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Spring Green: Revive, Refresh, Renew

lagnappe March 28, 2018 Furnishings, Kitchens, Tips & Tricks 0

Welcome to the second installment of our spring color blog series! As a designer, I often hear people tell me they want to add color to their homes, but are afraid to do so. In this series, we focus on a color scheme and some simple, fear-free ways to incorporate it into your home. We may throw in a bold idea here or there, too! Did you miss our blue post? Check it out here.

The Caribbean is lush and vibrant, and nothing says “refresh” like the color green.

The kitchen is a great place to liven up with some green. Without having to drastically change the entire room, painting a kitchen island cabinets creates contrast and a lively place to entertain and gather.

  
A SUPER simple way to invite more green into the home is to literally, put greenery in your home. Live plans purify the air and bring some of the natural beauty of the islands indoors.
A subtle way to add some green hues to a room is to paint some shelving. Rather than changing the color of the entire bookcase, by opting to paint just the back, the color remains subtle but still catches the eye.  
  A little bolder but still not overbearing, bright curtains, pillows and styled shelves make this living room feel fresh.
Green as an accent color is always a sure bet. Grab some complimentary pillows, throws or rugs and you’re in the fresh business.
  A teal-green tiled backsplash and shower wall are great ways to add some color to the bathroom. This is a great option if you’re not interested in going bold with a printed wallpaper or all-over green tile.
Feeling a little bolder? This cool palm print wallpaper is a fresh addition to a bathroom. It will feel like a natural spa and add some interest to a typically “boring” room.
  Changing a room’s paint or wallpaper is an obvious way to update the space, but choosing green doesn’t have to be an “out there” decision. Softer hues are calming, and perfect for a place where work needs to get done, like an office.

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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5 Signs It’s Time To Hire A Professional Interior Designer

lagnappe November 9, 2017 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

If you’ve ever made the decision to tackle a home improvement project or redesign, you may or may not have a sense of how much work is involved. It sounds easy at first:

  • Pick some paint colors
  • Choose a new light fixture
  • Shop! Install! LOVE!

The good news is that YES, choosing the colors, fabrics and finishes can be very fun. But the bad news is this: it takes a LOT of work. More work than you may be prepared to do on your own. Many people think that going it alone will help them save money. In the end, we’ve found that while your initial cost may be low (designers can’t work for free!), you end up spending more in the long run because you aren’t getting exactly what you want, so you keep buying more and more stuff to get you where you originally envisioned.

Whether you’ve hit a roadblock and are ready to have a pro come in and save the day or if you already know you don’t want to go it alone, here are five signs that it’s time to hire a designer.

Afraid to Take the first Step

You may be a fan of home improvement TV shows and get so inspired when you see what the hosts do to improve someone’s home, or you may get an idea from a great magazine or article you read online. But when it comes to your own space, it’s hard to know where to begin. You see your home every day, but a designer can come in with fresh eyes and help you put a plan together to get the result you want. They can take the fear out of dipping your toe in the design pool and get you excited about jumping into a project!

Overwhelmed!

There are a LOT of choices out there, and it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in options. From paint colors to furniture and window treatments galore, choosing elements you not only like but work together well in a room takes some finesse. Designers have an eye for creating spaces that are not only functional but beautiful, and having someone take the lead can reduce your stress and help you feel more at ease during your renovation or redesign. If you tell your designer you’re overwhelmed, they can narrow down hundreds of choices so that you can focus on what’s really important to you.

Ideas on Paper. Only.

Perhaps you have the perfect design already worked out. Great! Now, do you know who to hire to get that fantastic tile work done? How about where to buy your new favorite pillows? Does that store ship to the Caribbean? What’s a good price for renovation work? Sometimes implementing a great idea takes more knowledge than the average person has. An interior designer does this all day, every day and can help connect you with the right contractors and vendors to make your vision come to life.

Can’t Visualize End Product

Sometimes it’s hard to picture the sofa you love from one place going with the paint color you picked working with your new flooring. And don’t even start on extras and home accessories. If you know what you like when you see it but have a hard time envisioning everything working together, a designer will have a great eye and can tell you if your ideas are all headed in the same direction.

A designer can also make recommendations that you may not be thinking about but could really make a big visual difference in your home.

Don’t Have Time

Plain and simple, good design takes time. Have a professional take some of the tasks off your plate so you can get the project DONE and then enjoy it.

