Healthy Home: 8 Ways to Add a Standing Desk

“We’ve all heard that sitting all day is not good for us, but how do you add a standing desk at home?  Here are some interesting ideas….”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
By Becky Harris, originally published on HOUZZ

Studies showing that sedentary lifestyles are killing us have launched a thousand headlines. By now you’ve probably heard the catchphrase that “sitting is the new smoking,” in terms of danger to our health. The notion has even invaded pop culture. On sitcoms, the forceful corporate female character has swapped her power suit’s shoulder pads for a treadmill desk.

Switching things up from sitting to standing keeps the blood flowing and, according to studies, can help prevent illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Here’s how to incorporate some standing room in your office space at home.

Transitional Home Office by Howells Architecture + Design, LLC
Howells Architecture + Design, LLC
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1. Think like an architect. As anyone who’s attended architecture school knows, drafting tables give you great options for standing and sitting. While most occupations don’t require a Mayline, electric eraser and tilting desk, the option of sliding over on a drafting stool or standing up helps you switch things around while you work. Frankly, I’ve never found a drafting stool that was at all comfortable, so they always inspired me to stand after about 20 minutes of sitting.

See the rest of this writer’s studio and garden

Modern Home Office by Incorporated
Incorporated
2. Place the standing desk outside the home office space. If you can do the bulk of your work on a laptop, there’s no need to clutter up your stand-up station. You can easily integrate it into a room outside of your office — and it’s nice to shake up your environment during the day and get in those extra steps while you’re moving between spaces. Also, you may be able to take advantage of a view you don’t get from your office, motivating you to get up, move around and stand more.
Contemporary Home Office by The Tiny Project
The Tiny Project
3. Think like a tiny-house owner. This simple flip-down surface tucks right up against the wall when not in use.
Eclectic Home Office by Nanette Wong
Nanette Wong

4. If you’re short on space but not into a flip desk, mount a desk to the wall. This makes adding a second desk possible in a small space. I recommend using adjustable brackets so you can get the height of the desk just right.

Speaking of which, it can be tricky to fine-tune a standing desk’s height. There are online calculators to help you figure out what’s best ergonomically based on your body measurements. Be sure to wear shoes that give good support when standing and factor those into your height measurement. You may also decide to add a supportive mat, like the ones commonly used in kitchens in front of the sink. If you do, you’ll need to factor this into your height measurement as well. If more than one member of the household will be using the desk, you’ll want one that is height-adjustable.

Contemporary Home Office by Jeffers Design Group
Jeffers Design Group
5. Incorporate a bilevel solution. I don’t know many people who want to stand all the time; having a place to sit when the mood strikes is a good solution. This high credenza shelf doubles as a standing work surface, but a more traditional built-in desk allows for seated work.
Traditional Home Office by Zuri Custom Homes & Renovations
Zuri Custom Homes & Renovations
This home office arranges the traditional desk and the standing desk in an L-shaped configuration.
Contemporary Home Office by ZeroEnergy Design
ZeroEnergy Design

6. Create a perch with a view. In this Boston loft, a desk cantilevers off a railing, providing a view down to the main living space and out the windows to the city. The spot draws the family over for some stand-up work.

See the rest of this loft

Industrial Home Office by Emily Winters
Emily Winters

7. Go for a mad-professor look. The mix of wood and iron on the tall French table, the anatomical chart, the lamp and the other accessories all give this home workspace vintage academia-style appeal. No doubt the discomfort of sitting on that stool boosts the user right out of his or her seat and into a standing position.

See the rest of this home

Transitional Home Office by Emily Griffin Design
Emily Griffin Design
8. Incorporate standing for craft time too. Big, messy projects often require spreading out and standing up. This clever station has sitting and standing options thanks to the tall stools. Placing the island in the middle of the room leaves space all around it for working and spreading out. I’d even be tempted to hoist my foot right up there and stretch like I was at a barre. Whatever gets you lunging, squatting or doing a plié is a good thing. Throw in a few as you transition from standing to sitting.

11 Smart Decorating Ideas for Wall Niches

“Do you have an interesting little cubby or niche and not sure what to do with it?  Here are some ideas that just might help you out.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Originally published on HOUZZ, by Yanic Simard
Sometimes a wall niche has an obvious purpose — a cubby for firewood, for example. Other times, not so much. Either way, if you’re not sure what to do with your functional niche or awkward alcove, here are foolproof ways to fill, conceal, feature and otherwise turn that negative space into a positive.
Eclectic Living Room by Two Ellie
Two Ellie
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1. Firewood. A classic, and obvious, use for a niche near a fireplace is to store clean, uniformly cut firewood, which creates a beautiful rustic effect even if you don’t actually burn logs in your fireplace. Generally small logs can fill any shape of niche, turning a rounded edge or an odd angle into a fun feature.

See more on firewood storage

Contemporary Living Room by ACRE Goods + Services
ACRE Goods + Services
2. Firewood and art. The look of stacked wood works even in a modern setting. Feel free to get creative with it and add some art, or paint the ends of some logs in a bright shade to add graphic pops of color.
Contemporary Living Room Contemporary Living Room
3. Plants. For an organic touch similar to wood, use a hardy live plant (one that can survive away from sunlight), and let the leaves softly spill out of the niche to play against the hard lines.

