Tahoe Style

May 10, 2021 | Posted in Inspirations |

Wouldn’t it be lovely to live beside the water at Lake Tahoe? Here are some properties to inspire. You can have the home of your dreams!

A beautiful view down a long wooden dock towards a home in Lake Tahoe, surrounded by emerald waters and green trees. — *_{Photo courtesy TahoeRealty.com}*

With a private dock and contemporary interiors, this West Shore property sits among the trees and emerald waters.

A wooden floor and ceiling, contrasting white walls with windows picked out in black, and a contemporary dining table with seating for 6 all draw your eye out floor-to-ceiling windows to the view at Lake Tahoe. — *_{Photo courtesy TahoeRealty.com}*

A sleek dining area draws your eye outward over the lake.

Two grey swivel armchairs sit in front of a floor-to-ceiling triple window with views of Lake Tahoe, trees and water. A deck and simple black railing expand the inside view outside. — *_{Photo courtesy TahoeRealty.com}*

Living room swivel chairs allow you to enjoy the views in any direction.

View of a large, open octagonal hardwood living room, with warm wooden ceiling joists creating a pattern above. 90-degree angled wood flooring complements the ceilings, while a large dining area, living area, and conversation area benefit from the views out the skylight. — *_{Photo courtesy TahoeRealty.com}*

This home boasts warm hardwood and a skylight paired with views from the Tahoe West Shore.

Choose either a sauna or soaking tub at this home, situated along the stunning North Shore.

View into a contemporary country kitchen, with light-colored walls and ceilings, warm wood flooring and cabinetry, and pink and red checked dining chairs under a chandelier with six small lampshades over curled wrought iron arms. The space extends to a seating area in front of huge windows at the far end. — *_{Photo courtesy TahoeRealty.com}*

This contemporary country kitchen will be a favorite with guests.

A stunning bedroom has triple floor-to-ceiling windows topped by textural patterned blinds. The King size bed is dressed in greys, black stripes, and shades of tan. A chair that tones with the textural theme and has white fabric pillows back and bottom sits beside a desk. — *_{Photo courtesy TahoeRealty.com}*

Imagine waking up to that lake view out your floor-to-ceiling windows, dressed with simple yet elegant blinds.

Another view of the dock extending out into the blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Greenery and trees surround a dark wooden deck with black seating, bounded by a modern black railing. — *_{Photo courtesy TahoeRealty.com}*

And of course, you can’t live in Tahoe without a deck, for entertaining, dining, and just taking in nature.

Kimball Starr designs luxury homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation.

Labels: bathroom, bedroom, contemporary, country-style, dining room, kitchen designs, Lake Tahoe, living room, luxury, modern country style, modern style, shower & tub, wood paneling

Green Design for Earth Day

Apr 19, 2021 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

A comfortable and colorful living room, with a blue patterned rug over warm wood flooring, a grey sofa scattered with multi-patterned and colored throw pillows, a large plant in the corner behind. Two chairs and a coffee table create a comfortable conversation corner. A colorful photo is hung on the wall behind the sofa, featuring the sky and mountains. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

For the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day this year on April 22, let’s look at a few easy green design inspirations and actions you can do at home.

Plant a Tree

Image of a person's hand, holding a miniature version of a full-grown tree, above loose dirt. — *_{Photo courtesy Pinterest user MMore}*

“The best time to plant a tree is 50 years ago. The next-best time is today.” – old saying

The day before Earth Day this year is National Arbor Day, April 21, also known as Plant a Tree Day. How do you know which kind of tree is best for your area, and won’t contribute to pollen issues? Use this handy guide.

Reduce Your Energy Use

_{Image courtesy EPA.com}

Find out what your household carbon footprint is in 3 areas: Energy use, transportation, and waste, then learn how to reduce them with this handy calculator.

Design Interiors with Plants

Closeup view of a living room corner, with a peek of a brown leather sofa next to a brown metal round side table filled with multiple vases of varying sizes and shapes, all in white with slight brown stripes. In the corner, a pocket wall of live plants. Above the table, a round white pendant light. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Our last post is perfect for this! Just click over to Designing with Plants and get all the tips you need.

Kimball Starr Interior Design creates healthy homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation.

Labels: contemporary interior design, dining room, living room, mid-century modern, plants, sustainable design

Design with Plants

Apr 05, 2021 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

View of a living room corner, showing a dark green fabric and brown leather couch with floral graphic throw pillow, a side table with 4 white vases in varying sizes and shapes, and in the corner, a wall planter filled with leafy greenery. At the front of the image is a coffee table with a bowl of green and red grapes atop a stack of books. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

A plant is the world’s oldest housewarming gift (other than a bottle of wine), because nothing makes your home feel fresh and lived-in like live plants. Bonus that they naturally clean your indoor air, too!

Here’s a brief look at which plants to include when designing your home, with tips to get the most out of specific situations.

Best for Beginners

Image of a snake plant in a large brown ceramic pot on the floor, next to 3 white shelves stacked above each other that hold art, framed photos, and vases of flowers, plus green air plants, against a background of cornflower blue wall paint and blond wood flooring. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Snake Plant (Sansevierias)

Snake Plants are some of the toughest plants around. Indoors or on your balcony, these spiked lovelies can deal with nearly anything.

Care tips: They’ll grow faster in strong natural light and slower in low light, so decide where to place them. Buy darker-leafed varieties for low light. No direct sunlight like a west or south window – they burn! Always ensure the soil is nearly completely dry before thoroughly watering again, though these will do well in a bathroom, too. Snake plants are mildly toxic to cats and dogs.

North-Facing

Photo of tan fabric backdrop featuring a ZZ plant in a grey planter on the light-colored floor, with a white and blond wood stool behind it, dressed with a clear pitcher and glass of water. The ZZ plant has oval-shaped dark green leaves. — *_{Photo courtesy Bloomscape}*

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Roots called rhizomes help this plant stay hydrated, while its variegated leaves go from bright green to a dark emerald.

Care tips: Low light and not much water, so it’s low-maintenance. Water when the soil is dry, or every two to three weeks. Poisonous if eaten, so keep away from kids and pets.

South-Facing

Photo of a delicate fern in a plain green planter, sitting on a pale off-white surface with a matching plain wall background. — *_{Photo courtesy Terrain}*

Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)

Stunningly delicate, the Asparagus Fern does better as a houseplant than an outdoor plant since it’s considered an invasive species.

Care tips: Keep in a sunny spot and let it dry out between waterings. Keep away from cats and dogs – it’s toxic to them.

Photo of a plant with round dark and light-green leaves with red veins, in an orange ceramic pot, sitting on a light-colored surface with a nearly-matching wall background. — *_{Photo courtesy The Sill}*

Maranta (Marantaceae)

Known as a prayer plant because the Maranta’s leaves will raise and lower with the sun throughout the day. Gorgeous variegated leaves include shades of green and bright pink.

Care tips: Medium to bright but indirect sunlight. Water weekly or every other week, when you see its leaves look droopy. Pet-safe houseplant.

Best Indoor Tree

Photo of a midcentury modern dining room, with patterned chairs and a deep wood table that nearly matches the flooring. Beyond, against the rear wall, is a bright blue sideboard dressed with a vase of fresh cuttings, a lamp, and a bowl of glass balls. Above the sideboard is a wall-mounted driftwood sculpture with multiple air plants and mosses growing. To the left of the sideboard in the corner is a tall fiddle plant with dark green leaves. — _{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}

Ficus Altissima (Variegata)

For those who love the look of a leafy indoor tree like the fiddle leaf fig, try a ficus altissima with large velvety yellow and green leaves. “This plant makes a statement without the more complex care instructions that come with the Fiddle!” explains Joyce Mast, a horticultural expert at Bloomscape.

Care tips: Place this hardy plant in bright, indirect light, then let it grow. Indoors, this statement plant can gain six to eight feet in height (outdoors, up to 40 feet!) Toxic to dogs, so take care.

Photo of a traditional dining table and chairs in front of a cityscape view out the window. Just between the two windows stands a tall leafy green plant. On the dining table is a bunch of white flowers, a fruit plate, a pair of orange juice glasses and a pair of breakfast plates with fruit on them. The dining chairs are dark wood and scrolled patterned fabric, while the dining table is covered with a textured tablecloth that reaches the wood floor. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Kimball Starr Interior Design creates healthy homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation.

Labels: contemporary interior design, green design, plants, traditional design

Pocket Offices

Mar 22, 2021 | Posted in Inspirations |

As the world of working from home becomes the new normal, the need for a comfortable space to do that work is higher than ever before. You don’t have to give up a whole room just for your office, though. We found pocket offices from around the web, to inspire you!

Linen Closet

Repurpose your linen closet simply and easily!

Bedroom Closet

A bedroom closet is the perfect area for a wide desk surface.

Corner Desk

Open shelving allows frequent-use items to stay within reach of a sleek corner desk.

Understairs

A beautiful office is created under a set of white-sided tan wooden stairs with black metal railings in a 90-degree turn. The office is created in white cabinetry and shelving, grey wallpaper on the rear wall, a simple tan armed desk chair, and dressed with books, flowers, and sculptures. Multiple white drawers and cubbies hide office supplies, while a faux leather hide on the wooding flooring adds a touch of elegance. — *_{Photo courtesy Lori Caldwell Designs}*

Make better use of space under the stairs for your functional and beautiful home office.

Pantry

Build a desk into a pantry, add funky wallpaper, task lighting, and storage, and you’re ready to work.

Nook

A recessed area or nook can become a stylish home office in any room.

Custom Cabinetry

4 images showing a guest bedroom and home office space. The top left image shows a wall with desk and computer seating, and a 90-degree wall of navy blue custom cabinetry. In the top right image, a white desk is pulled down from the wall cabinet, and dressed with a white chair. In the bottom left image, the entire wall cabinetry is partially pulled down to reveal a peek into a wall bed. In the final image, the wall bed is fully exposed and beautifully dressed with linens and pillows. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

If you have the space for a full guest room and home office combo, our custom-built convertible desk-to-bed cabinetry is the perfect solution.

Kimball Starr Interior Design designs stylish home offices throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation.

Labels: closet, home office, home office designs, home organization, inspiration

Lighting Design

Mar 09, 2021 | Posted in Trends |

A few times a year I like to check in on what’s happening in the world of lighting design. Here’s what I discovered today.

Pendants & Chandeliers in Unexpected Places

Image of a contemporary kitchen with sleek modern design, light colored countertop with a darker base and 3 blue and seafoam green colored chairs underneath a multiglobe chandelier that looks like bubbles. — *_{Photo courtesy house-interior.net}*

Fancy chandeliers placed over kitchen counters for instant drama is a hot new trend!

View of a living room with plant-inspired gold on tan wallpaper, a tan sofa with a chaise long, a hot pink armchair, and a glass coffee table, all underneath a four-tiered round glass pendant light that looks like a mini chandelier. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

We added unexpected glam to this San Francisco living room with a tiered glass pendant as mini chandelier.

Portable Lights

A portable lamp that looks like an hourglass with a shorter, flattened top. The top half of the spindle shape lights up. — *_{Salt&Pepper lamp photo courtesy Tobias Grau}*

Portable lamps are becoming popular. This one is not only functional but stylishly cool. Great for kids’ rooms and tiptoeing down long dark hallways.

Color & Pattern

A riot of colors and textures in a hallway: floral wallpaper, carved room divider, a side table stacked with small books, and a lamp made to look like a coconut tree, with a bright blue and hot pink spotted lampshade, next to a yellow and white patterned pillow on a chair. — *_{Photo courtesy Pooky}*

Combining color, pattern, texture, and WOW in your lampshades is an up-and-coming trend!

Statement Ambient Lighting

Photo of a simple brass arched desk lamp with an round lampshade and a twisted exposed cord, on a rough wooden table with an open book nearby. — *_{Photo of Abercrombie table lamp courtesy Jim Lawrence}*

Ambient lighting doesn’t have to be boring – just find your perfect style match.

Four different-colored lava lamps (orange/lighter orange, green/purple, green/blue, and purple/orange), each on a step up a set of stairs, with pierced metal stair rails on the higher steps. — *_{Photo courtesy Graham & Green}*

Express yourself passionately with lava lamps on display! Would look great on your desk or dressing table.

Black & Geometric

Photo of a contemporary living and dining area, with light colored sofa at the front, a round white dining table with four light tan chairs, and a standing lamp in the corner. Above the sofa hangs a multi-shade pendant light of black shades attached with black metal crossbars forming an enneagon (nine-sided geometric shape). — *_{Photo courtesy indecortrends.com}*

Black is always in style. Now combine with a geometric trend for total sophistication.

A country-style kitchen with penny tiles, white cabinetry, grey countertops, silver appliances, and tan and white tiled backsplash. Hanging in the center of the space is a pendant light formed from two black metal rings at 90-degree angle, with four black faux candle holders, and a stabilizing single vetical metal pole in the center. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Create a stylish, well-lit space with Kimball Starr Interior Design! She designs homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation.

Labels: chandelier, lighting, lighting design, pendant lights, trends

Published!

Feb 22, 2021 | Posted in Starr Spotlight |

Did you know that Kimball Starr Interior Design has been published, in two lovely hardcover coffee table books?

Zen Style Residences

In her first book publication Zen Style Residences, Kimball’s residential design project titled ‘A Meditative Living Space Inspired by Nature’ is featured.

Photo of an open book showing 2-page spread of a dining room space with live edge wood table and modern dark wood chairs. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Globally published and translated in both English and Chinese, the book features projects from 23 designers around the world. Of the highlighted designers, Kimball Starr was selected as the sole representative of United States residential designers, a great honor and testament to her design skills.

Photo of an open book showing 2-page spread with colorful photos of an apartment viewed from above, and a floor plan. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Some of the materials used in the project are bamboo poles for the potted sculpture in the living room, and Japanese folded paper sconces for a soft glow in the bedroom, as well as a tall, curving folded paper room divider that can be reformed and reshaped at will.

Porcelain tiles with a metallic luster and a bamboo coffee table wrapped in reclaimed black steel complement the urban setting with an industrial edge, while a reclaimed redwood slab dining table and hand-planed Douglas fir fireplace mantel bring in natural elements.

Photo of an open book showing 2-page spread with colorful photos of a living room fireplace and chaise lounge, a coffee table, sofa, and shelving, and a small outdoor space. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

By maintaining the integrity of materials in their natural state, introducing organic forms that mimic nature, and incorporating Oriental antique elements, an air of Zen, peace and tranquility is cultivated for all who enter this city oasis.

Photo of an open book showing 2-page spread with colorful photos of a peaceful bedroom and simple sideboard storage. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

If you’d like a copy of Zen Style Residences for your coffee table or library, you can view and purchase the hardcover edition at Phoenix Books. You can also read more about the publication in the Press section of this website and on PR Web.

Country-Style Residences

Kimball Starr’s ‘Hillside Retreat’ is a San Francisco urban location, surrounded by woods and natural elements. While the project leans toward the modern style, country style is displayed through the use of many plants, plant-themed decorative paintings, and floral-patterned fabrics.

Photo of a 2-page spread of a book, showing the project title Hillside Retreat in English and Chinese, and a colorful living room with round wooden table, fluffy white rug, chair with bright pink throw blanket casually tossed over the back, and in the background, a seating area featuring a sofa with multiple bright colored throw pillows and coffee table on a patterned rug. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Though this project features a rich palette, it is unified by the use of a dominant color in each room – chartreuse and teal in the dining room, cherry-toned wood in the kitchen, yellow in the master bedroom and tangerine in the guest bedroom.

2-page spread of a book, showing a chair with throw pillow, an outdoor seating area of brightly colored cubes, and a living room with a fantastic city view, shown in both daytime and nighttime. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

In this San Francisco home design, fabrics such as cotton, leather, wool, velvet and linen reinforce the tactile comfort of the spaces, while the carefully-selected furnishings bring in playful modernity, and provide a sense of lightness and fun.

2-page book spread, showing a dining area from above, an open-plan kitchen, and a loft seating area, all in coordinated browns, lime greens, and turquoise blues, with warm wood tones. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Translated into English and Chinese, this hardcover publication boasts many beautiful photographs illustrating why the projects were chosen from around the world.

2-page book spread, showing multiple images and angles of a master bedroom, including the large grey bed with yellow and white bed linens, a pair of white leather chairs, and a bright orange guest bedroom. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

If you would like a copy to display on your own coffee table, you can purchase Country-Style Residences through Amazon.com.

Kimball Starr is a San Francisco-based award-winning interior design firm, designing contemporary to traditional homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation.

Labels: color, country-style, modern country style, Published, Starr Spotlight, Zen, Zen Design

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