It’s time to take down your old, tattered curtains, but you’re not quite sure what to replace them with. Just don’t be in a hurry to hang up any reasonable substitute. Ask top interior designers in Seattle, New York, Chicago, or LA - they’d all tell you the same thing: how you dress your windows can have a dramatic effect on how your room looks and feels. While you peruse and consider your choices, from sheer curtains to bamboo blinds, keep these top insider tips in mind:

1. Decisions, decisions…
Curtains aren’t just additional decor, they are functional too. When choosing yours, ask yourself these important questions: Are they needed for privacy? Do I want them to help keep in heat, prevent drafts, or allow the room to stay cool? How much light should they let in or block? If your curtains are for a bedroom, you might choose a heavy material which won’t allow a single ray to spoil your sleep. Alternatively, you might like sheer fabrics for those rooms where you want to let in as much light as possible, for example, a kitchen area or attic window. Blinds are great for windows where you need a variety of functions: pull them up for an unobstructed window, open them for a partial view, or close them fully to keep outside eyes away.

2. Exaggerate it!
If you want to draw attention to your windows, order more fabric and hang your curtain pole 15-30 cms above their frames. This makes your windows look much larger than they really are. Allow your drapes to hang to the floor past the bottom of the window frames to add even more height to the illusion!

3. Bring in the sunshine
If you’d like your windows to let in as much light as possible during the day, opt for curtains and add 30-45 cms more length on each end of your rod. This means you can pull the curtains aside without obstructing any part of the pane. It also helps narrow windows appear wider.

4. To line or not to line?
As well as the design, you’ll need to decide if your curtains should have a lining or not. A lining protects the curtain from dirt on the window and sunlight which may fade the fabric. It helps keep more light out and can actually provide extra insulation - which might in turn reduce your electric bills! On the other hand, unlined curtains are easier to wash, lighter to handle, and better for rooms you wish to keep cool. They are practical in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom where added steam and moisture necessitates regular washing.

5. Mix and match
Scared your sheer curtain will turn transparent when houselights are on? Just add a heavier drape to draw at night. Feel like your blinds aren’t homely enough? Why not add a curtain pelmet to your window frame? If you can’t decide on one good option, you can always combine!

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to post it to your site or blog and forward this link to your friends. Have a great day!”

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

I love textiles, there I said it. No, I take that back, I love beautiful textiles. Over the years I’ve come across fabric lines that just seem to continue to court me and get me all giggly when they release new patterns. I’ve dubbed these lines my fabric boyfriends.

It’s not as weird as it sounds (ok, maybe it is), but these relationships are filled with just as many clichés as the real deal. A fabric catches my eye and I can’t look away. I find out a little more about the line and am intrigued. I get a crush. I spend a lot of time getting to know the ins and outs of the line: all the color ways, the fiber content, the way it drapes. I then start fantasizing about what we’ll do together in the future. Some days I’m over the top impressed with color and the pattern options, other times I’m disappointed and frustrated that the color is just not quite right. Eventually, I come to terms with the fact that this fabric boyfriend is not “the one” and I relegate it to my little black book that I go back to as the project arises. Fortunately for me the world is full of textiles and I’m a patient gal. Besides, it’s so much fun looking.

• Graduated in interior design Cum Laude from Cornish College of the Arts (in addition to a previous BS in English literature…Emerson anyone?).

• Featured by HGTV, King 5 Television, and Q13 FOX.

• My work has been published in “Metropolitan Home”, “Seattle Times Pacific Northwest”, “Seattle Homes and Lifestyles”, and “Better Homes and Gardens” magazines.

• Successfully built my own thriving 6 person interior design firm that for the past 6 years has specialized in high end residential and multi-family interior architecture and design.

• Won design awards, including the 2004 and 2007 Northwest Design Award.

• Published my drawings and paintings in various art reviews.

• Created full architectural drawings using tools such as AutoCAD, Photoshop, Sketch up and Form Z, for high end residences being built from the ground up. Well experienced at the art of architectural drawing and have completed many projects of this nature.

• Designed a building requiring several14 inch x 27 foot steel I beams and oversaw their installation.

• Designed and oversaw the installation of 15 foot concrete feature walls.

• Orchestrated the surprise installation of new sewer lines going into County mains under a 2 day time limit, and under the rather strict and watchful eye of both County and city officials (these things usually take 100 days + in this neck of the woods.)

