Monthly Archives: January 2015

Is The Armoire Still A Meaningful Piece of Luxury Furniture?

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The armoire is a traditional piece often overlooked as old and tired with the onset of modern interior design. There are so many different uses for an armoire we can’t knock it out of the running just yet. If you’re running low on storage space in the bedroom or dining room an armoire is a perfect solution. Repurposing is one way to incorporate it, but another way is to showcase personal items such as fine China. If you’re more apt to spending time outside then use an armoire as a gardening center. The armoire is a meaningful piece in the modern home because it adds visual interest to a space while acting as a functional piece of luxury furniture. Repurposing an armoire for a bedroom is a great way to breathe new life into a space. Not only does this piece add extra storage for linens and towels, but also it adds height to the space. If you don’t want display a television an armoire serves as a place to store it. Another popular use for armoires is extra closet space. Our personal favorite option is to repurpose the armoire as a shoe closet to stay organized all the time. Revert an armoire to fit your needs at home! Create a gardening shed outside if you want to keep tools and supplies in one place. In the kitchen, it’s vital to have ample space for food storage. If your kitchen lacks a dedicated pantry space an armoire is a fantastic solution.

armoire4What about design? Do you already love the armoire in your dining room but feel it does not coincide with the existing color palette? Depending on what color wood finish, wall color and fabrics are used in the dining room will dictate your design choices. At La Maison, we have beautiful armoires fit for any interior design style. When you’re searching for a new armoire think about the size of your space. This piece can vary in shape and size. Smaller armoires should be utilized in the bathroom while one that is taller would be best in the dining room. Choose an armoire with glass paneling for the dining room to showcase fine China or meaningful personal items. We have gorgeous sculpture, vases and ceramic pieces that will add visual interest to your space  for a modern look and feel.

When space is at a premium treat an armoire as a mini room! If you need extra office space, a section to house arts and crafts or a sewing area is a perfect way to reinvent an unused armoire. The best type of armoire to use in this instance is one with two panel doors and no bottom drawer. You want to give yourself enough space to sit comfortably. Creating a space where you can escape, relax and feel productive without having to sit a desk is really quite enjoyable. When you’re shopping for an armoire decide what its purpose will be before deciding on a style. Showcasing items you love and are proud of calls for glass panel doors or open shelving while storing linens, sheets or extra clothing needs wood doors to hide your extra items.Romantic interior decoration

Visit La Maison Interiors in Scottsdale and let one of our interior designers help you find the perfect armoire for your home. We will show you luxury furniture that speaks to your style and aesthetics in your home. Find a piece fit for any space whether its your bedroom, family room or dining room! We will give you suggestions as to a good size, the functionality of the armoire for your purposes and any other questions you may have!

Make A Statement In The Dining Room With The Credenza

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The dining room is often an underused space, but we believe every room in your home should be original and beautifully designed. When trying to find the perfect piece for a dining room we suggest looking for a credenza. Made popular during the latter half of the 19th century, a credenza acts a sideboard or cupboard used for storage. Found in various styles, wood finishes and decorative designs the credenza is a stunning piece of luxury furniture that makes a statement in the dining or family room.

Find a credenza that reflects your personal style! Whether you want to highlight the traditional design of 19th century woodwork or go mid century modern, La Maison has a piece for you! We love gorgeous architectural details such as nail studs for a contemporary look or a finish in warm wood for a traditional appeal. The credenza should match the existing wood finish in your space. If you have dark oak it’s best to find a piece that matches for a cohesive look and feel. Place beloved items atop the credenza to add a personal touch to the piece, and if you feel the modern approach is better suited for your space leave it completely empty. Numerous styles have emerged from 19th century design to modern stainless steel. There are various avenues to walk down and experiment with until you find a style that fits your personal preferences and existing elements in your space.

iStock_000022800883_LargeWhy incorporate a credenza? If you love to entertain, this piece is perfect for serving large dinners without crowding the dining room table. Incorporating an antique credenza can bring a lot of character to the space as the intricate detail of woodcarvings, decorative designs brings a special look and feel to the space. The newer versions exemplify clean-lined elongated interpretations of classic credenza style architecture. What type of style should you choose? This year, mixing materials like stainless steel and warm wood is very popular. A credenza that touches on both modern and classic design will change your space instantly. We also love unique credenzas that utilize unique types of wood that give a totally different appeal than traditional credenzas.

