Monthly Archives: February 2015

Mix Match & Design Dream Kitchen Ideas

It’s nearly Spring time! Your kitchen windows open up again with loads of Arizona sunlight and warm weather. The gloomy skies fade away, and so should an old and tired kitchen design. We have fabulous ideas to give your space a makeover. We’re talking gorgeous fabrics, exquisite countertop materials and accessories to instantly bring a personal touch to the kitchen

The family recipe for a delicious dinner or dessert calls for exact ingredients and measurements, but what happens when you want to stray from the standard? Just like a chef, breaking away from the original family recipe could bring about a new and improved meal. We feel the same way about designing the kitchen to fit your personal style. Following the trends calls for mixing and matching materials. As the modern design era emerges, we’re seeing an influx of homeowners straying from the norm.

Wooden table on kitchen bench backgroundIf you want to completely redesign the look and feel of your kitchen start with a new counter top. The key here is to stick with the same color families; use tones that are either cool or warm. Mixing both warm and cool tones appears scattered fostering poor aesthetics. Also make sure the contrast is strong enough to appear intentional. If you want to utilize marble or granite contrast it with quartz for a subtle elegant look. White is the safest choice here since it acts a base, and appears modern and minimalistic. Do not try to incorporate too many materials to keep the look streamlined. One of our favorite trends is matching stone counters with butcher block. Butcher block appears modern and clean but also has the most functionality. We suggest a stone or granite closer to the sink and leaving the block theme for all other countertop surfaces.

Lighting1Lighting is another easy way to mix and match materials in your luxury kitchen. This year, warm metals trump the more sought after choice of chrome hardware. Try bronze, copper, brush nickel or gold instead! Copper is one of the more popular materials in 2015 kitchen interior design trends, but if you want a more subtle look brush nickel or gold is your go-to. Pendant lighting above an island will add drama to the kitchen and at La Maison Interiors we have a variety of beautiful lighting options sure to revamp your kitchen this year. Remember to create a sense of harmony though, as you can go crazy mixing metals, but without a central focus or design aesthetic you might miss the bill. If you love neutral colors stick to lighter tones. The most popular trio is wood, glass and metal. Both elegant and simple but interesting to the eye.

Italian dining tableAt La Maison, we have gorgeous dining room chairs you will love! We suggest experimenting with mixing and matching your chairs. This does take some planning and thought, but our talented interior designers are more than happy to meet with you and offer guidelines to choosing the perfect luxury furniture dining room chairs for your home. The easiest way to do this is through purchasing the same chair in different colors or wood finish. Keep a consistency no matter what; the same shape, material and style will help to bring this look to fruition. A burst of color is always acceptable in the kitchen especially if you have a neutral color base to start with; the fun comes in when you want to contrast these chairs. Take advantage of the many luxury furniture options at La Maison Interiors today! If color just is not your thing, stick with neutrals by choosing chairs that are black, white and wood. Go simple with this to avoid overloading on design elements. Another fun way to add interest is by mixing seat cover fabrics. Again, stick with a theme to create harmony, but don’t be afraid to mix stripes with a print if the color palettes match up.

Whether you’re looking to incorporate new materials in the kitchen, fabulous lighting options or luxury dining room chairs, La Maison Interiors is here to help! Visit our showroom today for more great ideas from our interior designers!

Vintage Trends You Should Try

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La Maison interiors in Scottsdale specializes in luxury furniture, fabrics and accessories to make your home as beautiful and elegant as possible. We love new trends and incorporating different styles in the most unexpected places. This week, we’re talking about vintage bathroom trends.

Let’s start with color. Rich tones and bold shades are the way to go. Avoid washed out muted colors for the walls. Setting the tone with paint color is very easy, and homeowners often forget that a burst of a bold hue or shade can drastically change a space, especially a small one. Traditionally, bathrooms are not that large, but in modern homes we’re seeing much larger bathrooms, master en suites equipped with state of technology and expansive closets that seem to go on forever. Incorporating a certain style and charm is key here. Even if you space is large trying a vintage trend will make it feel cozier.

