Perhaps you have just moved to a new home or are about to undertake a remodel. Either way, you are probably excited about choosing wall colors, flooring, window treatments, and furniture. The last thing on your mind might be lighting. Many people consider this last as something that sheds light in the room rather than adding aesthetic beauty and value to your living space.

You may not realize that considering your options early in your interior design process can bring your whole room together in ways you never imagined. Lighting ideas go well beyond walking into a store and taking a lamp off a shelf. There is a lot to consider, and they vary based on the room.

Our lighting guide will cover elements for illuminating each room in your home for maximum effect. Make sure to click the link in each section for a more in-depth look at illuminating these rooms.

Types of Lighting

Lighting has a purpose. When we say types of lighting, we are not just talking about table lamps and chandeliers. You will often have more than one of the following three types of lighting in a room:

• Ambient Lighting: the majority of your room will consist of this general lighting, including ceiling lights (recessed or track lighting) or wall-mounted fixtures. Ceiling fan lights are another option. Remember that ambient light mimics natural daylight.
• Accent Lighting: these lights focus on a particular point in the room, such as wall art. Accent lights often have dimmers to enhance the mood in the room. Downlights, uplights, and spotlights are some of the options to consider for accent lighting. Table lamps can create a pool of light on an accent table.
• Task Lighting: these lights help you with a specific function, such as floor reading lamps, pendant lighting over a kitchen island, desk lamps, or bedside reading lamps on a nightstand.

Many rooms incorporate all three types, depending on their size and purpose.

Living Room Ideas

Living room lights depend on various factors, including the size and use of the room, the layout, and the design of the space. A living room can be a formal place for entertaining or the one area in your home where everyone gathers for watching television and playing games. It can be a cozy space for conversation or a vast room that requires many elements.

Bedroom Lighting

There is a certain simplicity when looking at bedroom lighting ideas – you want some form of light overhead, and then either table lamps on a nightstand or dresser or a corner led floor lamp. Having a combination of bedroom lights does more than illuminate your room – it creates a relaxing ambiance that will help you enjoy your personal space and rest easy at night.

Dining Room Ideas

No other room in the home offers as easy a decision about lighting as the dining room. The primary light source here will be your chandelier. Of course, that is not always an easy decision, as you will want to select one that will enhance your dining furniture.

Oversized light fixtures are ideal for large dining tables. A small chandelier will get lost in this space. For more information on picking the right chandelier for your dining room, click here.

Kitchen Lighting Ideas

One of the most important rooms to consider when discussing design elements is the kitchen. Your kitchen will typically feature several light sources, including overhead and support fixtures.

Because the kitchen is the heart of the home, it is crucial to create the proper ambiance in this room. It is also essential to remember that task-oriented lighting will help with food preparation. Check out more information about selecting the appropriate kitchen lighting here.

Bathroom Lights

Bathroom lighting can either start your day off on a good foot or make you feel terrible if it is unflattering. Lights that point down from above may cast shadows. Light fixtures placed on either side of the mirror provide more balance. You will want to go with 70 to 80 lumens per square foot as you do need bright light in this room. Of course, a dimmer switch makes it possible to adjust the light to suit different needs.

Remember to visit our HK Collections page for some of the latest design trends. You may find the very piece that will complete your room.

Call HK Interiors today at 954-401-8542 for more information about the many services we offer to beautify your home.

In our blog, “How to Use Zodiac Signs In Your Home Design,” we looked at the importance of incorporating zodiac designs that would increase your feeling of well-being. There are four elements: earth, water, fire, and air, each containing three of the houses in astrology.

Fire is compatible with air, and earth is compatible with water. If you have any knowledge of the various astrology houses, you probably already know this. But did you also know that each of these houses’ design elements can also make for cohesive interior design?

In this blog, we look at the zodiac designs associated with the earth and water signs to help you create a more enjoyable living space.

Zodiac Design Styles for Water Elements

Some of the most creative zodiac signs are those of the water elements. They are highly intuitive, sensitive, imaginative, compassionate, and love deeply. The water element is soothing and often attracts those in the healing arts. They can also be quite moody at times, so it is crucial to incorporate design elements that soothe and relax.

