Furnishings Archives - St. Thomas Interior Designer

Yacht Style: Small Spaces with Big Personality

lagnappe March 14, 2019 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

Who hasn’t dreamed of living aboard a luxurious yacht? Floating on the ocean and visiting any island you want with all the comforts of home sounds pretty nice…

While most of us can’t afford a mega-million dollar floating palace, you can steal some of these design ideas and make your home feel like a million bucks (with a touch of nautical style, of course)!

The nature of yacht life is dealing with spaces that are smaller than typical homes. This is never more evident than in the kitchen. Because yachts sometimes have smaller appliances and prep space is limited, getting creative is the name of the game!

Small kitchens in homes are no different. Keep functionality at the forefront, but add touches of your personality in with things like unique backsplash tile or easy-to-clean flooring that has more personality with a funky pattern.

Another way to deal with small spaces: mirrors. Mirrors make any space look bigger, and it’s no different on sea than on land. The beautiful Mrs. Happy yacht utilizes mirrors in spaces that may normally feel cramped to help open them up and evoke more breathing room.

Lighting is a really important way that interior designers work to change the way a room looks and feels. Good lighting can make all the difference, and bad lighting can really make a space feel smaller.

Some top tips for lighting…

Maximize natural light first. But don’t forget that the sun does go down! Pay special attention to where you spend time after dark, then make sure those areas are lighted well.
Watch the wattage. If the bulbs in the lighting fixture don’t match the feel of the room, the entire piece may feel out of place. You wouldn’t want really bright lighting in a space that should be relaxing (like a bedroom), just like you wouldn’t want low, soft lighting in the kitchen, where you need to be able to see well.
Light your way. Take a note from yacht lighting and think about places that aren’t easy to see in the dark. There are plenty of unique ways to light staircases and hallways so that lighting is both elegant AND functional.

Want to incorporate some of these ideas into your own home? Let us help! Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more info.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

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2019 Color of the Year: Living Coral

lagnappe January 5, 2019 Color, Furnishings 0

If ever there was a Pantone color of the year that just screams “Caribbean”, it’s 2019’s Living Coral. Aside from the fact that our beautiful islands actually have living coral, this punchy hue is a great pop of color in any room!

A coral sofa brightens up a room and makes a statement. Side note, coral and navy go great together!

A great coral lamp can light up a room – literally and figuratively! The base, the shade or both, can add a nice pop to a side table or foyer.

Coral artwork is a really beautiful (and non-permanent) way to bring a softness to your walls. The fan coral is a nice nod to the sea for coastal rooms.

Toss a coral pillow in a chair or on the sofa and it adds an instant cheeriness to the space

Coral bedding is both modern and feminine without looking too juvenile. It works great in Caribbean guest rooms as vacationers want to be enveloped in the vibrant colors of the islands.

An interesting lighting fixture can really draw the eye into the room. The combination of fretwork and the beautiful coral color make this one a stunner.

The bathroom is a great place to make coral the star. Even monochrome works in this space with the hexagonal tile bringing enough texture into the space to make it interesting.

If an all-coral bathroom seems overwhelming, an accent wall can still provide the drama without all of the commitment.

If you must do laundry, why not do it in a fun and cheery space?

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Patterned Tile for Any Room

lagnappe December 16, 2018 Furnishings, Kitchens 0

Neutral floors offer a beautiful canvas for which to build a beautiful room. And remodeling a floor can totally change the way a room looks and feels and can be a great way to But in 2019, designers are turning to patterned tile to breathe new life into kitchens, bathrooms, even laundry rooms.

Intricate tile with hints of color brings old world charm to any kitchen.

Patterned tile creates beautiful separation between spaces.

Even very detailed patterns look great in kitchens with solid colors surrounding as anchors.

Smaller rooms like laundry areas, mudrooms or pantries can get away with more fun patterns and colors!

And who says tile is limited to the floor? Kitchen backsplashes, bathroom showers and even pantry floors are all being transformed by tile, with beautiful effect.

A herringbone pattern provides a subtle movement to this classic blue kitchen. And (gasp!) it’s peel-and-stick “tile”!

A cheery blue-green hexagon tile livens up this kitchen and keeps it light and airy.

A fresh irridescent tile creates an ocean ombre effect in this modern shower.

This glossy brown tile imitates wood, keeping this bathroom looking elegant with a clean, natural touch.

Mixing tile can also make a room more interesting (and still functional!). Large subway tile next to gray herringbone adds contrast in a bathroom.

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Gallery Wall 101: Make A Statement (Not A Mess)

lagnappe November 15, 2018 Furnishings 0

Clients often want help choosing artwork for their homes. From large pieces to family heirlooms, designing the walls of a home can be daunting. Gallery walls have become more and more popular in the last few years, and can be more affordable than trying to purchase very large pieces or more expensive works. Here are five tips for creating a top-notch gallery wall in your own home!

Art

The word “gallery” implies a collection, so pull together your favorite pieces and see how they work together. You can easily go with framed artwork and photographs and easily create an interesting gallery. But what about clocks? A favorite mirror? Different pieces make a gallery wall unique. Choose items that mean something to you and the personal touch will make sure your gallery wall doesn’t become too clinical (or over-the-top!).

Color

In general, choosing a central theme can help create a cohesive gallery look. If your favorite painting is full of warm reds and oranges, using those hues to tie in other pieces will allow the gallery to make sense. Another way to use color to tie everything together would be to use the same color of framing for each piece. Then you’d have a little more wiggle room with the colors of the actual photo or art piece.

Placement

There are a number of ways to frame up (no pun intended) your gallery wall. Here are three different ideas:

Start with the largest piece first. Place it in the center of the space and then situate the different pieces of the collection around it.
Place the bottom row 6 inches above the sofa or table. Allow the gallery to grow up from there.
Make a level line from the top. By placing the tops of the frames in one line, it creates a “cascade” effect with the rest of the gallery.

Whichever way you determine is best for your space, it’s always good to draw it out on paper or test it first. Place the items on the floor in different arrangements to see which feels right. Once you have a gallery you like, trace the different pieces onto paper and tape them up on the wall to better determine height, spacing and to make any other edits before you begin nailing into the wall.

Balance

Make sure your gallery is balanced. That doesn’t mean you must have an even number of items (even though you could). If you’re going for a simple, clean look, use a consistent frame and make each piece the same size. Hang the pieces the same distance from one another, for example a square created from nine photos, or two rows of 4 pieces of framed art. If you have an eclectic collection, three-dimensional pieces like clocks and plates can break up odd numbers of rectangular framed art or canvas.

Interest

In addition to breaking up the sharp-edged squares and rectangles with three-dimensional pieces, add interest with other unique items. Incorporate a light fixture into your gallery to really draw the eye up. Or choose a wall-mounted planter to bring some natural greenery into a space. A shadow box can display a smaller collection and add dimension to the wall.

Want help creating a gallery as unique as you are? Give us a call today and we can help you design your perfect space.

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Mixing Old and New Home Decor

lagnappe October 29, 2018 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

Refreshing your home doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul of a room or knocking down a bunch of walls to make the space look new. You can bring a fresh new vibe to any room and keep up with interior design trends by sprinkling in new elements with pieces you already have in your home. Here are a few tips for successful mixing!

Add Color

Sure, it sounds simple – because it is! Adding a new hue can totally transform the look and feel of any room. And there are plenty of ways to do it:

Paint. Choose a bright new color for an accent wall, or change the entire room completely. It will feel brand new in an instant.
Furniture. Instead of buying a whole set of new furniture, find one new piece in a bold hue that will give the room a new edge.
Accessories. Adding in a few new home accessories in eye-catching colors is an easy and inexpensive way to brighten up the space.
Textiles. From new curtains to a comfy pillow or throw, new textiles create a softness in your home and are a great place to add accent color.

Layer

Who says you can only use one rug? If you have one you love, find a complementary pattern or choose a new neutral to layer under or on top of your current rug. This small change can really shift the way a room feels – from the ground up.

Layering doesn’t have to only mean rugs or floor coverings. A fresh new window covering to go on top of your blinds or alongside your curtains can spruce up your natural light sources.

Go Big OR Small

When it comes to artwork, it can be tough to know how to correctly fill a wall. A good rule of thumb is to pick one wall to be a focal point. Choose big, bold artwork that covers a lot of area, or pick a number of smaller works that coordinate into a gallery-type formation to draw the eye into the room.

Another way to create big bang for your buck on walls is choosing interesting wallpaper. THere are SO many more options now than your grandmother’s damask, and a dramatic wallpaper print could take a room from boring to bold. Whether you go with a repeating pattern throughout the room or a graphic print for an accent wall, this new type of wall covering could be easily changed again and again as your preferences do.

Repurpose

Old things can be made new again with a little time and effort, and they can make for big changes in your home. Have an old chair you love but hate the fabric? Breathe new life into it by reupholstering with a fresh fabric. Have a seamstress or tailor create new slipcovers for your couch pillows to incorporate more color or texture into your living area. Stain a dining room table with a dramatic dark color or sand and paint the table a bright new hue.

Just because the room looks one way today doesn’t mean it must stay that way forever!

