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.

Why 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.

Flat 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.

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.
It’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.

Make 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.

This 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!

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!

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.

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!

Decorating for the holidays is so much fun, but when the month of December ends, how do we get back to classic luxury style without going too overboard? Pillows. All types of pillows in different shapes, sizes colors and fabrics are so much fun to choose and incorporate in your luxury home. Whatever your design style may be, La Maison has the perfect set of pillows to ring in the New Year!

Perhaps it’s time to replace your pillows, but where do you even begin? First, think about the purpose of the pillows, and who will be using them. We use the family room the most to spend time together, and your pillows should reflect those types of activities. Ensure they are comfortable to lean on or rest your head for a quick nap. The fabric should be soft, touchable and easy to clean. Also take into account the size of your furniture. Large throw pillows are better for the bedroom, while medium sized pillows are best for the family room, den or even an office chair. Small decorative pillows with embellishments are best in a space that does not get a lot of use. If you have a sitting room or great room that is mostly for show or special occasions then choose pillows that showcase beadwork or use an expensive fabric. If your space is mostly neutral colors add a pillow with a bold pattern or a bright color for an eye-catching accessory.

Think about the shape of your pillows! There are so many to choose from it may be hard to know which one is best suited for your each space in your home. The most common pillow sizes are standard squares for sofas that measure about 16 inches. Bolster pillows are great for bedrooms as they are unique in their cylinder shape and look great with different fabric options. Lumbar support pillows are usually 14×36 inches and offer back support for watching television or even reading in your office or sitting room. Smaller pillows appear more decorative rather than functional so it’s best to place smaller ‘boudoir’ pillows for show rather than use.

Pillows appeal to comfort. Have you ever noticed most people will migrate to the end of a couch or the corner of an armchair to sit comfortably? Think  about where your guests will likely sit after entering a space. Don’t overpopulate your sofa with pillows because your guests might feel sitting down is not an option. Make sure pillows are arranged casually for an inviting seating area and overall atmosphere. When designing a guest room, do not include too many throw pillows on the bed. We suggest arranging pillows in 2’s or 4’s on the bed. Most people move throw pillows to the floor so make sure you do not care about potential wear and tear in the guest room. In the master bedroom choose throw pillows that can double as extra support while watching television or reading a book. Include a pillow for your personal reading chair in the bedroom for added comfort and style.  Choose soft and touchable fabrics for pillows meant for relaxation.

When it comes to pillows, personalization is very popular! Give your master bedroom some personality with monogrammed pillows of you and your spouse’s initials or a pillow with an inspirational quote for your daughter. It acts as a sweet reminder, and offers a touch of luxury to any space. Beading and embellishments are certainly beautiful and with so many different options available at La Maison, we’ll help you find the perfect fabric to use. If your home is more modern go for geometric patterns in monochromatic color schemes. One color always works as an accent against a strong bold pattern or print as well. Choose soft and comfortable fabrics throughout your home. We love classic velour for the family room as it adds a touch of luxury and really makes the space feel warm and inviting. Some of the newer trends in pillows include handmade or vintage patterns and embellishments that give a little something extra.

No matter your design style, we can help you find the perfect pillows for any space in your home. From a vast selection in our showroom to fabulous fabrics, tassels and suggestions from our team of interior designers for custom pillows, we’ll help you find the perfect pillows for your home. Visit La Maison today and start redecorating your home with gorgeous pillows in even more fabulous fabrics!

We all have one room in our home that is smaller than the rest lacking the ideal atmosphere for interior design. Get optimal solutions that will make any space in your home look larger with a simple change in paint color, lighter fabric options or the addition of a mirror for a more open and spacious feeling. Simple and easy changes can drastically change the way you feel when you enter into your space for a more inviting atmosphere everyone will love. La Maison Interiors will show you how to do it, and why it will be a fun project!

Through The Window
One of the easiest ways to make a room appear larger is through the proper placement of draperies. This is often overlooked and causes a serious kink in the overall design of a space. Avoid hanging drapes that are right above the window casement, as this dwarfs any space, big or small. Instead, hang drapes where the wall and ceiling meet or a few inches above the casement if you have a little bit of wiggle room regarding ceiling height. Another easy solution is to coordinate the color of your fabric with wall color. This will make your space appear larger without a doubt! Another idea that works extraordinarily well in bedrooms, nurseries or even a laundry room is to opt for sheer drapes. Avoiding heavy fabrics and dark colors offers a more spacious feeling. Let in as much natural light as possible to open up the space even more. A good tip to incorporate modern design in a small space is to paint the walls and window casements the same color. This technique works the same way as sheer or similar colored drapes; it makes the space look and feel larger.

Picking The Right Pieces
Choosing luxury furniture that fits a small space can be challenging, but with a few easy guidelines picking the right pieces will be easier than ever. Choose luxury furniture that is raised off the ground instead of slouchy, large furniture that takes up visual space. Some of our newest arrivals will be a perfect fit for a small space. Choose luxury furniture that has clean lines. Do not choose a piece that is slouchy or very wide. Your goal is to choose pieces that offer a light, open and inviting atmosphere no matter what space you are redesigning. Also, multifunctional furniture such as a sofa that doubles as a bed or an ottoman repurposed as a coffee table or extra seating is both useful and fashionable. Although you don’t want to choose furniture that’s oversized, a large piece of furniture such as a corner desk in an office or a winged armchair in the family room will often make it look larger. A floor to ceiling bookshelf will add height to the space also. Organization is a critical factor in small spaces, so keep the clutter to a minimum and be choosy about which accessories to include. Mirrors offer a great solution to small spaces since the reflection widens the visual space and offers an open, airy feeling. La Maison has a great collection of luxury mirrors that are perfect for your home.