Pisces

Ever the dreamer, Pisces is imaginative and sensitive, and, as a result, they require a home that allows them to relax and recharge at the end of the day. Incorporating touches of their water element can help them feel at home in their surroundings. Pisces’ favorite color for home design should not surprise anyone, as they often favor earth tones, slate blue, subtle peach, and pink tones. Their love of elegance often translates to a beachy-themed cozy bedroom.

Pisces homes are often described as bohemian, featuring comfortable furnishings and a variety of storage options. If ever there was a person who would adore a hanging chair, it is the Piscean. Since lighting is also crucial, diffused, indirect lighting, and mirrors to catch reflections can help make the Pisces feel truly at home. The string of pearl houseplant is perfect in the Pisces home.

Scorpio

Deep and mysterious, the home of a passionate Scorpio will have a classic, stylish, and refined feel. Scorpio does not like clutter, so minimalism is crucial. Any decorations will have meaning and depth. The home is Scorpio’s place to steel away from the outside world, often highlighted by sensuous furnishings. Blackout curtains and richly colored silk sheets are often found in the Scorpio bedroom.

Although Scorpio is a natural collector, he or she will likely want to do away with the old and begin anew every few years. Colors in the Scorpio home often feature deep, rich jewel tones such as dark blues, purples, and reds, along with accents of black. A Scorpio will thrive with a special reading nook or window seat to escape for that quiet space. Heart-shaped anthuriums are the perfect houseplant for a Scorpio.

Cancer

Deeply emotional and nurturing with a strong sense of family, Cancer is the ultimate homebody. The environment should reflect a harmonious, simple, unpretentious, and cozy style. Hygge style personifies the Cancer at home. Cancer zodiac designs often include gallery walls featuring framed family photos.

Open floorplans create the perfect living space for a Cancer. Expect to find a home filled with fresh flowers and candles. Warm floral colors, silver, blue, charcoal, and cream make the perfect palette for the Cancer home. Furnishings should feature solid wood, natural fabrics, throw pillows, and be ultra-comfortable. Chandeliers and table lamps provide the mood lighting that Cancer craves.

Earth Elements and Zodiac Styles

Those in the zodiac signs that fall under the earth elements are grounded, wise, stable, sensual, practical, and patient. They have a natural love of the physical world that often translates to cooking, gardening, and taking care of the home. They have a love of material possessions, which can sometimes translate to decadent furnishings.

Taurus

Comfort is crucial when selecting décor, as a peaceful, warm environment is essential. A Taurus bedroom will often reflect this zodiac sign’s love of elegance and luxury. You may find elements of gold and copper in their furnishings, chandeliers, and mirrors. A traditional rather than modern look provides the inviting space this sign craves, so avoid synthetics and fill the home with natural materials. Earth tones, greens, light blues, and soft pinks are ideal colors.

Taurus loves to entertain, so the kitchen is an essential room of the home when considering any remodel. Zodiac designs that incorporate light colors and natural wood will have the Taurus cook feeling at home in the kitchen. Incorporate fluffy, natural fiber throws and overstuffed pillows into the living room and surround the home with plants. A sheepskin rug is the perfect accent piece in a room.

Virgo

Always the perfectionist, the home of a Virgo will be neat, orderly, and organized. Virgos also prefer neutral earth tones, with yellows, olive green, peach, and rich blues as accents. They enjoy natural finishes in their furnishings and prefer high-quality pieces. Plenty of kitchen cabinets are crucial for a Virgo who loves to cook but thrives on organization.

Abundant plants, such as the lacy tree philodendron, and even a living wall are excellent options in the home of a Virgo. Herbs are likely growing on the windowsill or hanging from planters amid the pots in the kitchen. Rustic is a term often associated with the Virgo home. Artwork is often themed throughout the home.

Capricorn

Traditional and practical – each piece must have a purpose in the home of a Capricorn, especially a mini-bar. Practicality is so crucial that it is more important than style or comfort. Capricorns thrive if they have well-organized closets. Hard-working and dedicated, Capricorns like to fill their homes with sophisticated furnishings featuring design styles in dark wood, leather, brass, exposed brick, and granite.