See 10 of the top plants to grow indoors

Contemporary Living Room by MPD London
MPD London
4. Shelves. Spanning shelves across a shallow wall niche is one of the most efficient uses of these spaces. It gives you extra storage and display space, and can turn what seems like an awkward area into something that looks planned and organized.
Scandinavian Living Room by Shift Interiors
Shift Interiors
The horizontal lines of shelves can also visually correct awkwardly uneven walls (narrow or wide). Meanwhile, painting the backdrop elevates the niche to an architectural feature instead of a problem.

See 8 ideas for floating shelves

Paint by Benjamin Moore: Street Chic CSP-45 (backdrop); Balboa Mist 1549 (walls)

Industrial Entry by Regan Baker Design
Regan Baker Design
5. Bright hues. Of course, an alcove doesn’t have to be shy. Consider making one the center of attention with a coat of bright paint. If a niche doesn’t have a physical border, simply tape off a 1- to 2-inch edge before painting to give it a stronger physical presence.

See more bold colors for niches, nooks and crannies

Similar paint color: Rumba Orange 2014-20, Benjamin Moore; bike racks: CB2

Contemporary Living Room Contemporary Living Room
6. Mirrors and glass. Filling an alcove with glass shelves and a mirrored back adds a lot of layered depth, making the niche feel almost like a window or a passageway into a distant room. Here, the overall effect extends the apparent eaye line so the niche and room feel bigger.
Contemporary Home Office by Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard
Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard
7. Grating. Rather than filling the unusual niche between this front room and the adjacent foyer with drywall, I added decorative faux wrought iron grating to add structure while keeping the open feeling. Now the spaces are better defined without the foyer’s being closed in.

Light: Yves, Nuevo; sconces: Elte

Asian Bathroom by Gayle Wainwright
Gayle Wainwright
8. Carved panels. Similarly, the designer of this bathroom filled the pass-throughs between the shower and main space with decorative panels, but in a more opaque way that preserves a sense of privacy.
Modern Bedroom by Found Associates
Found Associates
9. Built-ins. Sometimes the best way to deal with a really unusually shaped niche or bulkhead is to build it out to make a flat wall. Here, the built-in storage also acts as an interesting headboard, giving the room a more structured feeling without wasting space.
Modern Living Room by Nova Tayona Architects
Nova Tayona Architects
A similar effect has been achieved here, in a more minimalist modern look, with built-ins used at multiple depths to turn the whole wall into a subtle feature.
Traditional Entry by Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
10. Reading nooks and open storage. The alcove under a stairway is often turned into closed storage due to the unusual shape, but it can also make a great reading nook or open storage for attractive coats, bags and other accessories that don’t need to be stashed behind closed doors.

See 8 clever ideas for the space under the stairs

Cabinets: Crystal Cabinets

Traditional Bedroom by Kelly Rogers Interiors
Kelly Rogers Interiors
11. Furniture. When filling a niche with a furniture piece, you can opt for something subtle that blends in with the walls, or take the opportunity to make the furniture a feature, like a jewel in a case.

Chest: Butler Specialty Co.; wall paint: Cool Breeze, Benjamin Moore; carpet: Delmar in Iris Green, Prestige Mills; bed: Pottery Barn

Your Guide to Choosing Patio Stones

paito pavers

“Creating that special outdoor space to relax in takes some planning.  Patio stones are an easy choice that you can usually do yourself.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Originally published on Houselogic

By: Andrea Nordstrom Caughey

Published: April 9, 2013

With so many patio stones on the market, it can be hard to choose. So we’ve done the research to help you make the right choice for your home.

Brick

Brick pavers are classic. They’ve got lots of character, and you can explore your creative chops by setting them in intricate patterns. Thinner than typical “builder bricks” used on home siding, they’re made to hold up under heavy foot traffic.

Brick pavers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes, and can look old or new. Because they’re smaller than other pavers, they take a while to put in place, and installation costs can be higher.

You can do the job yourself for $3 to $5 per square foot. You’ll need to rent a brick saw — a heavy table-mounted saw that makes cutting masonry a snap. Cost: $60 to $95 per day. Don’t forget: You’ll need to figure out a way to get the brick saw to your house.

For a pro-installed brick patio, you’ll pay $12 to $18 per square foot, professionally installed.

Concrete

Concrete can be finished off in lots of imaginative ways — brushed, acid washed, scored, and stamped — and lots of colors. Its long lifespan and relatively inexpensive installation make it a popular choice.

“For colder climates, consider adding $1 to $2 per square foot for a specialized base preparation and concrete additive,” says Chris Fenmore, principal with Garden Studio Landscape Design.

Stamped concrete can simulate flagstone, brick, cobbles, and other decorative patterns, but adds about $3 per square foot to installation costs.

Figure $6 to 12 per square foot, depending on finish and color.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers offer an embarrassment of riches — there are shapes, sizes, textures, and colors galore. Some are plain; some look like real stone; others have intricate patterns embossed on their surfaces. They’re readily available at home improvement centers and are well-suited to DIY patio projects.

Interlocking concrete pavers have tabs and slots so they fit together like pieces of a very simple puzzle. They’re fairly inexpensive, have minimal maintenance, and install quickly.

Concrete pavers are $2 to $8 per square foot. If you’d rather have a pro do it, you’ll pay $7 to $15 per square foot, including materials.