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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How To Choose New Countertops

lagnappe July 31, 2017 Furnishings, Kitchens, Tips & Tricks 0

Remodeling a kitchen can be one of the most rewarding home renovation projects, but also one of the most overwhelming. There are a lot of details that go into creating your dream kitchen, and we can help! Countertops are one of the most-desired kitchen upgrades, and these tips can help you decide what kind works best for your life and style.

Different Materials

There are many different types of countertop options on the market today. These popular styles each have their own personality, benefits and costs.

  • Granite
    • When sealed, this natural stone gives a kitchen countertop lots of character with little upkeep needed.
  • Ceramic Tile
    • One of the most durable options, ceramic tiles make for an eye-catching kitchen counter. Even though the tiles themselves are durable, all the grout can make for difficulty when cleaning.
  • Laminate
    • Sometimes scoffed at by designers, plastic laminate counters have lots of affordable finishes and styles that can work in any kitchen.
  • Quartz
    • Engineered quartz is made of ground quartz, resin and pigments, making it available in nearly any color imaginable. It’s nonporous surface make it great for combating water, food particles, and bacteria in kitchens. It’s not cheap, though!
  • Wood
    • Beautiful butcher block-style counters bring a warm, natural feel to a kitchen. Even high-quality options like teak sometimes don’t fare well for high-traffic counters like kitchens. Wood countertops can sometimes be used as accents on islands or other prep surfaces.
  • Soapstone
    • Resistant to bacteria and other cleaning chemicals, soapstone is a more expensive option but lasts a long time.
  • Recycled glass and cement
    • While not cheap, recycled glass can offer a really unique and beautiful addition to a kitchen. It sometimes resembles sea glass and can bring a touch of the sea into the home. Cement counters are durable and hold up to the island elements.

Top Tips

Budget is always a concern when remodeling or redesigning a space. Aside from knowing what different materials cost, here are some other tips to remember when choosing a countertop:

  1. Get samples to take home and see what works well with your current appliances. Are you willing to paint your walls? If not, make sure the countertop you choose works in your color scheme.
  2. Compare the different samples at different times of day, with and without the lights on. Materials can appear differently in natural and artificial lights.
  3. How do the people in your home use the kitchen? If you have small children, a more durable and easy-to-clean countertop will be your best friend. If you don’t cook much or want a “higher-end” look, going with a more luxurious counter may fit your vision better.
  4. Ask your installer if their bid includes removal and disposal of old countertops as well as installation of the new – your designer can help with this part!
  5. Don’t be afraid to mix materials to fit your needs. If you love the look of butcher block, consider using it in part of the kitchen for serving rather than preparing food, and a more durable surface elsewhere.

Ask A Designer

A professional can help you get the exact look you want and stay within your budget. Lagnappe has great connections with suppliers and quality contractors in the Caribbean and can help you get the result you want.

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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Trend Alert – More Color in the Kitchen

lagnappe February 25, 2017 Portfolio, Tips & Tricks 0

If there is one place in your home that you want to appear clean and tidy, it’s probably the kitchen. And sadly, the kitchen is one place that many people are afraid to use an important design element – color! Some fear that color in the kitchen will look “too busy” or perhaps don’t think it will make much difference. But 2017 is turning into the year of color – especially in the kitchen! Here are three ways to freshen up your kitchen with color.

Contrasting Kitchen Islands

A kitchen island is in the center of the space, so don’t let it fade into the background. An island with a colorful contrasting hue offers extra room for mixing drinks and an eye-catching place to serve snacks.Successfully pulling off this modern update is choosing a color that contrasts yet complements the rest of your kitchen design.

A lovely green island stands out in this modern kitchen. Image by Kristin Bonneville for Stuart Wood Joinery

Funky colored appliances from Big Chill
 Bright Appliances

Color doesn’t just belong on kitchen islands. Appliances with a little more character are making an entrance in homes this year. Stainless steel pieces can feel cold and industrial, but a brightly colored appliance is quirky and fun.
Beautiful Backsplashes

For a pop of color that is less of a commitment than an appliance or island, a bright backsplash can really liven up the kitchen space. Choosing a  geometric tile will help contain the color, while a more artistic design adds lots of flavor.

A Lagnappe-designed kitchen with mosaic backsplash by a local St. Thomas artist.

