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Design Cleanliness Into Your Home

Feb 23, 2026 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

A warm colored kitchen with easy-to-clean countertops and backsplash tiling. Medium wood flat panel upper and lower cabinets match wooden blinds on a nearby window. These coordinate with grey countertops on both sides of the L-shaped kitchen, one with a waterfall end feature. A grey on grey patterned tile backsplash matches the countertops. Blue glass pendant lights hang above the peninsula with a single counter-height seat, while recessed light fixtures are visible on the rest of the ceiling. The counters are dressed with bright green kale, orange melons, and fresh fruit in bowls.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

In a post-COVID world, how can we create spaces that naturally help us fight infections, and keep our spaces clean? Read on for my best tips!

Shower stall with oversized marble wall tiles and few grout lines. A folded towel and glass soap dish provide a sense of relaxation, while a fresh pink flower peeks from a clear glass bottle next to the shampoo bottle in a wall niche above.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Start with the basic design elements of the space by choosing surfaces that are easier to clean. Pick flat panel cupboards that don’t collect dust, avoid shiplap that needs regular cleaning, and use larger size tiles for fewer grout lines.

A contemporary kitchen with lucite counter-seats in front of a white marble island countertop, across from a brushed aluminum fridge/freezer combo. In the background, blue and white patterned subway tiles form a backsplash for a matching white marble countertop. These are examples of surfaces that are naturally anti-microbial, such as stainless steel and copper.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Use naturally anti-microbial surfaces for kitchen countertops and bathroom surfaces, such as stainless steel, and copper. Doorknobs are another place that copper is excellent at stopping the spread of germs.

2 kinds of residential interior ceiling fans. On the left, the Haiku in molded wood with a built-in light, and on the right, Essence, a metal bladed fan also with a built-in center light.
Images courtesy Big Ass Fans

New technology beats your old air filter, when it comes to having cleaner air in our homes. Big Ass Fans offers UV-C lighting as endorsed by the CDC integrated into two of their ceiling fans. UV light has been proven to fight infection for over 70 years, so take advantage of this in your home or office, and you’ll have a healthier, happier life for many years to come.

Dark wood bachelor's kitchen with dark vertical surfaces and a gooseneck faucet. In the foreground, a white table is surrounded by green lucite chairs with silver metal legs. On the table as a centerpiece is a planter filled with growing green grass, and two empty glass milk bottles sit alongside.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Kimball Starr designs healthy homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a consultation!

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Color Your Home for Mood Health

Feb 09, 2026 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

White bedside table with drawers and gold handles, a yellow bedside table lamp with yellow shade, pink upholstered headboard and white sheets on the bed, with a yellow pillow on the front.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Have you ever been in a room with a color you either loved or disliked? How did it affect your mood?

Science tells us that colors of interior spaces change our moods through color psychology, triggered by biological and psychological responses linked to nature, culture, and personal memories. We use color’s emotional impact to set moods and create specific atmospheres, especially in our homes, offices, and other interior environments.

Warm colors such as reds and yellows boost energy and excitement, while cool colors like blues and greens promote calm, affecting our heart rate, stress, and ability to focus.

These effects — achieved by how hues, saturation, and lighting interact with our perception — create atmospheres of tranquility, vibrancy, or drama, influencing our mental and physical well-being. 

How Colors Influence Moods

Yellow velvet tufted dining chairs with a yellow striped pattern on the backs surround a round dark wooden table with a single tapered pedestal leg on top of a red carpet. Windows allow light in on two sides, with a circular pendant lamp above. The table is dressed with a round vase of yellow flowers.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal

Warm Colors – Reds, Oranges, Yellows

  • Effect:  Stimulate energy, passion, appetite, creativity, and conversation
  • Examples:  Red for urgency or love, orange for enthusiasm, yellow for cheerfulness
  • Interior use:  Good in social spaces like kitchens, dining and living rooms
A blue and purplish patterned blanket is folded back to reveal another layer of purplish blanket, with white linen sheets underneath. 3 throw pillows in blue, gold, and beige sit in front of stacked white pillows for sleeping. The wall behind the dark headboard is a saturated purple hue with gold metal leaf decorations, and a green glass lantern hangs to the left side of the bed, near a copper glass lantern, both above the bedside table. A round gold footstool sits nearby, in front of a translucent glass wall that separates the bedroom from the hallway and other spaces in the house.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Cool Colors – Blues, Greens, Purples

  • Effect:  Induce calmness, tranquility, focus, and relaxation
  • Examples:  Blue for peace and trustworthiness, green for growth or freshness
  • Interior use:  Ideal for bedrooms, offices, bathrooms, or meditation areas
White leather Barcelona chairs with silver legs and button-tufting on the seats and backs, in front of a floor-to-ceiling wooden-framed window and a dark curtain with a gold ribbon a foot above the pale yellow and grey patterned carpeted floor. Between the chairs is a small silver side table adorned with two silver and white candlesticks, and a small silver vase of yellow flowers.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Neutrals and Dark Hues – Browns, Grays, Black

  • Effect: Create feelings of drama, intimacy, coziness, or stability, depending on saturation
  • Examples: Brown for reliability, charcoal or navy for warmth
  • Interior use: Can add sophistication or make large rooms feel more intimate

Why It Happens

A pink, fuscia, and purple rug with yellow center shaped like a flower complements the two bright yellow tub chairs near the windows, with a grey 3-seat sofa and multiple coordinating throw pillows in purple, yellow, and blue provide comfort. A table lamp stands in the corner on a side table between the sofa and first yellow chair, and a matching lamp and table are on the other side. Two coffee tables sit at an angle in front of the sofa and chairs. The wall inset behind the sofa is wallpapered with a grey floral pattern. A light blanket is draped over the arm of the sofa, welcoming you for a cozy cuddle.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Biological and Neurological Response

Colors aren’t only seen; they’re felt. They trigger physical reactions like changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and hormone levels.

Evolutionary and Cultural Associations

We link colors to natural elements such as blue sky and green forests or cultural symbols, such as red for luck or passion. This creates instinctive responses in us.

Personal Memories

Past positive or negative experiences with a color can heavily influence our emotional reaction to it. Think about being inside a room with a color you dislike strongly, and how that would make you feel.

Design Factors

A home office in a corner with a saturated blue wall the shows off open shelving decorated with stacks of books, photos, candlesticks, vases of flowers, and other collectible items above a dark wooden desk with silver metal legs, a silver desk lamp, and a red chair with silver metal legs. A long gold curtain is gathered to the right which can be pulled across the windows on the right. A tall green spikey plant stands in a metallic circular pot to the left of the desk, and a brown tub chair with a lumbar pillow covered in red circles is just visible on the far left. A window seat upholstered in the matching red circle fabric is just visible in front of the right window. Beyond the brown chair on the left is a textural window covering that matches the window covering to the right.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer

Saturation and Light

Deep, saturated colors add depth, while pastels create serenity. Interior lighting dramatically changes how colors are perceived! This is why it’s so important to get the right type and amount of light for the use of your space.

Balance

Overusing warm colors can cause agitation, while too many cool tones can feel cold. Strategic mixing is key for balance, and understanding how to combine complementary colors.

If you need help executing any of these concepts, get in touch! I’m known for being good with color, harmony, and balance.

Kimball Starr designs gorgeously colorful homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a consultation.

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Pantone COTY 2026: Cloud Dancer

Jan 19, 2026 | Posted in Trends |

Every year designers anticipate the Color of the Year announcement from Pantone, so I’m excited to share this year’s event!

Pantone Color of the Year for 2026 is a fluffy white called Cloud Dancer, illustrated by a woman with short dark hair, back turned to the camera, with her arms behind her as if blowing in the breeze. Her wide pant legs are catching the wind also, and fluffy white clouds surround her against a pale blue sky.
Image courtesy Pantone.com

From the Pantone website:

A Whisper of Tranquility and Peace in a Noisy World

“Introducing Pantone Color of the Year 2026, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection. A billowy white imbued with serenity, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.”

