Interior Design Tips

Your Guide to Household Plants

By Mike WallmanInterior Design Tips

Succulents, florals, live, or faux greenery is truly taking the interior design world by storm. Interior plants add the fresh pop of color by breathing new life back into outdated designs. For years, homeowners used faux plant or fresh flowers here and there throughout their home, but today, loading up house plants is everyone’s go-to design tip. From flowers, greenery, and succulents, to fake plants and more, indoor plants are one of the best style trends to follow.

Unfortunately, finding the household plant that works for you can be a challenge. Chances are you have bought a few only to find they are more work than you planned. Knowing which plants to buy and how to take care of them is the first step in making the right choice for your home. So, instead of buying the first plant that catches your eye, here are a few expert tips to get you started on the right path.

How to Choose the Right Household Plant

House plants breathe life into your interior space. These eco-friendly additions help clean the air in your space as well as adding the splash of color a modern or contemporary home needs. House plants also force you to keep natural light flooding the space around them which is an obvious trick many experts use in their design spaces. To help you get started here is our guide to household plants.

House Plants for Beginners

When you are just starting to get into the household greenery life, you should find plants that are easy to take care of. This is especially helpful for homes that lack the natural sunlight that many plants need to survive. Luckily, there is an array of options to choose from, including plants that survive in harsh conditions. Here are a few choices that work well in dimly lit spaces, crowded areas, and require little maintenance. You should also research these plants more in-depth for the best results.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

A popular choice for many homeowners, the Fiddle Leaf Fig perfectly complements larger spaces with high ceilings. This plant is tall but not bushy and boasts dark green leaves that require medium light and only needs water when the soil is dry to the touch.

Spider Plant

Another low-maintenance option for homeowners looking for a starter plant is the Spider Plant. One of the most popular choices available, this plant is small, self-propagating, and attractive. The Spider Plant needs low to bright indirect sunlight, making it an excellent choice for those living in confined spaces.

Air Plant

Air Plants, also known as Tillansia, are one of the house plants that require little maintenance. Actually, they don’t need soil and get their moisture from the air making it a great choice for bathrooms. These plants use a minimal root systems that comes in over 500 different species with a variety of stunning options to choose from. You can hang your Air Plant in stylish Air Plant holders that perfectly complement the plant’s coloring.

Iron Plant

Another minimal option for the beginner caretaker is the Iron Plant. This deep-green plant survives in low light, poor soil conditions, and requires little watering, making it one of the most durable indoor plants. You can add this plant to any space for added dimension thanks to the beautiful coloring.

ZZ Plant

The last live plant on our list is the ZZ Plant or Zamioculcas Zamiifolia. This plant can survive in harsh conditions surviving in low light. You only need to water it three times a month, and it doesn’t require a lot of light to thrive.

Faux Plants

Faux plants are growing in popularity thanks to their nearly-real look. You can find a variety of options that look great no matter the time of year. Faux plants also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Adding a faux plant to your interior is a great option for any homeowner.

For additional help finding the right house plant for your home, contact San Francisco Design. Working with our interior design team you can find the right type and amount of house plants for your space. Contact us to get started.

September 18, 2019

Top 5 Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid

By Mike WallmanInterior Design Tips

If you are beginning your journey designing the interior of your home, chances are you could have hit a few roadblocks along the way. Even experienced interior designers come against complications every once in a while. Fortunately, there are some methods to help keep your creativity in check as you create a home. These include avoiding a few of the most common mistakes homeowners and designers make while they are designing a home.

To help you design a space that turns out as beautifully as your first imagines, here is our list of the top five mistakes you should avoid.

Interior Design Mistake #1: Not Matching Your Design to the Space

Forgetting to take the time to space plan can leave you with furniture that doesn’t git the size of your room. Space planning is a crucial step that you should consider throughout your design process. If you neglect to spend the necessary time measuring the room and the pieces that you buy for the space, then you could end up in a tizzy.

But space planning involves much more than just measurements. Designing and planning for a space includes organizing a room to improve functionality. If done correctly your design should allow traffic to flow smoothly with furniture and accessories all scaled appropriately.

To start space planning, begin by measuring the square footage of the space, walls, surface area, and more. Make sure that you include architectural elements like windows, arches, and built-ins.

Interior Design Mistake #2: Too Little Light

Lighting is one of the key elements of good interior design. However, it is often the most forgotten. If you want your space to wow visitors and be a comfortable setting for your family, you must make sure that every area has different levels of lighting.

Generally, lousy lighting equates to using only one source of light for an entire room. Adding layers of lighting helps add warmth and texture to the room. In addition to a ceiling fixture, a room needs mid-level lighting for tasks like reading. Some spaces may also benefit from ambient lighting that helps create a mood.

Accent lights are also great at highlighting unique accessories, art, or cabinetry lighting. Whichever space you are designing for make sure you pay particular attention to the placement. You might also benefit from adding dimmer switches for all above-head lighting for additional lighting options.

Interior Design Mistake #3: Being Afraid of Using Color

All-white interior design used to be all the rage, but most designers are choosing to use additional color palettes these days. There is no need to be afraid of adding color to your design. Even if you are going for a contemporary style, you can add color in for extra dimension.

Incorporating color into your design can come in many forms including colorful rugs, an array of accessories, bold artwork, textiles, and vibrant pillows. If you are nervous about adding color to your space, try starting with colors that aren’t as vibrant. Our favorites? Try natural shades of orange and pink. Pick your favorite color and let it brighten a space in your home.

Interior Design Mistake #4: Too Matchy-Matchy

There used to be a day where matching everything was the way to go. Now, professional interior designers are opting for spaces with furniture and accessories that tastefully fit together without mimicking the same style over and over.

Try finding pieces that mix-match by building off a foundational piece. Find elements that help the objects flow together without one style dominating the other. An easy way to think of incorporating the mix-matched rule is by decorating the room in 75 to 80 percent of the same style and then using the other to add in unusual pieces. This will help you find a design style that is entirely your own.

Interior Design Mistake #5: Not Asking for Advice

Many homeowners and designers get too afraid of the opinions of others. Fortunately, our experts are here to help you solve all of your design dilemmas. If you are in the middle of an interior design project or have questions about the designs flooding the market, contact our interior design team. We’d love to help you turn your design mistake into an award-winning home.

May 30, 2019

Black is Back and Better than Ever

By Mike WallmanInterior Design Tips

If you are anything like us, you know that a good color scheme comes in all shapes and sizes. For a while, white held center stage. It was the mecca of it all. While we wouldn’t go throwing away your entire white-washed walls just yet, another color is taking over, and it’s time you thought of ways to incorporate it into your home—black.

That’s right. Interior designers are now taking an entirely new approach to color in design. In fact, it’s the complete opposite.

From lighting fixtures and wall trim to painting entire walls, black might be our favorite color of the moment. The best part is that you can add black to just about any room without it clashing with your current style. This is especially true for homes that incorporate modernism or contemporary, as it adds a touch of minimalism without being too flashy.

If you are ready to take the turn towards the sophisticated, here are a few tips to get you started in the right direction.

Using Black In Design Tip 1: Use black on multiple surfaces, objects, accessories, or fixtures

One of the reasons we advise homeowners to use black on one of the larger portions of your home is that it makes it easier to incorporate darker colors later on. If you have a stand-alone black object or black wall without another complimentary item, it will feel like a mistake. Add in various black accessories so that the color feels deliberate and professional.

Tip 2: Try black flooring

A black floor is a great place to start decorating your home. Having a darker flooring as your base also allows you to use black and lighter colors in the rest of your design. Not ready to make the big jump into an all-black surface? We love using rugs with black and white colors or even a black couch. These more prominent sized elements can really set the tone for the rest of your space.

Tip 3: Mix black and white for contrast

An all-white interior is most new homeowner’s dream. The trend really popularized when Fixer Upper’s Joanna Gaines used it for her modern farmhouse-inspired homes. Today, the best way homeowners can update their space is by throwing in black pieces. This darker color adds depth while making your home feel modern and fresh. It adds that wow factor that really brings your home to life!

Tip 4: Don’t be afraid of using black in small spaces

One of the oldest rules in the design book is that you should avoid using dark paint colors in smaller areas. When it comes to decorating your more modest spaces, most go with an all-white color scheme to make the room feel bigger than it actually is. But now small-spaces are getting all of the attention by swapping out white for black. We suggest painting your bathroom black for starters.

Tip 5: Black finishes are always a go-to

Don’t get us wrong—we love metallic finishes and accents. But if you want to try something new go for a black finish. Right now, black iron pieces and accessories are trendy and easy to find for most homeowners. We even carry pieces that pair perfectly with these black finishes. Use black iron candlesticks and lighting fixtures in your dining room or kitchen as well as black iron bookends in the family room or home office.

Tip 6: Add in lighter colors

It’s important that you don’t go overboard with your black color scheme. Having too much black can make your home feel crowded and dark. Combat this with a balance of white or light color elements. Just as we talked about before, it also adds an extra contrast and pulls everything together in a better, more harmonious way.

Tip 7: Get expert advice

Ready to incorporate black into your home? Get expert advice from the team at San Francisco Design—contact us or visit us in-store today. You can also shop from hundreds of furniture pieces to find the perfect addition for your space. Check out our online store for a few options.

May 19, 2019

Artisan Inspired Modern Furniture from San Francisco Design

How to Achieve the Perfect Design Aesthetic

By Mike WallmanInterior Design Tips

Finding your aesthetic is all about your personal style. Just like you pick out the clothes you wear every day, your interior design aesthetic is something that takes time to develop. Once you find your personal style, it’ll draw others in for its unique taste and interesting features. Instead of copying someone else, try cultivating a look that speaks to your personality.

The Perfect Recipe to Make Your Home Look Professionally Designed

By Mike WallmanInterior Design Tips

Do you want the professional scoop on how to make your interior design look straight out of Elle Decor? Look no further than San Francisco Design. Whether you just moved in or are looking for a design update, our designers are putting their minds to the task and giving you a step-by-step guide to make your home look professional put together.

Follow our most sought-after interior designer, Jane Memmott’s, guide to taking your space from amateur to professional in one fell swoop.

Home Makeover Step #1: Start with a natural color

No matter which room you are designing or remodeling, make sure that you start with a neutral base. All of the colors, ranging from cream to beige, fit perfectly on the scale of neutrality. A naturally-colored base gives you a lot of room to work with. Also, it opens up any space by reflecting the natural light pouring in from doors and windows. Conversely, darker colors can make a room appear smaller and limit your design later on down the road.

Home Makeover Step #2: Try tonal furnishings

We will let you on another interior designer’s secret– tonal furnishings. Using multiple shades of the same color or the same hue creates a sense of luxury, elegance, and refined effortlessness. It is also visually comforting to any on-looker. If you want your room to scream style, then try this tip on for size.

Home Makeover Step #3: Mix In texture

Keep things interesting by adding different textures, patterns, fabrics, and finishes. Because you began your design with a neutral color base, you can play around with a variety of accessories and other decorating elements. All good interior decorators will tell you that accent fabrics and accessories are a great way to add visually compelling pieces that you can easily switch on when the trends change. Right now, we are loving acid-washed fabrics, pastel patterns, and matte finishes.

Home Makeover Step #4: Add contrast and depth

The final step to any good design is digging a little deeper. If you have ever been in a room that feels overwhelming, you know precisely why depth is crucial to professional interior design. However, it’s not only small spaces that need a sense of depth. Make your space more complex by adding contrasting elements, including contrasting hues, mirrors, layered fabrics, and minimalistic décor.

Follow these simple steps to achieve the professional design of your dreams. For additional help with your interior design, contact our experts. We love advising homeowners throughout Utah and the rest of the country.

April 5, 2019

How to Use an Interior Designer

By Mike WallmanFurniture, Interior Design Tips

Interior design can be a daunting process. With so many styles, brands, textiles, and colors on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. San Francisco Design is the ONLY furniture store in Salt Lake City or Park City to make interior design our top priority. Whether you are looking for a single piece or inspiration for an entire home, our professional and knowledgeable modern interior designers look forward to helping you realize your vision.

We are tremendously proud of our interior design process. It all starts with a visit to one of our curated showrooms in Park City or Salt Lake City, Utah. One of our designers will greet you and will be available to guide you, answering questions as you wander through. Following your lead, whether you want to browse uninterrupted, have a specific request, or are unsure where to start, your needs are always our only priority.

If you would like to continue with our Utah-based interior designers, the next step would be scheduling a visit to your home. This valuable component of our process ensures that your Designer really gets a feel for your style and needs. Reviewing your current space, furniture, and style, your Designer can create a floor plan to ensure that space planning, balance, and comfort are all addressed equally in the finished look.

After the home visit, your Designer will finalize the designs to include furniture, fabric, finishes, and even paint and wallpaper colors to accentuate the new look. A presentation of the detailed floor plan will allow you to provide feedback and update the plan as necessary, making any final touches and confirming your requirements and needs.

Throughout the delivery phase, your Designer will update you regularly, keeping you aware of timing and confirming the schedule of our white glove delivery team.

Whether you are looking for a single piece, design advice, space planning, or custom services, SFD is excited to be a part of your journey to help you realize your unique vision. Our interior design services aren’t just the best in Salt Lake City & Park City, they’re the best in Utah. Learn more about our online interior design process or contact us to get started with one of our leading interior designers today!

August 7, 2018

A More Contemporary Christmas

By Mike WallmanInterior Design Tips

Tradition is very important around Christmas…But making it modern and fresh is easy to do while carrying on that Christmas cheer that we all know and love! This Christmas, try a new color scheme that includes deep, rich browns, saturated apple greens, and clean, snowy whites. Combine shimmery golds with shimmery grays and add steel blue accents, or go completely contemporary with more vibrant, youthful teal blues, berry reds, and neon greens wrapping around your tree.

Rather than the traditional trees and Santa, dress up the space with abstract forms of familiar winter shapes and figures. White statues of deer, glittering gold Christmas trees, and faux fur owls will not only bring a modern touch to your Christmas décor, but they will add in some unique and contemporary textures and materials!

Bring the outdoors in while going back to basics. Place frosted twigs or branches in vases for centerpieces or use them as part of a mantle arrangement. Use crystals along with faux snow against the natural browns and greens to create a classy pop. Use fewer ornaments and more natural materials, like pinecones you may find in your backyard. Keeping your décor clean, monochromatic, and natural will bring a more contemporary Christmas look into your home.

Think outside the Christmas box and do something unordinary with your ornaments. These little things can be used in a huge variety of ways: arrange them in large glass vases on the dining table, hang them from a chandelier, or add them to the garland running along your banister. There are easy instructions on how to make a Christmas tree accent out of ornaments – check out this link: thriftycraftygirl.com. Even just tastefully spreading ornaments along with the table runner atop some shimmery organza will add to the contemporary Christmas look!

Happy Holidays from your interior designer,
– Courtney Bulloch

February 21, 2018

How to Find your Signature Style for 2017!

By Mike WallmanInterior Design Tips

What do you want your home to be? Do you want a serene retreat? An energetic, colorful space to entertain? An eclectic space to collect your treasures?

This may seem a daunting undertaking, but write down or collect magazine pictures of what inspires you. What colors, patterns, and styles do you gravitate to?

These are really great resources for tips and tricks!

Now you have the basics you need to start decorating!

Most will start with the sofa. What do you need the seating area for? A great room serves as the heart of the home next to the kitchen and dining area. Will you be watching TV? Doing homework or family projects? That will determine whether you need a sectional for optimal seating or a sofa and chairs.

Leather or fabric? Do you have pets or lots of young children? Leather is easy to care for and looks good for years. New fabric offerings of microfiber polyester imitate expensive luxury fabrics such as silk and linen, that is durable, cleanable, and give warmth to your space. Let us help you make the correct choice too!

Check out our interior designers here!

Don’t expect a new piece of furniture will complete your space. Pictures, accessories, plants, area rugs, and lighting are all essential elements to bring your personal style to the forefront.
Start 2017 with a visual focus and you’ll be so happy that you followed through to a beautiful new home that is a reflection of you!

Thanks for reading! Have some fun with the accessories in your home, they can really express your signature style!

Kelly

February 21, 2018

Your Guide to Household Plants

How to Choose the Right Household Plant

House Plants for Beginners

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Spider Plant

Air Plant

Iron Plant

ZZ Plant

Faux Plants

Top 5 Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid

Interior Design Mistake #1: Not Matching Your Design to the Space

Interior Design Mistake #2: Too Little Light

Interior Design Mistake #3: Being Afraid of Using Color

Interior Design Mistake #4: Too Matchy-Matchy

Interior Design Mistake #5: Not Asking for Advice

Black is Back and Better than Ever

Using Black In Design Tip 1: Use black on multiple surfaces, objects, accessories, or fixtures

Tip 2: Try black flooring

Tip 3: Mix black and white for contrast

Tip 4: Don’t be afraid of using black in small spaces

Tip 5: Black finishes are always a go-to

Tip 6: Add in lighter colors

Tip 7: Get expert advice

Mid-Century Modern Home Decor Inspiration

How to Achieve the Perfect Design Aesthetic

The Perfect Recipe to Make Your Home Look Professionally Designed

Home Makeover Step #1: Start with a natural color

Home Makeover Step #2: Try tonal furnishings

Home Makeover Step #3: Mix In texture

Home Makeover Step #4: Add contrast and depth

How to Use an Interior Designer

A More Contemporary Christmas

How to Find your Signature Style for 2017!

Now you have the basics you need to start decorating!

Company

Salt Lake City

Park City