Interior Design | Beautiful Habitat Design & Decoration

Beautiful Habitat Has Moved | Sneak Peek

June 12, 2013 | by beautifulhabitat | in Beautiful Habitat, Ceiling, Colorado, Designer's Home, Flooring, Gold, Gray, kitchen, Kitchen Design, pets, Renovation, wallsNo Comments

We’ve moved! To a new house, that is. You’ll still be able to find Beautiful Habitat right here and on Facebook and Twitter. You may recall my post about the new house and all the photos before renovations began. Well, some renovations are wrapped up, others haven’t yet begun, but we are now residing in the new abode. I wish I had photos of the final beautiful rooms to share with you. Alas, we are living like this in more than one room.

Still unpacking

Time and hard work will continue to pull this beauty together. And you can rest assured that I’ll be sharing with you as soon as it’s ready! Until then, here is a sneak peek. Enjoy!

Kitchen Designer Colorado

New Kitchen Cabinets and Hardware

Bath and Kitchen Design Boulder

Do I see Open Shelves in the Kitchen??

New carpet - custom gray dye

New Carpet – a custom dyed shade of gray. When they don’t have a color you like, custom dye is always an option.

Vibrant Interior Designs in Denver
Gold On The Ceiling… Because Gold is staging a comeback and I am embracing it!

Custom Home Decor Boulder

New floors – ebony-stained wood with a new graphic rug (and my camera-shy pup/assistant.)

Creative Home Design Colorado

A few finishing touches are in place, but much more work to do. And a coat of new paint – Sherwin Williams “Anew Gray”.

To see more about the journey to the new home:

Chairs in Your Bathroom Design | Guest Post

May 9, 2013 | by beautifulhabitat | in Antiques, bath, Bathroom, Beach, Coastal, Crystal, fireplace, furniture, Guest Post, lighting, seating, upholsteryNo Comments

Hello, everyone! It’s Mari here from Arcadian Home blog, a wonderful place to find, among many other inspirations, a fabulous array of ideas for lighting your home, from foyer lights to floor lamps. I’m so excited to be visiting with you at Beautiful Habitat today to share a guest post about chairs in the bath.

To fuel your interior design dreams, I’ve brought along eight images of bathrooms that include beautiful and comfortable chairs. Please enjoy!

Thanks for letting me stop by!

~ Mari

Chair in the Bath

Not all bathrooms with a beach house vibe are done in coastal blues with seaside references everywhere. This sedate design has only subtle coastal touches—shells in a glass container on the counter and four diverse shell collections in identical black frames on the wall. At first glance, this comfy chair in brown appears to be aged leather, but it’s actually a lovely velvet fabric.

Chair in the Bath

An elegant marble bath with sparkling white free-standing tub gets a splash of color with an ornate chair upholstered in a beautiful green and white Greek key patterned velvet.

Chair in the Bath

A plump armchair and ottoman upholstered in periwinkle blue Tides fabric gives a nod to the sea in this white and pale turquoise bath. I love the little glass pendant light with metallic gold detailing.

Chair in the Bath

Seating comes in the form of two chairs in this lovely eclectic bath—an ornate French armchair in the corner and a stylish slip-covered high-backed armless chair at the vanity.

Chair in the Bath

Brown is beautiful here—walls, ceiling and chair are beautiful in this chocolate hue. Golden accents and 80′s pendant add a lovely glamorous look.

Chair in the Bath

A brown chair offers a place to relax in this great eclectic bath. The space is an appealing mix of traditional, rustic and contemporary.

Chair in the Bath

A small table and chairs offers a place for tea at bath time in this formal bathroom. The black sinks and tub are so perfect, as are the legs of the console.

Chair in the Bath

Absorbent terry cloth covers the armchairs and ottoman in this stunning bath. Decorative trays hold toiletries here and there about the space. I love the architectural details and subtle blue touches. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

What do you think of these bathrooms? Leave us your thoughts below and be sure to stop by our blog for more home decor, lighting and interior inspirations each day.

Carpet Trends in 2013 | Ask the Designer

May 9, 2013 | by beautifulhabitat | in Ask the Designer, color, Colorado, Denver, Flooring, Tips1 Comments

I was recently asked to advise on carpet decisions and I am simultaneously selecting carpet for my own house. I thought I’d share these tips and trends with everyone.

New wall to wall carpet is a big ticket item and a decision that most of us do not take lightly. The lifespan of your carpet may likely be longer then most of your furniture. There are also so many styles, colors and brands. Here are a few tips and trends to keep in mind if you’re in the market for new carpeting.

Carpet Trends as I see them (at least in the Denver market) in 2013:

Dark and Bold

Carpet colors have gone considerably darker than over the previous decade and more. In the late 1990′s and through the early 2000′s light carpets ranging from ivory to beige to tan were hot. The lighter colors helped to keep a space more open and bright, while simultaneously shrinking into the background. On the down side, those lighter colors are harder to keep clean. There has been a shift to darker carpet tones, whether a chocolate brown or a charcoal gray. And bold carpet colors are appearing too.