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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Wishing You A Bright and Bold 2017

lagnappe February 15, 2017 Tips & Tricks 0

Nothing can change the look and feel of a home quite like color. It can create energy or it can evoke a sense of calm. And what about patterns? From small and classic herringbone to a big, bold floral print, adding life to your walls has never been easier. In 2017, taking a risk – big or small – with color or pattern is a great way to update your home. Plus, the Caribbean is the perfect setting to celebrate the bright and bold in this larger-than-life place. For the purposes of this blog, let’s check out this fresh bedroom with pops of orange and pink to show how color and pattern can make a big difference in your home.

Pick a Pattern

Choose a pattern and don’t be afraid to use a lot of it! Whether you want a statement pattern on a wall or choose a monochromatic pattern to create a subtle texture in your bedroom, be brave and go for it!

Keep It Coordinated

Once your pattern is determined, make sure you pull in some stability with coordinating solids. Yummy textures and interesting trims keep them from looking dull or just “thrown in”.

Build A Neutral Base

Keep the look fresh with a classic white or a soft grey background for the room. You’ll need that solid neutral to offset the bold color or pattern and ensure the room is livable. This room’s white walls and bedding create a nice contrast to the bold colors and patterns.

The Taylor bedding collection from Niche (one of our preferred vendors) is vibrant and inviting.

Pick Another Pattern

While it may sound scary, choosing one other strong patterned item in coordinating colors to balance the room. A rug with bold fabric that coordinates with curtains gives a room some panache, while just one of those items on its own may not have the same effect.

Details Make A Difference

Even when utilizing bright colors and exciting patterns, don’t forget the details! An extra special “something” here and there in the room make it feel inviting and more like a home and less like an art gallery. Check out the cute tassels on the bedding!

Want to incorporate some bright and bold into your home? Contact us today to see how we can help you create the best room for your home.

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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What to Expect in a Kitchen Remodel [Part 2]

Nicole Shields November 17, 2016 Tips & Tricks, Uncategorized 0
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Include a backsplash in your kitchen remodel for a vibrant and exciting visual.

Embarking on a kitchen remodel can be an expensive and timely process. If you are not prepared, you may see yourself spending more than expected and find that the remodel is taking much longer than you thought. Last week I gave you a look into a kitchen remodel; today I am going to provide even more insights on a timeline, appliances and installation.

A Look Inside a Kitchen Remodel 

When planning a kitchen remodel, there is a lot to consider when it comes to appliances, cabinets, backsplashes and more. Here are my thoughts on each of these factors:

Appliances: Always choose these at the beginning and design the cabinets around them. How do you cook? Do you love a double oven? Do you need multiple refrigerators or a dedicated ice maker? Only you know how your family lives and what will make them most comfortable at home. Let your designer know these things at the initial meeting and you will go through fewer revisions, which translates into less time spent during the process!

Countertops: Again there are a lot of choices here. Natural stone slabs are one of a kind items, so you may need some time to identify the perfect one if you choose that material. If you find a slab you love you, will need to purchase it when you see it! The sooner your design is sent to the fabricator, the shorter your wait will be!

Backsplashes: Backsplashes are jewelry for your kitchen. They need to work well with all the other elements so be sure to identify this along with the countertops. Choosing an in-stock tile is the quick option here, but many clients love the look of custom mosaics that are made to order and are willing to wait for that special finishing touch. Take a look at this custom backsplash I created and installed for inspiration.

Cabinets: Will they be all custom, built to order, or will you choose a product line that is semi-custom, where the cabinets are available in standard sizes and a range of colors? The difference between custom or standard can be as dramatic as three weeks versus three months! We regularly install cabinets, then use plywood as temporary countertops while templates are sent to the fabricator. The process of templating ensures that the counter is a perfect fit for the base cabinets, especially if adjustments were made to the cabinets during installation. Depending on your location and the workload at your fabricator’s shop, you may wait one week to three weeks for this.

Unlike remodels you see on TV, a full kitchen remodel will take longer than a single week. We have a dedicated staff ready to design and install the kitchen of your dreams, and to make the process as smooth and quick as possible. Contact us today to get your new room underway.

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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What to Expect During a Kitchen Remodel [Part 1]

Nicole Shields November 16, 2016 Tips & Tricks, Uncategorized 0

A kitchen remodel can be one of the most exciting renovations a homeowner can experience. It can also be a significant investment in your home financially. You have the opportunity to finally get the layout, extra counter and cabinet space, and appliance updates you’ve dreamt about. As exciting as a kitchen remodel can be, there may be delays and hiccups in the plan. Hiring a design professional to guide you through the process and assist in making choices can help you use your budgeted funds more wisely and keep your project moving forward smoothly. If you are about to embark upon this journey, take a look at these roadblocks you may experience during your kitchen remodel.

