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  • Sunnyvale Living + Dining

    Sunnyvale Living + Dining

    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.

  • Outdoor Space for 2017

    Outdoor Space for 2017

    One of the best feeling for an interior designer is not only leaving their clients satisfied in their new space, but also getting returning clients!

    Our client reached out to us a year later wanting to get their outdoor patio designed in their apartment in Palo Alto – the heart of Silicon Valley.

    Despite of a very tight space our aim was to design an outdoor space that resembled a living room that served as a hang out area to entertain guests.

    Since our client was a telecommuter he wanted his patio to embody a zen like design in which he could not only engage in work but also relax in.
    To achieve this we decorated with a mini Buddha & laid down dark neutral colored tiles from Home Depot on what was once an empty plot to even out the walking space.

    In respect to weather & space we used a refurbished sofa/lounge chairs & a side table that converted into a coffee table.

    Along with the zen theme we wanted to incorporate an adventurous atmosphere so we added a hanging compass fixture, candles, & a Tiki Hut Tavern sign to give it a contemporary Polynesian feel. Overall our client loved the outcome & couldn’t wait to entertain his guests in his transformed patio.

  • Kids Bedroom for 2017

    Kids Bedroom for 2017

    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!

  • Biggest Ways Families Waste Money

    Biggest Ways Families Waste Money

    Most families waste money and they don’t even know they’re doing it. The typical family spends more than necessary eating out, on utilities, on groceries and on a number of other items. Part of this is due to the “plastic” era we live in allowing us instant access to money we don’t even have yet. When you swipe a debit or credit card, you don’t “feel” the money leaving your account, which makes it easier to spend.

    We can blame the credit card companies as they train the next generation with games, such as the Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition (includes credit cards) and Credit Card Barbie, or we can do something about it. Taking the time to look at your family budget, figure out where your money is really going and learning how to manage your money properly does more than just save a family money. It sets an example the children will follow, as they become young adults.

    Three Common Areas Where Families Overspend

    1.  Entertainment/Eating Out

    The entertainment section of your budget is necessary, but it shouldn’t surpass the amount you pay for rent or your mortgage. Eating at restaurants, taking the family to the movies and many other activities are very expensive. Putting a limit on this part of your budget will not only help you save a large amount of cash, but will also allow for creative ideas for better family activities.

    Consider replacing paid activities with free ones, such as museum tours, trips to the beach or park and other inexpensive activities. Watching a movie at home can be more enjoyable than an expensive trip to the theater and cooking together can provide memories you cannot get from eating at a restaurant. Get the kids involved in the planning, so they can learn how to have fun on a budget, which will be an invaluable skill when they get older.

    2.  Utilities

    Most families don’t know how much money they can really save on their utilities. Sometimes just comparing what other companies offer can show you how much you can save. Check out DIRECTV bundles to save you money when switching from your current TV provider.

    You can also cut down on your electricity and water costs just by being aware of how much you use and making an effort to be more conservative! Consider energy efficient entryways and appliances that use less water to save long-term on your monthly bills.

    3.  Groceries

    We all need to eat and we certainly need groceries, but many families can cut their grocery bill in half, if not more. Coupons can help, but smart shopping can also make a difference. Buying produce from a local farmers market, shopping at clearance stores and other creative techniques can help you cut your grocery bill by 50% or more. Another very productive way to cut your grocery bill is through proper meal planning. If you plan your meals ahead of time, you won’t be as tempted to buy extra things you don’t need.

    Spend a little time looking at where your money really is spent and you might just find money you didn’t realize you had. Tracking all your spending for a 30-day period can help you see how much you’re spending in each category of your budget and it can help bring some awareness to the overall situation. Who knows, you might figure out that you can save for that dream vacation or put it towards debt relief  after looking at your family’s spending.

  • Creating Decor That Provides Versatility Without Boredom

    Creating Decor That Provides Versatility Without Boredom

    Perhaps the biggest challenge in decorating is deciding how often to update. We don’t want to do it too often because it can be expensive and disruptive. But we also don’t want to wait so long that the home looks dated (which is not the same as looking vintage!)

