones below.

Concept boards help to narrow your design likes and dislikes. Perhaps you want an eclectic piece of furniture to be the focal point of your bedroom design. In the pictures for the bedroom above, both the couch and the black iron bed add a unique and artistic feel.

The bedroom decorating ideas presented in your designer’s concept boards are a starting place to take your design to the next step – implementation.

Master Bedroom Designs That Bring Deep Sleep

In the first master bedroom design below, the client loved blue. We started with a blank slate – every element of the room would be new. Laminate floors replaced the carpet, while accents on the pillows and bedspread matched the blue on the walls. Gold picture frames complemented the gold accents in the bed table lamps. The room has a simple yet elegant look and feel.

In the following design for bedroom, the client was still using her college days furniture. We completed an entire makeover from floor to ceiling. Blackout shades are hidden from sight under the cornices. Traversing sheers soften the windows. The furniture elements brought a mature touch of class to a room that once held memories of college days.

In the final bedroom picture below, an art lover wanted to mix textures and patterns to create an eclectic haven. Multiple throw pillows accent both the sofa seating area and bed. The warmth of the walls and fabrics created a serene yet sophisticated statement.

As you can see, bedroom design can express many different feelings and desires. To learn how to transform your bedroom into a magnificent getaway from the outside world, contact HK Interiors. Our interior design services can help you create magic in any room of your home or office. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.

You want a new look for your room, home, or office, but have no idea how mixing patterns works. For some people, the simple task of putting together an outfit or choosing the right tie, purse, or shoes can seem daunting. When it comes to your home, the results will last a long time – getting it right the first time can save you a lot of money.

That is why it is often best to hire an interior designer to help with mixing patterns and textures for that perfect look. Yes, you may be spending a bit more money up front, but what you save in the long run is usually worth the expense.

An interior designer knows how to mix patterns and textures. You do not want an abundance of large, geometric shapes that will tax the eye. Too many small design patterns can confuse the eye, especially if you are working with a small space.

Complementing colors are often opposite each other on the color wheel. They may also come from combining certain colors. Such as using blue as the dominant color with yellow and green as accents. Finding a fabric that combines all those elements is an excellent starting point. Choosing a stripe, chevron, or other bold pattern for the main fabric is always a good touch.

In this blog, we will touch mostly on patterns, saving an extensive look at textures for another article.

Dos of Mixing Patterns in Your Home

Interior design has rules, and while nothing is etched in stone (unless part of your design), there are some basic guidelines to follow when mixing patterns in a room.

Know that you can mix solids, stripes, and dots in the same room. Florals are also excellent patterns to mix into the design.

Here are 3 important “Dos” of pattern mixing:

1 – Use shades of the same color. Different shades of a color create a softer, quiet ambiance. The photo below shows the fabrics chosen to accent a brown sofa.

2 – Do use multiple colors but pick one multi-colored fabric and build patterns and textures from there. The chaise featured the dominant color in the room. Colors from the pillow in the front provided additional accents and patterns.

3 – When mixing patterns, make certain they are different. Stripes, dots, ikats, geometrics, or florals can all work together when following the same color scheme as in the kitchen banquet below.

Remember to include some neutral light colors to give the eyes a rest from the chosen patterns. Multiple scale patterns can work as long as they do not contrast too much.

Don’ts of Mixing Patterns in Your Home

Of course, where you have dos, you also have don’ts. Mixing patterns, textures, and colors that do not go well together will tax the eyes and create a space that is the opposite of relaxing and enjoyable.

The 3 important “Don’ts” in the list below will help you avoid making costly mistakes:

1 – Don’t be inconsistent with the quality of the fabric.  Using an inexpensive fabric will not wear well in the long run and can lead you to increased costs down the road.

2 – Do not choose a fabric that does not belong. If you use very soft colors for a bedroom, the one lipstick red chevron with big yellow dots will ruin the feel.

