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Post pictures of or write about your LEAST favorite room in your home on our Facebook page for a chance to win a room re-do between now and February 20th!  Leave a brief description about what you dislike and why. Encourage friends to “like” your post.  The person with the most “likes” will win. The winner will be announced Monday, February 27th. Details are below!

5 Easy Steps:

1. Log into your Facebook account.

2. Find us on Facebook at:   http://www.facebook.com/ParadigmInteriorDesignInc  

3. Click on “Photo” which is write next to “Post”.

 4. Select Upload a Photo

5. Click “Choose File” to select the image you want to upload

Contest Details:

- Submit photos of one room – post via your computer or phone to Facebook.

- Encourage friends and family to like your post and picture.  The person with the most “likes” will win.

- There are no restrictions on the location of the property.

*Winner will receive a room re-do. We start by rearranging your existing pieces of furniture to make the space more functional and visually appealing.  Next we can help you select paint colors, accessorize, and fall back in the love with your home!

- Winner will be announced February 27th via Facebook and our website/blog.  Pictures of the before and after will be posted on our blog upon completion.

 Before

After

Bored with your home?  Looking for some easy, affordable ways to freshen things up?  Look no further!  Here are some quick fixes to update any room in your home.

Option 1: Paint

Get rid of the boring beige.  Below is a great example of how a little color on the walls can brighten up a space and make it feel larger.

 Work to find the right balance of light and dark.  This will prevent a room with dark walls from feeling small.  The light floors, cabinets, and ceiling are a beautiful contrast to the navy walls.

Don’t be afraid to try a bright color.

That said, neutrals can also make a statement when the right hue is used.  Notice how crisp this color looks with the white trim.

Try a pattern to make a bold statement in a small space.

Consider putting the pattern on the floor.  It is a great way to provide color and visual interest in any space.

Option 2: Revamp or upgrade a light fixture

This is a great example of how an old brass chandelier can have a new life if you have the time for a little DIY project.  Try a spray paint with a gloss finish.

I had to throw this in.  I made a wine glass chandelier to go with my thesis project back in college.  It took 36 wine glasses, fishing line, and a single light bulb.

I love using chandeliers in different spaces such as bedrooms, closets, or bathrooms.  They add a touch of nostalgia and intimacy to a room.

A funky grouping of fixtures can make a dynamic statement.

Option 3: Make your bed the throne of your bedroom

Reinvent your headboard.  Try a found material like the one below made of old plank floor boards.

Consider reupholstering an antique headboard with a bold color or pattern that draws the eye.

If you don’t have room or the budget for a headboard, consider a wall decal.  They are an inexpensive, fun way to give a room character.

Option 4: Reupholster or refinish

Find a piece of furniture that has good bones but is in sad shape.  Give it some TLC and the end product can be stunning.

This console has an old school finish, but a carefully applied coat of paint gives it a lovely new life.

Option 5: Invest

Invest in ONE “statement piece” of furniture per room.  It can be a piece that you lovingly refurbish or one that you choose to splurge on.  Whether a chair, desk, mirror, accent piece, table, or rug, the choice is up to you, but one thing is certain – it must steal the show.  What is your eye drawn to in the images below?

Have you ever wondered why a Persian rug costs an arm and a leg? Or what the difference is between a hand tufted versus hand knotted rug?  Here is some  information that we compiled to help you make an informed decision when buying a rug.  First off, there are three general types of rug construction:

Machine Made – done entirely by a machine called a power loom that is electrically automated.  Notice how uniform the loops are and how consistent the color is in the image below.  Another way to know if it’s machine made is by looking at the fringe.  If it is sewn or serged onto the rug (also seen below) it’s been machine made.  Hand knotted rugs use the warp threads that run through the entire rug to “create” the fringe.  Machine made is the least expensive of all rug construction types.

Hand Tufted – someone uses a “gun” that inserts the pile into a cloth foundation and therefore creates a loop pile or “knot”.  The back of a hand tufted rug (shown below) is usually covered with latex to hold the yarn in place then covered with a cloth backing.  It typically doesn’t have any fringe but can be sewn on.  See how they are  made.

Hand Knotted  or hand woven– someone ties each and every knot.  To be called a hand knotted oriental rug, it must be made of natural fibers (wools, cotton, silk), be woven entirely by hand, and of Asiatic origin such as Iran, India, Russia, China, Tibet, Nepal, Morocco etc.  Notice the slight changes in color and knot size in the image below.  The bit of white you see is the weft threads.  These will typically have fringe made from the cut warp threads.  Sometimes on more contemporary designs, the fringe has been “tucked” to make it more modern in appearance.

Value: A hand knotted 8×10 rug takes over six months to complete.  The quantity of time required to create the rug, the knot size, and pattern difficulty dictate the end cost of a rug. A rug in your home could have anywhere from 90 to 350 knots per square inch!  A well made, high quality hand knotted rug using fine wools, true color-fast dyes, and the most skillful hand-weaving techniques can last over four generations.  An oriental rug can be an investment that gains value over time.  After sixty years it is considered an antique oriental rug.

Differences between Persian and Turkish:  The main difference between Persian and Turkish rugs are the types of knots they use.  The knots used also define a broader region that uses that specific knot.  For example, Turkish rugs don’t come from just Turkey.  The knot that makes up the Turkish rugs are often used in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and more Eastern countries whereas the Persian knot is common in Pakistan, China, Nepal, Afghanistan, etc.  See this map (midway down) for more detail.

Content and why it matters (wear, style, etc). Silk, wool, nylon, etc.:  Silk is what gives oriental rugs that shimmer or sheen.  It is usually used in accent colors or intricate details in a rug.  A rug with high silk content will look shiny and should be used in a space with minimal traffic because silk is less durable than its wool and nylon counterparts.  For example, if you are doing a rug in an entry I’d avoid a rug with a high silk content.  Nylon is cheaper and will wear considerably well.  That being said, wool is used in higher-end rugs because it is extremely durable and a natural product.

If you want to really educate yourself, I recommend this site.  It’s from a rug company, Nejad, in Pennsylvania and is very thorough.  It has diagrams, stain tips and everything you could possibly need.  They did a great job of putting this info together, so enjoy!

Check out this fun picture we found on the Nejad site showing one of the largest looms – over 50 meters wide!  It is hard to fathom the size and complexity of weaving a rug of this size.

The kitchen is a gathering space.  Along with the friends and family who often congregate here, the kitchen is home to a million types of utensils, appliances, pots, pans, junk drawers, and much more.  The amount of “stuff” we accumulate in our kitchens can be overwhelming.  There are never enough nooks, crannies, cupboards, drawers, or shelves to put everything away.  Instead of trying to hide the things that make your kitchen a kitchen, consider a different way to store or display them.  They just might blend right in when given the right home in plain sight.

This is a beautifully simple kitchen.  Everyday items become the visual focal point from countertop to ceiling on butcher block shelves.

 I love the vintage table used as an island, open display of kitchen knives, and unique wall pattern that contrasts the plain white cabinets.

Try putting your coffee grounds, sugar, flour, and other household staples in glass jars instead of hiding them in cupboards.  The different colors and textures provide visual interest.

If you don’t have space on a shelf for your spices, try using the bottom side – buy matching jam jars with metal lids that you can tack to the underside of a shelf.

Warm up stainless steel with a few accents that bring your personality into the kitchen.

Pick two styles of containers/baskets that have different textures to organize open shelves.

Layer objects of varying size and scale.  Stack shelves of different lengths and widths to give a wall depth.

The perfect spot for every utensil.

Combine shelving and basic wall-hanging elements to create your own storage unit.

Now lets switch gears and put all of these pieces together.  Below are a selection of beautiful kitchens that caught my eye. Enjoy!!

There are two spaces in a home that people want to remodel most: the kitchen and the bathroom.  Unless your home is a new-build, it is highly unlikely that you love every nook and cranny of your bathroom.  For most of us in older homes, condo’s and apartments, there are a number of things in this space we would like to change, but don’t have the budget or ability to follow through on.  Before you decide to blow up your bathroom and start from scratch, take a look at some of the beautiful abodes we found and our tips to take your bathroom from ho-hum to your personal sanctuary.

Warm and cozy, the collection of unique mirrors in this bathroom are tied together through a simple coat of paint.  Try finding a few mirrors that have interesting frames at garage sales or thrift stores, spray paint the frames to match, and voila, your own wall-feature is complete.

Mirrors also help small spaces feel larger and reflect the colors of their surroundings so there is less need for artwork.  The use of reclaimed wood, likely from a wood shop table in this case, offers a touch of nostalgia.

A chandelier can completely change the feel of a space.  I love this wire one, it adds dimension and a touch of the whimsical to the already soft color palette.

