Category: Interior Design

We at Kanika Design had an awesome time creating a fun interior space for our clients in Sunnyvale, California. They contacted us in hopes of tailoring their homes functionality to not only covet their lifestyle, but their pet cat’s as well. They desired a modern interior look which would respectively entertain guests, so we gave their place a full floor to ceiling makeover. Our main goal was to transform their main entrance, living/dining rooms, hallways, and a small seating/game room.

In our initial home design discussion, our clients had voiced they preferred light pastel colors on their walls. Being total color savvy, we used our expertise to assure them it was safe to utilize more bold colors in their interiors. We used seven different wall colors throughout the main living area such as different shades of grey, blue, & teals to help achieve their dream space, & in the end they loved the results!

Our main challenge was to incorporate a pet friendly home design in respect to the contemporary interior design elements. We chose durable fabrics & decided to use a slipcover for the sofa, so it can be easily cleaned. In respect to the bold colors on the walls, we used neutral furniture in order to create balance & refrain from overpowering the room.
New tiles for the entrance & brand new laminate floors were installed in the main living room & we applied a variety of abstract art prints around the walls to enhance the room with a gallery feel. Laminate flooring gives a hardwood appeal and our clients would have fewer concerns about scratches on the floors. In addition, we used easy-to-clean low pile area rugs, with nonskid pads underneath which ensured a hazard free zone. Last but not least, we left lots of common area for the cute cats to play around in – making it a perfect home design which was super pet friendly.

Every designer has their expertise & at Kanika Design ours is the use of color! It is our goal to make your dream space come to life, so we don’t hesitate when it comes to introducing & trying out new colors to enhance your space!

We met our client Andrew at a local Starbucks whom immediately wanted to get started on this residential interior project in San Mateo. Andrew & his daughter were soon about to move into their new apartment & we had three weeks to completely furnish the kitchen, living/dining room, & daughters room.

Andrew really wanted to create a home like atmosphere for his daughter so we decided to go with a mid century modern theme that would fulfill his wish. His daughter was extremely in love with pink & wanted to decorate her space with all pink colors.

Although pink is a very lovely color we wanted to empower her to use extra colors and introduced her to blending in some pops of teal, orange, & neutral colors that would help balance out her room without overpowering it with all pink.

To conserve space we used a side table that also turned into a study desk & to add some more fun to her space I decorated her room with a floral mirror & heart shaped fixture on the walls, floral lamps, & decorative pillows. In the end she really appreciated the color suggestion & loved how her room turned out!

Window treatments serve a variety of purposes in your home. They will add decoration to the interior and allow you to really showcase your personal style. They will also provide varying amounts of privacy depending on the exact type of window treatments you use. Another aspect to consider, which many people tend to overlook, is that the type of window treatments you put in your home will alter the amount of natural light that you allow in. Learning how each type of window treatment will alter the amount of light that comes in will help you determine which option best suits your needs.

Wood Blinds

Wood blinds are great because they can give a very natural feel to the interior of your home. They can also be very insulating when they are closed tight at night during the winter months. One nice thing about the wood blinds is that you can open them up slightly in order to allow yourself to get some sunlight in the room without having to give up all of your privacy. You will want to play around with your blinds to determine how much you can open them and in what direction in order to get the best of both worlds.

Curtains

If you decide to go with curtains for some of the rooms in your house, you may want to consider adding curtain sheers and using blackout curtains. The reason is because with the blackout curtain, you can limit the entry of all natural sunlight, which can be helpful if you need to sleep during the day or if you suffer from migraines from time to time. However, when you want sunlight to come into the home you can pull the curtains to the side and tie them back so they will not fall back over the window. If you have some nice sheers in place you will not have to worry as much about your privacy because there will still be some covering on the window.

Peel And Stick Window Films

For anyone that really does not like the idea of bulky window treatments, but still wants to have some privacy while allowing in as much natural sunlight as possible, there are the peel and stick window films. They may come in a few different varieties and they are usually able to be applied without needing to hire someone to assist you. You will just have to take it slow in order to keep the air bubbles out of the way. Should you later decide to do so, you can leave the window film in place and still add some nice quality wooden window blinds or some decorative curtains. It is all about using the natural lighting to your advantage in order to create the ideal atmosphere for the inside of your home.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to trying to figure out which would be the best window treatment for your windows. Just remember, you do not have to use the same style or type of window treatment in every single room of your home. For example, you might want more natural light in your kitchen and living room, but you may prefer a bedroom that is not as bright. Simply figure out the outcome you desire for each room of your home and then shop according to the lighting needs of those rooms.