• Directed entire construction projects as the general contractor as well as designer; working with Sandblasters, concrete cutters, sewer engineers, municipalities, carpenters, concrete installers, sheet metal manufacturers, waterproofing specialist, suppliers of every imaginable ilk, roofers, upholsterers, painters (my favorites ©), and woodworkers just to name a small handful.

• Faux Finished walls and art directed the installation of murals.

• Resourceful and creative: found old chandeliers for $20 dollars, had them nickel plated for $70 dollars, and later used them in million dollar projects.

• Designed an acoustically correct music recording studio (including hidden routes for cables and a long list of other sound studio specifications which I am happy to provide).

• Sourced obscure materials from all over the world…Brazil to Europe…usually calling the sources directly in the necessary country.

• Created custom finishes in many different surfaces from back painted low iron etch glass, to milestone, to bleached, dyed, and stained wood.

• Had the most beautiful and well adjusted child you have ever seen (okay, I am not an empirical judge on this, but you ought to see him….my best design yet).

• I could keep going, but at this point you should just call me, not read this!

Please see http://www.AmelyDesigns.com for a full representation of the firm’s accolades and press mentions. Below are selected highlights.

2007 Northwest Design Award - Bathroom, Winner “Poetic, beautiful use of composition and execution.” -NWDA judging panel

Metropolitan Home Magazine “Matters of the Hearth” (April 2006) “… Amely respected the home’s 1960s architecture but took liberties with it, mixing classic and contemporary materials to put a fresh face on Mid-Century design.” -Fred Albert, Metropolitan Home

Seattle Homes & Lifestyles Front cover and full design feature (Sept. 2007)

HGTV “What You Get for the Money” appearance (Oct. 2006)

HGTV “Home Room” taping (pilot yet to air)

360° Modern “Balancing Act” feature story (April 2006)

Seattle Times 9 Pacific Northwest Magazine “Knowing Its Place” (Aug. 2006)

KING 5 television (Seattle) morning news, multiple appearances, design expert (2005, 2006)

Better Homes and Gardens “Before and After” for French kitchen design (Jan. 2006)

2004 Northwest Design Award - Kitchen, Winner ‘An outstanding representation of professional design in our region. ” -The Innis Arden Board

Seattle Times “Real Life Home” (Oct. 2006)

Amely Wurmbrand started on her path as an interior designer at a young age, following her real estate investing family around Southern California through hardware, and furniture stores, as well as innumerable meetings with contractors. Her circuitous path led her to opening her own award winning interior design practice in Seattle, Washington. Amely’s expertise includes architectural design and drawing, as well as managing large teams of contractors working on high-end residential construction projects. Amely has worked with a varied palette of materials ranging from fabric and fringe to large concrete and steel structures.

Amely graduated Cum Laude from Cornish College of the arts, with a degree in interior design and a minor in jazz voice. She also holds a BS in English literature from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her academic credentials have been enhanced by unique real life experiences. She traveled extensively with her grandfather, a well-known author and public speaker, sharpening her own communication skills while absorbing the design and art of European and Middle Eastern cultures. While studying jazz voice, she learned the power of improvisation and has honed those skills in the context of both design and public presentation. Additionally, she was the lead singer for several rock and jazz bands in Boulder and Seattle, where she performed regularly.

Having studied design, music, writing, painting, and art history, Amely enjoys the creative process in any discipline. Interior design allows her to bring all of her experiences together to influence the look of her projects. She has extensive experience in sourcing obscure materials from locations around the world and her designs frequently include the principles of Feng Shui. In every endeavor Amely performs extensive research of the clients needs to bring together a beautiful and fulfilling space. “I enjoy helping my clients create a unique space that will nurture and reward them as they go about their lives”

Using her energy and humor to create fun and dynamic spaces, Amely brings her exuberant personality into all of her endeavors. She lives in Seattle with her husband, and four year old son. In her free time she paints, teaches classes, studies yoga, enjoys cooking gourmet meals, and continues to travel.

Walking into the “before” bathroom of this Somerset home was a field trip into the 5o’s.  The lighting and plumbing fixtures, the color palette, and the layout all belonged to a different era.  Situated in the middle of the home, all walls of the room were internal so there was no source of natural light.  A small and awkward storage closet opened into the hall and the cumbersome vanity took up a lot of real estate without any real return on the investment.

Opposite what passes for a vanity would be this tub and tile story. A shower wall concealed the toilet but resulted in creating a dank dark space begging for light. This bathroom is only 58 square feet! That small hall closet provided just enough space to integrate the storage internally, and open up this room just a bit.

Yes, it really is the same room. Consuming the small hall closet lent the room enough space to house a proper vanity. The upper cabinet contains full extension sliding drawer boxes and shelving to house what was once only accessible in the hall. Raising the vanity off the floor and under lighting it further creates the illusion of space by floating the cabinetry. A wall mounted faucet cleans up the counter of cream crisp marble. A large mirror is both functional and assists in opening the room. The diamond veneer pattern of teak radiates and is offset by the darker stained anigre that contains the boxes. The geometry and massing of the forms is sculptural, the textured drawer pulls further extend the lines of the room.

Let there be light! Since there was no exterior wall to add a window, a large skylight is the next best thing. By locating it above the crisp white tub bounces the light up and around and through the frosted glass panel of encased tiger thatch that affords the toilet area some privacy. Elongated deep blue glass tiles appear woven into the wall adding texture and reclining lines. The large niche of cream marble echoes the line of the tiger thatch and creates a window illusion. Minimal and modern fixtures allow the tile to tell the story, but where’s the shower curtain?

Locating the waterproof fabric roller curtain into a soffit tucks neatly away when not in use, does not detract from the tile story and simply a tug away.

Who says you can’t do big things in small spaces? Playing with shape, form, rhythm, line and massing are just a few of the key elements that, when used professionally, can transform a tiny dark hole of a space into a voluminous retreat worthy of any grand spa.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

I love textiles, there I said it. No, I take that back, I love beautiful textiles. Over the years I’ve come across fabric lines that just seem to continue to court me and get me all giggly when they release new patterns. I’ve dubbed these lines my fabric boyfriends.

It’s not as weird as it sounds (ok, maybe it is), but these relationships are filled with just as many cliches as the real deal. A fabric catches my eye and I can’t look away. I find out a little more about the line and am intrigued. I get a crush. I spent a lot of time getting to know the ins and outs of the line: all the color ways, the fiber content, the way it drapes. I then start fantasizing about what we’ll do together in the future. Some days I’m over the top impressed with color and the pattern options, other times I’m disappointed and frustrated that the color is just not quite right. Eventually, I come to terms with the fact that this fabric boyfriend is not “the one”  and I relegate it to my little black book that I go back to as the project arises. Fortunately for me the world is full of textiles and I’m a patient gal. Besides, it’s so much fun looking.

Here are some of my favorite fabric boyfriends:

Christian Fishbacher - the colors, the scale, the allure.

Jim Thompson - Sink into luxury unmatched.

Bart Halpern -No one pleats and crinkles better.

Lee Jofa - What range, what colors? And they feel as good as they look

Bergamo - From bold to neutrals, sublime.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

Old and outdated -  the cabinet doors will no longer close, and even if they did there still isn’t enough room to store the appliance that crowd the plastic laminate counter tops. The location of all the major service appliances meant that these clients were taking many trips across that worn out vinyl floor. Tons of boring white to highlight stains and just enough stripe to vibrate annoyingly above your head.

There was no passing through the kitchen to get to the breakfast and media rooms if either the oven or refrigerator doors were open. All that soffit space above the cabinets is a waste of space this kitchen could not afford.

Voila! The clients taste and the architecture of the home speak to the old world quality of French Country with an emphasis on the mixture of nuance and patina. Honey colored wood flooring was carried through from the adjoining dining room creating cohesion. The cabinet panel door style was selected with scaled down detail to help integrate the look into the architecture of the home.  The new cabinetry garnered us the conveniences of full extension drawer slides and partitions which created a far more efficient use of space. A soft cream upper cabinet color reflects the abundance of daylight and is juxtaposed against the rich deep blue of the lower cabinetry to create an illusion of space.  A honed sumptuous chocolate marble counter anchors the blue cabinetry below and lets the upper cabinetry float.

A field of cream crackle beveled tile in a running bond pattern layer the space with visual texture and plays with the light while firmly reminding you of the French Country concept of the design. An accent liner tile of crackled blue glass sparkles extending the lines of the room and singing harmony to the lower cabinetry. The mosaic inset above the stove creates a lovely focal point as it pulls together the elements of the room in color and scale while offsetting the prominence of the stove.

The clean and modern lines of the service appliances are countered by the detail in the cabinetry. Once again, by mixing the cream upper doors with the deep blue lower ones, space is created visually so as to keep this large refrigerator from dominating the space. The full height pull out pantry to the left also sinks into the landscape. Taking the cabinetry all the up to the ceiling captures the wasted space of the soffits.

Removing the wall into the breakfast room allows the light to pool through as well as creating greater access. Flush mounted oil rubbed bronze lighting fixtures in charming detail add form,  recessed and under mounted cabinetry lighting add function. The bronze is united in faucet finish and knob detail to create a space that is fully integrated and conceived in both function and beauty.

Layering color, texture and form unifies the separate elements of the design. Each individual selection is chosen in consideration and support of the entire project.

From drab and outdated to fabulous.

From drab and outdated to fabulous.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

Choosing a good carpet for your home isn’t just important for complimenting or enhancing your interior design. Once you have a color or pattern in mind, you’ll need to start thinking about more practical issues such as which carpet type you want, which fiber it should be made of and how you will be using your new carpet. Interior designers in Seattle agree that if you answer these three important questions, you’ll be better equipped to make the best choice for your home. Here are the essentials you will need to know:

1. Carpet types

Loop: This carpet is formed through continuous loops of threads. It would go well in an informal area but isn’t great if you have pets whose claws can pull up a loop and make the carpet run.
Frieze: Another good informal style, this carpet has a curly look to it. It stands up well and doesn’t leave obvious vacuum and footprint marks.
Plush: A dense carpet with a luxurious feel. This goes well in a formal area where there is little traffic as it is easily imprinted.
Pattern: Uses different-sized loops of thread and cut threads to form a subtly textured look. You can choose from a large range of patterns, e.g., swirls, squares, lattices and botanical features.
Textured: The fibers on this are cut at different lengths to give a shaggy look. This is a good all-round carpet as it is not easily imprinted and gives a casual yet beautiful look.

2. Carpet fibers

Polyester: An inexpensive choice which sometimes offer a softer texture. However, it does not have the best durability and easily looses its shape.
Nylon: This is the most popular carpet fiber. It is moderately priced and thought to be the best at resisting wear and stains.
Wool: This has a luxury quality to it, being soft and bulky. But beware, it will probably need professional cleaning and is also the priciest.
Olefin (polypropylene): These are strong fibers known to resist wear and stains. Commercial interiors favor this type, though some believe it is harder to clean.

3. Where will your carpet go?

Anticipate how your carpet will be used and who will be using it. Will your carpet be placed in a formal room where there won’t be much people-traffic? If so, you won’t mind buying a more expensive fiber which looks great though it has lower durability. Do you need a carpet for your lounge where your pet dogs and children can roam around freely? If this is the case, you might opt for an inexpensive type that you can replace every few years as needed, or you might opt for the most durable kind. Once you’ve anticipated which qualities your carpet will need when it is being used, you’ll be much closer to making the best pick for your home.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to post it to your site or blog and forward this link to your friends. Have a great day!

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

When it comes to arranging your living room furniture, interior designers in Seattle, New York, or LA will tell you there are important rules to follow. Luckily, it’s not rocket science. Apply the following to your room and notice the difference they can make:

1. Choose a focal point
Find something in the room that you want to be the main focal point. This could be something that is already in the room like a fireplace or a large window with a nice view, or you might choose a TV or entertainment system as these will be used often. Whichever you pick, you will then need to arrange your furniture, decorative items and seating around it.

2. Set your seating
If you want your living room area to be a place where those inside it can easily socialize, arrange your seating facing each other - or at right angles to each other - so that the seating space feels intimate. As described before, it should still be in front of or centered around your focal point. You will also have to decide if you wish to place a table or ottoman in the center of the seating, for placing drinks, etc, or if you wish to keep this space clear. If you choose the later, add small tables to the seating arrangement line (e.g. next to sofa ends or in between the squares created by placing the seats at right angles. These squares are also great for adding lamps.

3. Consider balance and symmetry
When you look at your room, are there certain areas which appear cluttered with large objects while others seem awkwardly empty? Try and place items so that there is a sense of balance to the space you have used. Using symmetry helps a room look good too, e.g., placing matching items at both ends of a sofa or hanging the same sized picture frames at opposite ends of a wall.

4. Think about your lighting
If your room doesn’t have ceiling lights, you will need to prioritize the placing of lamp stands or tables that hold lamps. Work out which areas of the room need brightening during the day and place lamps there to maintain a balance of light in the room. Again, when it comes to night, make sure your lighting is well-balanced.

5. Experiment in miniature
Draw a layout of the room on paper and cut out paper miniatures of all the furniture and large belongings you will be placing inside it.  Experiment with moving everything around, choosing different seating layouts, focal points and other arrangements. This will help you generate ideas and allow you to find the most practical and pleasing way to arrange your room.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to post it to your site or blog and forward this link to your friends. Have a great day!

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email: