Dabbieri Blog

{ Tips on Designing with Patterns }

Are you a traditionalist? A modernist? Somewhere in between? Whichever you are, patterns can express your unique design perspective. When used in conjunction with other design elements, patterns marks the room’s interior with personality.

With such a wide variety of patterns to choose from, the process can feel overwhelming. The rule of thumb is to start with a theme, then build a color and pattern scheme incorporating those elements.

Avoid the design pitfall of pattern overdose. Mixing patterns can be tricky, but if the patterns are related by form, color or texture, the mix is more likely to succeed.

When it comes to Dabbieri, trellis patterns, tip-shears, florals, paisleys and other patterns each illuminate your sense of style, making your interior exude formality, whimsy or carefree casualness.

If you have a design question - just ask. We'll have an answer.

{ Using Texture for Depth & Dimension }

One of the easiest ways to add interest to an interior is through the use of texture. Texture is the play between light and shadow, providing an enticing surface that tempts us to experience it with our eyes and our touch. Incorporating texture on walls creates a tactile experience and minimizes a sterile appearance. Using a variety of finishes on furniture adds charisma to a room.

When it comes to texture and floor covering, you have many options, including everything from thick, lush swells of wool, to tip-shear designs, to more intricate cut and loop piles. Whether you prefer rough, silky, soft, warm, smooth or burnished finishes, all are enticing to the touch and are effective in creating different moods.

{ Fresh Design Tip }

Switching over area rugs just prior to the start of springtime and autumn is a longstanding method off keeping your space fresh with a seasonal updates. For designers, it can be an easy, economical and beautiful way to change the mood of an interior while reflecting special attributes of the season.

With fall approaching, it's the perfect time to replace light and breezy summer colors with darker, heavier colors and fibers more suited for cooler weather months.

{ Interior Design 101: Tips For Designing Your Space }

Time to redesign! Call me crazy, but redesigning a room is one of my most favorite things to do. If you’re wanting to redesign a space, but don’t know where to start, I’ve listed some quick and simple tips below…

What’s the size of the space?
If you’re extremely tempted to purchase that gorgeous, plush, over sized, paprika colored couch, you might want to think twice if the space is 80 square feet.

Consider your own personal style.
Some opt for different styles in every room; some carry the same theme throughout every room. It’s your choice, but think about what you like.

Determine a space’s own natural key focal point(s).
You can use these points to draw the eye towards beautiful color accents - like that abstract lime green vase you’ve always loved.

What’s the space’s purpose?
Relaxing? Reading? Yoga? Work? The room’s decided purpose can make a difference in choosing lighting, furniture and floor covering.

Determine the space’s natural traffic patterns.
For instance - wood beams, stain glass windows and fireplaces.

Have some tips of your own you'd like to share, please do by commenting below! If you’re looking for tips on color and textures, check out our What is luxury? post.

{ What is luxury? }

Actually, I should be asking, “What’s luxury to you?” It used to be companies and/or products defined luxury, but now the paradigm has changed. You - not the product – define today’s luxury. I like that!

Today’s luxury still feels rich and decadent, but isn’t necessarily measured by price tags. Now, luxury is not only being defined by the quality of the product, but also by the experiences and sensations it stirs.

Let’s bring it back to home decor - by combining the colors and textures of your most beautiful life moments. You know, the ones that make you smile whenever you think of them.

Once you’ve decided on pairing the vivid ocean blue you viewed from your honeymoon villa on Maui with the silky softness of a dozen Stargazer lilies – you’ll add depth and dimension to any room, creating interiors that exude luxury, warmth and openness.

After you’ve thought a little on your favorite colors and textures - here are a few quick guidelines for combining them:

1. Each color and combination of colors will create a different mood. By pairing lights with darks, adding finishes and special touches such as grains or fabrics, you create a heightened sense of depth and dimension.
2. Try playing up pattern with texture to create focal points that make your room pop. Using neutral or solid backgrounds along with pieces and accessories that have pattern and texture can create additional depth. Tip: Keep the number of patterns to a minimum to avoid making the room appear too busy or cluttered.
3. Flooring can be the main focus in the room, or used as a backdrop to highlight the room’s unique attributes. Choose level carpeting in solid colors to anchor the room, or choose patterned carpets in solids or tone-on-tone styles to create additional interest.
4. Use well-made area rugs to define spaces or use combinations of carpeting, hard surfaces and borders to frame rooms and boundaries.
5. Pairing items of different heights and widths or different pattern heights and widths create additional interest and intrigue.

If you have some beautiful memories you’ve used to evoke a special sensation in your home decor - we’d love for you to share by commenting below!