Wherever you look online, bathroom suite ideas are available readily. From online stores, to magazines, you might have other great ideas for your own new bathroom suite than you could shake a stick at. However with the correct kind of setting up and homework the chances are that you will end up with a bathroom suite that is easily affordable as well as being something you can be proud of.

Listed here are five fantastic bathroom suite tips to give some thought to ahead of starting your brand new bathroom suite renovation?

1) Basins (Sinks)

Basins will allow for improvements as well as designs which makes them the focal point of your own bathroom suite. Not too long ago, the most common bathroom suite basins were wide and shallow, and could be mounted into a wall or placed into a slab surface with sufficient storage space underneath. Along with options to include stainless steel chrome taps and matching accessories, bathroom suite basins can also add that extra touch of class to your otherwise, plain looking bathroom.

2) Tiles-

Tiles are a fantastic add-on to your brand-new bathroom suite simply because they allow for endless options in design and colour. They’re also a lot more resilient than other kinds of components available on the market, and when a ceramic tile breaks for example, you will not need to tear up the whole floor to be replaced. For comparison you need to use various colour grout compared to ceramic tiles themselves, you can also make use of various colours tiles round the boarders within the ground. Ceramic tiles are durable and they, plus they provide a feel of luxury within the bathroom that gives off that elegant feel.

3) Baths-

Baths will be the very first thing you see whenever you head into a bathroom, and you will find several choices readily available for any kind of renovation. For bigger bathrooms a contemporary roll-top bath tub is a superb choice. These types of baths are occasionally attached to a cradle or in blocks, and they’re specifically designed to sit in the centre of your actual bathroom space and serve as the focal point. With regard to smaller sized bathrooms the bathtub can be built directly into any bathroom materials within the surrounding area, and then for very small bathroom suites, restoration experts can build a shower recess that uncovers additional space for amenities such as vanities and toilets.

4) Walls-

Despite the fact that water repellent wallpapers are still a dependable option for the walls of your bathroom suite, ceramic tiles have become more popular than ever as a trendy and sturdy alternative. The only real disadvantage to tiled walls is they do not do well with moisture and may make a standard bathroom suite seem like a heavy steam room. To fix this issue it is possible to install under floor heating or top quality venting. When straightforward fresh paint more appropriately meets your needs, switching horizontal stripes for vertical stripes of comparable colours is a superb way to have a tiny restroom appear considerably larger.

5) Brassware-

Brassware is ideal for modernizing modest vanities or baths. The present craze is for brass accents and enormous brass shower heads, but don’t forget this kind of material will require constant cleaning as it spots easily. Just before purchasing any brass for your own bathroom suite you have to do your own research. Every type of brass is graded in a different way for calcium in the water sturdiness as well as wear, and you will find a lot of types to pick from.

The final suggestion would be to seek expert advice prior to starting your own renovation project. Though doing the work yourself seems to help you save money, the value of your property will most likely suffer and the income you saved is going to be missing if you decide to sell your property. Needless to mention, the additional expense in paying for any expert redesign will probably pay off in the end anyway.

The design and style of your home often represents you and your own lifestyle. With this in mind, your home should be individual and complete with your very own stamp on the décor. In this way, your home is much more inviting and comfortable, encouraging you to enjoy it that little bit more. It’s also the fun part of having your own property; being able to put your own touch on it and make it look exactly how you’ve always imagined!

While this can often refer to the decoration within your home, such as the colour scheme or artwork, it can also refer to the accessories and technology you choose to implement. With an increase in quality, comfort and technology in our living spaces, we have become accustomed to modern and practical solutions to enhance our homes, particularly when it comes to windows and doors. Innovative accessories for your home have the power to develop a more sophisticated environment for you to live in; adding subtle but effective elements to your daily functions. But what sort of home accessories can achieve this successfully?

Window Ventilation

Ventilation in the home is very important for your health, allowing fresh air to flow through your living space. Thanks to improved technology, ventilating your home no longer has to be a conscious thought or effort. With ventilation now integrated into the window frame itself, even closed windows can benefit from both fresh air and a better overall climate for the room.
Airing your home wrongly, or not at all, can have a detrimental effect on your home. Humidity and air impurities can develop and left in the room, causing long term consequences to the building structure and your health.
By investing in ventilation technology for your home, you are able to provide fresh air without major heat loss, draughts or even noise from outside. Providing a modern solution to healthier living, integrated ventilation requires minimal effort to receive maximum results.

