In the summertime, I’m naturally attracted to outdoor seating that needs durable fabrics.
The best fabrics for indoor/outdoor use are solution-dyed. That means the color is injected into the threads during the manufacturing process, rather than laid on top. Here, we chose a pale blue color to match the blue of the water outside, which will never fade on this custom chaise long because of the solution-dyed fabric.
Solution-dyed fabrics hold up better against sun, water, mildew, and staining.
They’re also great for homes with pets.
Solution-dyed fabrics can be very soft, not like the old boat-house cushions you remember. Here, we chose multiple durable canvas-style fabrics to resist dirt and soil in this window seat.
Perfect for high-traffic areas, easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. Lots of windows and sunlight, but paired with solution-dyed fabric, it will never fade, and cleaning food spills are a breeze, as you see on our custom-designed bright green banquette with hidden storage underneath.
Cool tones are really stylish this year. Experiment with color easily with Sunbrella throw pillows!
Kimball Starr designs homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation!
In the spring and summer, my mind naturally turns towards the outdoors, and fair-weather pursuits. What a wonderful time to relax in an outdoor garden or garden-inspired room!
One such magical place is Filoli Gardens in Northern California. If you’re lucky enough to live close enough for a visit, you should definitely plan a day outing to enjoy the stunning curated views.
The Georgian-style terraces around the main house highlight sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, in contrast to the formal English Renaissance-style-garden to the south, featuring lush flower beds, yew-lined avenues, and a sunken garden, shown above.
Seasonal spring plantings include daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, contrasted with blue violas, while the summer display presents zinnias, roses and salvias. This view is of the famous walled garden, with little vignettes to be enjoyed throughout the seasons.
If you can’t come to Northern California, celebrate your local environment by creating a garden room of your own. A wicker indoor seating area, surrounded by glass walls and protected views of your garden, yard, or perhaps a walkway towards a beautiful view outside your windows makes a perfect place to pause and reflect. Then no matter the weather, you can enjoy the space.
Kimball Starr designs homes that pair with beautiful gardens throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation!
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 top tips!
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.
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.
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.
Kimball Starr designs healthy homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a socially-distanced in-person or remote consultation!
Today I’m excited to share a recent before & after kitchen project! This one is really dramatic so I think you’ll enjoy seeing the changes, from a dark, cramped, dreary kitchen to a lovely light space.
As you can see in the Before image above compared to the top After photo, we made some big changes to the floor plan and layout. The fridge was in an awkward location, with no nearby counter space to put down food items because of the doorway peeking out behind the old fridge location. We closed that doorway and relocated the fridge to provide better access and flow – a HUGE change!
Providing a 48” fridge and freezer column allows plenty of storage space, and now it’s closer to the opposite counter in front of the windows. A short L-shaped counter provides seating and storage, while allowing free movement through the kitchen.
You can see how cramped everything looked previously. The island jutted out and stopped traffic flow. The cabinetry blocked sunlight from the windows. There was nowhere to set a pot down next to the cooktop. In a laundry nook just beyond the kitchen, the side-by-side washer and dryer were taking up a lot of real estate.
We stacked the washer and dryer to double our floor space, a simple yet incredibly effective solution. Here you can see where the washer and dryer used to be, now there’s beautiful gray-green cabinetry that matches the subway tile in the kitchen, and counter space where you can set a basket for laundry needs or doggie supplies, plus additional pantry storage.
By changing finishes, the space went from dark and dreary to light and airy colors that open up the space. We created balance with the cabinetry and color dimension with the tiling.
Previously the dining room was being used as a home office, which isn’t ideal for a family.
The husband had a slab of cypress from a fallen tree sitting in the garage, but didn’t know how to use it. We relocated the home office, put legs onto the slab and turned it into a beautiful dining table. Now the entire space tones and looks completely pulled together with their gorgeous new kitchen and laundry. I’m so pleased with how it turned out, and so are the clients!
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 on how YOUR home can be transformed!
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!
With a private dock and contemporary interiors, this West Shore property sits among the trees and emerald waters.
A sleek dining area draws your eye outward over the lake.
Living room swivel chairs allow you to enjoy the views in any direction.
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.
This contemporary country kitchen will be a favorite with guests.
Imagine waking up to that lake view out your floor-to-ceiling windows, dressed with simple yet elegant blinds.
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.
For the 50th 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
“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
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
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.