Interior Designer Tips

Bold Interior Design

Gray

Gray is hot everywhere – furniture, fabrics, flooring, books. It’s quickly replacing beige, tans, and browns as the hot neutral. Don’t panic if you’re surrounded by browns. They are neutrals, and a good neutral will always hold their own.

Texture

Texture and patterns are making a comeback in carpeting. This is usually created with a combination of looped and cut pile stands, creating a design and texture although the material and color are the same. And I say making a comeback, because I distinctly remember the patterned carpet of my youth. The looped valley’s and higher cut pile made interesting obstacles for my toys circa 1983. Textured and patterned carpet creates a great look and adds interest to an often overlooked surface. It can actually become a focal point in the design, rather than a bland surface on which to place furniture.

Interior Decorating Tips

Bold Inteiror Design Choices

Plush never Fails

If you are afraid to commit to a texture or worry that this trend may not have the lifespan that you want, plush carpet is always a good bet.

Interior Decorator Tips

Do you have a design or decorating question? I’d be happy to feature your question and provide guidance. Ask here or on the Beautiful Habitat Facebook Page.

Double Duty Desk & Nightstand | Bedroom Design

March 21, 2013 | by beautifulhabitat | in bedroom, contemporary, creative, furniture, Master Suite, modern, Small Spaces, Traditional, Work SpaceNo Comments

Using a small desk in place of a nightstand is chic and convenient use of space in the bedroom. In small spaces, it is always wise to have furniture serve multiple functions. Even in larger bedrooms, a desk in place of a nightstand adds function and interest. In the Master Suite it can serve as a quite spot to journal or write to friends. In a guest room it provides a small, private work space for visitors. The idea works well in both modern and traditional spaces. Look at these stylish bedroom desks:

Interior Decorator in Denver

via Bryn Alexandria

Master Suite Design in Westminster, CO

via Beautiful Habitat

Custom Interior Design via Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper

Interior Designer in Boulder

via Ashton Sebastian

Master Suite Design

via DecorPad

Interior Decor in Denver

via Bryn Alexandria

Creative Interior Design Bedroom

via Willow Be Inspired

Modern Interior Design Boulder

via Lonny

Interior Design for Small Spaces

via Real Simple

Two-Toned Kitchens | Love it or Leave it?

March 12, 2013 | by beautifulhabitat | in Beautiful Habitat, Entertaining, kitchen, Love it or Leave It, paint2 Comments

Whether it be different colors for Base cabinets and Wall cabinets or switching up the color for the island, kitchens with multiple colors of cabinetry are all around. Do you love it, or would you leave it?

Custom Kitchen Design

via Better Homes & Gardens

Kitchen Design in Denver CO

via Beautiful Habitat

Interior Design & Decoration

via Pinterest

Kitchen Designer Boulder CO

via Home Bunch

Full Service Interior Design Colorado

via Pinterest

Custom Kitchens and Design

via Southern Living

Contemporary Interior Designer

via The Marion House Book

Open Shelves in the Kitchen | Love it or Leave it?

March 8, 2013 | by beautifulhabitat | in contemporary, kitchen, Love it or Leave It, orangeNo Comments

The cobbler’s kids have no shoes. And the Interior Designer’s Kitchen has no plan. As I have mentioned, I am in the process of moving and the new house needs some renovation. The Kitchen is a big piece of that. I am just starting to work out a design plan this week.

It’s actually harder to design a space for myself than it is for clients. With clients I can see a vision and narrow in easily. For myself, I just see SO MANY beautiful products everywhere and I love and want them all! My dilemma today – Open Shelves in the Kitchen. What do you think? Love it or Leave it?

Custom Kitchen Design Colorado via decorpad

Contemporary Kitchen Design Boulder Colorado

via Style Carrot

Interior Designer Denver Colorado

via Pinterest

Interior Decorator Denver

Via The Inspired Room

Custom Kitchen Design

Via Urban Orchard Interiors

Interior Designer

via Houzz

Luxury Kitchen Design Colorado

via Pinterest

Kitchen and Bath Design Boulder

Via Pinterest

What do you think about open shelves in the kitchen? Does it add interest of just collect dust? Do you love it or would you leave it?

Gold Is Making a Comeback | Love It or Leave It?

December 4, 2012 | by beautifulhabitat | in Accessories, Bathroom, bedroom, color, Dining, Gold, lighting, Love it or Leave It, mirrorsNo Comments

Gold and brass finishes are creeping back into Interiors. It started with a few small features – a mirror here, a brass knob there, gold leaf inside of a lamp shade. Now the moves are getting bigger and bolder. Gold. Shiny, shiny gold. It’s making a comeback in Interior Design and Decor. Will you love it again, or are you going to leave it?

Hudson Valley Lighting

Source Unknown

Gold. Love it or Leave it?