Window Glazing

Traditional window panes are often only connected to the frame in a few positions. A new approach to window glazing improves this. Providing a continuous connection between the frame and the glass pane, the lifespan of your windows is immediately improved.
Making sure the glazing of your windows is of a high standard can have a huge impact on the conditions of your home. Choosing this modern solution to window glazing can enhance the thermal insulation of your home, as well as increasing how soundproof your windows are.
Transforming your windows into a more stable structure, you even have added protection from the likes of burglary; modern glazing solutions are more secure than ever before.

Window Shading

As much as we love the sun and heat, it can sometimes get a little much. Integrated blinds can create a comfortable, modern environment for you to enjoy all year round. Retaining a decorative effect, having the right shading for your windows is an innovative way to enhance your living space.
Providing an element of privacy from the outside world, window shading will also protect your home from excessive sunlight and heat. Perfect for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home, integrated blinds have the ability to measure the temperature and open or close on an automatic mode. What’s more, they can also benefit your home in the winter; staying open means they will maximise solar gains from outside.
With a number of self-sufficient solutions now on the market for your home, you have the chance to transform your home into a contemporary space that boosts performance.

One of the most exciting things about owning a home is getting to make it your own. No home is going to be 100% perfect, even if it’s brand new. But getting it there may be easier than anticipated if all a house needs are cosmetic improvements.

Preparing to host open houses in San Diego can often be an overwhelming task, especially if you are trying to do it without the help of an experienced Realtor®. One of the most overlooked factors of open house preparation is home-staging. Not only does your house need to look presentable to its guests, but you need to arrange your home so that visitors can envision themselves living there. Here are a few home-staging tips to consider before hosting an open house:

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Nothing adds personality like color. A fresh coat of paint can give a room an instant facelift and help influence the mood of the space. Plus, painting is a bit tedious, but it’s a project that anyone can handle over the weekend.

If you don’t want to take on a full paint job, start with an accent wall. Another spot to consider painting is the front door. Using a bold accent color on the door can brighten up the front entry and add an interesting element.

Update the Light Fixtures

Lighting is an essential element of a home that can either blend in or stand out. The illumination itself can change the look and feel of a room, but the fixtures can also play a role. Lamps, sconces, pendant lights and chandeliers come in every style imaginable. Sometimes all it takes is changing out the lampshades to add a little personality.

Lighting can also affect functionality. For instance, LED lighting in the kitchen can provide more versatility in the multi-functional space. Placement of lights is another consideration that should be made based on what you plan to do in an area.

Add Artwork

All those bare walls are blank canvases just begging to be covered. Every art collection is unique, which makes it an easy way to express your personal style and taste. The way artwork is displayed can also influence how viewers connect with the piece. Here, lighting can play a big role.

Switch Out the Hardware

Another quick fix that can be made in a single afternoon is switching out the hardware around your new home. Small handles and knobs are used on a daily basis, so even though they’re tiny accents they get noticed.

Hardware can easily become outdated, which is why switching it out is a common project for new homeowners. Both the finish and the design of the hardware can influence the overall style of your cabinetry. But keep in mind what type of hardware is around the house so you can make sure things look cohesive.

Install Crown Molding

Crown molding gives a room more dimension and architectural intrigue without a huge price tag. It can even up the value of a home, making it a great investment of your time and money. Homeowners that haven’t tested their woodworking skills can still install crown molding on their own. New polystyrene foam crown molding is making it almost foolproof since the material cuts clean and can be affixed with a joint compound.

Use a Stair Runner and Rugs

You can protect hard floors and infuse a bit of personal style by using a stair runner and rugs around the home. For a couple hundred dollars you can get everything you need for this DIY project.

Pick New Window Treatments

Windows are a focal point in the home that could become an eyesore if the treatments are outdated. Depending on how many windows you have replacing all of the treatments could get expensive. If your remodeling budget is tight, focus first on the window treatments in the shared living spaces. In addition to the style, keep energy efficiency in mind when you’re making a selection.

Refinish the Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also one of the most expensive rooms to remodel. An easy and cost effective cosmetic fix is refinishing the cabinets. If your new home has structurally sound wood cabinets that are straight out of another era a coat of paint or stain could be all you need to freshen up the look. But before you paint or stain the cabinets, give them a good cleaning and sand the surface.

Freshen Up the Faucets

Another accent that can quickly age a home is the faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms. With so many interesting styles available today, there’s no reason to settle for faucets that don’t suit your personal style. If you’re allocating your budget start with the faucets in the kitchen and guest bathroom since they’ll get the most use.

Wooden furniture is a timeless classic in any home, but if you have a range of furniture consisting of various types of wood, it can be seriously difficult to know how to decorate properly. Thankfully, we are here to break it all down for you.

From what to do and what not to do, here is everything you need to know about beautifying a home with lots of wooden furniture:

Mix it Up
If you have a lot of the same wood in one space, you may want to take some time to mix things up a bit. For example, if your living room has this style of oak doors, oak wooden floors and oak furniture, it may be seen as a bit much. The best way to tackle this problem is to introduce a variety of wooden finishes into the same room. You could combine interior oak doors with a grey washed coffee table and a dark wooden bookcase for ultimate effect. This mixing of various wooden finishes is a popular trend in modern homes and it looks fabulous.

Choose Fabrics Wisely
Certain fabrics go perfectly well with wooden furniture and others just… don’t. It is important to consider the natural and most dominant colours in the finish of your wooden furniture when choosing what shade of fabric to go for. Textured fabrics work remarkably well with wood. You may also wish to introduce some prints into the room to really capture the natural ambience of wooden floors and tables etc.

Perfect Colours
Choosing what colours to decorate with your wooden furniture is not as difficult as you might think. Dark finishes go well with lighter shades such as yellow, green and blue. The same rule can be said for lighter wood finishes, which stand out best against stronger colours. According to www.bhg.com, choosing colours that contrast with your Amish wood furniture is the best way to approach the decorating process. Soft and light shades go well with medium-tone finishes and if your furniture has a reddish tone to it, try introducing some green to really intensify the natural hue of the wood.

Artwork and Dark Wood
If you have dark wooden furniture such as mahogany, you definitely don’t want to do anything that is going to throw off the rest of the room. Bright artwork on the walls will help to contrast against the dark furniture, hopefully helping to brighten the rest of the room up as a result. You should also make sure that your dark wooden furniture has a clean and contemporary backdrop. This will help it to stand out better and make it look even more striking.

Dare to be different
If you have lighter shades of wooden features and furniture in your home, you may want to bring it out more by decorating with warmer textures and bright walls. This will make the room look fresher and clean. Pale wood also tends to go very well with metallic shades of silver and grey, which will give the room a very modern and sophisticated appeal.

Space, put simply, is a luxury. We’re fickle creatures us humans and somehow, over the years, we form emotional attachments to material items – strange really isn’t it? But with these bits of clutter come memories and we don’t want to throw them away in the chance that we just might need them again, one day. Sadly – this doesn’t help you out when it comes to making space. Here, you’ll find a few ideas on how you can make space without having to drastically get rid of your most treasured clutter.

Move your clutter elsewhere

This doesn’t mean move into a bigger house, although you may need to in the long run. Have you considered moving items that don’t get used into storage? It’s easy to do and relatively inexpensive so definitely worth a look. Sometimes you’ll find you move items into a storage space and lose that emotional attachment so that you can eventually get rid of them entirely! You can even hire a junk removal service to get rid of and recycle your unwanted items.

Up, up and away

Are you guilty of not making enough use of the vertical space in your home? A great way to maximise storage is to build your shelves up higher, in every nook and cranny of your home. They’re excellent spaces for books, toys and even in the kitchen you can build shelves for glasses, plates and general kitchenware.

Reward yourself

Once you’ve decided which belongings you can bear to part with, get them online and make yourself some cash. There are lots of websites perfect for selling such as eBay, Gumtree or Amazon. Also, don’t forget about the great local ‘Buy and Sell’ sites on Facebook that won’t charge you selling fees and usually someone will come and pick up the item so you’ll save loads on postage too.

Convert your furniture into storage

Things like beds, tables, coffee tables and some chairs are all great options for storage. If you don’t have space under your bed for storage then consider getting a divan with drawers. Similarly, an old trunk as a coffee table can hide all manner of junk inside it. You could, of course, also repurpose old items into something new and useful.

Through the looking glass

If you have a small house, have your storage down to a tee and it still looks small, then have you considered creating space by adding windows, mirrors and glass where you can? Things like swapping solid wooden doors for glass doors, putting mirrors up and down hallways and if you can afford it, skylights can make the smallest of bedrooms feel spacious.

Try not to be too bold

Painting walls with dark and bright colours tend to make them feel a bit smaller, if you’re looking to make your house feel more spacious, Elle décor suggest neutral colours and painting the walls and trim the same colour to trick the eye into thinking that the ceilings are taller because there are no breaks in the trim…clever!