Elegance is a term often used to describe their living space. As a result, the Capricorn home may feature colors that include blacks, whites, greens, blues, and dark greys. Do not be surprised to find Scandinavian design elements in the home of a Capricorn. As an earth element, Capricorn enjoys greenery, including succulents and orchids.

As you can see, astrology design can be a lot of fun, and help enrich your home and life. To learn about zodiac style for fire and air signs, check out this blog.

For more information on incorporating zodiac designs into your home, please contact HK Interiors at 954-401-8542 for all your interior design needs.

Our astrology houses do more than tell us who we are compatible with; they also show us our zodiac style, which can help us improve the well-being we feel in our homes. In our blog “How to Use Zodiac Signs In Your Home Design,” we discussed how to incorporate the design styles of the twelve houses in astrology into the home. In this blog, we look specifically at the signs that fall under the fire and air elements.

Three zodiac signs fall into each element category. Fire consists of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Air elements are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Yes, Aquarius is an air sign, not a water sign, as many people naturally expect.

Fire and air are compatible, as fire needs air to thrive. The other two elements – water and earth, also go together. You can learn more about designing a home for them here.

In the sections below, we look at incorporating zodiac designs for the fire and air signs.

Zodiac Style of Air Elements

Your astrology chart tells quite a bit about your personality, likes, dislikes, even gems, and colors. The air element is one of communication, rationality, and logic, rather than emotionality. Air signs make great artists, writers, and communicators. As with the air itself, those ruled by this element are often changing, ready to reach for something new. They love music, reading, and art, so incorporating those zodiac style features into the home can help them flourish.

Libra

Under the ruling eye of Venus, it is no surprise that as the zodiac’s natural born peacemaker, Libras fill their homes with beautiful furnishings and art. Symmetry is crucial for a harmonious feel as Libra can become overwhelmed, and the home can become a bit messy. Avoid garish prints – Libra is not into modern designs. Romance and beautiful things dominate the Libra home, showing up in simple, vintage, well-made wood furnishings.

Libra colors fall into a palette dominated by black, white, lilac, champagne pink, light blue, and light grey. These colors add warmth and serenity Libra craves in the home. Woven baskets and ceramic pottery make the perfect accent pieces. Fresh flowers and eucalyptus are ideal in the Libra home.

Gemini

As with your two personalities, it is no surprise that many Geminis cannot decide what they want from their interior design. They like both modern and traditional interior design, and it is often fun to incorporate both styles into their homes. The latest design trends often sway Geminis, and their homes may be in a constant state of change. However, Gemini loves everything to be in its place so that it does not overwhelm. Geminis do well with bookshelves to display their collections. They also like interactive furnishings, such as recliners, rocking chairs, and hammocks.

Natural materials such as rattan, glass, and light wood, and a neutral palette offset by colors such as bright yellows, oranges, and blues are ideal. Bamboo and cascading philodendrons are excellent house plants for the Gemini home.

Aquarius

Eclectic yet cohesive is what you may find in the home of an Aquarian. This air sign believes in protecting the environment and good causes. Aquarius is unpretentious, somewhat rebellious, and craves freedom – always looking to the future. They love to repurpose whatever they can, and due to their crafty nature, may even create many of the items in their homes.

The Aquarian home is often ultra-modern, featuring spacious windows, wall shelving, and mirrors. When it comes to astrology design, you will likely find large sectionals and funky accent tables in the home. Aqua blue is an excellent color to incorporate into the home, along with oranges, greens, grays, and whites. Ideal plants for the Aquarius home include air plants or even a living wall.

Zodiac Design for Fire Signs

Of all the zodiac signs, it is those of the fire elements that combine passion, warmth, confidence, creativity, charm, and boldness. Fire signs are independent but like to have fun. Because they often desire to be the center of attention, they want their surroundings to reflect their zodiac style.