    As in anything with style and fashion, there are no calendars. We can’t say that you should replace window treatments after six years and bathroom tile after 12. It’s just something you have to feel, based on what you see in other homes or in design publications. When you feel like your decor looks out of date, you make a change.

    When it’s time to redecorate, certain steps are much easier than others. Artwork, linens, and furniture are a relatively quick and neat upgrade, along with a number of common upgrades that people frequently use upon moving in.

    Where you really get into some effort and expense is with the major changes, like floor coverings, trim work, and, to a certain extent, the paint. Many of the best kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas involve working with existing “bones” of the current scheme and fleshing it out with simpler steps that scale down the size of the update.

    This isn’t as simple as it may sound at first. It requires that you feel comfortable keeping certain elements for many years, and that type of commitment can be challenging. Floor coverings are a very common point of concern in this area. It can certainly steer the decorator away from long-term coverings like hardwood and ceramic tile and toward carpet, which will require replacement due to wear and tear after several years, regardless of styles.

    Paint is also a little more difficult. Certain rooms with heavy use or any part of a home where children live will have a paint standard similar to the carpet standard: Condition will call for replacement long before any other consideration.

    But for gently-occupied spaces, colors should be chosen with an eye toward flexibility. Creams and tans are dull in their versatility, but other colors can be chosen to meet both criteria. You want a shade that will appear different in the context of the other colors and textures in the room; darker curtains will bring out one aspect of the color, while lighter window treatments will provide a different spin.

    There are some simple tricks that can do a stylish upgrade without executing a complete replacement. Cabinetry is a perfect example. Heavy use can scar and stain the doors and drawer fronts, so many companies can update just those components without replacing the cabinet structures. A countertop replacement isn’t too complicated either. And for cabinetry without cosmetic damage but simply a dated look, the hardware can be replaced to bring in a more modern look to the entire piece.

    Sometimes when we start on a redecorating process, it feels wasteful to replace some of the most significant parts of the design. But if those elements have been too closely tied to the overall look, a replacement is unavoidable. The idea, then, is to think of each redecoration as a time to set certain things up for a much longer time horizon than others, and to consider planning ahead for those simple updates that will make the difference in the complete picture.

  • Tips For Getting Great Lighting In Your Home When Using Window Treatments

    Tips For Getting Great Lighting In Your Home When Using Window Treatments

    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.

  • Worldly Centerpieces to Reanimate Your Home and Garden

    Worldly Centerpieces to Reanimate Your Home and Garden

    Nothing quite completes a home like a mysterious centerpiece, or a powerfully enticing ornament. For the most sensational of home décor, it is inevitable that we look to the rest of the world for the touch of the original and adventurous. Take a peek at the sort of worldly treasures you can find to make your home that little bit more interesting and unique.

    The Vase: A Storyteller

    Amongst many talented potters in the world, Chinese, Japanese and Greek cultures have all produced fantastically intricate vases; not only do they boast unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail, but they speak for themselves.

    Antique vases are often extravagantly decorated with stories and come in tasteful and sensitive colors. These practical pieces can stand proudly in a bathroom window or accompany the phone atop a dresser, and if you choose, can be decorated with fresh flowers to compliment the color palette in your home.

    ‘Olde Englishe’ Bar Features

    The vintage market boasts an inspiring collection of old bar stools, coffee tables, and wall hangings – all of which will bring a wonderfully old-world rustic feel to you home and back yard. Vintage websites such as Weston Table offer homely pieces and garden treasures such as these to give your personal space a touch of sentiment; the warm honey-colored and rich varnish woods used in English bar furniture are certain to liven up your patio. A vintage English dart board could also be placed inside the house or against the garden shed as a definite party pleaser for any gathering.

    The Coffee Plant

    Are you a fan of coffee? It is a relatively unknown fact that you can grow your own coffea arabica within the confines of your home. Surprisingly easy to grow, the coffee plant sports a strong green foliage and will begin to gift you with delicious coffee beans after a few years of care. Proud coffee plant growers will tell you that the best coffee you will ever drink will probably come from a home-nurtured plant, so there’s absolutely no excuse not to invest in a wonderful little plant to grow in any room in the house.