An all-white sofa with coordinating round and square throw pillows in white. The wall behind is white, with white wooden textured panels. Above the sofa is a faux cloud shape made of white cotton, and below the sofa floats a mist of white. White curtains cover the window to the right, with light filtering in.
Photo courtesy Joybird
3 different textured fabrics in a light turquoise blue by Joybird. The left is a chenille, the center is a smoother chenille with a random small dot pattern, and the right is a mohair-like velvet.
Fabric images courtesy Joybird

JOYBIRD – Curate your calm space

Pantone and Joybird have partnered to present a heavenly collection of furniture with serenity you can feel, plus several additional coordinating colors.

“Cultivating calm and relaxation, the exclusive Joybird x Pantone collaboration fulfills our longing for harmony at home with invitingly tactile fabrics that evoke serenity and inspire quiet reflection.”

Bed with a large unadorned window and 8 floating color panels with Pantone identifying information labeling them as Lemon King yellow, Nimbus Cloud grey, Raindrops on Roses pink, Cloud Dancer white, Ice Melt pale blue, Peach Dust peach, Almost Aqua green, and Orchid Tint purple. The wall behind the bed is white, and the bed has several of the colors used in the pillows and a throw blanket. The main bedspread is white. Smaller inset photo shows an archway looking into a living room with the same colors used on a modern L-shaped sofa in pale blue, a footrest in yellow, and a painting featuring all the pastel colors on a white wall. The flooring is white. Light streams in from a window to the far right. The text reads: Powdered Pastels - Pastel and neutral tones make compatible combinations to Cloud Dancer, offering subtle shifts in hue that are nuanced, pleasing, and understated.
Color palette and photos courtesy Pantone.com

Color Palette: Powdered Pastels

Cloud Dancer and powdered pastels reminds me of the 1980s, when pastels were everywhere. This is a more adult style, while retaining a sense of whimsy and fun.

I can’t wait to use these with some of my clients in 2026 – could it be YOU?

Kimball Starr designs gorgeous homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a consultation.

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Fresh Clean Kitchen

Dec 31, 2025 | Posted in Inspirations |

A beautiful new kitchen with all custom cabinetry made with light oak. The countertops are made of the same centered stone as the backsplash, for a seamless, clean look. Coordinating counter stools and pendant lights stand out, while recessed lighting above provides a perfect balance. Natural light streams in the side windows.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Cabinet Maker

Do you dream of a brand-new kitchen in 2026?

Are you out of storage space, lack counter or work surfaces, or it’s too far between your stove, fridge, and sink so you feel like you’re always running? I can help!

Enjoy these inspirational images of a San Francisco kitchen we finished in 2025 so you can stop dreaming and start making a change.

A view into the stove and hood area of the kitchen. The oak cabinets go all the way to the ceiling for a modern look. The hood and backsplash are stainless steel.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Cabinet Maker

Natural oak upper cabinets go all the way to the ceiling for a modern look with less dusting above.

A beautiful stainless steel hood makes cooking easy and reduces cleanup. The counter is created with the same sintered stone as the backsplash for an elegant look that’s simple to clean.

Looking towards a window in the center above the white marbled countertop, flanked by clear glass cabinets either side, with lighted clear glass storage at the top of each cabinet. An integrated fridge above a freezer drawer is next to an under counter microwave, with multiple sizes and shapes of drawers nearby, and a pantry at the far right end. Light white walls and light oak flooring make the space feel bright and clean.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Cabinet Maker

An integrated fridge matches the rest of the cabinetry. No more cleaning fingerprints off the fridge door!

The microwave is under the counter, avoiding spills from overhead lifting.

Lighted display cases are enclosed by glass, keeping your family items safe and clean.

Light oak custom cabinets go all the way to the ceiling for less dusting and cleaning. A sink right next to a dishwasher makes loading and unloading easy. Here you can see the veined countertops and backsplash are made of a single light colored material, giving it a seamless, modern appearance.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Cabinet Maker

The sink, cabinets, and dishwasher are within reach, making loading and unloading dishes a breeze.

Detail on the finishes is what makes this kitchen really sing!

Another view of the light and airy kitchen full of custom cabinetry. A second smaller sink makes for easy serving to guests in the living room, with a beautiful view to the patio and back yard.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Cabinet Maker

Kimball Starr designs gorgeous, well-thought-out homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a consultation.

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Easy Holiday Entertaining

Dec 15, 2025 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

Closeup view of a holiday dining place-setting. At the front of the image, two stacked white china plates are placed with a white linen napkin, tied with red and white twisted string to hold the napkin. White-lettered red namecard is attached to the string. A fork is visible to the left, and a tan fluted glass is just showing in front of the white, red and green floral centerpiece arrangement, which is cut off at the top of the image.
Photo by Kimball Starr

Are you ready for holiday guests to arrive? Me neither! But I do have some easy-to-do ideas to welcome them to a festive home. Read on for quick entertaining and decorating tips.

Shrub Drink Recipe

Holding an example reddish mixed drink in hand, filled with ice, in the bottom left of the image. The rest of the photo shows a woman making a shrub cocktail drink, holding a bottle of vinegar, with several glasses, bottles, and metal measurers on the counter in front of her. The kitchen space behind her is a modern design with textured wood grain and stainless steel appliances.
Photo by Kimball Starr

When your guests arrive, the first thing you want to do — after taking their coat and bags — is offer them a drink. Here’s a simple recipe for a shrub, a fruit-infused “drinking vinegar” that can be added to cocktails and mocktails for a delicious and refreshing twist. Prepare in advance, and store up to a year!

Five images of the process of making a shrub fruit vinegar drink. Top left image shows bottle of vinegar, cut rhubarb and a knife, a Pyrex measuring glass, a glass jar with top. Top right image shows the reddish rhubarb pieces in a bowl, covered with sugar. Middle left image shows the rhubarb being strained into the Pyrex measuring glass with a metal strainer. Middle right image shows an open bottle of cider vinegar next to the Pyrex glass with the bright red strained juice. Final bottom image shows a jar hand-labeled "Rhubarb Shrub 4/28" with a bright red liquid, and a spoon inside an upside-down lid sitting on the counter, in front of a cocktail glass containing the pale pink shrub as it appears after being diluted with seltzer water.
Photos and Recipe by Sylvia Fountaine via Feastingathome.com

ingredients

  • 2 cups fruit or berries (rhubarb used here), diced into very small 1/4 inch pieces
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider, or any other)
  • time required: 4-11 days
  • yields: 2 cups

instructions

Mix the fruit or berries and granulated sugar in a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 4-5 days, stirring every 12 hours. Strain the liquid, pressing down hard on solids. Mix the fruit syrup with vinegar and pour into a lidded jar and refrigerate. You can use immediately, but after a week, their flavors will deepen, meld and harmonize. Add to cocktails or sparkling water.

Gift Wrap with Fresh Greens

Beautiful gifts can adorn your holiday dinner table too, and look great as a place setting. Here’s an easy way to dress up a simple holiday gift-wrapping.

4 images of gift-wrapping options. Top left corner image shows plain brown craft paper wrapped box, with twine and red-and-white banded string wrapped around the middle, and a roll of twine in front of the box. Top right image shows a wooden box with red and white twisted string wrapped around the middle of the box, holding an evergreen cutting. Bottom left image shows a woman's hand as she wraps red and white twisted string around the brown craft-papered box. Bottom right image shows the final result, brown craft-papered box with twine and twisted red and white string wrapped around the middle of the box, holding a fresh evergreen cutting and a sprig of 4 red berries.
Photos by Kimball Starr

materials

  • gift in a small box
  • brown craft paper
  • clear tape
  • twine
  • colored string or ribbon
  • fresh evergreen cutting
  • sprig of berries

instructions

Wrap your gift in plain brown craft paper and tape shut. Using twine, wrap around the center of your box several times, and tie. Add a fresh evergreen cutting, wrap colored string or ribbon around the center of your box to hold the cutting, and tie. Add a sprig of berries by sliding under the string or ribbon. Optional: Write your guest’s name on the craft paper in red or green ink.

Dress Up Everyday Tables and Chairs for the Holidays

Overhead view of a rectangular dinner table, with a white textured blanket thrown over the back of the head chair showing top right corner of image. Table has a white marble top surface. Chairs are very light taupe with a pierced pattern cane back and velvet fabric seat. The table runner is white with white linen napkins and placecards in red with white text topping the formal place settings for 6 people. Tan colored fluted glasses sit next to clear water glasses. The center of the table is filled with red, white and green plants and flowers in a festive arrangement. The rug underneath is also a light tan.
Photo by Kimball Starr

My last quick decorating tip is to throw a textured blanket over the back of your holiday dining head chairs, to make them feel more cozy. You can easily change the color scheme of your chairs this way, if they don’t go with traditional holiday colors.

If you need to dress all of your chairs, use a wide ribbon looped around just above the seat, tied with the bow at the back to keep the blankets in place, and unify the chairs.

View of a rectangular dinner table from the short end, with a white textured blanket over the back of the head chair showing bottom right of image. Table is light-colored with wooden legs and white marble top. Chairs are very light taupe with a pierced pattern cane back and velvet fabric seat. The table runner is white with white linen napkins topping the formal place settings for 6 people. Tan colored fluted glasses are next to clear water glasses. The center of the table is filled with red, white and green plants and flowers in a festive arrangement.
Photo by Kimball Starr

Do you need help from a designer with your holiday decorating? Kimball Starr designs beautiful spaces to entertain and relax throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe – contact Kimball today for a remote or in-person consultation.

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Holiday Decorating Themes

Dec 08, 2025 | Posted in Trends |

I’m seeing both beloved and unique holiday trends and decorating themes this year. Let’s explore!

Photo courtesy Pinterest via Etsy Blog

Nutcrackercore

Holiday classic ballet The Nutcracker with whimsical, fairy-tale-like elements that makes children’s dreams of the Sugar Plum Fairy come true. Music boxes featuring this theme are popular this year.

Colors: Red, white, blue, gold

Materials: Wood, velvet, silver, feathers

3 hand-crocheted red and white stockings hang over a fireplace with greenery tied to the white cuffs with packaging string for an old-fashioned look. Two white and grey candles stand to the side of the fireplace surround, which is painted white, while red berries and green pine needles hang down from the mantel above. These stockings are examples of Nonna Holiday style designs.
Design and photo courtesy nellascottage.patternsbyetsy.com

Nonna Holiday

Anything your grandmother would have made or had in her home. Family time, food and cooking aesthetics, home-made decorations, doilies and crocheted items. Comfy and cozy!

Colors: Red, green, gold, cream

Materials: Sweater fabrics, velvets

Two images of Spoonflower fabrics side-by-side. On the left, a silvery background with black and purple ornaments hanging on beaded strands at a slight left angle. On the right, on a black background, multiple ornaments hang on grey strands in white, red, and grey including skulls, jack-o-lanterns, candy canes with skulls on them, red and black bats, vampire faces, scary moons with Santa hats, Christmas trees in red with skull decorations, and white headstones with crosses at the top.
Fabric photos courtesy Spoonflower

Gothmas

Halloween isn’t the only time for dark and moody yet romantic vibes! Candles, dark red velvet, bone china, black and white checkerboard, and statement bows in black with pearls can be used through the winter holidays, too. These custom Gothmas fabrics by Spoonflower are sure to add some dark whimsy to your home.

Colors: Black, red, purple, grey, white

Materials: Lace, antiques, metals

Two custom stemware glasses formed from kneeling stags with the drinking glass balanced between their antlers are displayed on a tabletop. Light shines through the first glass, revealing a gold pin holding lemon slices inside the clear drink. The second stag glass is behind in shadow and slightly out of focus.
Photo courtesy Jersey Art Glass

Supper Club

At-home entertaining is back in vogue! The classic dinner party is a great way to host for the holidays, using vintage serving ware, cocktail items, fabric placemats and full table settings.

Colors: Red, pink, green, yellow

Materials: Glass, paper, ceramic, metal

Kimball Starr designs beautiful homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a remote or in-person holiday decorating consultation!

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