We love projects big and small. Contact us today to begin designing your dream space: https://www.lagnappe.com/contact/

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Color Forecast 2019

lagnappe September 26, 2018 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

Every year, the major paint companies, as well as Pantone (the major color-matching experts) put out their favorite colors and predictions for upcoming trends. In 2019, we’re seeing a great mix of cool tones perfect for island homes that want a touch of the ocean indoors. There is a surprise in the mix, but what’s a good color story without some contrast?

While nobody can ever fully predict the future, if you’re looking to update your home in the coming year, let these trends guide your choices.

As always, if you have an idea for your perfect room and want a professional’s opinion, give us a call!

Reflecting Pool

The folks at HGTV have chosen this lovely turquoise shade as their 2019 color of the year. Reflecting Pool is a cool tone that works will with nearly any neutral color, allowing for a bright pop of color to make a statement.

Blueprint

Paint pros Behr have chose Blueprint as their featured hue for 2019. Another cool tone, it looks fantastic in any room of the home. Paired well with warm neutrals and metallics, it’s a lovely choice for a Caribbean home as it is reminiscent of the sky and sea.

Night Watch

This lovely jewel-toned green evokes a lush green rainforest or a deep emerald. PPG Paints chose Night Watch and predicts to see this deep color on accent walls, cabinetry and door colors. Taking a note from fashion, a deep green is a timeless color that will last.

Cavern Clay

Sherwin Williams deviates from the crowd a little with a warmer shade in Cavern Clay. Like its name suggests, the rocky color has tones of red and orange, and pairs well with soft neutrals like creams and beiges. Add a touch of metallic brass and this color will light up any space.

The folks at Pantone have yet to release their 2019 pick, but you can be sure to see a blog about it here when it is announced!

What colors are you thinking about trying in your home?

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Hiring an Interior Designer: What are the costs?

lagnappe September 16, 2018 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks, Uncategorized 0

One would think that decorating and designing your home would be an easy task. You know what you like, so how hard can it be, right? Once you start the design process – even for a single room – you find that there are many more details to consider than simply picking out paint and furniture.

From remodeling an entire kitchen or bath to a simple refresh of your master bedroom, good design is an art. A good interior designer can truly make your dream home come to life, and they do a lot more than you may first expect. Design isn’t free, however, but it can be well worth your time. Let’s take a look at a few ways an interior designer works and what they may charge for their services.

Concept Design

Even if you don’t have a designer

Creating A Budget

You may think you have a budget figured out, but chances are a designer will help you figure out what your dream bathroom will actually cost. In a sense, you’re paying someone to help you figure out what you’ll pay for a project, but this kind of service may actually pay off bigger in the long run. A bonus of this service would be that if you have a designer help you create a realistic budget, they are already on board for sticking to it if you choose to hire them to do more work.

Project Management

Many people struggle to find the time to begin a project, let alone seeing it through to completion. Paying an interior designer is a good way to alleviate some of that task burden since this is what they do all the time! Make sure you and the designer have an understanding of approximate costs associated with project management, so you’re not surprised with an unexpected number at the end of the project. That being said, don’t expect a designer to do this for free. If you’re not spending time on it, they are, so they should be paid for that time.

Styling and Staging

After the floors are finished and the walls have been painted, the furniture has been purchased and the art has been delivered, everything needs to find its place. Styling a home is often a favorite service of interior designers because it’s the “make everything look pretty” part of a project. Once the theme has been determined and all the pieces have been purchased, putting it all together can be a rather large task.

A designer has the know-how to create a cohesive space out of all of the pieces that you’ve accumulated in a way that doesn’t look cluttered. Hiring a designer to take on this part of a task can be an economical way to get a space looking great without a ton of renovation.

Cost

Most designers charge by the hour. This range can be anywhere from $50-200 per hour, but you can always ask if your designer would work out some other form of payment. Some designers offer a “menu” of services with different pricing levels depending on what you want and need. Good communication is key to ensure your designer has the skills to complete your project and that you work well together and they understand your vision.

Have a question about what Lagnappe can do or what your project may cost? Please contact us via email, call 340-643-7289 or make an appointment to visit us at the studio. We can’t wait to create something with you!

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8 Ways to Spruce Up the Foyer

lagnappe August 23, 2018 Furnishings 0

An often overlooked but important part of the home, the foyer or entryway is a great place to add some character to your house. These ideas will inspire you to make some small changes to a small space for BIG impact.

	A striking lighting fixture serves double duty. Not only does it provide light to the space, but draws the eye up, making the entry appear larger. Be mindful of the height; hang the fixture too high and you’ll lose the effect, hang it too low and the space feels smaller.
Whether it’s a single palm frond in an architectural vase or a full on potted banana tree, greenery livens up the foyer and is a great transition from outdoors to inside.
	A great mirror always makes a space look and feel bigger. For even more effect, group some smaller ones together in a gallery-type organization.
Painted stairs add drama to a place that is used a lot but often not thought of a place that “needs” designing. Bonus: darker jewel tones hide dirt and scuffs!
	Never underestimate the power of places to PUT things! Storage cubbies beneath the bench keep things tidy. Funky boat cleat hangers add character and yet another place to hang items.
Rugs – specifically long runners – draw guests into the home. They also corral dirt and debris, so pick one that hides it well. Another option: painting the runner directly on the floor means no vacuuming!
	When looking for entryway furniture, don’t overthink it. A simple side table or dresser can serve as a catchall for keys and sunglasses and lets your personality come through in the space.
A beautiful place to sit invites people to relax, stay a while and enjoy themselves. It also serves as a great place for putting shoes on and taking them off.

Ready to transform your space? Contact Lagnappe and let’s design something lovely together!

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7 Tips for Styling A Coffee Table

lagnappe August 16, 2018 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

The living room is one of the best and easiest rooms to accessorize since it’s a space that gets used a lot, especially for entertaining. The coffee table is a natural place to show off some of your style, but without some forethought, it can become cluttered really quick. These tips can help you create a beautiful, cohesive table that everyone can appreciate.

Keep it Balanced

The rule of 3 works well here. By dividing your coffee table into three sections, it can better help you decide what goes where. Odd numbers are also pleasing to the eye and three areas are easier to style than by being overwhelmed by the one large area of the entire coffee table. Have a good balance of large and small items so that the table doesn’t look either cluttered or cumbersome.

Add Contrasting Height

As part of having a balanced table, adding items of different heights keeps things interesting. A vase of tall flowers draws the eye up into the room, while a bowl of shells brings interest down.

Light it Up

Candles are a natural choice for a table, but be mindful of small children or animals that may be at just the right height to get into things. Lanterns or candles in tall hurricane vases is another lovely way to add some sparkle to the coffee table.

Choose Sides

If your table is large, rather than trying to cover the entire area, choose one end to add items to and style it appropriately.

Don’t Forget the Green

A small, low-maintenance houseplant (think succulents!) is a great item for a coffee table. If you’re not interested in keeping something alive, a small vase of fresh flowers can also bring in a natural element.

Stash and Store

The coffee table is often the hub of the main living area, and all kinds of stuff ends up there. Using baskets, trays or bowls can help contain clutter and keep heavily-used items at easy reach.

Make it Yours

Don’t put out items that are just for show. Make the space tell a story of your personal passions, travels and life. Have a favorite coffee table book? Don’t let it collect dust on its cover; open it up to a beautiful photo and encourage guests to peruse its pages.

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Nautical Decor: Rope Accents for Every Room

lagnappe July 29, 2018 Furnishings 0

Island living is to enjoy and appreciate the sea. From finding seashells on the beach and bringing them into the home, to using palm leaves and coconuts as decor, coastal style is an easy one to incorporate in the Caribbean. One element of a nautical style – rope – is particularly suitable to many island homes. Here are some ideas for using rope as a decor accent in any room of your house (without it looking cheesy!).

Bedroom There are tons of great ways to incorporate rope into a sleeping space. From a rope lamp on the nightstand to braided rope rugs underfoot, it’s easy to find lots of places that rope works. The key is to not overdo it!
	Bathroom A crisp, white bathroom gets a touch of the sea with a rope mirror resembling a porthole. Simple rope “towel bars” keep things tidy with no fuss.
Kitchen Pendant lighting hung with ropes makes a contemporary kitchen feel a little cozier. Also consider a bowl made of rope on the counter holding fruit or snacks!
	Dining Room A dramatic rope chandelier is a great conversation starter at your next dinner party!
Pantry A rather mundane room like the pantry gets a nautical upgrade with the addition of rope floating rope shelves like these. They would work well as bookshelves or in a child’s playroom too!
	Living Room Simple rope end tables make a statement without overwhelming the living area. Their neutral color goes with nearly any palette, and the fibrous material adds a natural element that most homes lack.
Home Office This unique desk is covered in rope strands. It adds interest and contrast to the room, making this little office nook anything but ordinary! It still blends well into the room, and isn’t too “out there” to stick out obnoxiously.
	Laundry Room Rope baskets make for excellent laundry hampers and keep things tidy.
Patio and Poolside Ropes hang this charming swing on a tranquil porch, and the rope poufs provide more seating. The outdoors are great spaces for rope accents!