Winter Decorating Ideas | Guest Post

November 29, 2012 | by beautifulhabitat | in Accessories, de-clutter, fireplace, Foyer & Entry, holiday, Seasonal, TipsNo Comments

The changing of the seasons offers the perfect opportunity to redecorate your home. As winter sets in, our thoughts turn to getting warm and cozy. Check out these quick decorating tips that will help you turn your home into a welcoming winter den.

Welcoming From the Outside In

Set the tone of your home by decorating everything, even your exterior doors. If you’re feeling festive, hang a home-made holly wreath on your front door to spread your cheer to the rest of the world. If you don’t have the time to make your own wreath, consider purchasing a synthetic wreath which you can re-use every year.

Via Pinterest

via Joanna Fabric

via Matt & Becky

Relaxing By the Fire

There’s something special about relaxing in front of an open fire; the look of the flames makes you feel warmer, and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you don’t have a fireplace in your living room, why not invest in a wall-hanging, flu less fireplace to brighten up your room.

via Pinterest

Metallic Luxury

Natural colors are cozy and comfortable, but it’s easy to go too far with the rustic feel. Add a touch of modern glamor to your home by opting for some shiny, shimmering metallic colors as an accent. Consider painting your oak skirting boards in a sedate silver, and pairing that up with silver trim on your cushions and throws. Or, use subtle accents to bring out the warmth in a more traditional room.

via Pinterest

Easy Accents

Redecorating for the winter doesn’t have to mean completely re-doing the look of your living room. If you prefer clean and simple styled rooms, why not add a touch of winter fashion with decals which can easily be removed when it’s time for a change of scenery.

via Pinterest

Accessorize

During the winter, it’s natural to want to curl up in front of the fireplace with a good book. Why not make that spot as comfortable as possible. This time of year is the perfect time to bring out those stylish blankets, comfy cushions, and plush pillows. Pick the right color scheme, and they’ll be as fashionable as they are cozy.

One side effect of spending so much time indoors with the heating running full blast and the windows closed, is that the air in your home can get a little musty. You can keep your home smelling fresh by making use of scented candles, or, even better, great home cooking. Mulled wine, cinnamon bread, festive fruitcake, and winter broths will warm your body, and spread beautiful smells around the house!

via Pinterest

Clean Up for Christmas

If there’s one thing that will detract from the atmosphere of your home, it’s clutter. During the festive season, there’s a good chance your home will fill up with stuff. A preemptive decluttering session will make life a lot easier for you. Consider donating old books and clothes to charity, encouraging your kids to take some toys to charity, and spending a weekend cleaning out that stash of paperwork. It won’t take as long as you’d think, and the improvement will be amazing.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of UK Oak Doors who supply a great range of oak products from doors through to skirting boards. Please visit their site for more info.

For more related post by Beautiful Habitat:
Dreaded Decluttering

Clearing Clutter in the New Year

Easy Holiday Decor – Ribbons

7 Ways to Modernize Your Home’s Entryway | Guest Post

October 18, 2012 | by beautifulhabitat | in color, Foyer & Entry, Guest Post, lighting, mirrors, pink, TipsNo Comments

Many of us use our homes as blank canvases to express ourselves through art, furniture, and home décor. Some people like to renovate their entire homes all at once, while others prefer to go one room at a time. Where we choose to spend all of renovation efforts is a reflection of where we enjoy spending time. Some people like to spend hours pampering in the bathroom. Other folks want to build fully equipped home entertainment centers. Still others pour their hearts, souls, and dollars into conjuring up the bedroom of their dreams. And you can’t forget the homeowners that spend as much time on their own abodes as they do for their pets – doghouses get renovations too!

But no matter which room you decide you want to invest the most time and money in, you should be careful not to forget about your home’s entryway. After all, the entryway is the first thing your guests see when they walk through your front door. The good news is that updating your entryway is fun, easy, and often inexpensive. Here are seven different ways you can modernize your home’s entryway.

1. Create an interesting focal point – Sometimes an entryway can be entirely transformed with just the hanging of one great piece of art or a stunning, large mirror. TJ Maxx always has some unique pieces at fair prices. A small investment can make a big difference, entirely changing the area from ho-hum to modern and new.

Interior Design Tips Source: www.simpledesignideas.com

2. Paint the entryway a new color - When you first moved in, you probably focused your painting efforts on the rooms in your house, possibly forgetting the hallways and entryway. Spruce the area up with a new coat of paint in an unexpected hue. Just be sure you coordinate the new paint job with any existing furniture and décor you are keeping.

Interior Decorator Tips Source: www.housebeautiful.com

3. Update your doormat - Some people love doormats, other people loathe them but if you use one, it needs to be replaced every now and again. Use a doormat as an opportunity to breathe fresh air into your entry area. Try something unexpected like bamboo or even plastic. Doormats are often inexpensive so consider getting a few different ones and changing them according to your mood.

Foyer Design Source: www.houzz.com

4. Switch up the lighting – Light fixtures are easy to replace and can make a big impact on the look of the room or area. Find a light fixture that inspires you and see what happens! You might find yourself spending time in the foyer from now on instead of the living room! And light fixtures also tend to last for years and years, so they are a good place to invest.