Consider the size and function of the piece as well. Open shelving is modern and allows for displaying items. This has become very popular in the kitchen, and made its way into other luxury furniture pieces in 2015. Height is also something to consider. If you plan to use this piece for entertainment make sure you can comfortably stand next to it without having to bend over to touch the top. If you love to display your collection of literature or coffee table books on intriguing subjects open shelves allow for showcasing these items. Just like coffee tables, dining room tables or sofas, credenzas touch on all decades now. Bright colored cabinets echo the 1960’s, stainless steel touches on the modern era and all wood feels traditional and classic.

Lamaison chestFlat cabinet doors are also very popular and seem to surpass the intricate woodwork on doors we’ve seen in the past. With so many different styles emerging homeowners are not glued to one single drawer arrangement. The variations between door styles add visual interest to the piece and also allows for more storage. Think about doorknob hardware. Most often credenzas have feet and mixing metals can be a fun way to add a contemporary touch to your space. Even sliding doors, echoing mid century modern design adds a funky yet elegant touch to the dining or family room. Treat the credenza as a piece for showcasing, or a piece for entertaining. Display beautiful plates, artwork, personal items or a gorgeous lamp for added light. If the wall behind it feels barren hang a mirror above it. Not only do mirrors make a room feel larger, this is an easy way to fill the space.

Whatever your style, favorite color or embellishment, La Maison has the perfect credenza for your home. Our collections range from traditional to modern and contemporary. We have wonderful handcrafted Artisan pieces available if you are searching for a unique piece exemplifying intricate details. Our team of interior designers is rapidly growing and we’re gaining more talented individuals that will help you sort through your ideas, and give you options to what pieces fit your style the best.

Tone It Down With Marsala This Spring

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It’s our favorite time of year! Pantone recently introduced the Color of The Year, and with mixed reviews from the public and interior design professionals we’re here to show you how easy it is to incorporate Marsala into your home, wardrobe and daily life. Pantone describes Marsala as a “naturally robust and earthy wine red” that is both elegant and strong. Just like a good glass of fine wine, it’s full bodied and works for both masculine and feminine aesthetics. It’s a strong accent color that can be incorporated through a multitude of avenues you might not have considered. Marsala has warm undertones that feel seductive yet approachable like a warm cup of coffee. It feels natural, not too vibrant yet powerful enough to make a statement whether its in your home or wardrobe. Whether you’re looking to change up the kitchen, bathroom or family room you’ve come to the right place for some inspiration. Marsala is full of red, brown and copper tones making this color easy to implement in any space of your home. Completely change the look and feel of the kitchen by painting an accent wall, likely the largest wall in the space is best suited to make an impact. The space will instantly feel bold and powerful. It’s easy to make a statement with Marsala, especially if you get creative with it! We love the idea of a backsplash with deep red tones or light fixtures that exude a seductiveness last year’s Radiant Orchid simply did not. This year, it’s all about “enriching the mind, body and soul” while last year was more focused on “creativity and innovation” Marsala is a bold color that leans towards a more masculine look and feel.

75dd92171540e0408369e79e28f3afcaThe bathroom is another great space to incorporate a strong color like Marsala. Small spaces actually do well with bold color choices since you have one chance to make an impression. Using this color in a small space instantly adds drama without it overwhelming the space. If you want to start small, replace the bath rugs, shower curtain and accessories for an accent color. For a modern twist blue, teal and turquoise juxtapose the earthy tones of Marsala nicely. For a cohesive look and feel match Marsala with neutrals such as amber, golden yellows, warm taupe and gray. Make a big change to your family room with a sofa or armchair in leather; it feels more modern and less traditional than fabrics. Despite it’s earthy undertones a change in texture drastically alters how the color feels to the human eye. Use this color to your advantage and pepper it throughout your home or choose one statement piece for some drama. Luxury furniture adds an entirely new look and feel to a space, and if you want to make a statement in 2015 incorporate this color in bold ways.

FullSizeRender 3Accessories are a great way to incorporate Marsala such as bowls, plates, paintings or even a cooktop hood! Incorporating this color must be strategic, and tasteful like any other accent color, use it wisely and it will make a statement in your home. Pillows in the family room add soft tones and mesh really well with neutral tones. If your home is more modern and Marsala simply feels too rustic wherever you seem to put it start small with a bowl on the coffee table or a beautiful vase on the fireplace mantle. What’s great about this color is how versatile it can be. Fabric is another easy way to incorporate this color in your home. Modern prints and color blocking will detract from the earthiness when paired with white and taupe, while prints and patterns lend to a traditional aesthetic.

Unlike Radiant Orchid, The Color of The Year for 2014, Marsala is versatile and works for everyone! Adding it to your wardrobe could work on many levels. Maybe it’s not your favorite tone of red, but its flattering on all skin tones, an important fact for beauty manufactures and fashion designers. It’s sophisticated and adds a seductive edge to any outfit. Color block Marsala with similar reds and browns or contrast it with camel and navy. When it comes to beauty products, go for a lip shade in Marsala. Accessories should not be forgotten as an all black outfit with a bold necklace in red tones is simple and elegant.

However you choose to incorporate Marsala in your home, wardrobe or beauty collection go bold! La Maison Interiors has beautiful fabrics to choose from as well as luxury furniture you will love! Visit us today!

Modern Meets Classic Design in Luxury Kitchens

This year kitchen design trends are focused on fusing modern with traditional elements to curate a simple and elegant style that is comfortable yet contemporary. We’re taking a look at the emerging design trends of 2015 to help you reinvent your kitchen. The move from ultra sleek and modern to comfortable and cozy means warmer metals like gold and brush nickel, bold wallpaper, and smart cabinetry options promote a more functional home with a more personalized touch. We’ll help you find a happy medium between modern and traditional elements to create the perfect luxury kitchen.
Rustic HomeIt’s important to find a balance between trends and the classic design elements that never go out of style. Designing a home that feels luxurious yet homey and comfortable is a lot of fun as reinventing spaces with a fresh look and feel has become an industry all its own. Interior design is all about combining the trends with staying power and peppering your home with current design ideas that are interchangeable. In the kitchen, it’s all about function. If a kitchen is functional then it’s the best room in a home and serves the entire family as a place to spend time together and cook delicious meals. The kitchen has become the central hub in American homes and creating the perfect design for your tastes is key to loving your kitchen as much as the food you prepare in it. One easy way to create a beautiful kitchen is to completely remove kitchen cabinets and opt for open shelving. This is a really simple way to make your kitchen more functional especially if you spend a lot of time cooking, preparing or experimenting with new recipes. Keeping necessary items close and within arms reach makes it easier to move around your kitchen faster. It’s practical, personalized and adds a modern touch.  If you absolutely adore the kitchenware and want to show it off, this is a perfect solution for you.

iStock_000029122068_LargeMake small changes and start with the details. Instead of harsh chrome and stainless steel or glass opt for warmer metals like gold, bronze or brush nickel. Replace drawer handles, the faucet, curtain rods or countertop accessories in warmer tones. Wood paneling has become extremely popular especially for its attention to detail. Mixing materials such as wood and marble for the center island is contemporary and exudes a classic yet cozy look we love! It’s all about creating visual interest in small ways to bring together the design in a big way. The use of different textures adds a personal touch; tile backsplash in the kitchen is a fun way to show off your personality especially if you want to incorporate some color in the kitchen. Look to the darker side of the spectrum this year for some inspiration. Black is becoming an increasingly popular choice if you want to redesign kitchen cabinets, install a new countertop, purchase new cookware or even incorporate a tile backsplash. Black makes a statement with its strong and masculine appearance it doesn’t have to try to be elegant. Choose colors that are moodier for a softer less vibrant look and feel in the kitchen.

