Holiday Hosting Tips

Dec 19, 2022 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

A woman of color hanging a Christmas stocking from a pine garland above a mantle-less ribbon fireplace in a light-colored living room with light streaming in the side window. — *_{Photo courtesy Getty Images via Apartment Therapy}*

First, declutter and clean your home before decorating. Create a system to deal with incoming and outgoing packages and gifts.

A framed sign with wifi login details, a woven basket containing shampoo, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, with 2 small rolled white facial towels. The basket is sitting atop a larger white folded body towel. — *_{Photo courtesy Flickr}*

Next, prepare a welcoming guest bedroom and bathroom with a gift box or stocking full of helpful personal care goodies. Use holiday storage boxes for everyday items such as towels.

Holiday table with a large red fabric napkin in a gold ring laid above a wooden laser printed word 'merry' atop a white plate, on top of a gold charger, layered on top of a silver place setting, with gold tableware either side, and glasses and candles above. — *_{Photo courtesy Etsy}*

Plan the drinks and food for your guests, with personalized table settings for formal meals and more casual dining, too. Start a month ahead to order and receive everything, or if there’s less time, use quick delivery services.

A red, green, black, and white plaid table runner underneath a red and white place setting with 2 Santa-shaped drinks containers, one tall and one short and round. A bowl of holiday-colored candies and a wrapped gift adorn the table, along with red handled silverware. A red dining chair and decorated Christmas tree are just out of focus behind. — *_{Photo courtesy The Party Teacher}*

Have a kids’ table AND a kids’ corner, so they can leave the table and have a cozy place to hang out. Bonus points for a gaming system, and be sure to have the wi-fi info handy!

A woman with dark hair and fair skin is laying with her eyes closed atop a folded spa towel, while a grouping of candles are slightly out of focus in the background. A pair of hands is gently massing her head. — *_{Photo courtesy aestheticsglow.com}*

Don’t forget self-care after your guests are gone. Hire a cleaner, go to a spa, or get the babysitter in so you have some time to yourself.

Happy holidays from Kimball Starr Interior Design!

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

Labels: guest bedroom, guests, holiday entertaining

Gorgeous Front Doors

Dec 05, 2022 | Posted in Inspirations |

Inspirational entrances, if you’re thinking of making a change or just love to see what’s out there!

A light turquoise colored shiplapped exterior of a house, with a purple front door and wisteria vines up the left side and over the door. Metal railings at the front with an open gate. — *_{Photo courtesy thedoorsofldn blog}*

Love the colors and the wisteria!

A large off-white stone arch surrounds a reddish wood arched front door, studded with metalwork. The brickwork around the stone is off-white and yellowish in tone. A single brick step leads to the door. — *_{Photo courtesy Windstar Homes}*

The color of the brickwork tones with the stone surround and door, appearing even more impressive and regal with the arched shapes.

A large champagne-colored squareish front door with a circular handle in the center, and another more functional handle in the traditional spot on the right. A row of black-leaded side window lights balance the door, with a black-leaded spiderweb appearing to hang from the rectangular window above the door. — *_{Photo courtesy TheGlamPad.com}*

Circular shapes artfully meld with this square door. The spider web window neatly bridges the two shapes.

Bright orange front door between two glass highlights either side inset into a white brick wall, plus two small trees in oversize bright green pots flank the door. Two wall sconces are above the trees, either side of an arched window at the top. — *_{Photo courtesy ConfettiStyle.com}*

I’m always attracted to color! Balance is great here also.

Two front doors, side-by-side, outlined in white with white columns between them. Door on left is turquoise blue, door on right is yellow. Both have circular windows with 4 square lines, and black center door knobs with black mail slots. On the left, the black and white checkerboard tiling squares on the ground are very small. On the right, the checkerboard tiling squares are larger. — *_{Photo courtesy thedoorsofldn blog}*

A pair of doors, showing how to group neighbors together through color, shape, and door furniture. The checkered tiling in different scales is whimsical and fun, paired with the different color doors.

Kimball Starr designs gorgeous front entrances for homes around the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced or remote consultation.

Labels: color, doors, entrance

Grateful Gourds

Nov 21, 2022 | Posted in Inspirations |

Don’t just go for the same old brown/orange/yellow Thanksgiving color scheme this year!

Overhead view of a Thanksgiving dining table with grey plates on top of bigger white plates with scalloped edges, and grey and white striped cloth napkins folded under springs of greenery. Silverware is set either side with 2 forks, 2 knives, and a spoon for each place setting, plus a water glass.

In the center of the table are 29 small pumpkins in multiple sizes, painted varying shades of solid navy blue, solid sky blue, solid gold, solid white, solid tan, one in tan, gold, and orange stripes, and a solid shiny orange color. All are set upon a plain exposed wood plank table. — *_{Photo courtesy Casa de Perin}*

This cluster of painted pumpkins is delightful, paired with striped napkins and grey-blue plates.

A traditional wooden table set with stacked plates in gold and black edging, with a glass pedestal bowl on top containing a gold painted mini pumpkin.

Tall candleholders in gold with greenery around them and more place settings are out-of-focus in the background on the rest of the table. — *_{Photo courtesy FamilyHoliday.net}*

White, black, and gold-rimmed place settings create an elevated dining experience, along with gold-painted pumpkins as décor.

A clustered table of clear glasses, silver pitcher, white candles in brass candle holders, and wooden square boxes overflowing with orange and red peppers, tomatoes, apples, and other fruits and vegetables, along with orange flowers, and green plants out of focus in the background. — *_{Photo courtesy Decoist}*

A colorful, edible centerpiece makes for easy clean-up! Swap in LED candles for less fire risk.

White painted wooden slats on the walls behind are the backdrop to a dining table covered with a gold and white large checked tablecloth set with white plates, clear glasses, and silverware.

A bold centerpiece is created by tying together gold and copper painted ears of corn standing on their ends, filled with fresh flowers in red, white, orange, pink, yellow, and plenty of greenery. — *_{Photo courtesy Brian Woodcock}*

Gold- and copper-painted ears of corn supporting a floral arrangement forms a lovely organic centerpiece, atop an off-cut slice of tree trunk.

An outdoor dining table is set with a tartan throw blanket in green, red, and white plaid laid at an angle so that the fringe extends down either side on the diagonal.

Plates are stacked with fabric napkins, set between gold metal stemware, while white mini pumpkins, a glass pumpkin in orange, natural pinecones with moss, and multiple stag horns adorn the center of the table. — *_{Photo courtesy Flamingo Toes}*

A hunting theme with tartan fabrics, animal plates, and stag accents is sure to please any outdoorsman.

A table painted with black chalkboard paint has a white plate with dots and concentric circles set in the center, surrounded by drawn-on chalk leaves and a hand-drawn name ribbon. Atop the plate is a red fabric napkin rolled into a tube and fastened with sprig of red berries and leaves. Either side are a gold knife and fork, with a gold drinking glass above. At the top of the image, in the center of the table, is a layer of green leaves and stems, with red pomegranates scattered throughout. — *_{Photo courtesy Good Housekeeping}*

Chalkboard paint on a table to create your own accents and place settings. Provide colored chalk at the kids table for a work of shared art at the end of the meal!

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

Labels: contemporary, dining room, dining table, holiday entertaining, modern style, traditional

Home Theaters

Nov 07, 2022 | Posted in Inspirations |

Home theaters sure have come a long way since I was growing up! Here are inspirational ideas to start your look-book with the essential elements for a first-class theater experience in your home.

A tiered home theater room showing a bottom row of grey couches with turquoise pillows and side tables, and a higher row of turquoise couches with grey pillows. 3 sconces light up the back and side walls, white a coffered ceiling conceals white uplights. The projection screen shows on the left, facing the sofas, with sound baffling applied to the walls in geometric shapes. — *_{Photo courtesy EssentialHome.eu}*

Layered lighting and comfortable seating are key elements to a home theater design.

A contemporary living room with rust-colored sofas, tan and maroon patterned recliners, and a projection screen with lit shelving either side and recessed downlighting, with uplighting hidden in a raised ceiling above. A lamp sits upon a side table between the recliners, and comfy patterned pillows rest on the sofa below a pair of framed artworks on the side wall. The walls are finished in a greenish-tan color, with the flooring being tan carpet. — *_{Photo courtesy AV Enthusiast}*

Surround sound speakers should be hidden from view, or fit in with the space if you choose floor-standing or wall-mounted speakers.

Tan microsuede sofa with chaise and a small table facing a projection screen with 2 floor-standing speakers either side, in the foreground.

In the background to the left, you see a lit counter with a candy machine, popcorn machine, and mini fridge, with a counter seat stool. — *_{Photo courtesy EssentialHome.eu}*

Having a snack counter or storage nearby means you won’t miss any of the action while topping up.

A greyish-tan traditional-style living room with textured corner sofa in tan and white colors plus multiple patterned throw pillows in gold, black, and white. A round dark wood coffee table sits in front of the sofa, with a dark brown leather recliner opposite. Near the leather recliner is a large projection screen with built-in speakers either side, and a low wall of cabinetry in the front, forming a black counter surface on top. A sconce downlight is visible on one wall, with recessed lighting coming from the ceiling. To the right, a set of stairs going up is partially in view, with metal railings. The tables and counter surfaces are dressed with white candles on tall tan candleholders, and plants in white Grecian vases. — *_{Image courtesy Food Farm Family}*

A media wall with storage cabinetry conceals entertainment media, Blu-ray players, and video game consoles to keep your home theater neat and tidy.

A large living room with a triple wide window view onto a river with small waterfall and lots of greenery. We're looking at the point of a grey velvet corner sofa from the back, with a square leather footstool in the center corner. A tray with a pitcher and glass sits upon the leather footstool. Comfortable throw pillows are dotted along the sofa. A grey striped rug anchors the sofa in the room. Modern light bars throw light onto the walls either side of the oversize TV screen, below a ceiling of exposed wooden crossed beams and downlights. — *_{Photo courtesy Food Farm Family}*

Space is essential.

Home theaters don’t have to be a separate, closed-off dark room by using technology and good design to achieve your dream space. I can help!

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

Labels: entertaining, home theater, lighting, living room, sofa

Kitchen Styles

Oct 24, 2022 | Posted in Inspirations |

Over the years, I’ve created so many styles of kitchens! Which is your favorite and why?

What would you choose for yourself, if you’re thinking of updating your kitchen?

Compact

Farmhouse

Transitional

Modern

Contemporary

Angled view into a kitchen, with a metal bowl of apples on a dark table in the foreground surrounded by matching chairs with mismatched fabrics. In the background, a kitchen island in red wood with black marbled countertop and a cook surface is in front of a matching kitchen with red wood and black countertops, plus a grey patterned backsplash. Under-cabinet lights show the outline of the cabinet bottoms and the backsplash. Recessed down lights shine from the ceiling, and a sliver of an artwork shows on the white wall near the dining table. In the far left background, a metal stair rail winds upward. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

I would love to design a kitchen especially for YOU! Let me know which of these styles appeals so I can gather some ideas to discuss together.

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

Labels: contemporary, farmhouse, kitchen, modern style, transitional style

Open Concept Floor Plans

Oct 10, 2022 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

Looking from second floor down over open-plan ground floor in a colorful condo. Large, curved sofa with a chaise long wraps around a circular coffee table, in front of a TV, with a corner fireplace. A wildly patterned rug defines the living space, while the rest of the visible floor is open concrete, with slipper chairs and a side table. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Joe Fletcher}*

Now that we’re coming through a pandemic, surprisingly people still want open concept floor plans, while others need more privacy. Here’s a look at some of the ways people are moving from fully open to intentional use spaces, to create the best of both worlds.

Build a Wall

Corner room with sliding perspex doors mostly closed, but a peek of a bed shows through. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Joe Fletcher}*

Those of you who grew up with Pink Floyd will be mentally hearing the refrain to the opposite inside your head, but you can always add a wall back in to your space, either permanently or temporarily. This will require the services of an architect or interior designer and a contractor. Luckily you already know me!

Rearrange Furniture

Light colored room painted in white, with robin's eggshell blue furniture and pillows arranged in conversation groups, a dining table in the center and cream cabinetry in the kitchen at the rear of the space. — *_{Courtesy Southern Home Magazine / Photo by Colleen Duffley}*

If you have furniture that faces into the center of the room to emphasize the openness, try rearranging it so that it creates smaller conversation corners. Group 2 chairs either side of a sofa or loveseat. Face your living room away from the kitchen, or create a breakfast nook separate from your dining area.

Add a Room Divider

White open bookshelf has drawers and doors with silver pulls, while books, plates, and glassware adorn the open storage spaces. On the left, a white table and chairs. On the right, a bed with white linens. — *_{Photo courtesy HGTV}*

Use an open bookshelf to create a division between spaces, and add storage. Other options are a folding screen, a wall of plants, or a curtain.

Change Colors, Textures, Patterns

Light-colored walls and ceiling, to the front and right showing patterned upholstered chair with metal frame and a hot pink throw blanket covering the back, a round wooden coffee table dressed with a vase and several different shaped sky-blue shiny containers. Behind the chair is a set of stairs with black metal railings and warm wood top rails. To the left is the living room with a light colored corner sofa with chaise, covered in colorful throw pillows, and a contemporary light-colored chair with metal legs that match the corner sofa. In the center is a Noguchi-style coffee table with warm wooden support and glass top, dressed with multiple vases filled with flowers, and books. A dog sits upon the corner sofa chaise. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Most people are multitasking these days—making lunch while listening in on an important call, perhaps—so an open floor plan is more conducive to ever-changing needs.

Here’s where I can help with color, finishes, wallpaper: Ideas that could transform your current space into exactly what you want and need. If you feel this way, let’s definitely talk!

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

Labels: floor plan, open floor plan

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