Every profession has it's own special language and Interior Design, Architecture and Construction are no different.
Each week I will be giving you definitions for words beginning with letters of the alphabet and will continue through the alphabet until we are done with all the letters.
Here are some definitions beginning with the letter "N"
N.I.C.
The initials N.I.C. in a contract mean "Not in Contract". It is used in construction documents and drawings to identify areas of the project which are not within the scope of the project being priced. It could be that the client has already done that portion of the project or is not planning to do it in this phase. It may mean there is space being provided in this phase of construction but it is not being finished at the moment (like a basement or attic).
Nesting Tables:
Nesting tables are those sets of table that stack one on top of the other and can be separated and used individually when desired. They are usually in sets of three, come in all sizes, styles and shapes and are quite practicle.
Newel Post:
Newel posts are the the large posts that provide the structure for a staircase. They are at the bottom of the stairs and at corners. They can be very straight and plain like in Craftsman style or ornate and turned on a lathe. Their decorative shapes are sometimes reproduced as lamp bases or other decorative items.
Niche:
Niche refers to an opening in a wall where decorative things may be displayed or stored. Showers have niches to hold shampoo and soap and foyer's often have them to display statues or vases. They can be square, round or arched and made of plaster, cast material, concrete, tile or stone - they are all niches.
Nosing:
Nosings are generally referred to in relation to stairs but they can also be the forward most part of any overhang, such as a counter. They are the part that projects (noses) beyond the riser (vertical piece which "rises" up to meet the nosing).
Next week I will give you the definitions of words beginning with the letter "O"
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, IDG
WOW - here comes Easter! Are you ready? Here are some ideas to help.........
1. You can't really go wrong with a white porcelain bunny and a twig nest. I love how this has bulbs and rosemary on one side too.
2. This simple pyramid of Easter eggs, grass and daffodils is a charming way to set the table for an Easter buffet brunch.
3. If you are having a sit down meal this table setting is fresh and definitely says Easter!
4. Easter breakfast served with individual flower pots and monogrammed eggs - how cute is that!
5. This napkin ring made with a miniature nest and eggs is perfect and is something your guest can take home afterward.
6. Speaking of miniature eggs - these tiny blue ones nestled into the greenery are perfect without being too "cutesy".
7. Here is another tablescape to consider. There are several sizes of eggs - I'm not sure it they are real or fake but you get the idea of a two tiered stand covered with the eggs and a bunny in the grass.
8. Love this arrangement too - so colorful. If the flowers are placed in individual water vials you would still be able to eat the jelly beans!
9. Who could resist Easter Eggs decorated like this? Let the kids have the multicolored one - I'll take these!
10. Last but not least - this is what those colored eggs look like when they hatch!!! I wonder if they taste different.
Wishing you all a wonderful Easter.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, IDG
It is officially spring time and I'm ready - are you?
1. Tulips of every color signal springtime and an awakening from winter.
2. Think about the colors of spring and start decorating all around the house.
3. A great way to perk up your house for spring is to put a flowering branch in a vase and call it a day! It's dramatic enough all by itself.
4. Spring bulbs wrapped in burlap can be a very charming decoration - and very simple to make.
5. Choosing cheery yellow for your accents definitely signals spring. It's uplifting and happy.
6. Aqua is another soft color for springtime decorating. It's especially effective on the West side of the house.
7. Don't you just love this cheerful door mat? It's made from blocks of wood painted different colors and put together with steel rods.
8. Here is another way to use rainboots to decorate. If your branches are in a vase you can always pull it out when it starts showering and be ready to splash in the rain.
9. How about some new glasses with chirping birds? That would look great in your spring table setting.
10. Here is a beautiful spring table setting - just pick whatever is blooming in the garden and display in tall glass vases. The bird glasses would look wonderful here too.
Bring on the sunshine and have a great day!!
Link to previous blogs here.
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondeisgn@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, IDG
Every profession has it's own special language and Interior Design, Architecture and Construction are no different.
Each week I will be giving you definitons for words beginning with different letters of the alphabet and will continue until we are done with all the letters.
Here are some definitions beginning with the letter "M".
Marquetry:
Marquetry is an inlay of a decorative pattern in contrasting colors into wood. It is a delicate and intricate artistic expression and is very time consuming, therefore costly. Museums are full of exquisite examples of marquetry.
Matlasse:
Matlasse fabric is most often found in bedding and pillows. It is of one solid color with a quilt like design in an all over pattern. The designs can be geometric or organic in style.
Memo Sample:
A memo sample is a critical item for an Interior Designer. We order them when we are ordering fabric or wallpaper to show our clients and to keep for reference in matching with other items in the rooms. They differ from a CFA (cutting for approval) which is what we order once the selection has been made and item is ready to be ordered. We use them to verify color from the actual bolt being used to complete the order.
Modesty Panel:
A modesty panel is standard on most desks and it's purpose is to hide the legs of the person sitting there. In this picture you can see it is made of metal for a decorative element but in most instances it is of the same material as the desk itself.
Mohair:
Mohair is the yarn that is spun from long haired Angora goats. It is long and silky as well as durable and is used in fabrics and clothing. Mohair upholstery fabric has become very popular lately because it is so strong and will last a lifetime. It can also be dyed in many beautiful colors.
Moire:
You are probably familiar with taffeta fabric which has a wavy design called moire. Moire is also used as a term to describe a decorative element which has that tone on tone undulating quality as shown in these pictures.
Motion Sensors:
Motion sensors are required by the electrical codes in many areas of the home and in commercial buildings. There are many different ones available but they essentially shut off when they do not detect motion in a room to save energy. Some turn on and off automatically when they sense motion and other turn on manually and turn off automatically at a preset time interval after they do not sense movement anymore.
Mullions:
Mullions are the dividers of window panes. They are used in the doors which are commonly referred to as "French Doors", although French doors do not necessarily have mullions. Many window companies today make removable mullions so that the windows can be more easily cleaned. When they are fixed they create the frame work for each individual glass pane.
Next week I will give you definitions for words beginning with the letter "N".
Link to previous blogs here.
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, IDG
1. Interior Designers know that window treatments are the finishing touches that pull the whole room together and complete the look. They are the jewelery for the room! Look at the detailing - these tie backs even have jewel beads on them to catch the light.
2. Edge banding with a strong color can unify the room and punctuate a neutral window treatment.
3. This beautiful shaped and detailed cornice board is finished off with tassels for the final touch - the perfect accent!
4. Box pleats and button details by designer Jennifer Brower are a nicely tailored detail.
5. Sometimes just sheer panels are the right touch and don't forget they come in colors - not just white and off white.
6. If your room needs some high contrast you could go for these bold broad stripes. These drapes are a simple tab top so as not to be taken too seriously.
7. On the other hand, if you need a focal point and have very high ceilings, these window coverings could work. There is a decorative grill work topped with swags that are anchored with decorative fabric covered panels. The overall effect is dramatic and fills the huge space above the small window.
8. The smocked top at these curved top windows is an unexpected soft surprise.
9. ........and finally, here is an example of the WRONG WAY to install drapery panels! These should have gone all the way to the top of the upper windows instead of cutting them off at this low height!
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD CID, NCIDQ, IDG
1. Although books are going electronic these day there are still people who love the feel of a book in their hand and have large collections of books.
2. This traditional bookcase houses favorites and classics, all easily accessible.
3. This library has a rolling ladder and rail to reach the high shelves and the books have been covered in neutral paper for a unifying look. Hopefully they are not just for looks! the painted back of the bookcase makes the books pop and unites with the blue colors in the room.
4. This upper landing hallway is the perfect place to build some bookshelves. You can grab a book and find a comfortable place to settle down to read.
5. Here is a creative and decorative way to store your books on a diagonal.
6. If your taste runs more creative this abstract bookcase is a piece of stunning art as well! I'm afraid you will have to imagine what it looks like with books in it.
7. I love the way this bookcase incorporates a lighted display to break it up. The rolling ladder is always charming as well as practical.
8. A whole room off a hallway has been dedicated to reading in this picture. What a comfortable place to retreat to.
9. Settling down to read in this cozy nook with a fabulous view would be wonderful. It might be hard to leave, though.
10. Here is another serene place to read with a fabulous view. What a restful place!
11. Here is a creative and unusal use for a ladder - now it's a bookshelf!
12. Don't forget the kids' books. Reading is a very important part of early childhood development so have a nice library for them and a comfortable chair and get them started on the adventures that can be found in books!
Have a wonderful day and take some time to read something interesting and absorbing.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
Every profession has it's own special language and Interior Design, Architecture and Construction are no different.
Each week I will be giving you definitions for words beginning with letters of the alphabet and will continue through the alphabet until we are done with all the letters.
Here are some definitions beginning with the letter "L".
Laminate floor:
Laminate flooring has been around for awhile. Think of a plastice surface like "Formica" only on the floor. It is durable with a plastic coating on top of a photograph of real wood or stone so it is quite realistic looking. It does tend to make noise when walked on so a sound underlayment is advised. It is installed in squares (to look like stone) or in planks that look like wood flooring.
Lamp:
Lamps are generally thought of as the fixture which houses a "bulb" and sits on the floor or table (ie: table lamp). In the industry however, "lamp" is the word for the actual "bulb". We do still refer to the table type as lamps also so it can be confusing.
LED:
LED is a common word these days as LED lamping becomes more mainstream. LED stands for Light emitting diodes. They have improved tremedously over the last few years and are energy effiecient, cool to the touch, long lasting and can be dimmed. They are used in everything from Christmas lights to computerized show lighting on the exterior of buidings. Ultimately they will become our main source of lighting however, they are still a little expensive for the initial cost.
Lintel:
A lintel is a strange word but it refers to the horizontal piece of framing above a door, window or other opening. They can be made of wood or stone and are sometimes decorative as well as functional as you can see in these pictures.
Lumens and luminaire:
Lumens are measured by the amount of light being emitted onto a square foot of surface. Lumens = light. The amount of light being transmitted from a lamp will deminish over time and is referred to as lumen depreciation.
A luminaire is the actual light fixture or housing for the "lamp" which emits the light. We haven't yet started using the term "table luminiare" but that would be correct instead of "table lamp".
Lyre Motif:
A lyre is a stringed instrument like a harp that was used in Ancient Greece. You will see it depicted in pictures of ancient Greeks. It has been transformed into a decorative shape in furniture and is quite graceful.
Next week I will present words beginning with the letter "M"
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIQ, IDG
Even if you are not Irish this March 17th is a fun day to celebrate. The New York St. Patrick's Day Parade is a tradition and so is green beer and lots of fun so here are some ideas to get you started.
Here's that green beer I was talking about.
If you want to be authentic you should get some Guiness stout. It is creamy and delish.
Now if 'tis Irish coffee ye prefer here is the recipie and grand it is!
To go with the drinks you will need some corned beef and cabbage - one of my family's favorites.
Then of course some Bailey's Irish Cream ice cream for dessert.
If you need something more solid to go with that ice cream how about some cupcakes - these are beautiful and look good enough to eat anytime.
Speaking of cupcakes these rainow cupcakes with gold coins at the end of the rainbow are adorable!
IF you prefer cookies these cookies have creme de menthe chips and some green food coloring to put you in the spirit of the day. I'm not sure where to get the chips but it's worth looking for.
Shamrock decorated sugar cookies and a green shake look pretty appetising too.
Speaking of shamrocks this wreath is a wonderful decoration for St. Patrick's Day but also good all year long.
If you are having a St. patrick's Day party you have to have lots of green decorations..........
Balloons......
And don't forget your party hat!
Party on if you are Irish like me or even if you are not!
Link to previous blog here
Please call if I can help you with your interior design projects!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
St. Patrick's Day is almost here so green is the color of the day! Here are some ways to accessorize your home with this fresh and lively color.
1. Although this room has pale green walls, it is the green pillows that are the star here. White and green is a very refreshing color combination.
2. Green draperies are an easy solution to getting some green into your room. Notice they repeated the green in the pillows and throw on the chair.
3. All this room needed was green chairs and it came alive! Do you have some chairs that need reupholstering? Try using a bold color like this for a whole new look to your room.
4. If you go more for today's hot yellow green - paint the back of the bookcase and then add a throw to bring the color into the room. The white accessories on the bookcase really pop off the green backgound. Even the lampshade matches.
5. What a beautiful dining room - with just the plants in the corner for a touch of green. They could be trees or plants on stands like the ones in this picture.
6. A green headboard with a pillow repeating the color gives life to this neutral room. This could be an easy do-it-yourself project by just making a plywood frame, covering it with padding and then stapling the fabric onto the back. They used nailhead trim here for texture and a little glam.
7. This wall of live plants makes a bold statment and is easily watered with a drip watering system. You will need a well lit wall - maybe a skylight overhead or else large windows nearby.
8. Here is another way to use green plants for decorating and have them be functional too. Having a live herb garden in the kitchen is a great way to always have fresh herbs.
9. Even the family pets can use of dose of green in their part of the house! Aren't these pet beds adorable?
Look for a way to incorporate green into your accessory decorating and you will be amazed what a change it can make.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
Every profession has it's own special language and Interior Design, Architecture and Construction are no different.
Each week I will be giving you definitions for words beginning with different letters of the alphabet and will continue through the alphabet until we are done with all the letters.
Here are some definitions beginning with the letter "K".
"Key" as in Greek Key or Chinese Key designs is illustrated above. It is used in many architectural details and in Classic style furniture. It is used in fabrics and trim for upholstery and window coverings as well. It is easily recognized by it's geometric repetitive shape.
A Keystone is referring to the center piece of an arch which is usually slightly larger than the arch itself and is wedge shaped either plain or decorative. It is a structural part of the arch. It is found in architecture but also in Classic style furnishings and even in contemporary ones, where it is very streamlined.
Kilims are flat weave rugs with geometric patterns. They do not have a pile like other Oriental rugs. They come from many countries and the designs were originated in the local tribes. Each tribe had it's own unique design. They are used as rugs but also as wall hangings, upholstery coverings and the designs are reproduced onto decorative accessory items.
The ancient Greeks invented the Klismos chair which is distinctive and easily recognized by it's curves. The front legs curve forward and the back leg curve backward while the back of the chair curves to follow the lines of the person's back. They are illustrated on many Greek Revival decorative items.
Next week I will introduce words starting with "L".
Link to previous blogs here
Please call if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID NCIDQ, IDG
Green has been a staple in Interior Design forever. It is a color that tends to cool down a room so it is great when used in West facing rooms. There are many shades and variations so choose the color carefully to achieve the right effect.
1. The Green chairs in this dining room by Fava Design look like liquid and draw your eye outdoors to the tropical scenery.
2. This green island works perfectly with the butcher block counter and white cabinets.
3. Green can be used in a pure form like this bedroom for a bold statement or.......
4. .........use a green paint with a lot of yellow in it for a very different effect.
5. This bedroom pairs another yellowish green with crisp white for a very successful and fresh looking space. Notice that they used it on the ceiling instead of the walls but carried the color onto the window Roman Shades and the bedding.
6. A softer green was used here to enclose the room and accentuate the architecture. This bedroom has a very restful feeling.
7. Sometimes green is incorporated in a room as accents only but scattered throughout the room to tie it all together. If you can imagine this room without the green accents -- it would be really bland. The touch of pink warms it up.
8. And if you can't decide which shade of green you like best - you can do this and use them all!
If green is your favorite color - find a way to incorporate it into your home.
I will write about how to use green as an accent only in the next blog.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
Every profession has it's own special language and Interior Design, Architecture and Construction are no different.
Each week I will be giving you definitions for words beginning with different letters of the alphabet and will continue through the alphabet until we are done with all the letters.
Here are some definitions beginning with the letter "J"
JABOT:
A jobot is a French term used to describe a portion of a drapery that hangs down on the sides of the drape or swag and is pleated with in cascading design that reveals the back side of the drape also. Sometimes the back side is lined with a different color so it adds more interest.
JAMB:
A jamb is an important part of a doorway or window. As you can see in the pictures it is the wood that seals off the opening and surrounds the door or window. It is not the trim on the wall side, which is the casing. It is the wooden part where the door latch is mounted as in the upper center picture.
JOINERY:
Joinery is a woodworking term used to describe how the pieces are "joined" together. There are many different types of joints such as dovetail, finger, butt, biscuit, tongue and groove, mortise and tenon, dowel, etc.
JOIST:
A joist is a structural piece used in construction which runs from beam to beam and can be made of wood, metal or concrete. It is most commonly installed with metal hangers. It supports a floor, ceiling or roof. It can run on top of the beams also as in the bottom pictures.
JUNCTION BOX:
Junction boxes are used to make up wire connections. They are behind a cover plate for outlets and switches and sometimes they have blank covers on them if they are just being used to continue the wires through to the next location. They must be accessibe by code.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
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Lila levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
Most people think that Interior Design is a very fun and glamorous job. Well, it is but there is so much more involved that clients are not aware of. This is a serious business, not just a housewife who has a "flair" doing it for fun. Here is how it REALLY works:
1. TIME:
A. Interior Designers do not just go to your home and immediately know exactly what to do to make it perfect. We do have an idea of what we would like to do but to figure out the details takes time.
B. Design is a process and the ideas do not just flow out of our heads immediately without some concentrated effort. We look at many options during the process.
C. We have to measure the space and any existing furniture or permanent items.
D. We have to draw scaled drawings of the space.
E. We have to do research to find the right items for you and your project and be sure they are the right size, scale, material, finish, color, price, etc. That does not mean just looking it up on the Internet. We are familiar with the quality of different manufacturers and prepared to take that into consideration when researching.
F. Then we have to order samples and/or get information from the vendor or manufacterer to present to you.
G. Depending on the size of the project this could take a few days or a few months or longer.
H. When the project is very large, I like to break it down into smaller segments so it's easier to concentrate on the parts and then put it all back together for the complete project.
I. Items are not always sitting on a shelf waiting for your order. Sometimes we have to deal with backorders and wait our turn. I know it's hard to not see the finished results immediately but if it was properly planned and selected it will be worth the wait.
J. Sometimes substitutions will have to be made, but when this happens it usually turns out better anyway so don't be afraid of it. Trust me, Deigners would rather not have to make substitutions either because it requires a lot more work on our part to find something new.
2. RESOURCES:
A. Interior Designers and Decorators have many resources our clients are not aware of and do not have access to.
B. We also have experience with various vendors and contractors so we know how they work and if the work is of good quality and if the company is dependable and stands behind their work.
C. We also have leverage with them because they want to keep working with us on future jobs so they really want to make the designer happy!
D. We know lots of local craftspeople and we see things at trade shows and in Wholesale showrooms that our clients would never know about because they are not advertised in consumer magazines or shown in retail stores.
E. We know where to get things custom made if we can not readily find the right product for you.
F. We can save you time by taking you to the right places the first time and spend hours selecting items instead of months or years!
G. Designers can save you money in the long run because you will not be buying furniture that will not fit the room (or through the doorway) or will not work well with other items in the the room. It's not really a bargain if it doesn't work well or the quality doesn't hold up.
3. MANAGEMENT:
A. Your Interior Designer should manage your project for you and be always kept in the loop as to what is happening and decisions that are being considered or being made.
B. Designers have the knowledge to speak the language of the contractors and vendors so they can oversee the project, help make appropriate decisions and keep things on track.
C. Your Interior Designer should be able to answer questions for you during the process or find out the answers if they don't know them. They are acting as your agent with other team members.
D. Your Designer has the best overall view of the completed project so any changes that are made on site should always be run by them first. Small changes may seem harmless but might impact the outcome in some way that others on the job are not aware of.
4. WHEN TO HIRE DESIGNER:
A. Hire the Interior Designer at the beginning phase of the project - before you do anything else! Even before architectural plans are finalized because your Interior Designer will see things that can be tweaked at that stage that will be much more costly or impossible to correct after the plans are done and the construction has started! space planning should be done in teh very beginning.
B. Your Interior Designer should be part of your construction team, which also includes you, the architect, contractor and any specilty designers like lighting, kitchen and landscape designers. When these team members meet together to go over the plans, the progress and the decisions, your finished project will have the benefit of all their ideas and will turn out the very best possible.
C. If you are only doing a small remodel or furnishing your home you and the designer will be the primary team members but the individual sub contactors will be brought in for their input at the appropriate stages of the project.
D. If you are only doing a small project like painting and need help with color selections - let the designer bring the paint samples - Professional samples are much larger than the ones you get at the paint store and will be much easier for you both to make the right selections. Both natural and artificial lighting will make a big difference in how the paint looks in different part of the room or house so it should always be selcted on a clear day. If your friend used a certain color that you love, it will not look the same in your house and may not be the right choice, but there will be a similar one to get the effect you are looking for.
5. LIGHTING:
A. Don't overlook how important a role lighting plays in the outcome!
B. You need to consider natural lighting as well as artificial lighting and it's placement. This is different in different parts of the country and World and even in different rooms of the house.
C. it is important to specify the proper lighting for all three needs of a room - Accent lighting, Ambient lighting and Task lighting. Be sure to always have these 3 layers in your rooms.
D. You will get proper rendering of colors if you specify the right lamps ("bulbs" to lay people)
E. Recessed lights are not the answers for all lighting! They are actually a poor solution in a lot of situations.
F. There are Federal and local building codes that will effect and restrict your selections.
6. BACKGROUND WORK:
A. There is a lot of work being done in the background that clients are not aware of. We have a lot of research time, scheduling, facilitating, consultations, organizing, follow up, filing, bill paying and paperwork. A lot of time is spent on projects sitting right at our desks.
B. Designers have bookeeping just like every other business. Be sure you get written contracts and proposals from your designer.
I hope this helps you to better understand what a professional Interior Designer does for his/her clients and what you should expect of them. They can only help you if you let them, so give them time to do their work and enjoy your fabulous new home (or other project)!! They are on your side.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson. ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG