Quality Furniture vs. Price

A house without the right furnishings can feel underwhelming. Bringing in the right furniture that molds to your distinct taste will instantly elevate your interiors’ overall feel and aesthetic. It can be difficult when making selections, especially if you’re unsure how to look for quality furniture that fits your budget. We’re here to give you three pointers on how to select furnishings that will last and work within your investment.

1. Quality Comes With a Cost.

The cost of furnishings can add up to a pretty penny. When it comes to an interior, furnishing selections are a huge element to the overall design of a space. The fabric, upholstery, and materials used all help determine the quality of the piece. Most furniture pieces also come in sets which is something to keep in mind. When making selections, quality and durability is key. If you want a piece that will last while adding to a timeless design in your space, consider that this will cost you a bit more upfront but will be made to last you for years to come.


2. Prioritize Your Spatial Needs.

During your search, you may come across the most beautiful dining table only to realize that it doesn’t fit in your unique floor plan, or you may find a custom piece that you’re dying to place in your home – only for it to feel out of place among the rest of your interior. Thinking about space planning will help you become realistic about your selections. For example, formal areas may be used less, so you can choose a large, mirrored cocktail table that differs from a family room where you prioritize space and comfort. You would then need to select the appropriate furnishings to accommodate the function of that space separately. Consider the big picture and day-to-day interactions within your environment while planning for the functionality of your furnishings.


3. Get Creative.

One of the most incredible things about a custom home is making unique selections to personalize your environment to your needs. You can also achieve a complete and tailored finish by sourcing materials that are out of the ordinary. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your selections. Opt for a bold color or a rare shape – you can even balance elements with the rest of your interiors that complement each other. The most beautiful interiors are created when people can step out of the box and beyond their perceived comfort zone.


We hope these recommendations help guide you as you embark into the furnishing world with some new considerations and inspiration. With years of experience in holistic design, we know what it means to meet the needs of our clients through our design work and especially with sourcing quality pieces for their homes. Visit our previous projects to gain some insight on what we do here at SDG and don’t hesitate to schedule a call if you or someone you know are looking to optimize your home with quality furnishings that fit your lifestyle and budget.

Hot Design for Keeping Cool

Written by Guest Blogger Kayla Harvey

Its summer, its hot, and its not showing signs of stopping.  Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy some cool breezes rather than bake in the sun?  If you are trying to beat the heat here are some helpful tips to keep your outdoor spaces cool as the dog days drag on.
1. Green is Cool
Energy efficiency is always a good idea, but in this case literal greenery will help to keep you cool.  We all know that shade trees reduce heat, but did you know that grass and other plants can help to keep temperatures regulated in your yard as well?
Take a look at the driveway and patio shown in these images.  Concrete and pavement absorb heat and radiate it back long after the sun sets.  The use of grass and concrete pavers together helps to limit the amount of water needed as well as reduce heat retention.  This creates a more comfortable outdoor space, and happens to be a sharp looking design.
2. Catch the Breeze, Block the Rays
If your outdoor space receives frequent afternoon sun a shaded area is a must. A patio with an overhang provides an excellent opportunity to utilize outdoor curtains. Your best bet for keeping cool is to open up cross ventilation so that you can enjoy the breeze.  Be sure to hang the curtains with a bar or wire that allows you to move them as needed.  This way you can make the most of the wind while blocking any direct sunlight.
If outdoor curtains are not for you, try this novel planter wall.  The wall and plants provide shade, and the slats through the middle will allow air to circulate.
3.  Light Up the Night
When the sun goes down so do temperatures, so make the most of your yard with illumination.  There are a variety of ways to create outdoor rooms through the use of solar powered light fixtures, outdoor lighting, and even illuminated furniture.
If you are unsure you want to commit to new furniture or lighting try this simple trick to light up your yard.  Take oversized balloons filled with air, and just before you tie them off add a small neon glow stick to the inside.  These are great tossed into a pool for parties, or if anchored, to line a driveway.

Now that you know these tips, get on out there and enjoy your summer!

Flower Power: Layers of Floral Prints

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Keeping with last weeks post, and an homage to the 1960’s flower power motif, we bring you a popular design trend: Layering Bold Floral Patterns.  From wallpapers covered in lively, upbeat floral glory to upholstery in loud eccentric buds, these statement floras mix wonderfully with vivid-colored solid counterparts.  As we look ahead to Summer 2013, we’re captivated by these magnificent beauties..

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1  Jonathan Adler Malmo Wallpaper in Pink & Purple / via Layla Grayce

2  Dory Wall Mirror / via Plantation Design

3  Girly Orange Vintage Chair / via Modern House Insight

4  10-Light Modern Chandelier / Opal / via ABC Carpet & Home

5  Fera Pink Pillow Pair / via Layla Grayce

6  Bright Pink Chair / via Granger Hertzog

7  Curvey Chrysanthemum Vase / via Anthropologie

8  Ogee Pillow / via Trina Turk

 

 

Image via Elle Decor France

 

Image via Pinterest

Candy colored layers of pattern and flower power punch

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ABC Carpet & Home / Aquasilk 9’5″x16’3″ Rug

A more subdued, Psychedelic take on the bold Flower Power look

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Wallpaper by Amy Butler / Passion Lily / via Layla Grayce

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Wallpaper by Amy Butler / Field Poppies / via Layla Grayce

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Amy Butler Memento Wallpaper / Image via Layla Grayce

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Amy Butler Passion Lily / Image via Layla Grayce

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Amy Butler Temple Tulip Wallpaper / Image via Layla Grayce

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Jennifer Paganelli Back Bay Orange Blue Embroidered Pillow / via Layla Grayce

 

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Folklore Red Embroidered Pillow / via Layla Grayce

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Trina Turk / Multi Floral Pillow

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Jonathan Adler Wallpaper Malmo Green & Brown / Image via Layla Grayce

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Image via Bennison Fabrics

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Image via Bennison Fabrics

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Image via Layla Grayce

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Anchor your pattern mixing with vivid solids.

 

Is Faux Fur For You?

Written by guest blogger Kayla

Lets face it, it isn’t for everyone, but for those who do enjoy it faux fur can make quite a statement piece.  Not to mention the warmth and just plain ol’ cozy factor it brings.  If you are on the fence about bringing faux fur into your home here are a few things to consider.

 1. Sustainability – The debate over real vs faux is for another time and place.  For the purposes of this article we are only looking into faux.  With that in mind it is important to note that the manufacturing process to create this fluffy material is not usually the most eco-friendly.  The best bet when considering the environment is to buy recycled or vintage.
2. Durability – Faux fur is a long way away from being a durable material.  For this reason take time to think through its application in your home.  Do you have young children or pets?  It is best to keep this loveably impractical fabric in a place that would be less likely to be chewed, slobbered or spilled upon.  Also, consider smaller applications like pillows or throws, because unless you have the magical ability to levitate across rooms a faux fur area rug would undoubtably be a headache to maintain.
3. Aesthetics – When it gets right down to it, do you like it?  Your personal style should have just as much say in the debate as the durability factor.  So, if you’ve found that faux fur is for you then we hope you find your perfect piece and snuggle right up to it!

Inspired by Art Deco

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The Great Gatsby, 2013 via IMDB
Jay Gatsby’s estate isn’t the only hot spot for twenties decor!  Art Deco style is back, and in more than just fashion design.  Interior design has been subject to this surge in roaring twenties aesthetic. This spring (opening in theaters May 10th), the Baz Luhrmann version of the film and novel, The Great Gatsby, will hit cinemas with a bang. And we can only imagine what stunning cinematography, glitz and glamour he has in store for viewers.  Designers such as Kelly Wearstler and Charles Allem have been inspired by Art Deco geometric shapes, high gloss, and glamour for years, but quite recently the trend has captured a much broader audience and selling look-a-likes in retailers everywhere.  From mirrored and lacquered furniture, to wallpaper with geometric deco shapes, to curvy, low-profile furniture, Art Deco is a Great trend in 2013! 
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via Lisa Stewart Design
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Art Deco Inspired Wallpapers via La Dolce Vita
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Art Deco Book Spines via Gray Wolf Press/Pinterest
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via Kelly Wearstler Design
Art Deco Chairs
via 1stdibs
Art Deco Lighting
via 1stdibs
Art Deco Wallpaper
via Schumacher
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Lighting As Sculpture

Written by our guest blogger Kayla

Lit Dale Chihuly Sculpture

Alright, so maybe a lit Chihuly is a bit much as a chandelier for your home.  But that’s no reason not to incorporate sculpture with a glow.  Lets explore the world of sculpture as lighting, and see where your space can be illuminated with art.

In the vein of organic modern art, Hive has produced a series of light fixtures aimed at takes on basic shapes found in plants and animals.  As the name indicates, many of Hive’s pieces are reminiscent of the hexagonal shape of a honeycomb.  This fixture reminds us of plant roots, but is actually comprised of tiny human stick figures.

If you had any doubts about the certifiably artistic nature of this chandelier, then finding out that this item was designed specifically for the 2009 Milan Design week might just be enough to knock your socks off.  The beauty of the Hope Chandelier is that it is capable of standing in the place of a traditional chandelier, and can still transcend that role through sheer force of design drama.

If streamlined is more your thing then this Agnes 20-Bulb Chandelier might just do the trick.  With angles galore this brilliant fixture will bring a sense of enlightened geometry.

