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

Shed Some Light

Feb 08, 2021 | Posted in Inspirations |

Do you have a shed in the backyard, or want to get one? What should you do with it? Here are some inspiring ideas from around the web.

Craft Studio

Two aqua-colored window pane doors hang open, revealing a table on wheels, a stool, multiple shelves with neatly organized crafting and painting supplies, all underneath a glass roof. — *_{Photo courtesy OneKindDesign}*

All your crafting and artwork supplies neatly at hand, while working in natural sunlight.

Sewing Shed

An all-white shed contains a sewing machine, chair, table, shelves with bottles of buttons, books and supplies, magnetic strips with scissors, and baskets of fabric are neatly organized under a large window with sheer curtains. — *_{Photo courtesy OneKindDesign}*

Corral the mess from sewing supplies, allowing you to spread out. A sheer blind hides everything from view while allowing in sunlight.

Cottage Glam

A glass-ceiling shed displays a tan slipcovered sofa with pink floral throw pillows and a white coffee table with a glass serving tray of lemonade sit underneath two fancy glass chandeliers. A ladder is used as shelves to display fresh flowers. — *_{Photo courtesy OneKindDesign}*

Combine cottage style with chic chandeliers for a glam chillout space.

Potting House with a View

A wooden shed on stilts with steps leading to the all-glass door surrounded by re-used glass windows that make up the walls of a potting shed. The exterior is lightly surrounded by vines and plants. The green view behind is revealed through the window walls. — *_{Photo courtesy OneKindDesign}*

Made entirely out of reused windows, this potting house loves the sun!

Greenhouse Glass

Two images, one on top of the other, show a green painted wooden greenhouse, surrounded by hedges, trees and plants. In the bottom image, we see a hanging lantern above a wicker seating group, and a small potting table with white lilly potted plant. The entire space including roof is glass, held by green painted wood in triangular and square shapes. — *_{Photo courtesy apieceofrainbow.com}*

An old-fashioned greenhouse becomes a beautiful seating area, with a few choice furniture selections.

Create a gorgeous, functional 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: light, outdoor spaces, shed, skylights

Fashion at Home

Jan 25, 2021 | Posted in Trends |

With the new year comes new energy, in the fashion world as well as interior design. Here are some up-and-coming trends to watch!

Netting

As seen on the fashion runways of Fendi, Hermes, Paco Rabanne, and Balenciaga, netting is a way to create interest, movement, and layers of light and shadow in clothing.

A room all in creamy whites, with a rug, under a bed on the floor, with sheets and blankets spilling over. Behind the bed hand a macrame panel with criss-crossed square patterning. Light streams through the panel leaving shadows on the wall. — *_{Photo courtesy Urban Outfitters}*

One way to use netting in interiors is as a room divider or zone indicator – macrame panels create lovely shadows in your space.

Monochrome Colors

5 photos side-by-side of women wearing black and white outfits, dresses, tops, skirts, and suits. — *_{Photo courtesy Vogue.co.uk}*

Monochrome is a bold fashion choice for 2021! Geometric patterns and strong shapes in black and white accentuate the body, as seen on the runways of Chanel, Gabriela Hearst, and Dolce & Gabbana.

A living room, with dark wood flooring, a grey rug in front of an L-shaped grey sofa with black pillows, grey blanket, black coffee table, and in the background, black and white square shelving, near a cityscape window. — *_{Photo courtesy Roomysource.com}*

Monochrome interior design doesn’t have to mean boring or all the same. It’s a coordinated contemporary look, layered with patterns, textures, and shapes.

Stripes

Photo of 5 women side-by-side, all wearing striped clothing, in black and white, colors, skirts, dresses, tops, and pants. — *_{Photo courtesy Vogue.co.uk}*

As seen on the runways of Dior, Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Alice Temperley, stripes are so IN! Thick and thin, colors and monochrome, stripes can be dressed up or down.

Detail image of a grey and black striped chair with silver nailheads down the arm, in front of multicolor tan, grey, and black striped curtains, with a window peeking through. To the right is a standing lamp with horizontal striped lampshade. — *_{Photo courtesy Nicky Dobree}*

Pinstripes suits aren’t just for the office anymore, and maritime stripes are seen outside boats. Your home can be a fun place to experiment with stripes.

Sequins and Sparkle

5 side-by-side phots of women wearing sparkles and sequins, on dresses, tops, and pantsuits. — *_{Photo courtesy Vogue.co.uk}*

As seen on the runways of Saint Laurent, Gucci, Burberry and Valentino, sequins, glitter, sparkle and glam are for special occasions, as well as every day.

Bring some glamour into your daily life with your interiors! Sparkle and bling can really lift your mood, and make anything a special occasion.

Closeup view of a dining room: Underneath a spectacular rectangular glass chandelier sits a dark wood dining table, contemporary brown dining chairs with silver nail heads and in the center of the backs are pull rings. On the table sit 3 vases of fresh plants and purple flowers. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Create a fashionable 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: color, fashion, texture, trends

Relieve Mental Fatigue

Jan 11, 2021 | Posted in How To & Decorating Tips |

The New Year is an opportunity to re-focus, re-prioritize, refresh and renew. We’re especially excited that COVID-19 vaccines are on the way! But they’re not here just yet.

Since we’re spending so much of our time indoors with technology, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves, and each other. Here are some tips that will help you relieve mental fatigue, and start the new year off right.

Clear the Clutter

View into a neatly organized closet, with handing rails for clothes, racks for shoes, shelves for purses, and a drawer. Everything is spaced evenly, and easy to see. The walls outside the closet are grey, with a small framed image of a palm frond and a grey armchair to the right side. — *_{Photo courtesy Ashley Furniture}*

Nothing feels better than a clean, organized home! Utilize filing cabinets and drawer separators to keep your stuff tamed, and surfaces clear of clutter. Have a system for filing mail and pocket items when you come in the door. When your eye sees fewer items on tabletops and counters, you feel calm.

Avoid Bad Habits & Build Good Ones

Photo of a person in a hat and backpack, running and jumping, while in the background, a wide open space is filled with light and a blue sky. — *_{Courtesy iamthatiamapp.com}*

We all have them, and you probably know which ones are plaguing you right now. It’s more difficult to change a bad habit once it’s become an actual habit, so stop it before it gets there. First notice that something isn’t serving you, then observe how this habit is triggered. Interrupt the cycle, preferably with a more positive action.

Limit Screen Time & Take a Break

A cell phone in a person's hand with a white screen and timer graphic showing the words "Time Limit - you've reached your limit on Facebook". To the side is a coffee drink. — *_{Photo courtesy BusinessInsider.com}*

Since our workdays can happen at any hour of the day now, or any day of the week, and our phones and computers are constant reminders of work that needs doing, it’s important to take a break from that work. The best way is to physically take a break from screen time itself. I recommend adding that into your calendar as if it’s an appointment with yourself.

Set & Defend Your Boundaries with Office Hours

Drawing of a clock showing 3pm, and a generic flip calendar. — *_{Graphic courtesy Vectorgraphics}*

We used to go into an office, and that defined our workday. Having a clear delineation between work time and personal time is critical to mental health, so set specific office hours and days, and communicate those to your colleagues and clients.

Watch for Digital Fatigue & Get Support

A man with his head down on a laptop computer and drawings of gears and springs popping out. — *_{Courtesy LinkedIn}*

Information overload, digital or mental fatigue can manifest in ways you might not expect, such as making mistakes, showing up late for meetings, and checking social media too often. To fix it, notice how you feel. Don’t be afraid to ask for support, either from a friend, a therapist, or a hotline, if need be.

Create Physical Space to Work

Photo of a dark wood desk with a red chair, both with silver legs and matching silver drawer pulls on the desk. A task lamp and vase of greenery sits at one corner, a pair of framed photos at the other corner of the desk. Above the desk on the wall are 3 dark wood chunky floating shelves dressed with books, artwork, shells, vases, and other collectibles, neatly organized. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Since we’re all working from home, it’s important to create a separation between our workspace and our home lives. If you have to work from your sofa or kitchen table, make sure to clear those spaces off once you’ve finished your work. Set your papers or computer aside, out of view.

If you’re lucky enough to have room for a dedicated home office, make it beautiful. Accent your space with plants, artwork, and gorgeous collectibles. Design it with quality furniture that reinforces good posture. Make use of natural light. These are all things that will help relieve mental fatigue, and start your new year off on a positive note.

Closeup view of a custom corner desk, with a white counter, large square silver legs, and a rolling office chair in black and silver. The worktop is dressed with a laptop computer and some animal statues. Above the desk, light colored L-shaped shelves are dressed with framed photos, books, vases, and other collectibles, neatly organized. — *_{Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer}*

Create a positive 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: healthy interiors, home office, home organization, tips

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