Sagittarius

Always on the go, bohemian Sagittarians fill their homes with objects collected during their travels, so areas for display are essential. They are the zodiac’s natural-born collectors, so beware of clutter. Since Sagittarius has no time for cleaning, organization is crucial, so they do not become overwhelmed. Open spaces, high ceilings, and natural light are desirable attributes in the home of a Sagittarian.

The fiery Sagittarian home should include rich blues, reds, and greens, offset with accents of brown and neutral whites. A fireplace or fire pit is another highly regarded asset and should be a focal point in the home or backyard. The one place that should not be cluttered is the bedroom, as that is where Sagittarius goes to unwind. Ponytail palms are excellent options for indoor plants.

Leo

Independently blazing their way through life, Leos are natural trend-setters. With love for life’s finer things, Leos are regal and often seek out dramatic pieces, bright colors, and unique, exotic, or lavish furnishings. The more eye-catching, the better, and Leos thrive on patterns and textures. Leos also love monogrammed items, so it is no surprise that their towels and linens reflect this element of design.

The Leo home requires plenty of natural sunlight and an outdoor area to fulfill their love of nature. As one of the fire zodiac signs, expect Leo to want to shine all the time. That means having a bathroom worthy of their grooming style. Leo does well with yellows, reds, oranges, and gold metal. Of course, a fireplace or fire pit is crucial. You will likely find statement artwork adorning their walls. Nesting tables, giant mirrors, and eye-catching chandeliers are dramatic elements that work well in the Leo home. Calatheas and patterned snake plants provide the perfect accents.

Aries

Full of energy and fun, Aries have no problem changing their environments to suit their moods. However, because they thrive on low-maintenance, they require a minimalistic zodiac style – a clutter-free environment with plenty of open space to help them focus. One thing to know about Aries is that they will benefit from having a home gym, pool, or basketball area – someplace where they can let out their energy.

Sleek, contemporary stylings, leather, plenty of textures, and bold, fiery colors such as oranges, reds, and metallics work well in their homes. Balance these with turquoise, cream, and light grey. Aries loves artwork that stands out and, as a fire sign, often seeks a fireplace or a fire pit in the backyard. Palms make a wonderful plant for indoors.

To learn more about incorporating zodiac style into your home, please contact HK Interiors at 954-401-8542 for all your interior design needs.

Our zodiac signs do more than tell us what to expect each day, our best career choices, or who would be our most compatible partner. Incorporating zodiac designs and their qualities into your home’s interior design can help improve the aesthetics and the well-being that you feel there.

The twelve houses in astrology showcase how very different we are from one another and how our design styles reflect our personalities. Many people do not even realize how their astrology houses influence their interior design until they read about it.

When used properly, the four elements can connect you to your home in ways you never imagined.

In the astrology chart, there are four element groups, with three signs per element. Each element influences its corresponding zodiac signs considerably. Compatibility increases within an element, which, as we will discuss in further detail, can also make for harmonious interior design.

Fire is also compatible with air as oxygen is necessary to fuel a flame. Conversely, earth and water go together, as rain helps grow the plants around us. Using their designs together can form a cohesive look throughout the home. However, even when people of differing elements live together, there are cohesive ways to incorporate facets from each sign into the home design. It is crucial to pay attention here, as conflicting design elements can leave one person feeling uneasy in the home.

The zodiac signs and their elements are:

• Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
• Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
• Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
• Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

As we begin our look into astrology design, we break it down by the four elements listed above. Perhaps you will notice your zodiac style starting to emerge in the descriptions below.

Zodiac Style of Air Elements

The air signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are often seen like the wind – hard to pin down. They are smart, curious, and quick, often flirtatious, and adaptable to change. Do not be surprised if they want to change the look of their surroundings every few years.

With a love of art, music, and reading, those with air as an element in their astrology chart will want to incorporate those features into their homes. A reading nook, music room, library, or art gallery are aspects to consider when designing a room or home. You can read more about the individual zodiac styles for those in the air elements here.

Zodiac Design for Fire Signs

The fire signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are always ready to heat things up with their passion, warmth, and boldness. They are creative, charming, independent, and fun, and want their homes to reflect those qualities.

It should be no surprise that fire signs have zodiac lucky colors that include shades of red, orange, and yellow. We naturally associate these colors with fire and elements to consider when designing a room include a fireplace, or when not possible indoors, a fire pit outside. Find out more about interior design for fire zodiac signs here.

Zodiac Design Styles for Water Elements

The water signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are some of the most creative zodiac signs. They are imaginative, sensitive, highly intuitive, sensuous, and love deeply, but they can also be moody. Because water is a soothing element, it is crucial to incorporate design elements that will soothe and relax.

Water signs yearn to be surrounded by water elements, such as a fountain. They also tend to collect items that have significant meaning to them. Finding the right way to incorporate these items into their home design is crucial. You can learn more about decorating for water signs here.

Earth Elements and Zodiac Styles

The earth signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are grounded, stable, and practical. Earth is the physical world, which makes perfect sense that they often seek out material possessions. Do not be surprised when they yearn for decadent furnishings, plants, and natural materials.

Logically, the earth element zodiac signs have a love of neutral earth tones. Natural woods, light, and plants should fill their homes. Incorporating a garden area, whether indoors or out, can help them thrive. Get more tips on decorating for earth signs here.

Make sure to click the links in the sections above to learn more about decorating according to your sign. One blog contains the earth and water signs, the other the fire and air.

For more information on zodiac style throughout South Florida, please contact HK Interiors at 954-401-8542 for all your interior design needs.

Covid-19 has changed many facets of our daily life, with the way we now view our habitats sitting high on the list. In the past, home was the place we would return to at the end of the day. We wanted convenience, comfort, and a relaxing place to unwind. Now, the home has transformed into a workplace, makeshift school, gym, movie theater, entertainment facility, and more. For that reason, hiring an interior designer has never been more beneficial than it is right now.

While many people view hiring an interior designer as an extravagance, others see it as a way of improving the quality of their lives. That is the primary goal of an interior designer – to improve a person’s quality of life through the functionality and aesthetic of their surroundings.

Interior design should inspire, soothe, comfort, enrich, and energize the soul. Today, interior designers must incorporate a person’s style and desires, along with the functionality that might arise out of the necessity of being confined or quarantined at home for days, weeks, or even months at a time.

*Hiring an interior designer can help transform your home into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. …more

You may have heard the term approachable interior design but have no idea what it means. When you think of the word approachable, it conjures up images of something pleasing and easy to approach. In terms of interior design, it means utilizing your personal style to create a habitat that is warm, personal, and accessible.

Our goal is to help you discover approachable interior design ideas that will work for you in your home. By incorporating some of these ideas, your home will retain a modern design with a warm and inviting feel.

Approachable Interior Design: What It Is

Your home should reflect your personality while also being functional for everyday life. The look and décor should be as unique as you are, with a custom approach that features simple lines and warm tones to make anyone who enters feel invited into your life. Whether elegant or down-to-earth, the ultimate effect will be the same – you and your guests will feel comfortable in the room. …more

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute announces a Color of the Year. For 2019, that color is coral. Here in South Florida, we find the color coral used frequently, especially in the oceanfront condos of Boca Raton and Delray Beach that beckon design towards colors that remind us of the sea. Coral is lively, warm, and inviting. It is fresh and feminine without being too “girly.”

Whether you reside in the suburbs of Coral Springs and Parkland, or along the waterfront of Deerfield Beach or Fort Lauderdale, using the coral color in any of its hues can brighten up your home.

One thing we often find when looking at coral on the color wheel is its use with varying shades of blue. Coral and turquoise or aqua are perfect for an ocean or beach-themed interior design. You do have to be careful when choosing the shades to blend into your room. If you are using a vibrant shade of coral, then you want an equally vibrant blue. An example of this is seen when combining it with tiffany blue and white.

Muted shades of coral work best when used with complementing muted colors. Creating a neutral environment with coral pairs it well with shades of cream, beige, gray, and tan, and it also combines well with warmer colors such as yellow, apricot, and peach. Accent pillows, rugs, curtains, ceramics, or lampshades that feature coral help to energize a neutral room.

Living Coral Palettes to Consider for Interior Design

What color is coral considered? Depending on the shade and hue, it may appear as the color salmon, coral pink, or peach color. The Pantone Color of the Year 2019 is Living Coral. It is a vibrant shade that thrives as an accent to other colors in a room. Living coral reminds us of the coral that is alive under the ocean surface, giving shelter and nourishment to all forms of sea life.

Pantone has created five color palettes that feature living coral. In the first, Focal Point, coral becomes the focus of the cool color grouping as it pairs with colors such as Storm Gray, Forest Biome, and Martini Olive. Other shades in this grouping include Golden Lime, Beluga, Twill, and Mauvewood.

For those who love the vibrancy of a dazzling sunset, Pantone brings Shimmering Sunset to life with colors such as Conch Shell, Hot Pink, Aurora Pink, and Magenta Haze to blend with Living Coral. Radiant Yellow, Amberglow, and Papaya add the warmth of sunrise to your room.

The next palette is Sympatico, designed to pay homage to the world’s many skin tones. These beautiful colors create a warm glow in your home. Living Coral compliments Burnt Henna, Rose Dawn, and Coral Sands, combining two shades of coral into one beautiful palette. Sun Kissed Coral, Candlelight Peach, Sand, and Mellow Buff also work beautifully to create an inviting habitat.

If you are looking for a fun and energetic design using Living Coral, look no further than the palette called Trippy. With a nod towards the hallucinogenic 60s, Trippy combines it with exuberant shades such as Sulphur Spring, Chive Blossom, and Vivacious. For those looking for a bit more blue in the room, Barrier Reef, Deep Lake, and Ibiza Blue mesh beautifully with Coral and Pink Lemonade.

In our final palette, we go Under The Sea, to embrace the lure of the ocean and the ecosystem of the coral reefs. Here, Living Coral mingles with shades such as Blue Depths, Turkish Sea, Viridian Green, and Turtle Green. For an even brighter feel in the room, mix it with Sea Pink, Vibrant Yellow, and Limpet Shell.

How to Use Coral In Your Home

There are so many ways to use coral without it seeming overwhelming, and it makes an excellent accent wall, especially in a dining room or kitchen as it can help improve digestion. As a wall color, coral serves as a background for framed nautical or nature pictures, neutral tapestries, and your favorite photos. Bright lights can enhance the vibrancy of coral walls while soft lighting can help tone down the color.

Of course, coral works wonderfully as an accent in your room when used in a rug or on throw pillows. A coral pillow on a neutral couch provides a visual pop of color. For something more downplayed, you can choose pillows with just a hint of coral.

A small accent table in the corner of a room or against a wall is another great way to bring the color coral into the room. You can choose a strategically placed chair, curtains, or even a chandelier to help liven up a neutral palette. As you can see in the rug below, coral pairs beautifully with the color gray.

South Florida residents can learn more about incorporating coral into their homes by contacting HK Interiors. Call us today at 954-401-8542 to discover how our interior design services can help you transform your home or office into the vision you desire.

You may not know this, but there are rules for placing rugs in your rooms. If you break the rules, your room may look choppy, out of place, and unfinished. Use the right size and rug placement, and you will be thrilled with your finished look.

The two main rooms for rug placement are the living room and bedroom. Some people also place rugs in the dining room. Follow the rules listed here and choose the right size and shape of rug for your room.

Rug Placement in the Bedroom

Some people opt to forgo carpet and use wood or tile throughout their home. To add a feeling of warmth, they select area rugs. Rug placement on hardwood floors and tile serves a dual purpose – functionality, and appearance. Stepping out of bed onto a cold floor in the middle of the night is not pleasant. Feeling the warmth of a nice rug under your feet keeps you in a state of tranquility. However, you have to know how to place the rug for both design and function.

Using a larger rug helps frame the bed and nightstands and make the room seem bigger. The next best option if you cannot find or afford a large enough rug is to go with two runners – one on either side of the bed.

Rug placement in a bedroom provides a few options: …more

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.