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If you have an en suite we suggest incorporating a beautiful slipper chair or sofa as a dressing area. A lot of women love to centralize their morning routine in order to stay organized and move quickly in the morning. Also, it doesn’t hurt to feel like a queen while slipping your heels on for the day. Look for pieces with natural curves that incorporate warm metal like gold or bronze. Too much chrome can appear too modern and overly clean and crisp. Pick the perfect hardware for the bathroom too! Opt for bridget style faucets, a clawfoot tub or separate hot and cold water taps specifically designed to exude a vintage look and feel. Once you have the larger pieces chosen it’s time to move onto accent pieces to set the mood.

Accent pieces are really important to incorporate since you want to showcase a certain level of old world charm that’s also polished and elegant. Most vintage furniture appears to be reused or refinished. The distressed look and feel appears ‘shabby-chic’ to exude an elegant look and feel that is also playful and absolutely beautiful. Incorporating small details like old books, a cherished jewelry box or a small lamp atop your bathroom counter sets the mood. Vintage trends are all about setting the mood with lighting, color and luxury furniture.

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Another great way to incorporate  these elements with a touch of grandeur is with mirrors. Mix and match shapes and sizes of mirrors to incorporate and eclectic look and feel. Symmetry is not always the best policy, especially if you want the bathroom to appear effortlessly vintage with old world charm. Lighting is another easy way to create a charming and inviting atmosphere. Opt for a chandelier that is not too overpowering and elaborate; a feminine touch always speaks to a soft look and feel.  Look for embellishments like beading, lace trim, tassels  and fabric with a touch of sheen to achieve this look.

One of our favorite ways to transform a space is through fabric. Fabrics with  dense repetitive patterns like flowers or the famed paisley print can appear old and tired. Incorporate modern prints and don’t shy away from including modern fabrics that have feel vintage either due to the sheen in the pattern, the warm colors or floral print. You will find gorgeous fabrics at La Maison Interiors, just start shopping at our Scottsdale location for a variety of options you will love.  One of our attentive interior designers will help you find exactly what you’re looking for!

Fabrics For February

Shopping for new fabric is both fun and challenging, as you might not know what to look for at first. At La Maison we have a variety of styles to choose from no matter what space you are redecorating. Our collection of gorgeous fabrics range from exquisite silk to cotton and linen. Whether you’re looking for a print  that adds visual interest or something more elegant and polished we will help you find exactly what you’re looking for at La Maison Interiors in Scottsdale.

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When choosing a fabric for draperies consider the durability of the fabric, thread count, weave and width. These four items are important to decide whether linen is a better choice over silk or chenille or if you need a wider fabric for a larger window. Alerting your interior designer to these constraints will help narrow down your choices. If you have a wide and long window opt for plenty of coverage since draperies that are not wide enough make a space feel smaller. Windows that are floor to ceiling need less coverage. Try a swag or cascade in non sheer fabric; choose a material that drapes naturally for added movement. Also a cascade will frame the window offering more width if the window is more narrow than the average size. In the kitchen, it’s best to choose a print that pops. Even if you have a neutral color palette draperies offer an opportunity to add visual interest. Low ceilinged windows call for light, crisp and simple fabrics. Choosing a fabric that is too busy, too sheer or too close to the wall color will make the space feel even shorter. Another tip is to set up the curtain rod where the ceiling and wall meet for added height.

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Now the fabric you choose depends on the style of your home! As style moves to more contemporary and modern aesthetics choose fabrics that are less heavy and textured. Soft fabrics that have natural movement appear more contemporary and also offer more visual interest. Stiff fabrics feel old and tired especially if you are trying to create interest in your space. Organic fabrics, silks, lightweight gauze, linen and burlap are trending right now. Using these fabrics offers a sensory experience and also gives a natural look and feel to any space. When a fabric is lightweight it provides more natural sunlight for a room and also makes a room feel larger. Look for fabrics that mimic the wall color if you want to make a space look and feel even bigger.

