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Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Winter Design Inspiration

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Design inspiration can be found everywhere you look.

The changing landscapes brought about by the seasons are an easy place to see this. Bursts of color in spring, summer and fall are easy to incorporate in interior design, but what about the duller setting of winter? There is inspiration to be found even in these slow and quiet months.

Green trees, powdery snow, sparkly ice, and earthy tree bark inspire patterns and colors to create a cozy space.

Go with soft or shiny textures in winter-inspired spaces.

Color schemes include silver, white, gray, gold, blue, and green. Find a combination that works for you.

In the Details

The Importance of Accessorizing

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In a bustle of fabric memos, sofas and rug samples, the accessories can get lost. They are the final touches. They seem like minor details. In the end, though, they make all the difference.

Good design is in the details.

Accessories are a way to let the room play. One of the best ways to show your personality, they add splashes of individuality. Sculptures, clocks, books, bowls and statues dance around a room to tell a story. They must be used tastefully, but accessories could be what your space is missing. Whether you want to choose a single statement piece or several accents, our showroom is filled with options.

Get Inspired By Some of Our Favorite Accessories

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: James Décor

Interior Design Software

Popular Programs Interior Designers Use

Photo: Hand sketches, from https://www.needpix.com/photo/856996/technical-drawing-architecture-project-rules-autocad-scale-work-interior-design

Photo: Hand sketches, from https://www.needpix.com/photo/856996/technical-drawing-architecture-project-rules-autocad-scale-work-interior-design

We are in a new era of interior design.

Gone are the days of painstaking, hand-drafted floor plans. Computer software allows for easy, painless drafting and visualization. Plans can be made infinitely more quickly. Innovations in design software have created a whole new world for interior designers and architects, expediting the entire design process.

Curious about what design software is out there? Read on to learn about four popular programs.

Photo: AutoCAD renderings, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/architect-architecture-blueprint-build-271667/

Photo: AutoCAD renderings, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/architect-architecture-blueprint-build-271667/

AutoCAD

AutoCAD was first released by Autodesk in 1989. CAD stands for computer-aided design. Interior designers depend on this tried and true software. This is often the first software designers learn, and it takes some effort to learn all the commands and the way the software works. Once a designer has it down, though, it makes drafting a breeze. Users can create 2D floor plans or 3D models of furniture, among other things. AutoCAD is a flexible tool that allows users to play and see many design possibilities.

Learn more: https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview

Revit

Revit is similar to AutoCAD in some ways, but there are key differences. This is the software architects and engineers frequently turn to. While AutoCAD specializes in 2D renderings, Revit is more suited for 3D renderings. AutoCAD is a drafting tool, and Revit is a modeling tool. Revit takes the drafts a step further and identifies the physical properties of the building components displayed on a rendering. Modifying drawings is easier, as Revit will automatically apply all changes to every view of a rendering. This must be done manually with AutoCAD. Revit does not allow for as much freedom as AutoCAD, however, as drafts must follow certain rules.

Learn more: https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/overview

Photo: 3D SketchUp rendering, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:3d_google_sketchup_rendering.PNG

Photo: 3D SketchUp rendering, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:3d_google_sketchup_rendering.PNG

SketchUp

Like Revit, SketchUp is also modeling software. This means 3D models are its specialty. Users can make realistic looking models. While AutoCAD and Revit must be paid for, SketchUp offers a free web-based version. Some argue that SketchUp is a little easier to use than other programs, but it really depends on what users are using it for. SketchUp is a great tool for dreaming up design possibilities and bringing them to life.

Learn more: https://www.sketchup.com/

Homestyler

The best part about Homestyler is the price—it’s free. While professionals may want to stick to the other programs, this website is especially useful for those wanting to play around with different design ideas. It may not allow for design specifics that a contractor would need, but it gets the job done for those who simply need to visualize something. Users can even decorate with real furniture products. Homestyler also has a handy mobile app.

Learn more: https://www.homestyler.com/int/home


Design software creates exciting opportunities for interior designers, architects and homeowners alike. With visualization tools like these, the sky is the limit. Use these four programs, or one of the many other options out there, to bring design ideas from your imagination to your home.


Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Fall Home Inspiration

Bring a Taste of the New Season to Your Home

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Fall.

A season of change. A time of reflection.

Subtle hues, toned down from the blaring brightness of summer, create a dreamy mood of nostalgia. Burnt orange, crimson red and golden yellow mimic the landscape of trees transitioning to winter. Moody neutrals, like black and mocha, create a dim but comforting atmosphere.

To spice it up, throw in some texture. We love metallics and furs.

Let cozy furniture and accessories like these set the mood as you slow down to get ready for winter’s rest.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield

The Dog Days of Summer

Cool Color Inspiration to Help You Beat the Heat

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It’s the time of year when even a quick swim or run through the sprinkler isn’t enough to make the sticky heat enjoyable. The crisp days of fall seem just within reach, yet aren’t close enough to touch. Hot and humid air is here to stay, at least for a little bit longer.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some inspiration from our showroom to cool things down. Cool colors like blue, green and purple bathe a space in refreshing calmness. Mix the shades in with your warm and neutral colors, or even let them stand on their own. Use them anywhere—accents, artwork, linens and furniture.

Feel the breeze yet? The dog days of summer just got a little less humid.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield