In the Details

The Importance of Accessorizing

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

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Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: James Décor

Design Around the World

Europe

Photo: Unsplash

Good design is global. The interior design trends we know and love today are from all over the world. Often rich with history, these are the trends that last through the ages and are reinvented time and time again. 

One particular place that has contributed to interior design in a vast number of ways is Europe. Everything from Scandinavian to Tuscan to French Country design has roots in Europe.

The style is broad, but there are several design principles consistent across many European based styles. These principles can serve as a starting point to inspire your design. 

Photo: Unsplash

To bring the look to your home, here’s what you need to know.

Layout

European style homes typically have one focal point, like a fireplace. The rest of the design revolves around that focus. This grew out of ancient Greek and Roman styles. 

Textures

Textures are often inspired by nature. Marble, stone or tile floors are common. Soft fabrics, like cotton or velvet, add elegance. Faux furs can also work, as they are popular in the colder regions of Europe. You’ll find a diverse range of patterns when it comes to fabrics, although some fabrics are left un-patterned to emphasize the texture.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/interior-design-chairs-table-2573445/

Accents

Don’t be shy when it comes to accessorizing. Typical accessories are antiques, or at least have an Old World feel. These accessories add layers to your home. When it comes to furniture, use pieces with a large scale, rather than lighter pieces.  

Color

Color is often plentiful in European houses, though dull or pastel shades are common. Some designs include rich colors, reminiscent of the deep shades found in royal castles. 

Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rex_Whistler_-_Sketch_of_his_interior_Design_1936.jpg

Inspiration

For more inspiration, research specific European styles. Some ideas are French Country, Tuscan, Spanish, Mediterranean and Italian Villa. Find the one that suits your style, or mix and match. The possibilities are endless.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/modern-european-style-and-european-interior-design/

Back to School Home Organization Tips

Think Outside the Classroom

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rubbermaid/5093615082/

September is here, and the new school year is officially in full swing. Kids are getting used to new teachers and classrooms. Morning routines are in place. Bedtimes are set. Now, you have a little bit of time to think about something else to make your schedule run even more smoothly: organizing your home.

During this busy time of year, stuff has a way of getting piled up. It starts with a pair of soccer cleats thrown over here, then a backpack slung over there. Before you know it, everything you own is scattered throughout the house. Nothing has a place of its own.

It may not seem like a big deal at first. Over time, however, this can lead to ongoing stress. Our environments are frequently blended into the background of our lives without so much as a thought. What we don’t realize is that they are of infinite importance to our well-being.

It starts with the structure of the home. Floor plans, lighting and finishes all make an impact on us. It then goes to the furnishings chosen for the home. Sofas, table and their layouts make a difference in how we live. The final layer? Organization of items within the home—our focus today.

5 Essential Home Organization Tips:

Give Everything a Home

Containers and baskets and shelves, oh my! Group your stuff into categories first. Put all those scrunchies into a pile. Arrange those books into neat stacks. Gather up all those loose toys. Once they’re all grouped, you’ll be able to tell how many storage containers you need. Stock up and get those items stashed away. When everything has a place to belong, picking up is way simpler.

Photo: https://www.needpix.com/photo/591447/shelf-container-rack-food-shelves-store-people-market-industry

Break Cleaning into Small, Daily Tasks

Instead of letting chores build until it seems like an insurmountable task to get the house clean, break everything up into small, daily tasks. For example, you could make your task of the day be vacuuming. Tomorrow, it could be cleaning the bathroom mirrors. What was once an overwhelming undertaking now seems manageable. It’s also a great way to get kids involved, who can get in the habit of doing one small chore a day.

Make it a Game

Speaking of getting the kids involved, a great way to do this is to make it a game. Make it a race to see who can get their toys picked up the fastest. See how many days in a row they can go without forgetting to take out the trash. Another idea is to create a reward system.

Plan Ahead

Oftentimes, a little planning is the key to keeping your home organized. Schedule cleaning times. Get in the routine of cleaning every day at a certain time. Routines are especially helpful in the morning. Lay out outfits and pack lunches the night before. This prevents the closets and kitchens from turning into madhouses in the morning rush. In the mornings, there often isn’t time to put things back, so the mess builds. A little planning will take care of the problem.

Deep Clean Every Six Months

While small, daily tasks work for most chores, there are some things that don’t need to be done as often. You can save these things for a deep clean about twice a year. This is also a great time to get rid of any clutter that has built up in the past months. Sift through what you haven’t touched in the past six months, and donate it.

Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flat-lay-photography-of-calendar-1020323/

These incredibly simple tips can get your home in tip-top shape. Mornings will be a breeze, and evenings will be more enjoyable. What are you waiting for? Get organizing. It’s not as hard as you think.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

The Dog Days of Summer

Cool Color Inspiration to Help You Beat the Heat

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

Interior Design Around the World

Japan

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/apartment-view-interior-room-3564955/

One of the best ways to step out of your style comfort zone is to try an interior design style from another country. There is an endless world of design possibility out there. Most of these design styles have trickled to the United States in one way or another, but their uniqueness is still not as well known. 

The Japanese interior design style is one that would suit those who enjoy clean, modern spaces. Minimalists feel at home in spaces like these. The Japanese style puts more emphasis on space than it does on the things filling a space. This is the opposite of most European styles, which are known for specific accents or types of furniture. Japanese principles include balance, order and natural beauty. 

What else? Read on to discover more attributes of Japanese interior design.

Layout

Japanese interiors emphasize open space. Don’t make things crowded; use as little furniture as possible. Many Japanese spaces don’t even use interior walls to split things up--they opt for movable screens instead. This keeps the entire space open.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/asia-live-living-room-japanese-4209448/

Textures 

Much of Japanese design is based off of nature. The goal of a Japanese interior is to become one with nature. This means many textures used in Japanese spaces are those that can be found in nature. One specific example is wood, which is used abundantly in Japanese homes. Find it on floors, frames and doors. 

