Creating Harmony. Do your research to discover which style elements, colors, and textures you are drawn to. We create customized image books for our clients, but you can also use websites such as Houzz or Pinterest to create your own ideabooks. Write down a design concept and color scheme for your space and select all the rugs, paint colors, and fabrics together to create a cohesive plan. In this Palo Alto bedroom we added interest with a silvery grasscloth and textural fabrics for clients who prefer a muted palette rather than bold colors and patterns.

Scale & Proportion. A floor plan is the foundation for a successful design project. Start with creating the furniture layout, considering traffic flow and conversation areas. In this formal living room in Pacific Heights we placed two armchairs opposite the sofa to create an intimate conversation area within a larger space.

Adding function. Often times we will start on a project before our clients live in the space. In this case, it’s important to anticipate their needs and to find ways to add function. We added an entry table to this awkward space at the foot of the staircase to provide a place to toss keys and mail. Bonus: It’s pretty!

The post How to Think Like an Interior Designer appeared first on Niche Interiors.

Re-think the painted accent wall.  A grasscloth accent wall is a great way to add both color and texture to your space. In this master bedroom we chose a paprika shade to spice up a mostly neutral room. Try combining various shades of a warm color with a cooler hue across the color wheel from your main color. In this room we opted for orange with aqua accents.

Feeling adventurous?  Consider a vibrant fabric for your next armchair! We snatched up these vintage Milo Baughman chairs from a dealer and had them re-upholstered at our local San Francisco workroom. Bonus: The new latex inserts are non-toxic and eco-friendly.

Commitment issues:  Using bold color in large (and more permanent) ways isn’t for everyone. Starting out with accent pillows and flowers is a safe way to venture into the world of color. We like to stick to one type of flower or one color for unfussy, contemporary arrangements.

The post Bring on the Color! appeared first on Niche Interiors.

Forgiving fabrics! Let’s face it – spills happen. Instead of living in fear of ruining your sofa, select fabrics in darker hues or with subtle variation to camouflage minor stains. We also recommend having your upholstery stain-treated with a non-toxic process after it’s delivered. This prevents stains from seeping into the fabric while avoiding the need for stain-resistant fabrics, which are full of unwanted chemicals.

Solid wood dining tables withstand life with kids much better than tables with veneers, which can chip easily. We especially love tables with an inset base rather than legs at each corner. Kids can easily pull up chairs from any angle without banging their knees.

Ottomans are your best friend. Consider opting for an upholstered ottoman rather than a coffee table with sharp edges (and unsightly padded corners).

The post Family-Friendly Interior Design Tips appeared first on Niche Interiors.

1. Create a design plan and determine focal points in the room.
Map out the design for your space before deciding what pieces in which to invest. What will be the “wow” factor in your room? Perhaps it’s the chandelier, a large-scale painting, or wallpaper. Leave room in the budget for the highest impact items; they typically end up costing the most.

2. Spend where it counts.
Often times the cost of an item is not proportional to its quality or uniqueness. We advise our clients to splurge on pieces that will last for many years and where a larger investment directly impacts the function and feel of the piece. The top 3 are: Upholstery, window treatments & rugs.

3. Save on smaller items.
Occasional tables, accessories, and lighting are three areas where you can shave off a significant portion of your budget. There are so many affordable online sources for these finishing touches ~ take advantage!

The post Mixing it Up: High + Low appeared first on Niche Interiors.

New to the retail scene is Aldea Home, a larger home furnishing and accessory offshoot of their Aldea Niño kids store on Valencia Street. Stop in to check out the new Dwell Studio furniture line, Jonathan Adler accessories or John Robshaw textiles.

Another notable newcomer is FLOR – the manufacturer that made carpet tiles cool (and recyclable!)– they open up shop in Union Square this month. For more eco-friendly options head to the Green Depot on Bryant Street for a recently expanded offering of environmental building products, including flooring, countertops, and cabinetry. Happy shopping!

The post San Francisco Interior Design Dispatches appeared first on Niche Interiors.

If you’ve purchased a sofa recently, you are well aware of the overwhelming fabric options that are available.  Here is a run down of the most common fabrics and the best ways to use them.

Cotton. I’m a sucker for natural fibers. Cotton is a good choice for upholstery fabric – it’s breathable and comfortable to sit on. If you have a very active household, it would be advisable to opt for a cotton and synthetic blend for durability, such as 50% cotton and 50% polyester (or rayon) blend. Look for heavier weight cottons, such as canvas and denim for longer life spans.

Linen. Effortlessly chic, linen has the most appeal for casual, classic homes. The downside to linen sofas are the wrinkles, which are inevitable. If you like things to look uniform and perfect this is not the upholstery fabric for you.

Microfiber or Ultrasuede. These fabrics are everywhere! That’s a great thing if you have a house full of young kids and dogs. While they are durable, relatively stain resistant and easy to clean, they can be a bit drab. A great alternative to microfiber is to treat your sofa with a non-toxic stain guard treatment, which is an eco-friendly application. For a few hundred dollars they will come to your home and treat the sofa to repel stains.

Synthetic Fibers. There are a wide range of synthetic fabrics used in upholstery, the most common being polyester, rayon, and nylon. Synthetic fabrics were created to mimic natural fabrics, but with increased stain resistance and durability (and often with a less expensive price tag). Generally, synthetic fibers are rather durable and are a good option when blended with a natural fabric. The downside is that they are mostly derived from coal and oil sources, so they are not environmentally friendly.

Leather. Easy to clean and long lasting, leather has been a popular upholstery choice for ages. With the increased awareness of environmental and animal impact, this choice might be waning in popularity. If you opt for leather, make sure to look for full or top grain leathers that have been aniline dyed.

Need professional help? Niche Interiors provides furniture selection and buying services. Contact us for more information.

The post Upholstery 101: Selecting the Right Fabric appeared first on Niche Interiors.