Desk 12This year, steer away from primary colors and opt for dusty, muted colors that speak to mid century modern trends. Opt for a mustard yellow or rusty red instead of bright yellow and candy apple red. These colors compliment warmer metals like gold, bronze and brush nickel beautifully for an instant warming effect in the kitchen. Another option to try is wallpaper; cover one surface in the kitchen to add some serious visual interest! Don’t be afraid to go bold with your choice, and make a statement! Less is definitely more this year, and that goes for anything! If you want to incorporate color be choosy about where and when since the added contrast is visual engaging and appears curated. Your design choices should be careful and calculated when trying to merge modern and traditional design. The resurgence of traditional features such as crown moldings, intricate woodwork, cabinet paneling or all wood countertops mixed with gorgeous granite is an attempt at surrounding ourselves with cozier elements while still keeping one eye on the high tech functional qualities of the 21st century kitchen.

No matter what your style might be, start redesigning your kitchen today with help from La Maison Interiors in Scottsdale. Our team of interior designers will guide you in the right direction when it comes to designing spaces to make a statement. Finding a happy medium between the modern clean lines and traditional features is a challenge at times, and with a push pull between each element it’s important to keep a steady balance in the kitchen. Visit La Maison today and begin your redecorating adventure with us!

Luxury Fireplace and Mantle Designs

Now that you’re taking down the garland, stockings, and Christmas decorations off the mantle, consider re-accessorizing your mantle for the New Year! There are numerous types of fireplace designs, materials to consider and of course accessories such as mirrors and paintings acting as a focal point in the space. A fireplace is both elegant and functional, adding to the ambiance even in warm climates. There’s nothing better than lighting a fire during the cooler winter months in Arizona to get into the holiday spirit!

Modern living-room with fireplace.One of the most elegant and beautiful architectural additions for the home is a fireplace, and the accessories upon the mantle that make a statement. Many modern homes have high tech fireplaces lit by shards of fiberglass for a modern and sophisticated appeal. Classic fireplaces made of marble or fine granite appeal to a grandeur look and feel. Consider a floor to ceiling wood encasement to make a statement in your family or great room. We have some great design ideas fit for your home no matter which interior design style speaks to you.

Decorating the mantle is fun and the individual pieces you choose should be interchangeable. Accessorize the mantle for all seasons at La Maison! After Christmas and New Years passes think about placing a gorgeous mirror above the mantle. In a smaller space, a mirror instantly makes the space feel larger. The fireplace acts as a focal point, and should be treated as one. Place tall candle sticks on the mantle to add height and a touch of ambiance. Mix and match metals for an eclectic look and feel that is sophisticated and youthful.

Modern living-room with fireplace.Think about the scale of each accessory on your mantle. If you want to fill your mantle with smaller items, stay within the same size. With any tabletop, group your items together. If you have four candles choose three. We suggest grouping items in odd numbers for balance. Symmetry comes into play here, as you can choose to create an asymmetrical design with an item on each side and two in between. Go big with accessories and create a modern centerpiece arrangement to draw attention. You want to draw the eyes upward away from the seemingly dark and dusty fireplace itself. Of course, personal items, photographs, gifts from your kids or special someone deserve a spot on your mantle .

What if you don’t have a working fireplace? A faux fireplace provides more opportunity for personal touches, and more accessories. We love the idea of blocking off the fireplace with a reflective material and placing items in front. Add warmth to the fireplace with faux logs attached to a screen! We love this idea and it gives the illusion of stacked logs without the mess of real wood in your luxury home. Since the fireplace traditionally provides warmth with burning logs, candles act as a perfect substitute. Purchase all different sizes of candles, candlesticks and vases to host large candles for a very elegant look and feel. You can change out the candles for each season as well! Color is your friend and candles are so much fun to shop for!

However you want to decorate your fireplace, we have so many accessories to create the right ambiance and add a pop of color to your space. Go elegant and modern or rustic with a Southwest vibe! We love helping our customers find the perfect piece for their home!