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Iconic Design: How Mid-Century Became Modern Again

lagnappe June 21, 2017 Uncategorized 0

Many people are looking back and becoming nostalgic in order to influence their home decor updates. With mid-century modern design getting so much attention lately, we thought now was a good time to revisit some elements of this iconic style.

From the early 1930s through the mid 1960s, mid-century modern developed from the architectural, interior, product and graphic design movement of the mid-20th century. With heavy Scandinavian influences, the design really took root in the western US, notably in Palm Springs, California. Melding nature and design along with a minimalistic feel, mid-century modern is becoming more and more popular today.

Architectural Design Elements

  • Post and Beam Construction
    • This heavy-timber construction technique allowed for large panes of glass, further infusing homes with natural light and less visual clutter
  • Flat Panes
    • Open spaces and geometric design are highly visible. Flat roofs and sharp angular lines define this modern style.
  • Elevation Changes
    • Split-level spaces are created with steps leading from one area to another, and cabinets or walls of varying height create depth in rooms that are often wide open.

Iconic Homes

Many people will know the name of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, but there are plenty of stunning homes that feature mid-century modern style.

Image via STUA
Stahl House was designed by Pierre Koenig and is perched in the Hollywood Hills. The expansive windows (an iconic element of the design style) offer spectacular views of Los Angeles.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is considered an architectural masterpiece, and fulfills one of the tenets of mid-century modern design of blending homes with nature.

Image via Fallingwater.org

Image via Curbed
 In 1962, Craig Ellwood designed this pavilion-style home for the Daphne family and is an iconic example of flat planes and large open spaces.
 Designed in 1947 by Richard Neutra, this desert home near Palm Springs stands the test of time with lots of sharp, geometric lines.

Image via Hooked on Houses

“New” Mid-Century Modern

With tiny houses and a more simple, minimalistic way of living gaining momentum, mid-century modern is appealing to a new generation of home buyers. New architectural style leads to a need for furnishings that align with the new concept of modern minimalism. One the heels of the arts and crafts moment, these pieces are visually lighter.

We love these looks with heavy mid-century influences and plenty of modern style.

Erro Saarinen developed the tulip table and chairs to clean up the visual clutter of all the legs in a dining room.

Image via Decoist

Image via Coastal Living
Love, love, love this look! A little beachy, a little mid-century modern.
This room is a great study in how to make classics fresh and relevant again.

Here at Lagnappe we want to help make your space fresh and vibrant. Whether you want to redo one room or the whole house, we can source great products for every style and budget. We love to mix mid-century and make it fresh and modern (with a Caribbean twist, of course)! Love one of these? Let us know and we can get it for you!

Ingrid Side Chair – Teak
Bodega Lounge Chair & Ottoman – Natural
  Soren Ventura Lounge Chair – Teak
Taylor dining table  

Want to infuse some mid-century modern style into your home? Contact Lagnappe to discuss your project today.

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Learn How to Arrange Your Living Room with 5 Expert Steps

Nicole Shields November 24, 2016 Furnishings, Uncategorized 0
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“Float” your furniture away from walls for an inviting look.

Last week I gave you a variety of tips for updating your living room. These tips included buying new furniture, updating throw pillows and rearranging furniture. If you have decided to switch around your chairs, tables or sofa, there are right and wrong ways to do so; keep reading for five common mistakes to avoid. 

5 Living Room Arrangement Mistakes

  1. Crowding Entry Ways

Be sure to leave plenty of room to enter and exit your living room. A wide open entrance will make the living room welcoming and inviting; the last thing you want to do is crawl over furniture to relax.

  1. Forgetting the Three Foot Rule

It’s a good rule of thumb to have three feet of walking space around the room. This helps the flow of the room and prevents your family and guests from bumping into furniture and walls. Additionally, any drawers or cabinet doors need special consideration to open properly.

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How to Renew Your Living Room with Four Expert Tips

Nicole Shields November 22, 2016 Furnishings, Uncategorized 0
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Experiment with pillow patterns and furniture arrangement for a renewed living room.

The living room could be one of the most used rooms in a home. This is where you spend family time watching movies, talking and enjoying quality time together. With all the time spent there, your furniture and décor may be getting a bit stale. If you are looking for simple, yet effective ways to liven up your living room, here are four tips to get you started.

Livening Up Your Living Room in Four Steps

  1. Curtains

Making this change alone can turn your living room around; a curtain change is quick and dramatic. Keep your current furniture outfit in mind, but go for a color, texture or pattern that you wouldn’t normally go with. This change will get you out of your rut and give you something new to look at. Remember that hanging curtains incorrectly can ruin how your room looks; consider contacting Lagnappe Custom Interiors for professional assistance.

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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 Create a Comfortable Vacation Rental Home

Nicole Shields October 20, 2016 Furnishings, Uncategorized 0
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Don’t underestimate the power of a comfortable bed on vacation.

If you are in need of a vacation, make your way to the Caribbean! If you’re not ready for colder weather or don’t want to shovel feet of snow out of your driveway, warm sandy beaches are waiting.

As a 15-year Caribbean resident, I see it every year; the first major blizzard occurs in the North East and a week later our island is teaming with visitors who are delighted to be baking in the sun. In fact, many of them speak of never going back to a life of cold winters, which I can personally relate to!

Many visitors prefer to rent a property rather than stay in a hotel. If you are looking for a winter vacation and want to avoid hotels, here are some tips to creating a comfortable home away from home.

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3D Rendering: What is it and Why is it Important?

Nicole Shields October 13, 2016 Before & After, Uncategorized 0
Calypso House Before
Calypso House Before

What does interior design have to do with 3D rendering? If you’ve ever seen shows like Property Brothers on HGTV you have seen this feature they offer homeowners: a unique walk-through of what their house will look like after a remodel before any of the work is done.