Choosing The Right Colors
When it comes to creating a color palette to make your space appear larger paint the trim, walls and any detailing in one color but similar shades. If you have off white trim and grey walls, choose another shade of white to paint the walls and your space will instantly feel bigger! A unified color palette will make the room appear much larger too. Painting your ceiling a bold and bright color is a risky move, but for anyone who has an eclectic taste this is your golden ticket. It draws your eyes upward making the room appear taller. Group similarly colored accessories together like books, trinkets or even modern art pieces that can be color-coded for an organized appearance. Open up your space with similarly colored luxury furniture to cut down on contrast. Instead of a solid wood coffee or end table opt for a glass table; you might be surprised as to how the transparency of glass tricks the eye into thinking there’s more space in the room.

Placement Is Key
Setting up a small space is a crucial part to the redecorating process. Even if you are not purchasing new furniture, repainting the walls or buying new fabrics rearranging your space could dramatically change the look and feel. By angling furniture rather than placing it against the wall it offers a dramatic effect and uses negative space to your advantage. Large paintings on the wall stand alone vases or any other dramatic accessory should not be left to the wayside as one big piece makes a space feel bigger too.  Avoid clutter at all costs in small space! Place your items carefully and make sure to leave some empty wall space because the more items you try to pack into one space the smaller it will feel. Minimalistic design tendencies work best in small spaces, especially when it comes to placement and style. Although designing a small space in traditional style is just as doable as modern and minimalistic be particular about what items stay and which items have to go. At La Maison, our team of interior designers is more than happy to help you design your space! We have tons of ideas, products and options for a small space. Visit our showroom today and find that piece of luxury furniture you’ve been searching for!

In this day and age, Americans work on average 50 or more hours a week hypnotized in front of computer screens, running around meeting clients or on phone calls from morning to night. Daytime hours roll into the evening often preventing most people from leaving work before 6 p.m. Using interior design to improve the quality of our lives is so much more relevant now, as the lines between home and work blur.  An at home work station complete with the perfect desk is a must have in the modern home.

Make It Work At Home 
Most people dread bringing work home, mostly because they know the only place to actually do work is on the sofa, at the kitchen table or maybe in bed. Most of time, people work from their laptop or iPad and forget about the importance of sitting at a desk to stay productive and organized out of the office. Keeping work out of the bedroom and the dining room is important to living a balanced lifestyle.  Setting up a space dedicated to work is a significant improvement from working in front of the television while also trying to spend time with family, and will significantly improve the way you work at home.

In terms of interior design, a desk is still a relevant piece of furniture, and despite our best efforts not to blur the line between home and work it’s important to dedicate a space just for work. Modernized desks provide homeowners with high-tech solutions and at home comfort. Drawers to hold office supplies are no longer needed, as desks are sleek and modern in both design and functionality. Luxury desks come in a variety of styles, made of a myriad of materials and perfect for any interior design style. At La Maison, we have an extensive collection of desks that will look fabulous in your luxury Scottsdale home! From minimalist and modern to traditional rustic and old world style we have what you’re looking for.

Where to place it and why?
Finding the perfect location for a desk in your home can be the toughest part of the entire process.  The most common place to put a desk is an office or study, allowing for the most creative freedom. Another common area is near the kitchen, as this allows for interaction with family and most importantly dinnertime. Consider placing a desk in your bedroom if the master is large enough. Decide what you will use the desk for, and if you need more or less privacy. If you plan on using the desk for family scheduling carve out a space off the kitchen. This works wonderfully in open concept floor plans, as everyone can easily access what they need. Consider putting a desk towards the front of the house for added privacy, or if you have a dedicated office/study area that does not have a purpose in your home yet, take advantage!

How about the look?
There are so many different styles to choose from, where do you start? Take a look at the existing design elements in your home first, and build off of it for a cohesive look and feel. Modern desks have straight lines, likely no hardware or drawers and offer built in technology solutions. You don’t get to choose your desk at work, but at home it’s all about personal preference. Your desk at home should embody personal style, fit your storage needs and provide a large enough workspace to where you can be efficient and stay organized. Modern design isn’t your only option as La Maison Interiors has traditional pieces you will love! Our traditional style desks are timeless and luxurious, and some of our newest arrivals for winter are desks made of exotic wood with hand carving that adds such character.  If you adore rustic old world styles we have gorgeous one of a kind pieces on our showroom floor.

The Fit
There are a few essential points to remember when looking for a desk. Think about the size of the space first, and if you need a small or large desk. Next, consider the height of the desk. If you plan on sitting down at your desk most of the time, be sure to select the appropriate comfortable chair.  Do you have enough legroom? Can you comfortably hover over the desk or is it too high? Also consider the technology you will be using at your desk. Will you spend most of your time working between two computer screens or will you be sketching, drawing or writing? Make sure the desk is large enough to support your work needs as well as fit your personal style.

Shopping for a desk might seem like a second thought, but even if you don’t bring work home staying organized and on top of daily tasks either for you or an entire family is much easier when everything is centralized in a general area. Desks provide a beautiful addition to any room of your home, as they are multi-functional, but designed beautifully. Just because a piece of furniture is functional does not mean it lacks beauty and elegance. At La Maison, our collection of contemporary, traditional and modern furniture is waiting for you. We have the perfect desk for your home!