10 Design tips that will change the way you see your home (part 1)

 We all want to give our home a completely fresh look but that feeling of inspiration can fade quickly when you have no idea how or where to start. I remember the days I jump out of bed Saturday morning ready to throw down some money at Target just to ask myself What would look good? What should I buy? After figuring out that if something looks nice at the store doesn't mean it will translate the beauty to my home. I then progressed to do what I do best and research, so I teamed up with the Design staff at Design Materials Inc. to create some tips to remove your confusion and own your space.

1) Create a theme

      Creating a centralize theme for your home can give your home a focus. It can be as specific as you want from an idea, time period, object, and whatever you can think of. Having a theme will help you filter out stuff that won’t compliment your home and give you inspiration to push your creativity with objects that may fit your theme but might not be used in a conventional sense. Here are a couple of resources. Design Materials inspiration |

2) Upgrade your hardware

      What does update your hardware mean? It means replacing your knobs, handles, and faucets. This is a simple way to give your home some needed style. Now there are a lot of options to fit your theme and if not then it’s not too hard to DIY your own handles. Design Materials: Uttermost

3) Use a color palette

      If your theme isn't based on a color it is a good idea to create a color palette to make your design more focused and inline. A great resource would be Adobe Kuler but there are many resources to help you out. Having a color palette allows you to decide how to use your colors more strategically such as using a lighter value red as an accent while a beige as a background color.

4) Paint

      Repainting a room is a surefire way to dramatically see a room in a new light, now that you have a color palette you can pick your color confidently to tie everything together. Painting is also not limited to solid colors but can be used to add a creative touch with gradients and patterns.  Add interactivity by using blackboard paint to encourage people to draw on your walls or add flair by painting texture. Paint isn't limited to just walls but can be used on ceilings as well to add some dimension to your space.

5)Lighting

      Lighting can create atmosphere to tie in with your mood or theme. Lighting is a great way to invoke feelings from relaxation, calmness, whimsy, and energy. Your lighting needs can be changed easily by changing a light bulb or changing  a lamp or for a greater challenge changing a light fixture. If you get a light source where you can adjust the strength you can adjust the mood quickly and easily. Natural light can be maximized with mirrors and dulled with curtains, great use of natural light can invoke feelings of energy and action.

Conclusion

Now you are armed to start planning to give your home a fresh look by using a centralized theme, stylized hardware, a color scheme, fresh coat of paint, and Lighting. Next week I will give you another 5 to complete this two part series, and if you would like to suggest a topic or maybe something that should be added to the list, leave your suggestions in the comments below. Contact us to schedule an appointment so our designers can help put you on the right track.

Written by Evan Aguilar

Clearance up to 60% off

This Fall Design Materials is having a Clearance Room filled with tile, sinks, home decor and much more up to 60% off. Come to our showroom for further details. 

We are located off Nakoma and 281

210.344.3591 for questions

Counter top Sinks

Hand Woven Rug

Design Materials 

11716 Warfield San Antonio, Tx 78216

ASID Premire Night

Design Materials Inc had a great night attending the ASID Event. Here's a photo of our display table at the ASID Gala. 

Come visit our show room and meet our out-standing consultants and get a head start on improving your home!

117216 Warfield San Antonio Tx 78216

Two Tiles Too Love by Perry Holder

In the ever changing world of interior design, the role of the tile makes a huge impact in the overall look of a home, office or commercial space. In my dealings with the public over the years, I find that people don't realize that their flooring is a huge part of the overall palette of their room and that the color, style and texture that is set with their flooring can drive the style of the area that they are working with.


In years past the selections were sparse and the manufactures were few. The ceramics looked like ceramics and there were a few stone look alike that were a poor representation of the real thing. But in today's world, the selections are only limited by the amount of time you want to spend searching for the right product for your project. Technology is moving along at record speed and tile manufacturing is moving right along with it.
Duplication of the stone look on tile is so realistic now with new photo technology that most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the natural stone and the porcelain.

Today I want to share two lines of tile with you from one of my favorite manufactures, Emil Ceramica.
The first line is their Silverstone series, which is a beautiful clean look with rectified edges and a light linear texture that just sets this tile right at the top of my list of all time favorite tiles. This tile is available in either a polished or matte finish in sizes that range from 24x24, 12x24,18x18 and if needed 2x2 mesh mounted mosaics and also some linear cut mosaic patterns. To top off this incredible line it also contains over 40% pre-consumer recycled materials that can contribute to two leed points on the Green Building Ratings. (4.1 and 4.2) .....

Continue to read more on Perry's Blog at:

http://perrysdmtileblog.blogspot.com/?spref=fb

Cork and Leather; Not Just for Wine Stoppers and Fancy Belts - By Jenna Podlogar

Yes that’s right, welcome to the new era of flooring; cork and leather. This is definitely not your grandmothers’ linoleum! It’s obviously a beautiful look but did you know that they actually have many advantages over other textile options as well as easy maintenance and proven durability? For many of us it’s a new concept so let’s break it down:    

First and foremost, DON’T GO CHEAP.  While you may spend less upfront, you will be sure to spend a bundle in costly repairs due to low grade product improperly sealed.  I recommend Torly’s which backs their entire product line with a 25 year warranty.

Both cork and leather planks are comprises of multiply layers including an anti-scratch UV resistant weartop finish, a high density cork or leather veneer, a moisture resistant fiberboard, and an integrated cork underlay with antibacterial protection.

 Installation is a snap, literally, with the patented interlocking click system. While a wood floor works against surface pressure, cork and leather are resilient and give with the pressure creating a softer surface less likely to buckle or warp like other floating floors may do.  And repairs, no problem! Forget the dust and power tools that wood floor may require as these planks are easy to replace with a simple “bulldog” tool even in the middle of the floor.  

And did I mention that both are environmentally friendly and made from 100% recycled product? Oh, and that they are hypoallergenic! Believe it my friends, this product is not only pretty but a great insulator, and a healthy choice for your family and pets as it contains no harmful emissions and exceeds California Indoor Air Quality standards.

I know what you’re thinking, so what’s the catch? Maintenance must be a nightmare right? NO! Vacuums are safe for leather flooring and simple sweeping and Torly’s Natural Glow floor cleaner it recommended for your corks.

Both floorings are safe to install virtually in any place of your home, even bathrooms. Just like wood floors though, it is important to make sure your slab has less than 3% moisture before installing. Also be aware that because cork is a natural material, just like wood floors, UV rays can change the coloring over time and should be protected from direct sunlight. There are of course protective sealers to slow this process.

Still have questions or wish to receive some samples? Contact one of our design stars for further help.

MAN CAVES -By Jenna Podlogar

 

Ok ladies, listen up. I know what your thinking and that the sheer term “man cave” makes you cringe as you imagine cheetos in the crevasses of a Lazyboy recliner with tacky end table lamps made out of miniature size baseball bats and a deer head plastered to the wall. While many of us women are hesitant to give up an area in the house solely dedicated to enabling bad man behavior, let’s face it, the man cave is the latest house trend and can be accomplished in a tasteful manner. Don’t think of it so much as a man-only zone but more of an adult indoor playground that provides a great space for entertainment that will also add value to your home.

First, you have to select the right area in your house that makes sense to dedicate this space to. Whether it is a house your building or remodeling, it is important to take a few things into account when selecting an area.

For example, it is best to have this area slightly secluded from the rest of the living quarters. You want it to feel exactly how it sounds, cave-like. I recommend a man cave layout on the bottom level of the house, if possible, as it’s never a good idea to situate a room like this over an existing bedroom or area of the house that sound carried through the floor may disturb. When a remodel only allows for this space to be upstairs, you may want to consider one of our fun and funky carpet patterns to help absorb the sound. Make sure it is protected with a Stainmaster treatment for easy cleanup. The downstairs location also allows for you to choose between many more flooring options such as our great Texas Tradition hand scraped hardwood floors that will add that rustic touch or a high polished porcelain or marble to add a modern flair.  

A vital part to any man cave is the bar. A great option to amplify the cave-like feel of this room is to do a rock or brick wall application. Want something that sparkles? Make a statement with a mosaic glass application. These mosaics come in a wide range of sizes and colors. You can even design your own custom color blend, with the help of Oceanside, to obtain a look that is truly one of a kind.  Spice it up by repeating glass mosaics on the floor to add a pop of color and tie the entire look together.

The finishing touches come in the details. Check out our artist inspired glass blown sinks that are sure to be a conversation piece, available in a variety of fun colors. A great way to create a focal point of the room would be to add some decorative chair rail moldings around a wall mounted TV. This will help frame the wall and add balance. It can also benefit as a creative way to hide ugly wires.

Most importantly, keep in mind it is a room to have fun in and entertain. Let your personality stand out boldly in this room and don’t be afraid to add your own unique personal touches, even if it happens to comes in the form of a tacky end table lamp.