Rubber Tiles

Rubber tiles are made from recycled tires. They’re designed to go over any surface, and their light weight means you can use them on decks. They look like concrete tiles, with finishes that resemble brick and terra cotta. They’re fairly new on the market, so the jury is still out on how they perform over time.

Rubber tiles are strictly a DIY material, and they snap together with connector clips. They’re good for quickly covering up old, cracked, worn patio surfaces. You’ll pay $3 to $5 per square foot.

Flagstone, Slate, and Marble

Almost any stone can work as a paver, but most are either sandstone, limestone, slate, or granite. The materials you select will be especially cost-efficient if they come from locally operated quarries; check your local stone supplier before looking at national home improvement chains.

Stone pavers are cut into modular shapes; 6-by-12, 12-by-12, and 18-by-18-inch sizes are standard. Uncut pavers have rough, irregular edges and come in various sizes.

When it comes to installing uncut stone, an experienced pro works quickly and is your best bet for a good-looking patio with even spaces between stones.

Pro installation is $12 to $28 per square foot, depending on the stone you choose.

Want to see some stone patios that really rock?

Decomposed Granite and Pebble Surfaces

Decomposed granite is made up of very small pieces of granite, ranging in size from 1/4-inch to the size of sand. It’s an affordable way to go, and some folks really love the slightly crunchy texture underfoot, and the way rain disappears — no puddles!

You’ll probably have to refresh and replenish the granite now and then, as the surface can erode with time, so there’s some preventative maintenance involved. Figure about $1 per square foot every three years for upkeep.

Also, decomposed granite isn’t solid and furniture legs tend to sink into the stones. Adding stabilizers that help bind particles together can strengthen the surface.

Cost: $1.50 per square foot without stabilizers, $2 with stabilizers.

Finding Your Own Recycled Materials

Like the idea of upcycling? A patio is a good way to reuse old building materials, and it’s a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to new materials. Plus, you’ll be building a one-of-a-kind creation. Tip: Look for materials that provide uniform thickness.

  • Cast-off concrete sections from a neighbor’s old driveway or sidewalk.
  • Check nearby construction sites for old materials — be sure to ask permission before hauling anything away.
  • Know of a building scheduled for demolition? See if there’s any old brick or stone is going to be discarded.

Although the materials are usually free, it’s a good idea to enlist some strong-backed helpers and the use of a pick-up truck. For a typical 12-by-12-foot patio, you’ll save $500 to $800 versus new pavers. Spend some of that on a patio party for your helpers.

(If you’re a salvaged materials aficionado, check out our slideshow on clever ways to use salvage in your home.)

Mixing Materials

Remember, you’re not stuck with one type of patio paver. Combining different materials — such as brick together with concrete, or stone with rock trim, can create a cool, customized look.

Southern California designer Chris Fenmore notes, “Too much hardscape can be tedious. I often like to use four-inch troughs separating masonry from concrete that can be filled with gravel, beach rocks, or ground cover. They provide a bit of relief from the hardscape and nice detail, adding to the custom look of the yard.”

Getting on Base

Choosing paving materials begins with a basic: the base or foundation. The base supports your pavers, and it’s got to be firm, strong, and designed to stand up to years of wear and weather. A poorly installed base leads to shifting and settling that’ll crack concrete and make your patio pavers look like choppy seas.

A sand-and-gravel base is a good DIY project; leave a concrete slab base to the pros.

A gravel and sand base is a simple foundation that lets you “dry set” pavers — you put the pavers on top of the base, then sweep fine sand into the joints to hold them there. Building a gravel-and-sand base is an easy (but time-consuming) DIY project. You’ll pay $2 to $3 per square foot for a DIY job. If you’d rather have a pro do the work, figure $3 to $5 per square foot.

With a sand or gravel base, chances are there’ll be some settling over time. Every couple of years, plan on resetting individual pavers that have gotten out of whack because of settling.

A concrete base offers greater longevity and stability, with less potential for settling. On a concrete slab base, the paving materials are set permanently with mortar, and ongoing maintenance is minimal.

Working with concrete is a challenge for weekend warriors, so skip experimentation (mistakes in concrete are permanent) and go with a pro. You’ll pay $5 to $8 per square foot for a professionally installed concrete base.

If you’re a fan of concrete, check out these imaginative ways to use concrete inside your house.

Read more: http://members.houselogic.com/articles/smart-options-patio-pavers/preview/#ixzz3liNs4OY5
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Shave Up to 15% Off Your Heating Bill with This Simple Tip

Thermostat

“So you think you know how to save money on your heating and cooling bills?  Not everything we’ve been taught is correct.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Originally published on Houselogic

By: Deirdre Sullivan

Think you’re saving on your heating bill by keeping it at a constant 68 degrees? You’re not, and here’s why.

It’s easy to imagine your energy bill going sky-high when you hear your furnace fire up.  That’s the reason so many people believe keeping a steady temperature of 68 degrees is the key to energy savings. But that’s a myth.

In fact, the lower the temperature, the slower your house loses the heat, according to energy.gov. And that keeps your hard-earned money from floating out the door.

So if you truly want to see your heating bill drop, you need to turn down the temperature another 10 or 15 degrees for eight-hour stretches on a regular basis — like when you’re at work, sleeping, or out of town.

When you return, turn it back up to 68 degrees. Or better yet, take advantage of what a programmable thermostat can do.

In the summer, just flip the strategy:

  • Set your AC to 78 degrees when you’re home.
  • When you leave, turn the AC off or set your thermostat to a much warmer temperature.