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Start a kitchen remodel project to get your dream layout!

Kitchen Remodel Timeline Expectations  

When it comes to establishing expectations for your kitchen remodel timeline, the most obvious factor is the size and scale of the project. Is your kitchen a small galley style in a cozy little cottage or is it an 800sq ft. room with dozens of cabinets, moldings and multiple finishes? How much detail are you looking for? Another question to ask is how long can you live without your kitchen? If there is a time you will be traveling and away from home for an extended period of time that may be the perfect opportunity!  These are all factors to consider before the project begins.

The other biggest factor in the timeline of a kitchen remodel is the homeowner. How do you and your family make decisions? When you see something you like are you ready to say yes or do you need to feel you’ve looked at every possible option before you can commit?

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How to Pick the Perfect Paint for Your Home

Nicole Shields September 1, 2016 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0
How to Pick the Perfect Paint for Your Home
Glossy ceilings are great for all white rooms.

Painting the interior walls of your home is one of the best ways to customize and add your own personal style to your space. Picking the right paint color can seem overwhelming, especially considering the time and money that goes into the project. Keep reading for insights into trendy paint colors and tips on covering your walls with your chosen hue.

Today’s Hottest Paint Colors: Hues of Grey

Over the past couple of years, grey has replaced beige. Clients are trending toward cooler tones in décor schemes. If chosen well, grey walls can add an air of sophistication and a subtle, cool vibe to the room while still staying neutral. If chosen poorly, grey walls can feel sad and a bit like unfinished concrete. My favorite grey shade for bedrooms is Benjamin Moore Wickham grey HC-171. I love the way it changes in different light; during the day it’s very light and fresh while at night it’s very cozy. Its slight undertone of blue pairs well with an indigo accent wall, too. 

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3 Tips for a Beach Home All Year Long

Nicole Shields August 18, 2016 Tips & Tricks 0
3 Tips for a Beach Home All Year Long
Rattan chairs are great to add a beach-like flair to any room.

As the long, lazy days of summer draw to a close and back to school is right around the corner, wouldn’t it be lovely to keep a bit of that summer time close all year round?

A beach feel in your home is calm and collected; it’s a feeling of relaxation, and comfort. Coastal style is inspired by the beauty of the natural world around us and the soothing effects of the sea. Follow these tips and tricks to making your home feel like a beach house all year long.

Top 3 Ways to Have a Beach Home Away from the Ocean

  1. Color and Texture

Start with sandy neutrals in a variety of tones and layer in texture. Sisal and other natural fiber rugs provide a great, textural backdrop for floors and add softness by layering a smaller size plush rug under your sisal. Don’t forget to treat all the surfaces, especially walls. Including a shiplap accent wall to a room or wainscoting in bead board adds classic style and warmth that can live at the beach or anywhere. Recently there have been so many new additions to the world of wallpaper; I love the grass cloth papers by Phillip Jefferies, they create such a cozy feel in a room, wonderful both by firelight in December and with all the windows open in July.

Finish with some pops of color inspired by the beautiful seaside itself, from navy blues and turquoise to sunset color inspirations.

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Tips for Buying Vintage Furniture [Part 2]

Nicole Shields August 11, 2016 Furnishings, Tips & Tricks 0

Vintage furniture has the ability to uniquely express your style and gives a room a sense of history and a little bit of a story. I love to create rooms that feel as though they have been collected over time and vintage pieces really help.

There’s a lot that goes into buying quality vintage furniture, including finding the right stores and estate sales to finding the right brands. Last week I gave you five tips on buying vintage furniture and here are five more to help you find the right piece. 

Re-purpose and re-use vintage items for a fresh look.
Re-purpose and re-use vintage items for a fresh look.

5 Tips to Buying Vintage Furniture

  1. Don’t Let Scratches Scare You

While gently used items are important to look for, scratches on the surface shouldn’t be an automatic deterrent. The scratches give the piece the look of having a story to tell.  There are many products out there that can help you fix minor scratches, the Formby brand of refinish products are very user friendly. If the piece is really worthy, or you are not quite up to the DIY project, there are professionals who can refinish it.

  1. Use Defects to Bargain

Now is the time to put those surface scratches to good use! If this is the really piece you want, use any damages or alterations to your advantage. Use them to ask for a better price, but keep in mind costs to fix those defects.

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