The Corner on Cabinets

Storage in a bathroom is something we can all use more of. This bathroom in Frisco, TX takes storage to the max by utilizing the corners of the room for both function and style. 
With great space planning and the right Interior Designer (Me!), you can have storage and beauty in your bathroom.

50 Shades of Gray

No, I'm not talking about a certain book . . .  I'm talking about the actually COLOR! Gray. It's everywhere. In fashion. In Interior Design. In automobiles. The list goes on and on. Nowhere is gray more exciting than in Interior Design! Why? Gray isn't just "The New Black". Gray has become so popular, even vital, for one very important reason . . . . .  HARDWOOD FLOORS.

Gray is a great neutral that I think the public embraced after being WORN OUT with all things beige. Gray was necessary because Interior Design needed a color that is still neutral yet can live with hardwood floors in a way much more interesting than beige. As opposed to stained hardwood floors which have warm tones (oranges, red and yellows), the color gray is cool. Mixing warm and cool tones in a space creates a beautiful balance. As hardwoods take over the rooms of our homes the look can be WOOD OVERKILL. Painted surfaces are becoming more and more popular, with gray taking center stage.

Picture by Houzz

I for one am happy to see gray take such an important role in homes and commercial spaces. I LOVE gray! Although beige will never go completely out of style, there is plenty of room for this cool neutral. And I think gray is here to stay.

Need more information or want to reach out to me: Email me at twingatedesigns@verizon.net or check out my Website: www.twingatedesigns.com

Mirror! Mirror!

Mirrors are such a great designs staple! There are so many styles, prices and types of mirrors. I LOVE to use them in nearly ALL the rooms I design. But, not all designers - both professional and novice agree. I have heard fellow designers and some of the top DIY shows give some really BAD design advice. I've heard,

"Mirrors should only be placed in a room when they have something beautiful to reflect." 

What???? That is CRAZY!!!!!!!!!! Although I think that what a mirror reflects should be taken into consideration, mirrors are vital in a room for more than reflecting pretty things.

My favorite use for a mirror: bouncing light around a room, especially in a small space! In the picture below, the otherwise narrow hallway is given light and the illusion of additional size. It also helps to tame the busy wallpaper. Artwork would have been too much. The perfect solution was a mirror - although it reflects nothing of huge interest.

Picture by Houzz

In this living room, the mirror reflects little given its elevated height above the fireplace. It could have reflected a chandelier and been quite effective. However, I think the impact is still as strong. The beauty of this mirror is the mirror itself. It has style and charm. I love it!

Picture by Houzz

Do you have a great mirror you want to use in your space? GO FOR IT! Hold it against several walls to see where it has the most impact. The answer may surprise you! Have questions? I'm here to help! Email me at twingatedesigns@verizon.net or visit my website: www.twingatedesigns.com