Are you a bookworm?  Then bring some of that love for literature into your bathroom.  These backlit shelves give a very simple room color and personality.  Accessorize the shelves with a few objects that pull out the brightest color in the space.

This look is clean and fresh.  The vintage wall-mounted mirror offers some open storage, as the pedestal sink and subway tile create a balance between matte and glossy finishes.

Love the use of an antique armoire and bold colored claw foot tub.  To get a little extra spice, try adding a cool printed paper, wallpaper, or fabric as the insert panel in your storage unit.  The one shown was likely a china cabinet with glass panels.  Try painting the outside of your old claw-foot tub.  Both are easy weekend DIY projects that could transform you bath quickly.

Yay storage!!  To the women reading this, show off your shoes and handbags!  They are works of art in their own right.  This will give you a place to store them and admire them.  I also love how this bathroom makes use of the vertical space, and who doesn’t love a charming ladder.

A very easy way to change the feel of your bathroom is with a fun new shower curtain and a floor length mirror.  The chunky frame on this mirror is the perfect opposition to the ethereal shower curtain and playful tub.

This was too clever not to show.  What a great way to reuse an old bike and give a pedestal sink a little bit of storage for hand towels or other necessities in the bike’s basket. It feels funky and retro.

A great use of color and asymmetry.  This is a great idea for a small space.  You get a full length mirror, sink with vanity mirror, little bit of counter space, and 2 drawers all in one wall-mounted piece (gotta love the one leg!).

 An organic or sleek ledge is a beautiful, easy accent to add to a bathroom.  Put it on the longest wall to help elongate the space.

Storage is key in most bathrooms.  Pick a wall and turn it into a sort of apothecary cabinet.  Keep colors the same and hide unruly items like hair dryers, etc in boxes or baskets.

Ladders can be an great addition to any bath.  Simple and easy management for towels or magazines.

If you have very little space, one of the best things you could do is add a recessed Robern cabinet.  They come in many configurations and depths.  I used to have one with interior electrical outlets in our old home.  This is brilliant because it can hide razors and toothbrushes while charging so they don’t clutter the bathroom counter.  They also have a mirror defogger which is great when you are in a hurry and can’t see your mirror.

January is the month of resolutions and slogans like “A new year, a new you”.  Slogans that we tend to forget about by the time month two of the New Year actually rolls around.  In the past, my personal resolutions have been a lofty statement filled with vague ideas and good intentions, but no direction on how to get there.  So this year I decided to try making my resolutions on a smaller, more intimate scale.  For example, instead of saying that I am going to get organized, I focused on what I could do in my life to make that happen, and for me that meant finding simplicity – in my home, at work, and in my relationships. To me, simplicity means decluttering your life of the things that hold no personal value to you, get in the way of what really matters, and stop you from expressing who you genuinely are.  Try taking a fifteen minute inventory of all aspects of your life and what is most important to you in those areas.  Now come up with five improvements that if made would create positive, progressive changes in your life.

This week we are focusing on the home office space.  To be happy and productive at your desk, the environment it sits in needs to reflect who you are and how you like to work.  The goal is to strike a balance between form, function, comfort, and style.  You will notice how different all of these office spaces are – some feature very clean lines and little color, while others are highly stimulating with bold patterns and a plethora of eye candy.  Focus on what speaks to you and gets your creative juices flowing!

Tip 1: Have ample lighting and preferably some natural light in your work space.

Tip 2: Organize and declutter!  Find a system for storing your stuff that works for you – it can be baskets, bins, drawers, jars, shelves, etc.  Get creative, it should be a reflection of how you function.

Tip 3: Make use of the space you have.  An office doesn’t require a room to itself.  It can be integrated seamlessly into your home, creatively disguised behind a curtain, or tucked neatly into the confines of a closet.

Cheers!

-Collette

Ski season is here!  All of the resorts in Colorado are open and thousands of people from around the world hit the slopes here every weekend.  Whether your design style is modern or traditional, adding a touch of ski-lodge inspired love to your home just might be the ticket to create a cozy atmosphere for the cold months ahead.  Here are some of our favorite ideas that you can pull from to make your own apres-ski environment.  So grab a cup of hot cocoa and get to work!!

The Cabin in Perth by Dark Horse Productions.  A warm, neutral palette combined with rustic and soft textures makes you want to kick off your ski boots and curl up in front of the fire.

We love the white floors combined with the dark walls and light natural wood furniture – they strike a beautiful balance with one another.

Open storage for firewood is a great way to include a natural element if you don’t have a feature such as exposed log beams in your home as this cabin does.

2.  Fireside Lodge in Wilson, WY (pic directly above)…you can rent it with a Groupon deal.  The metal chairs and storage are also in perfect contrast to the plush couches.

Aerin Lauder’s ski lodge in Aspen via Vogue.  See all pics here.  Sleek, clean lines and an abundance of natural light make this space feel fresh and airy.

Great bedroom by Sophie Donelson.  It is simultaneously quaint and chic.  The old school duvet cover accessorized by a bold stripe blanket and matching gold and brown pillows make you want crawl in bed and read a book.  The antlers and vintage backpacks make a statement on the wood paneled walls as the antique bench helps frame the bed.

Aspen Social Club.  Antlers make for a unique ceiling element that create depth and play with the light quality.  The gauzy curtains soften the effect of the shiny table tops.

To recap: Accessorize your home with antlers (real or fake) or add a cool animal bust.  West Elm has a papier-mache stag that is worth taking a peek at. Use old ski posters and antique wood skis as wall decor.  Find an interesting way to stack wood indoors to give a space a natural, rustic feel. Lastly, incorporate cozy textures through pillows, throws, and rugs – a flokati rug or a hide (faux or real) feel great on bare feet.

So come on in and curl up by the fire!  There is something so cozy and comforting about the flickering flames of a fireplace on a chilly evening.  Adding a fireplace to a room can completely change the feel of your living space.  It adds a warmth both visually and physically that neither lights nor candles can compare to.  Like the kitchen island, it becomes a place that friends and family gather around.  They are a beautiful addition to a living room, bed room, or den/office/library.  Here are some of our favorites in honor of this age old invention…

A traditional fireplace that exudes classic elegance with a soft monochromatic palette.

Love the combination of wood and metal.  The sleek modern design is beautifully contrasted by the rustic storage of firewood.

The above two fireplaces are by Focus.  They are more industrial and far less traditional, but present some interesting ideas on how to incorporate a fireplace into a small space.

An antique fireplace by Mary Jeanne Kneen makes a stunning statement when paired with this painting.

Natural and modern, the rich wood finish and asymmetrical shelf provide visual interest to a soft background color.

I have an obsession with this style of fireplace.  They are typically found in old homes or brownstones in the NYC area.  I dream of one of these some day because the way the fire lights the patterns on the metal face is something that can’t be reproduced.

December has arrived and with it comes the Holidays.   It doesn’t matter what you celebrate or how big or small your budget, bringing the holidays into your home feels good this time of year.  In many families a Christmas tree has become an important part of holiday tradition.  This year we worked hard to find some less traditional options that take on a variety of shapes and forms.  We also scoured the web to bring you the most stunning and creative holiday decor that is fit to adorn your foyer, table, mantle, or wherever you deem worthy.  Begin a new holiday tradition with your family and design something together!  Cheers!

Vintage wood slats offer color and texture while heart appliques give it a personal touch.  A great idea for small spaces and people who love DIY projects.

I absolutely love this idea!  It is an excellent space saver or just a fun twist on your mundane book cases.

An old school shiny tinsel tree adds a touch of glamour to a simple room.  Try this is silver, white, or a bright hue like fuschia for a pop of color.  Wrap your packages in a shade of that color and dress with a contrasting ribbon to complete the look.

A playful take on a tree and a great idea if you don’t have a chandelier over your table.  All you need is a branch, ornaments, and fishing line.

Gather friends at your holiday party and ask them to each write down something they are thankful for and find a place for it on your “paper tree”.

Go natural with fruits and berries that have a rich color and interesting texture.

Give leftover ornaments, candies, or accessories a home!  Fill a glass vase with the colorful baubles.  It makes a beautiful table center piece.

Put your old cupcake tower to good use.  Combine household accents with a few holiday accessories for a festive homemade display.

Make a statement by grouping together candle holders and vases.  Try varying heights to give your display visual interest.  Add an organic element such as faux berry branches for contrast.

Embrace simplicity.  These tables are elegant because they aren’t overdone.

Entice your senses by incorporating potpourri, cinnamon sticks, or scented candles.

Select a color palette and use it for your indoor and outdoor decorations.

Construct your own wall focal point that can be saved for next year.

Who said stockings have to be hung from a mantle?  Utilize the surfaces you have efficiently and creatively.  This piano is a perfect example!