Linen dual upholsted dining chairThis season, soft muted “watercolors” are trending, which is a perfect addition to any bedroom or family room. Colors that are less vibrant appear more contemporary and also offer versatility if you incorporate new fabrics later on. From soft ocean blues to bold turquoise, ochre and orange these colors are all easy to work with and look great no matter what space you are redecorating. Choosing the right fabric color, print or pattern for upholstery is a really fun way to incorporate your personal sense of style without having to purchase  a brand new sofa or arm chair. Choose a color that adheres to your current design aesthetic. Don’t choose a fabric that is too busy with a lot of components for a sofa. You want to choose a print that is elegant and also engaging to the eye. Orange is very in this season, but be sure to choose a soft shade of orange as the more vibrant you go with this color the more contemporary and modern it feels. It can also give off a childlike look and feel if too pale or muted.

Silk Pillows leather headboardAre you looking for new bedding for a luxurious sleep every single night? How about new draperies for the family room? Our team will guide you in the search for the perfect fabric! Browse the fabrics we love for February in our showroom! Whatever type of fabric you are looking for La Maison Interiors can help you find the one that is right for you. Visit us in our showroom located in Scottsdale and one of our interior designers would be more than happy to show you a fabric that works for your personal style and home’s existing aesthetic.

Luxury Sectionals You Won’t Want To Leave

Finding a right sectional for your family room that adds style, comfort and coincides with the existing design elements in your home is key when shopping for a sectional sofa. Family room luxury furniture should be inviting, comfortable and elegant. There are many styles to choose from, but where to start if you’ve never embarked on a purchase like this before? Our talented team of interior designers are happy to help you find the perfect luxury sectional for your Scottsdale home at La Maison Interiors!

IMG_2115When selecting a sectional for your home, the best type of fabric is one that is easy to clean and comfortable. Everyday use can add wear and tear especially if you have children or a pet who doesn’t always keep his paws on the floor. Cotton and linen are the most optimal fabrics if you want a durable material that will last a long time and is also easy to maintain. Synthetic microfiber mimics most fabrics out there and is stain resistant. Wool and silk is on the more expensive side but definitely adds character and visual interest to a space. Silk is very sleek, modern and elegant, but does not bode well if it is getting a lot of use. Careful to opt for a printed fabric opposed to a woven fabric as it tends to wear down faster. Leather sectionals are very popular and offer a sophisticated look and feel to any family room. Pick a fabric you love! Whether or not more maintenance is needed you want to love this purchase!

IMG_2119Consider your home’s interior design. Is it more traditional with neutral colors or bright and vibrant? with patterns and prints? Sectionals are a statement piece without a doubt. Choose a bright hue/shade for a burst of color; go bold with deep jewel tones such as blue, green or even Marsala, the color of the year. Tufted or quilted sectionals are timeless, and offer a classic look and feel. Choose a lighter fabric color in cotton or linen for a more airy feminine aesthetic or leather in a darker color for a more masculine look and feel. If the pillows can be removed you are looking at a very comfortable luxury furniture purchase. Contemporary sectionals have clean lines echoing mid century modern style, but not to be confused with, as it is completely different. Mid century modern style echoes a minimalist style and does not offer the most comfortable experience, but will turn up the style in your family room without a doubt.

IMG_2117Furniture designers have taken creative freedom designing the most comfortable luxury furniture money can buy. Opt for a sectional that has a higher than average width if your space allows it. This adds more comfort for cozying up with a book or a loved one to watch a movie. And it also offers extra leg room if you do not have an ottoman yet. Test out the sectional in your favorite sitting position, legs curled up or extended, and see if it fits you. Make sure the framework is solid with supportive framing that will stand the test of time. Choosing the right sectional is all about trial and error. It’s the best shopping adventure to embark on with your man since he’ll be pleased to know seating will be provided.

Accompanying a sectional sofa with end tables is a must! Choose from a wide selection of gorgeous styles in a multitude of sizes that are sure to fit your brand new sectional. Ensure the height of the end table comes up or is just below the arm; any higher and the balance between the two pieces will be off. You are not aiming for a perfect height to height ratio, but getting as close as you can will complete your space. La Maison Interiors has a vast selection of end tables and sectional sofas and can be custom ordered for dimension specification.

Whichever sectional sofa style is right for you, La Maison Interiors will help you find the perfect luxury furniture piece for your home. Shop for throw pillows in a multitude of fabrics, styles and colors to put the finishing touches on your brand new sectional sofa!