Here are some other misconceptions about and tips for reducing your heating and cooling costs.

Resist the Urge to Crank Up the Thermostat

Turning up the thermostat past your desired setting won’t speed heating. Your furnace works at the same pace regardless of temperature settings. That also applies to your AC; setting the thermostat to its coolest temperature won’t chill your home any faster.

A Programmable Thermostat Doesn’t Automatically Reduce Energy Use

Installing a programmable thermostat with factory settings isn’t going to do you much good. You can only reduce the amount of power your home consumes if you create a personalized heating and cooling program that makes the most of your own energy-saving opportunities.

Programmable thermostats come in four different pre-set schedule styles, so it’s important to pick one that’s in sync with your household’s scheduling needs:

  • 7-day programming offers the most flexibility. It allows you to set a different heating and cooling schedule for each day of the week.
  • 5-1-1 programming is a good choice if you have a predictable weekday schedule. It lets you set an identical heating and cooling plan Monday through Friday, and a different plan for Saturday and Sunday.
  • 5-2 programming is similar to the 5-1-1 programming, except you can only program one heating and cooling schedule for both Saturday and Sunday.
  • 1-week programming is a good choice if you stick to the same schedule every day of the week. It allows you to create a single heating and cooling plan that repeats daily.

Bonus tip: When daylight savings comes around, remember to adjust your settings so your heating and cooling program isn’t off by an hour.

Some Smart Thermostats are a Lot Smarter Than Others; Choose Wisely

Smart thermostats aren’t all the same. Sure, all offer Internet connectivity for remote management using your mobile device. But each thermostat brand uses a different proprietary self-programming technology.

For example, Google’s Nest relies on sensors and a learning algorithm to manage your heating and cooling preferences. Honeywell’s Lyric uses GPS technology to trigger heating and cooling automatically via your smartphone.

But here’s the kicker: Just like manual or programmable thermostats, it’s up to the user to set preferences that enable energy savings. And for those of you who still believe a smart thermostat can shave 30% of your utility bills, here’s a reality check: A study conducted by Nest revealed its users can only save up to 12% on heating costs.

Don’t assume every smart thermostat is user friendly.  A recent study on thermostat usability by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District revealed that the ballyhooed Nest thermostat isn’t all that user friendly. The Nest was tested against a mix of 11 smart and programmable thermostats for ease of use without using a manual. It received the second-worst rating.

Which thermostat came out on top? One by a company with a century of cooling experience: the Carrier ComfortChoice Touch. The study participants also selected it as their preferred choice for purchase out of the models they tested.

Bonus tip: Avoid those wireless apps that let you control the thermostat remotely. A study on Wi-Fi enabled thermostats says that using them remotely can boost energy use. This is because they allow users to crank up the heat or AC remotely before they return home.

Related: The Warm and Cozy Home Guide

Read more: http://members.houselogic.com/articles/ways-to-save-money-on-bills/preview/#ixzz3liLjQX61
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Your Guide to 10 Landscape Materials

“Sometimes you want to do something ‘different’ in certain areas of your yard, but your not sure what that might be.  Here are some great ideas as alternatives to grass for your outside areas.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Paving a landscape investment, and the cost varies considerably based on the type used and how readily available it is. Cast-in-place concrete is usually the cheapest and most easily installed paving option, but those who live in regions with naturally occurring stone like limestone, granite or slate can use that local stone at a more affordable price.

Here are our guides to 10 of the most popular paving materials. Whether you are repaving or paving new, you can use them to understand the basics about paving to make an informed decision based on your situation and where you live.

Contemporary Patio by Arterra Landscape Architects
Arterra Landscape Architects
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Cast-in-Place Concrete: Budget-friendliest

Concrete is the standard because it’s affordable, easy to install and easy to maintain. However, cast-in-place concrete doesn’t have to be boring just because it’s the standard. There are many ways to create patterns, textures and colors to liven it up.

Guide: Pros and cons of cast-in-place concrete

Contemporary Patio by Bagnato Architects
Bagnato Architects
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Precast Concrete Pavers: Best color and texture variety at an affordable price

Precast concrete pavers are modular pavers that come in a dizzying number of sizes, shapes, colors, textures and patterns. Precast concrete pavers are a great choice for those who want a different look but don’t want to pay for natural stone. Modular permeable systems, which soak up water instead of creating runoff, are available for driveways, walkways and patios.

Guide:Pros and cons of precast concrete paving

Traditional Pool by Morehead Pools
Morehead Pools
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Brick: Classic style and works in all climates

Brick in the standard 4-inch-by-8-inch size can be used to make many fun patterns, including herringbone, without looking too busy, and its reddish tones bring warmth to the garden. Brick also works well with many other hardscapes, which is why you’ll often see it used with wood decks and other paving materials.

Guide:Pros and cons of brick paving

Farmhouse Patio by Butler Armsden Architects
Butler Armsden Architects
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Gravel: Great for permeability and to soften a hardscape

Gravel is available as decomposed stone by the bag or pallet and can be used for paths and patios where you want a softer look. It needs to be bound by some kind of rigid edge, like in the space shown here, to contain it.

Guide: Pros and cons of gravel paving

Mediterranean Patio by Bliss Design Firm
Bliss Design Firm
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Limestone: Great for reflecting heat in hot climates

Limestone is typically white to off-white and sometimes a grayish white. Its light colors make it fantastic for warm climates, where it can reflect heat. It also brings a nice brightness to shaded garden areas — lightening up even places in deep shade.