Accents

As with everything else, keep the accessories minimal. Japanese spaces are as uncluttered as possible. Use plants, like bamboo or bonsai, to spruce things up.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/bamboo-forest-green-plant-wood-20936/

Color

Colors, like other aspects of Japanese design, are also based off of nature. Soft blues and greens, along with neutrals, work well. Make sure colors are muted, as the goal of a Japanese space is to be relaxing and blend in with nature. 

Deck out your whole home with the Japanese design style, or simply incorporate a few of the design principles for a calmer, more relaxing space.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/japanese-interior-design-the-concept-and-decorating-ideas/

http://www.home-designing.com/2012/12/japanese-style-minimalist-inspiration

Spanish Colonial Interior Design

How to Incorporate This Style in Your Home

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/architecture-houses-homes-2608240/

The Spanish Colonial interior design style is influenced by a rich past. Dark woods, intricate details and plenty of stone give this style depth. It was originally brought to America by the Spanish from the 1600s to 1800s. Popular in California, you may find this style featured in the homes of movie stars. Interested in bringing this timeless style to your home?

5 Trademarks of Spanish Colonial Interior Design:

Stucco Walls

Stucco walls, in white or cream, are popular in Spanish Colonial homes. Other popular choices include adobe brick or stone. These materials were traditionally chosen in order to keep Spanish homes cool. The light walls help break up the other dark features which are popular in this style.

Photo: A typical Spanish Colonial house, featuring stucco walls and a terracotta roof, from Unsplash

Wrought Iron

This can be incorporated into interiors in a variety of ways. Wrought iron chandeliers and railings are two examples. Wrought iron is reminiscent of years past, when blacksmiths were found in every town.

Dark Wood

Dark varieties of wood, such as walnut or mahogany, are often featured in Spanish Colonial homes. You’ll find dark wood floors, ceiling beams and fireplace mantels.

Photo: Dark wood cabinetry. https://pixabay.com/photos/home-kitchen-modern-luxury-kitchen-1416381/

Arches

Arches are common architectural features of Spanish Colonial houses. You’ll find them over doorways or windows, in hallways or alcoves. Arches are a simple way to add architectural interest to an otherwise plain space, without going over the top.

Bright, Patterned Fabrics

While the Spanish Colonial style is centered around neutrals such as those found on the wood or tile essential to this style, you’ll also find pops of color and pattern. Colors are bright and patterns are detailed. These can help to break up the other neutrals.

Photo: Unsplash

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a25056763/spanish-colonial-design-style/

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-favorite-features-of-spanish-revival-style-stsetivw-vs~133590

Scandinavian Interior Design

The Cozy Minimalist Style

Photo: https://www.maxpixel.net/Home-Nordic-Household-2394831

Like a light summer breeze, the Scandinavian interior design style is airy and soothing. The blank spaces are as intentional as the décor itself. Brought about by years of tradition, this style pulls off timeless and modern in the same breath.

This style originated in the Nordic region, which is notorious for long, dark winters. The goal of these interiors is to keep things bright and open, but cozy at the same time. This is no easy feat.

Originating in an environment where natural light is in short supply, the way light is used in these spaces is very important. Lots of windows with sheer coverings are popular.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/stay-scandinavian-style-white-room-2132344/

Other minimalist styles are typically cold and uninviting. The Scandinavian style uses lots of textures — like blankets, rugs and throws — to soften the stark white that is a trademark of this style. Stark contrast, like black and white, is one aspect this style uses.

Another big difference between Scandinavian design and other modern styles is the use of color. While neutrals are an essential component, bursts of other colors are used as well. These colors are typically softer, like pastels.

The style is tidy and doesn’t have a lot of ornate detail. The details, however, are intentional. A well placed piece of artwork or pop of texture prevents the clean style from looking too cold.

Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-black-framed-mirror-on-the-wall-905198/

Minimalist furniture is often used, such as Mid-century modern pieces. These pieces are slim and light, rather than bulky.

You won’t find wall-to-wall carpet in these interiors. Wood floors with plenty of rugs are the norm. Wood is typically light — like beech, ash and pine.

Nature themes are also common. You’ll find botanical artwork, plants and tree branches throughout Scandinavian spaces.

Like a refreshing summer breeze in the middle of winter, the Scandinavian style is a sure way to bring a refreshing yet cozy touch to your space.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Sources:

https://www.mydomaine.com/scandinavian-interior-design-ideas

http://www.contemporist.com/10-common-features-of-scandinavian-interior-design/

The Memo Library

Custom Design Options

It only takes a few seconds in our memo library to get a taste of the limitless options in interior design.

This is why hiring a designer if often critical to narrow things down. You’ll find endless swatches of fabrics, flooring samples, drapery samples and everything in between. Most are arranged by brand, and then arranged by color within the brands. We carry a wide range of brands to cater to every budget and taste.

Fabric memo racks

For a designer, there’s nothing more rewarding than searching through countless racks and piles of every color and pattern imaginable. It often takes a whole team, but the light bulb moment of finding the perfect one is worth it all.

Cord samples

If you can’t find what you need in our library, you can typically provide your own material to cover whatever piece of furniture you want to cover. This is referred to as customer’s own material, or COM.

Tile samples

Some of our many brands are John-Richard, Thibaut, Kravet, RM COCO and Duralee. There are countless others. The sky’s the limit when it comes to custom options.

Leather memos

For endless inspiration, come take a look around our memo library. If you can dream it, we can design it.

Michaela Satterfield

James Décor Writer

Photos: Michaela Satterfield