3 – Avoid using large-scaled patterns on smaller accent pieces, such as throw pillows. They are best meant for larger items like beds, walls, or wherever a large repeat is needed.

One last word of advice – avoid mixing patterns and colors that are too busy. Visually, it is too much to look at and will be competing for your attention.

You can also 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.

How many times have you walked into a furniture store and wondered how many other people have that same sofa? Finding out that you just spend thousands of dollars on the identical bedroom set that a friend has can be frustrating, at the very least. However, buying custom furniture can eliminate those concerns.

Your furnishings should reflect your personality and lifestyle. That does not mean you have to pay thousands more than what a showroom is offering. Yes, you will pay slightly more for custom made furniture than an off-the-floor piece, but it will be worth it.

Whether you are furnishing your very first home, or remodeling for the umpteenth time, opting for personalized, handmade furniture over mass production can take your home to the next level.

For some people, the thought of buying custom furniture can be daunting. How will you know what you want? That is where the services of an interior designer can be invaluable. As you can see in the renderings below, your designer will sketch out drawings for your concept. You will be able to provide input as to what features and custom ideas to incorporate into your new furniture.

There are five benefits of buying custom furniture that we will explain today:

• Higher quality
• Good Investment
• One-of-a-kind
• Perfect function and fit
• Exact color and size

Higher Quality Benefits of Custom Furniture

The cookie-cutter approach to furniture manufacturing means assembly line products filling up the floor of your favorite showrooms. To get top quality mass-manufactured furniture, you will likely need to go to designer showrooms and pay higher prices.

The other option is custom furniture manufactured to your specifications from master builders. The builder will pay attention to every detail, ensuring that the finished product meets your expectations. Remember, when you pay for custom furniture, you get long-lasting quality at the same time.

Custom Furniture Is a Good Investment

Some people naturally equate custom furniture with designer furnishings. That is not the case. Of course, you can go the designer route if you desire. However, custom does not always mean high prices.

Your designer will work with a custom furniture manufacturer to stay within your budget for the project. Options for wood, style, and materials will help create a unique look without breaking the bank.

Custom Furniture is One-Of-A-Kind

Unlike the standard showroom sofa available in three different colors, you have the option to choose from a myriad of fabrics and designs. Best of all, your new pieces will be unique, one-of-a-kind furnishings that you will not see in your neighbor’s home.

Your, and your interior designer’s imagination can be put to work creating a piece of furniture that speaks to your dreams, desires, and needs.

Custom Furniture Provides the Perfect Function and Fit

Function and fit are two primary reasons why people turn to custom furniture manufacturers. Perhaps you have an oddly shaped wall and need a wall-unit to fill the space, or maybe you want hidden compartments or unique shelving to display your collectibles. Having furniture custom built to your space specifications beats carrying around a tape measure from showroom to showroom.

First, we look at function. What do you need the piece of furniture to do? Then we turn to the space and consider the fit. Whatever your need and requirements, custom, handmade furniture can provide the answer. Whether you are looking for simplicity or a piece that is complex, your needs can turn into spectacular designs.

Another benefit of having furniture crafted to your needs is the incorporation of electrical and wiring needs. This is an especially important feature to consider when designing an entertainment center. You may want to change stereo or television components in the future. Ease of getting to wiring can make quite a difference when the time comes. Your interior designer also knows the type of craftsmen necessary to complete your project. An electrician may be necessary if you are installing lighting in a unit.

Get the Exact Color and Size You Need from Custom Furniture

From wood to fabrics to laminates, custom designed furniture can incorporate different materials and patterns to meet your requirements, as well as your desires. You do not have to settle for the three options offered by the furniture store. Only your imagination can hold you back – but do not worry, your interior designer will help you along the way.

Remember, your designer knows reputable furniture manufacturers that can create what you want at a reasonable price.

Contact HK Interiors to discover how our interior design services can help you create magic in your home or office. Call 954-401-8542 today for all your interior design needs.