Guide:Pros and cons of limestone paving

Contemporary Pool by Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes
Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes
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Travertine: Best for surrounding a pool

Travertine is harder and less porous than its cousin limestone, which makes it somewhat easier to maintain. It stays cool to the touch and makes a lovely poolside surface for bare feet.

Guide: Pros and cons of travertine paving

Mediterranean Entry by V.I.Photography & Design
V.I.Photography & Design
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Tile: Great colors for warm climates

Tile is bold and funky because it comes in bright and rich colors and is a nice choice for warm climates. It can be tricky to maintain, so be sure you are ready to keep up with tile maintenance.

Guide:Pros and cons of tile paving

Rustic Landscape by Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC
Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC
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Granite: A superior tough stone that’s excellent in cold climates

Granite is expensive, at $14 to $20 per square foot installed, but it may be worth the investment for you because it lasts several lifetimes. If you live near the granite quarries of the Northeast, it’s also a sustainable, local building material.

Guide: Pros and cons of granite paving

Contemporary Patio by The Garden Builders
The Garden Builders
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Slate: Great for cold climates and deep in color

Slate has a deep, rich color and is available in many tones, from deep charcoal to jade green. Slate withstands the coldest climates and works like a champ in the freeze-thaw cycle.

Guide:Pros and cons of slate paving

Contemporary Garage And Shed by Berger Partnership
Berger Partnership
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Bluestone: Elegant, upscale and fantastic in a flagstone pattern

Bluestone is a flaky kind of stone that is broken along its fissure lines to create some of the most elegant flagstones. It’s also available as dimensioned rectangular pavers, if you want a regular pattern for your patio.

Guide:Pros and cons of bluestone paving

Traditional Patio by Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.
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Designer tip: Bricks, precast concrete, stone pavers and all the other modular paver types listed here are available for reuse — you just have to know how to find them. Some municipalities have reuse warehouses where residents can pick up salvaged building materials, and some paving suppliers specialize in historic reclaimed granite pavers and street bricks.
Originally published on HOUZZ, by Falon Mihalic

8 Clever Ideas for Under Your Stairs

“There are so many ways to use that space under the stairs…Sitting Area, Bookshelves, indoor door house.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
The proverb “Waste not, want not” applies to many aspects of life, and interior design is no exception. Making the most of every square foot of your home is a great way to gain the most value (both financially and emotionally) from it. If you live in a house with stairs, the space beneath them is a gold mine of creative possibilities. Here are eight ways to make the most of it.
Farmhouse Staircase by JWT Associates
JWT Associates
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1. Reading Nook

The small dimensions of the space under the stairs make it ideal for creating a cozy reading nook. This Los Angles book nook, designed by JWT Associates, is wrapped in tongue-and-groove wood paneling for a down-on-the-farm aesthetic.

Traditional Staircase by Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
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With its white beadboard walls and storage cabinets underneath, this cozy Washington, D.C., reading nook is a great place to unwind with a good book.

Explore 15 cozy book nooks

Traditional Staircase by Jon R. Sayler, Architect AIA PS
Jon R. Sayler, Architect AIA PS
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This reading nook, by architect Jon R. Sayler for a home in Seattle, was designed around a full-size mattress. It’s a comfortable napping spot and overflow guest quarters.
Transitional Staircase by Lynn Donaldson & Associates
Lynn Donaldson & Associates
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2. Bookshelves

The shape of the space under the stairs also lends itself to built-in bookshelves. Unlike standard shelves or bookcases, under-the-stairs units take up just the right amount of space and can be made in a variety of styles.

This angular built-in bookcase in Calgary, Alberta, includes a bottom row of drawers for extra storage.

Wall paint: Lava Gray, PPG Pittsburgh Paints

Contemporary Staircase by Glenn Gissler Design
Glenn Gissler Design
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A curved staircase, like this grand example in New York, creates the perfect space for a dramatic library wall along the stairs.
Scandinavian Staircase by Texas Construction Company
Texas Construction Company
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A single-shelf bookcase cut into the bottom of the stairs can be eye-catching, as in this contemporary home in Austin, Texas.
Transitional Staircase by Von Fitz Design
Von Fitz Design
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3. Playspace

While putting a child’s bedroom under the stairs à la Harry Potter might be a little cruel, the space can make for a great play area for the young ones.

A narrow door built into the side of this Los Angeles staircase leads to a private retreat for the homeowners’ children.

Transitional Kids by Von Fitz Design
Von Fitz Design
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The interior of this playspace under the stairs include vibrant green walls, a shaggy throw pillow, faux-fur rugs and a helpful reminder about the importance of brothers.

Wall sign: Pottery Barn Kids

Contemporary Hall by CplusC Architectural Workshop
CplusC Architectural Workshop
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This contemporary nook cut into the stairs is a magical place in which kids can play and dream. CplusC Architectural Workshop designed this space for a home in Sydney.
Contemporary Home Office by Risinger Homes
Risinger Homes
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4. Office

If you don’t have an entire room available for a home office, consider the space under the stairs as a great alternative. The built-in desk and bookshelves of this modern office in Austin, Texas, make for a stylish workspace.