An iconic homage to the urban landscape these quirky sneakers fit the profile for something different, and can add a touch of whimsy to a casual space.
The effortless flow of metal woven softly as silk combined with an internal glow gives this feminine sconce a glamor all its own.  In a guest bathroom or other small space this could be just the jewelry to finish off the space.

If Art Deco fell in love with Space Age Design and had a baby, this is what their light fixture offspring might look like.  Not a pendant or chandelier, this fixture mounts flush against the ceiling with a spray of bulbed arms to light up the room.  It gives a softer look at what can typically be a more hard edged design concept.

Blue & Gold Design Inspiration

Complementing each other for years, blue & gold are a favorite combo for all of us at SDG.

Compatible in any design style, this pair shines in every light!  Shop these favorites online.

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March Shop

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via Lucy & Company

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Blue & Gold Collage / via Automatism: Sibella Court

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via Material Girls Blog

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Cobalt and Jewels / Original painting by Jennifer Latimer / via Etsy

 

Spring Outdoor Furniture & Color Trends

Written by our guest blogger Kayla

Our Design Guide Article on Spring 2013 Outdoor Design – See the article on the

Design Guide Online Editorial.

Dip Die Bench / Photo Credit: Decorativity

Spring is in the air and it’s time to start thinking about your outdoor living spaces.  This year’s trends lend themselves to nature, nurture and cocooning. There’s texture and color, the warmth of woods, and sleek lines of metal. Comfort and style come in one package with outdoor furniture designs found in the 2013 lines of Brown Jordan, Sutherland and DeDon to name a few.

Photo Credit: Swingrest

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Sutherland Table Chair / Emerald Textiles from Perennials / Photo Credits: Kayla Harvey

Selecting the right furniture to sit and enjoy the sunshine is only the beginning. Exploring the colorful world of outdoor fabrics like the new lines of Robert Allen, Perennials, and Sunbrella will give you the opportunity to add some personality and vibrance to your outdoor space. Schlosser Design Group especially loves the new Schumacher fabric by Trina Turk.

Photo Credit: Robert Allen Upholstery Fabric

Photo Credit: Perennials Outdoor Fabrics

Emerald green is the Pantone color of the year. So why not work the trend and add a splash of colored fabric with this tranquil hue? Or even incorporate emerald with the raging trend of dip dye for your outdoor accessories. Check out this simple image of dip dyed blocks that can be used as outdoor embellishments, and require a lot less watering than flowers.

Dip Die Blocks /Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

Dip Die Outdoor Accents / Photo Credit: Charlottes Fancy

 

Trip to Santa Fe Art Galleries

Written by our guest blogger Kayla

Cristie had a great visit with Selby at The Selby Fleetwood Gallery, Santa Fe. Works included paper origami style sculptures by Kevin Box.

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The entrance to the eclectic Selby Fleetwood Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Adjacent to the front door sits a bronze sculpture by artist Kevin Box. The sculpture is lovingly named “Family Tree.”

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“Birthday Cake” by artist Palo Klein Uber is in acrylic and French crayon on board.  Uber has recorded a detailed account of the origins of this piece.  Stumbling upon an ordinary object in the wee-hours of the morning resulted in this stunningly detailed work.

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On display in the Fleetwood Gallery of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Joe Ostraff presents a series of harmonic and understated pieces in oil and mixed media.  This piece titled, “Logo #1” almost glows in the gallery lighting.

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Two pieces by Joe Ostraff in mixed media on panel on display in the Fleetwood Gallery of Satna Fe, New Mexico.

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“A2Z” in oil and mixed media by Joe Ostraff.  On display in Fleetwood Gallery of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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“Sometimes I feel like I am Covered in a Fall Cactus Cocoon” by Aaron Bunshnell on display in Fleetwood Gallery of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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“Harlem Elevated” oil on linen by David Kapp on display at ZaneBennett Contemporary Art Gallery of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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“Tasadana” raku ceramic and bronze, by Kellogg Johnson on display at ZaneBennett Contemporary Art Gallery of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Sculpture Edited2 Sculpture in the garden of Fleetwood Gallery of Santa Fe, New Mexico.  In Bronze, cast stainless steel and stone “Conversation Peace” is part of Kevin Box’s iconic series of rock, paper, scissors.

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“Dancing Pony” by Kevin Box is a delight to see in the courtyard of Fleetwood Gallery of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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In a quirky take on origami Kevin Box has created these wall sculptures that can be found in the Fleetwood Gallery of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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Adorning the entrance to ZaneBennett Contemporary Art Gallery stands this eye-catching bronze sculpture titled “Boon” by Guy Dill.

 

Navy Blue Inspiration

Dark shades of blue are becoming a very popular trend this season. Solids & patterns alike, these sleek hues are both elegant & sophisticated. Shop these SDG picks for 2013 online!

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