Montage Collection from Pindler & Pindler

Pindler & Pindler has a beautiful fabric collection that has recently been released, Signature Exclusive Montage Collection.  This fabric collection is full of vibrant colors & fashion forward patterns. "The Montage Collection is a “montage” of simple modern and transitional contemporary fabrics with a “World Traveler” feel, which coordinate to create an exciting atmosphere that is modern and edgy." - Pindler & Pindler

Not only is this collection beautiful but is also very durable.  All fabrics have minimum of 30,000 double rubs and some are even finished with Teflon for extra durability.  These luxurious fabrics will meet your need for style and wear well, in your busy life.

Please contact us at Deb Reinhart Interior Design Group for pricing and other information on these fabrics,  info@debreinhart.com (847) 256-9510

 

Simple Kitchen Design Updates

Are you looking for some simple changes that will help update your kitchen without doing a entire rehab?  Here are 4 tips from  House Beautiful that will improve your kitchen for your use as well as improve with resale value.  

Tip # 1:  Add or Replace a Back splash

A simple back splash update can bring energy, color & a more modern feel to a kitchen without requiring a huge budget.  Back splash tile could either be a simple subway tile or a detailed mosaic.  House Beautiful even suggests you could simply add decals to your existing tile.

 

In this House Beautiful image, decals where applied to the existing back splash.

 

Tip # 2: Update Lighting

Updating lighting in a kitchen can make a enormous difference in design and function. Here are some suggestions for simple kitchen lighting updates:

  • Pendant lighting to a bar or island
  • Under cabinet lighting
  • Extra recessed or spot lighting

 

Tip 3:  Replace Hardware

Replacing cabinet hardware can really help update your kitchen as well as tie together a theme.   Here are some tips to choosing the right hardware.

  • Do you prefer a pull or a handle?
  • Think about proportion based on your cabinet size
  • Match finishes to existing finishes in your kitchen (fixtures & lighting)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip 4:  Reface Your Cabinets

Instead of replacing your cabinets you could replace the fronts completely or reface them (by repainting or restraining).

 

 



A Private Throne

I have spent the last couple weeks comparing ancient man to modern man and referencing my trip to see the remains of the ancient world.  I have spoken about how we use many of the same products and design principals today as our ancestors did in ancient times.  One place where this is not so true... the bathroom. While there were certainly private baths in the ancient world, many in the Roman empire (which incidentally was way ahead of other civilizations) used public bathrooms which usually required payed admission and were just that- public.  At Ephesus, I saw an area that had lines of squat toilets carved into a long stone bench with an ancient form of plumbing underneath- basically a big public port-o-potty!

We have come a long way since then, and even in the last few years.  Manufacturers are now making toilets at seat height to make it more comfortable to sit on, are paying attention to the shape of the seat and are using air and water pressure to ensure everything stays clean and fresh.  Due to the recent water conservation legislation put into effect, manufacturers are being challenged to create toilets with maximum flush impact using less and less water and energy.  One very cool piece of technology is the dual flush toilet.  These toilets first showed up in public restrooms a few years ago but have been streamlined and made more attractive and appealing to a residential clientele.  It has two flush settings based on what you are flushing, and uses less water and energy when less is required.

Although we have learned so much from our ancient counterparts, I am delighted this is one area where we continued to evolve and can't wait to see what the future holds.

Benjamin Moore Paint Trends for 2012

Benjamin Moore does a wonderful job with paint color trends for the year.  The 2012 color palette focuses on natural & earth tones (blues, browns, tans & grays) mixed with splashes of warm hues (berry & citrus colors).  This "nature" theme of color is evident in Benjamin Moore's color of the year selection, which is a blue.

COLOR OF THE YEAR

Wythe Blue: "It evokes the sea and sky, physically calms us and symbolizes trust and commitment". - Benjamin Moore

 

Benjamin Moore has put together these four great palettes, they are wonderful inspiration for your painting project.

Electric Elegance : Blues are a tranquil & feel timeless.  This palette can be used as a monochromatic tone-on-tone for a more modern & sophisticated treatment.  Colors Include:
  • Stardust
  • Gypsy Love
  • White Dove
  • Nymbus Gray
  • Farm Fresh

Earth & Sky: Blue as a anchor & earthy natural tones for a palette VERY close to nature.
  • Skarkskin
  • Fresh olive
  • Battenberg
  • Storm Cloud Gray
  • Wythe Blue (COLOR OF THE YEAR!)

Sense & Sensibility: Copper-orange is rich & bold while the cool hues add a calming tone.
  • Ballet White
  • Masada
  • Dunmore Cream
  • Pashmina
  • Montpelier

Spiced Life: The warm accent color adds a feminine touch to a very masculine palette of blues, gray & brown.
  • French Press
  • Revere Pewter
  • Persimmon
  • Redefined
  • Amethyst Shadow

You can try any of these colors in your space with the Benjamin Moore personal paint viewer. This online painting tool allows you can upload a photo of your room and sample paint options virtually.

2012 Color Trends for Interior Design

As a designer, I eagerly await the color trends that Pantone releases once a year.  This forecast predicts colors that will be popular in fashion & design for the year. 2012 colors are warm & inviting.   "Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

Take a look at our projects below and how we used these big, beautiful and bold colors.

Check out pantone's color trend page for more details of the 2012  Trends.