Try combining fresh greens, votive candles, a colorful fruit, and simple ornaments to create your table runner.  Add height with vases, candelabras, or family heirlooms.

Soften a whimsical wintery white palette with cozy fabrics and interesting textures.

Design your own Menorah with family or invest in one that expresses your style.

Work to build a “theme” for your holiday decor.  Select mantle decorations that can easily be mimicked on your table.

For the Home

1.  Add some great pillows to refresh your rooms.   This Hermes accent pillow offers a pop of color and a touch of class, available in multiple colors.

Or this beautiful digitally printed pillow from ABC Home.

2.  Light up a personal photograph with this freestanding picture light from Visual Comfort.

3.   Add a cloche to a window sill or side table for year around green.  This one is from Arteriors.

4.  Add a dash of color and an abundance of warmth with a beautiful throw like this one from Designers Guild.

Or this one from Missoni.

For the Ladies

1.  Express your love on custom notecards from a printer that can do letterpress.

2.  Beat the chilly air with an infinity scarf.  Many styles exist so check out Etsy for your favorite.  The one below is from deroucheau.

3.  An exquisite piece of jewelry offers the perfect amount of holiday sparkle.  I love the modern elegance of David Yurman pieces found at davidyurman.com

The Merrakesh Necklace below from Stella&Dot offers holiday glitter at a delightful price.

4.  The accessory on every woman’s arm, a hand bag.  Here are a few beauties that I couldn’t resist.

A daytime purse that can hold everything you need, from a brand that is renowned for its quality.  Find it in stores or online at Coach.

Shiny and bright, this raspberry patent leather Kate Spade bag is a steal.

Or this great evening clutch from Sondra Roberts; find at Nordstrom.

5.  Who said that plaid was just for the boys?  This Burberry jacket is a chic version of an age old classic.

For the Men

1.  Whisky Rocks to keep the spirts cold without dilution.  The natural soapstone is reusable after a quick rinse and a little freezer time.

2.  Lululemon Vent Tech Shirt for all manly activities…keep ’em dry and smell free.  An added bonus is the fun little note on the hem.

3.  A Paradigm gift certificate to spruce up the bachelor pad.

4.  Liquid Image HD Snow Goggles let you record your action on the slopes with the push of a button.  Those silly cameras head cams are a thing of the past.

5.  A personal beer holster keeps you hands free whether on a hike or in the backyard for a barbecue. Available at redenvelope.com

For the Foodie

1.  Custom Knife from either Cut Brooklyn or Middleton Knives Handmade in the USA and they are stunning…order in advance as they take time to craft.

2.  Le Cruset in a fabulous color (cassis)  like this one below.  Available at muliple locations.

3.  Cooking classes to hone or learn a new skill.  Try Escoffier in Boulder or French Culinary Institute in NYC.

For the Kids

1.  Makerbot – Let the kids design their own toy and then watch their creation come to life with this 3-D printer.  You’ll be as impressed as they are…and you can make things to use as well (note the spatula on the website).

2.   Paint a wall with chalkboard paint or white marker paint so they can paint on the walls without getting into trouble.

3.  A Downhill Toboggan…because snow is a coming and memories last a lifetime, just ask my brother.

4.  Start a tradition of buying them a themed ornament each year depicting what they are interested in at that time.  Let them open it before Christmas so they can hang it on the tree.  This is a tradition started by my Colorado “Grandparents” and I looked forward to it every year as a child.  An added bonus is they will have a tree full of ornaments once they start their own families.

For the Bookworm

1.  Interesting or beautiful books for their coffee table.

2.  The Kindle Fire – because it’s now in color and there is nothing better than being able to turn a page with one hand!

For the Oenophile

1.  Corkcicle – a reusable, nontoxic gel that freezes in a BPA free plastic icecicle shape to keep your wine cold without the large, messy bucket of ice.

2.  A classic waiter’s corkscrew from Chateau Laguiole.   Most connoisseurs prefer less gadgety items when it comes to serving a nice bottle of wine.  Featured is the oak barrel handle but for those inclined, they offer bone designs as well.

3.  Wine Bottle Tags for organizing their cellar.  Available at multiple sources.

For the Pet Lover

1.  This has to be the most stylish modern pet bed I’ve seen.  It’s from Vurv and it’s handmade in Canada.  They have other great products as well.

2.  A trendy feeding bowl for your pooch from These Creatures.