    Antique French Wicker Baskets

    With their delightful shape and practicality, old French wicker baskets can be used around the home to store magazines, bottles of wine, or champagne, and will fit in beautifully with wooden furniture for an open-fire home feel. Vintage bicycle baskets are also worth looking out for, as they make intriguing indoor or outdoor planters to show off your favorite flowers.

    Vintage Pails

    A gorgeous colored garden pail will do wonders to a crop of bulging flowers, and will make you garden look glorious and full of life. Brightly colored Chinese apple picking buckets also make stylish flower pots for a thick flower arrangements, which will be dazzling enough to stand alone as a centerpiece for the patio.

    Something from the Past

    Antique American quilting items and throws can make a delicate addition to a warm and inviting home. With the wide range of color palettes and fabrics used in these high quality pieces, you’re bound to find a stunning vintage throw to complement your couch.

    South African Paddle Plant

    For an exciting and unique centerpiece for the home, raising an unusual plant such as the paddle plant will astound guests with its unusual shape and vivid color. Surprisingly easy to grow in non-African climates, this versatile plant will happily grow inside your home and make a centerpiece definitely worth talking about.

    Arte Itallica Tableware

    Gorgeous, delicate and intricate celebrations of Italian culture and art, these table sets will make a striking addition to any home and will certainly be the envy of guests. These sets are available in a range of delicate accents, from mellow golds and pearl-whites, to Chinese blue and hints of the botanical.

    Antique Cocktail Shakers

    An item which was popularly produced during the great Depression, the vintage cocktail shaker can be displayed to add a little old world gleam to your shelves. These shakers also tend to come in sets with matching glasses and serving tray, which would make an astonishing piece to show off in your kitchen or in the cabinet.

    Hopefully these ideas have inspired some thought-provoking and exciting pieces for your home. Take a look at the wide selection of antique and vintage items which are available, and you’ll be well on your way to having a stimulating gallery of history, beauty, and culture, right inside your home.

  • Install a Pool at Your House for Amazing Fun and Relaxation

    Install a Pool at Your House for Amazing Fun and Relaxation

    Owning a swimming pool seems like the most important way in which a home can be enhanced. If you want to be the most envied person in your group of friends, then spoil yourself with the best-looking pool you’ll find in the market! There is nothing better than enjoying a dip in those hot summer days or enjoying a night-time swim from time to time.

    Owning a pool will not only prove to be up high in the entertainment factor, but it will also mean that it will boost your house value if you decide to resale it, and will also prove to be quite the place to work out. Say goodbye to your gym subscription if you own a pool, because it will act as both a place to work out and have fun at the same time.

    Provides Amazing Family Time

    The benefit of pool fences will certainly rank up high when it comes to spending some quality family time. Sometimes, we all need a break from the internet and other distractions and it can be extremely difficult for a family to truly share some amazing time together. A pool provides the perfect environment for such activities and nothing but the sound of laughter will be heard from within your personal space.

    The Best Fitness Exercise

    Swimming has always been regarded as the perfect sport to practice in order for one to stay in shape. This activity can be done by all groups of people of all ages, and children will definitely grow up healthy if they swim regularly. Every summer, everyone will make sure that they will stay in perfect shape as swimming works out a large group of muscles, ranging from head to toes.

    Great Way To De-Stress

    A pool will always prove out to be a great investment in the end, because being around a pool will turn out to be one of the best ways to relieve stress in any way, shape or form. Swimming is going to help one release great endorphins, which are widely considered the best way to achieve natural stress relievers in the world, and after a hard day at work, nothing will feel better than dipping into water.

    Great Reason to Stay at Home

    When it comes to going outside, many parents worry that their children will pick up bad habits and go out on spending sprees as they get older. Not to worry though, because owning a pool will go a long way in making them enjoy amazing times with their friends by the pool. Pool parties are simply amazing and no matter how many people will agree to show up with a swimming suit under their clothes, they will surely not regret attending them!