Technology is changing our lives at a rapid pace and in most ways it’s for the better.

Calypso House After
Calypso House After

Computer technology has entered the design world as well as every other corner of our lives and is helping us communicate our vision as designers with our clients in new and better ways.  For those of you who don’t know, “3D rendering is a creative process that is similar to photography or cinematography, because you are lighting and staging scenes and producing images. Unlike regular photography, however, the scenes being photographed are imaginary. So many clients hire a designer because they express a concern about being able to “see” how the completed space will come together in the end.  In a long-term and extensive remodel or build project this service can be invaluable to them as a tool to facilitate decision making.

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Window Treatments: How to Customize Your Bedroom

Nicole Shields October 6, 2016 Furnishings, Uncategorized 0

Window treatments are one of my favorite aspects of interior design. I love how they can transform a room. However, if they’re hung incorrectly they can ruin the look of the space. At Lagnappe Customer Interiors, we can create a custom look that’s perfect for your home; keep reading to learn more.

Custom Window Treatments

Dressing windows is often the finishing touch to a room, but we consider them to be the cornerstone of a space’s look and feel. Coordinated fabrics, colors and textures bring a cohesive warmth and richness to any room. See how your new window treatments will look with the virtual drawings that we provide.

lagnappe-interior-design-3Our full-service workroom sews custom treatments locally to dress your windows while framing the beautiful views we’re so fortunate to have here in the islands.

Whether it is simplicity and light control or show-stopping elegance, Lagnappe will create something unique for your home with our award winning window treatment designs. We even help our clients with completely custom patterns that turn simple fabrics into one-of-a-kind works of art.

Why Custom Window Treatments Need Expert Insight

At Lagnappe, we believe coordinated fabrics, colors and textures bring a cohesive warmth and richness to any room. Here in the Virgin Islands, we love our big ocean views; a professional designer can help you address challenges from excessive sun/heat to oversized windows. We can also advise you on custom window treatments that are perfect for your home. We work with hundreds of vendors to source fabrics, shades, drapery hardware and trimmings to help create the perfect custom look for you. We even have a local workroom where we can sew custom window treatments for your space.lagnappe-interior-design-2

An expert eye can not only help you avoid many catastrophes that people come across when hanging drapes and curtains, but can also find opportunities to enhance your room through making specific color choices, recommending more durable fabrics and correctly sizing your treatments. Professionally designed and installed draperies simplify the process for the homeowner as when professionals measure, make and install the window treatments, the project is guaranteed to come together without hassle for the homeowner.

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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Palm Leaf Decor: How to Enhance Your Home for a Fresh Look

Nicole Shields September 30, 2016 Furnishings, Uncategorized 0

Are you looking for a fresh new look for your home? One of my favorite ways to brighten up is palm leaf decor. This is a classic Caribbean motif and, luckily for us, it isn’t going anywhere. So how can we make this classic feel updated and relevant? Take a look at these palm leaf ideas to liven up your home.

Adding Palm Leaf Decor into Your Home

If you’re not sure where to start, here are fun, simple and stylish ways to add palm leaf decor throughout your home.

Palm Leaf Curtains:

lag-palm_-bedroom-27-16I’m in love with this bedroom designed by Burnham design. They did a wonderful job of making the classic print on the drapery feel fresh and modern. Combined with the natural light of this room and the white linen, the palm pattern adds a clean and natural look.

Palm Leaf Plates:

palm-leaf-plates

For the eco conscious palm leaf plates that are compostable are an environmentally friendly alternative to the usual picnic plates. These plates from Leaf & Fiber are compostable and great for everyday use.

Palm Leaf Bedding:

Whether you have an entire bed spread or have one accent pillopalm-bedding-915x1024w, this pattern will infuse your room’s decor with a tropical vibe. This bedspread from Eastern Accents, has a “Lush banana leaf pattern is effortlessly glamorous in rich emerald and ochre hues, making a striking organic statement in your home.”

Palm Leaf Drinkware:

palm-classesPoolside acrylic drinkware from Bed Bath and Beyond is practical and adds a fun tropical element to your favorite warm weather refresher.
The elegant gold rimmed stemless wine glasses from Mod Cloth would be beautiful on an all-white table with candles and tropical flowers.

Palm Leaf Rug:

palm-leaf-rug This wild palm leaf rug from Anthropologie provides a fresh, classic look that invites lots of color into your room’s decor. The muted tones of this rug will match just about any furniture set you have: grey sofa, navy sofa, almost anything goes!

Palm leaves are a classic staple of Caribbean decor and offer a fresh and inviting look to any home. If you are looking for simple, yet vibrant ways to add palm leaves throughout your space, consider getting curtains, plates, bedding, drinkware, and a rug. Contact us today for more fun and exciting ways to update and decorate 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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How to Add a Beautiful Pop of Color to a Room

Nicole Shields September 22, 2016 Furnishings, Uncategorized 0
Wall art is a beautiful way to decorate a room with a pop of color.
Wall art is a beautiful way to decorate a room with a pop of color.

Relying on neutral and natural furniture is a great way to make sure your décor stays relevant and trendy for years to come. You may be in love with a bright yellow couch now, but will you still find it appealing in a year or even six months? While I do recommend staying safe with traditional tones, a pop of color here and there is an amazing way to add life to a room. Keep reading for four ways to brighten up your space.

Tips for Adding Color to a Room

  1. Wall Art

A big, bright, beautiful painting or picture is a great way to add color to a room. Right now, having a personal gallery above the couch is trendy. Click here to learn how to arrange your pictures for a sophisticated look. Also, if you don’t want a traditional painting, tapestry is a fun and unique way to brighten a room.

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