Discover 95 dazzling deskscapes

Contemporary Home Office by Andrew Snow Photography
Andrew Snow Photography
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It’s not necessary to build an entire office under the stairs. Sometimes a desk and chair below an open staircase do the trick, as shown in this industrial loft in Toronto.

Eames aluminum Management Group leather chair: Room & Board

Contemporary Hall by Maison de Reve Builders LLC
Maison de Reve Builders LLC
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5. Pet Space

The space under the stairs offers a wonderful private spot for a family pet. This doghouse in New Orleans features a custom wrought iron gate made to match the stair railing above.

Contemporary Entry by Candlelight Homes
Candlelight Homes
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Simply adding a water bowl, food bowl and dog bed to an alcove under the stairs also creates a custom and stylish space for your pet.
Contemporary Powder Room by Electric Mirror
Electric Mirror
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6. Powder Room

Adding a bathroom, even just a powder room, is a great way to raise the value of your home. The space under the stairs may provide just enough space for a toilet and sink, as seen in the marble-clad powder room above.

Traditional Powder Room by My Bespoke Room Ltd
My Bespoke Room Ltd
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This London powder room, by My Bespoke Room Ltd., makes good use of the small space under the stairs.

Browse 102 pretty powder rooms

Contemporary Staircase by Pinnacle Mountain Homes
Pinnacle Mountain Homes
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7. Wine Storage

For the wine enthusiast, finding storage space for bottles can be a challenge. Consider the space under the stairs as a prime location to add wine racks or even a walk-in wine cellar, as seen above.

Contemporary Staircase by Jeri Koegel Photography
Jeri Koegel Photography
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If you don’t have enough room for a walk-in wine cellar under your stairs, a few stylish wine racks might do the trick. This modern space in Los Angeles can hold up to 33 wine bottles.

Eames molded plastic stacking side chair: Design Within Reach

Traditional Staircase by Keechi Creek Builders
Keechi Creek Builders
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8. Hybrid

If you’re having a difficult time deciding between one option for your space under the stairs, why not try two? This Houston home, designed by Keechi Creek Builders, has both a doghouse and office space under the stairs.

Eclectic Staircase by Feldman Architecture, Inc.
Feldman Architecture, Inc.
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This San Francisco home, designed byFeldman Architecture Inc., includes a built-in bookshelf under the stairs …
Eclectic Staircase by Feldman Architecture, Inc.
Feldman Architecture, Inc.
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… and the bookshelf is also a secret door that leads to a children’s playspace.

Discover secret doors and hidden passages

Eclectic Laundry Room by John Hannah Architectural Design & Rendering
John Hannah Architectural Design & Rendering
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Finally, this cleverly designed space under the stairs in a Montreal home has a washing machine and dryer, as well as an alcove where the family cat likes to hang out.
Originally Published on HOUZZ, by Bryan Anthony

Making Your Move Easier for Your Family

“Moving to a new home is both exciting and stressful on everyone.  But there are some things that you can do to help everyone through the move.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Moving into a new house is so much more than simply relocating to a different place. When we leave behind a home, especially one we’ve lived in for a long time, we also leave behind all those years spent enjoying it. Children who were tiny when you moved in have grown into strapping teenagers under its roof. Friends have visited, meals have been shared, and the small dramas of everyday life have been played out in it, so it can be emotional to walk away.

Settling into a new home that carries traces of its previous owners also can take time. So in the rush and chaos of moving, take time to celebrate the home you’re leaving and get set to enjoy the place you’re moving into with these tips for easing the transition.

Eclectic Dining Room by sarah & bendrix
sarah & bendrix
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How to Say Goodbye to Your Old Home

Take photos of it. Before everything is swept up into moving boxes, take photos of your home. Document each room, so you can revisit it later. If you have children, snap pictures of them, too, enjoying the house as usual: drawing at the kitchen table, playing in the garden, chilling in front of the TV. You are aiming to capture an emotional record of your house, as well as images of its beautiful kitchen or big windows.
Industrial Kids by Blakes London
Blakes London
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Snap it messy! Take pictures of your home on a typical day, when it’s not clean and tidy. This will provide a more meaningful record of your house and how you used it. You could arrange all these images in an album, with the address and the dates you lived there on the front. This will serve as a lovely record of your time there, but also as a realistic account. If you have mixed feelings about moving on, honest images of all the good and bad elements of your last place may help you feel more positive about your new home.
Transitional Home Office by Studio M Interiors
Studio M Interiors
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Leave your mark. Why not leave a little something of yourself behind before you move out? No, that does not mean a sink full of unwashed coffee mugs! Try something subtler. You could go for the classic time capsule, hidden in the attic. Or write a letter to the new owners, welcoming them to the house and explaining what you loved about it. You could even sign your name somewhere and date it, perhaps on the ceiling inside a cupboard or on the rafters in the attic.
Contemporary Patio by Huettl Landscape Architecture
Huettl Landscape Architecture
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Hold a goodbye party. Celebrate your home and the life it has given you with a goodbye party. It doesn’t matter if you’ve already started to pack — your guests can happily negotiate a few boxes. String up some lights, play some music and enjoy the house with the family and friends you’ve shared it with over the years.
by Pavilion Broadway
Pavilion Broadway
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Toast your home. Raise a glass to your home, perhaps during your goodbye party or simply with your family. Moving is stressful and busy, but it’s important to pause, look around and say, “Cheers!”
Modern Kitchen by Born & Bred Studio
Born & Bred Studio
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How to Settle Into Your New Home

Clean up. When you arrive in a new home, nothing looks, feels or even smells the same way, which can be unsettling. So start by cleaning surfaces, floors and inside cupboards with some familiar, fresh-scented products to help make the place feel like yours.

Traditional Bedroom by Rill Architects
Rill Architects
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Get fresh. Fling open the windows on the first day, too, to air out the rooms and freshen up the whole house. In the evening, light a few scented candles.
Shabby chic Dining Room by Inspired Design Ltd
Inspired Design Ltd
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Grab a few goodies. Piles of moving boxes and empty rooms do not help a house feel like a home, so treat yourself and your new place to a few goodies that will make it feel special. Arrange some fresh flowers, bought at the store on the way to the house or picked from the garden, or buy quality hand soap or a few new towels. When you are facing days of unpacking chaos, these little touches can really cheer you up.
Contemporary Kitchen by Blakes London
Blakes London
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Don’t forget the pets! Dogs and cats may also take a while to settle into a new home, so try to ease the transition for them, too. When you arrive at your new home, shut the cat in a single room for safety, with water, the litter tray and its bed. You can let your cat out at the end of the day to explore, but confine it to a few rooms so it doesn’t feel overwhelmed. Cats should be kept inside the house for a week or so to prevent them from trying to return to your old home.
Contemporary Exterior Contemporary Exterior
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Do right by your dog. You should introduce your dog to the new house. Keep your dog on a leash and take it around the key rooms, one at a time, allowing it to sniff and explore, but under your supervision. You wouldn’t expect guests to run all over the house, upstairs and down, the moment they arrived, so don’t let your dog. Point out where its bed is and even keep upper floors out of bounds at first, so it doesn’t feel overwhelmed by its new territory.
Contemporary Hall by B&Q
B&Q
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Personalize the place. Paint a wall, hang photos or buy some new blinds. Even if the rest of the redecorating will take months, a few small tweaks can really help you start to stamp your personality on your new home.
Contemporary Entry by ALVAREZ-DIAZ & VILLALON
ALVAREZ-DIAZ & VILLALON
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Host a housewarming. Sharing your new home with family and friends can help you bond with it, so host a party — no gifts required. You might like to invite new neighbors, too, as a good chance to get to know them, or simply keep it small and intimate.
Originally published on HOUZZ, by Joanna Simmons

Happy Houseplants, Happy People

“Plants can soften a room, as well as bring energy into a room.  You can put them in just about any room in the house to liven things up.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Walk into a home filled with happy houseplants, and you’re bound to feel instantly more relaxed. Living plants boost oxygen, clean the air and enhance any room they’re in with fresh, organic style.Of course, if you think you are not blessed with a green thumb, then keeping houseplants alive, let alone happy, can seem next to impossible. Read on for styling ideas, encouragement and easy-care tips for keeping houseplants to boost health and happiness.
Transitional Staircase by Melissa Miranda Interior Design
Melissa Miranda Interior Design
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Houseplants fill otherwise dead space with vibrant energy. In the practice of feng shui, plants are considered one of the most effective cures for areas in the home that need help. Boost any unused or awkwardly shaped space with a potted or hanging plant, and you’re sure to notice an immediate change. Always choose houseplants that are suited to the light levels in your space — ask staff at a local nursery if you are unsure what to pick.
Eclectic Kitchen by A Darling Felicity Photography
A Darling Felicity Photography
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Houseplants bring the kitchen to life. The kitchen makes a wonderful home for plants, from delicate vines twining down a shelf to a pot of culinary herbs ready to snip while cooking. Especially in an apartment where you cannot change the wall color or appliances, bringing in fresh plants is an easy and budget-friendly way to personalize your space.
Eclectic Kitchen by Heather Banks
Heather Banks
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Growing tip: Keep houseplants in clusters. If you’ve had trouble keeping houseplants alive and healthy in the past, you might want to try keeping them in a group this time around. Not only will it be easier to remember to water them when they are conveniently located in one spot, but a group of plants also creates its own microclimate, which boosts humidity and helps prevent water loss.
by Dulux Paint
Dulux Paint
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Airy, open bookshelves like the ones shown here can make a stylish plant stand with plenty of room for a host of specimens. Don’t tuck potted plants into a bookcase with a back and sides, as the poor plants will not receive enough light.
Eclectic Dining Room Eclectic Dining Room
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Why not dine in a jungle? Create a lush ambience in your dining room by filling the space with plants. For the most jungle-like effect, set a few large potted plants on the floor, place a cluster of smaller potted plants on a windowsill or credenza, and hang a pot or two from the ceiling.
Contemporary by Rikki Snyder
Rikki Snyder
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Project idea: Planted centerpiece. Tired of changing floral arrangements? Buy yourself some extra time and give the air in your home an oxygen boost at the same time with a living centerpiece instead. Wheatgrass, cat grass and herbs are good choices for the table, though just about any small potted plant will work. Be sure to use containers with saucers beneath them to protect your table from drips, and save the taller plants for elsewhere — just as with flowers, you want to be able to see the person sitting across from you.
Transitional Sunroom by Melissa Miranda Interior Design
Melissa Miranda Interior Design
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Revive the conservatory of flowers. If you are lucky enough to have a sunroom (or any space with skylights and ample windows), consider it your solemn duty to fill it with as many beautiful living plants as you wish. Unlike most rooms in the house, in the sunroom you don’t need to stick with plants that require indirect light — so you can try your hand at something tropical, like a bird-of-paradise.
Eclectic Bedroom by Lisa Sorgini
Lisa Sorgini
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Sleep soundly with greenery around. Refresh the air in the bedroom with a potted plant or two for a more peaceful sleep and a healthier atmosphere. If your bedroom doesn’t get too much light, put your houseplant in the sunniest possible spot, and elevate it on a stool or plant stand to maximize the light that falls on its leaves.
Eclectic Bedroom by A Darling Felicity Photography
A Darling Felicity Photography
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Growing tip: Finicky plants love the bath. The humidity created by steam from the shower and bath makes the bathroom a haven for fussy houseplants, like maidenhair ferns. And since the bath is all hard surfaces, having a few living plants around is a wonderful way to soften the space.
by Warp & Weft
Warp & Weft
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Give macramé a chance. Popular in the 1970s and experiencing something of a revival, macramé has a new, brightly colored look and a modern boho vibe. Try hanging just one plant or suspend a cluster for a lush, jungle-like feel. Ferns and other plants with a tendency to drape do especially well in hanging planters.
Eclectic by Jennifer Young
Jennifer Young
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Start small. Even a single air plant on a bedside table can bring a welcome dose of optimism when it’s the first thing you see each morning. So if you’re not sure where to begin, start with one little plant, well tended and loved.
Contemporary Hall by Sarah Davison Interior Design
Sarah Davison Interior Design
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Don’t be afraid to go big. Whatever ails your space, a great big houseplant can go a long way toward fixing it. A large potted plant (or small tree) can bring more personality to your home, make a small space feel bigger or fill a big, open room without costing a fortune.
Eclectic Kitchen by Ryland Peters & Small | CICO Books
Ryland Peters & Small | CICO Books
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Live, learn and let it go. The fact is, we all kill plants — some more often than others. Just because you’ve had bad luck in the past shouldn’t mean you must deny yourself the pleasure of enjoying living green plants in your home forever. Give it another go! Forgive yourself and move on. For the best chance of success in the future, shop for healthy plants from a reputable nursery, enlist the help of a knowledgable staffer to choose the right plants for your space, and embrace technology (set a reminder on your phone) to remind you when to water.
Originally published on HOUZZ, by Laura Gaskill

Clever Drawer Tactics for Kitchens

“Tired of cluttered drawers and cabinets in your kitchen? Want some clever ideas for storage?  Here are a number of interesting solutions that you might want to consider.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson
Have your kitchen-drawer contents turned into alarming tangles of plastic and metal, cunningly hiding whatever you are hunting for? Are your knives nicked and blunt from being thrown into the fray? Coffee cups chipped? Can’t find the cinnamon or the lid of your favorite pan? All hardworking kitchens descend into disarray occasionally, but if chaos is your daily kitchen companion, it may be time to reassess your storage. Putting everything back where it belongs (and where it can be found again), and saving precious countertop and fridge space are a piece of cake with some basic drawer strategies. See how to maximize pullout convenience to keep your kitchen shipshape.
Contemporary Kitchen by The Kitchen Design Centre
The Kitchen Design Centre
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Keep cups at the ready. You’ll never regret a cup drawer — it’s so much easier than digging in an overhead cupboard. Make sure it is deep enough for your tallest mugs, about 7 or 8 inches, storing them upside down to protect their rims. Cups have a habit of multiplying, so estimate how many you really need and donate or store the rest for emergencies.

A side compartment for tea, coffee, spoons and sugar completes a tidy and convenient coffee station.

Modern Kitchen by Divine Design+Build
Divine Design+Build
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Store glassware upside down on nonslip rubber drawer liners, sold in kitchen and cookware shops, to cushion rims and prevent sliding. Silky smooth soft-touch drawers are best for storing glassware, especially stemmed wineglasses, which may tip.

by Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
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Reunite saucepans with their lids. There are many ingenious cabinetry ideas for keeping pots and pans in close proximity to their lids, like a rear or side divider or a shallow internal drawer above the pots.

Tip: Pots and pans are usually standard sizes, and often a saucepan comes with a lid that will fit several other pans. Save space by not storing every lid — just a few that multitask.

Traditional Kitchen by Trish Namm, Allied ASID - Kent Kitchen Works
Trish Namm, Allied ASID – Kent Kitchen Works
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A dedicated lid drawer with vertical storage slots is a space-savvy way to keep lids neat.
Traditional Kitchen by ShelfGenie National
ShelfGenie National
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Oh, for storage like this with plenty of room for pots and lids to cohabit. Two-tiered shallow drawers in a countertop-to-floor cupboard mean no stacking of pots.
Contemporary by Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
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Plastic containers often mysteriously become separated from their lids too. A couple of internal shelves make for a tidy solution. Instead of throwing containers of every shape and size into this drawer, save similar containers that fit into one another and stack them neatly in separate piles.
Modern by Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
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Stay sharp. Treat your knives like the fine instruments they are. Never put them loose in drawers with other equipment — that way lie cut fingers and scratched, blunt blades. Store them off the countertop in a shallow drawer fitted with knife cavities or a slotted wood block that fits horizontally into the drawer, to keep their sharp and undamaged edges for many years.

Tip: Out-of-sight knives can’t tempt little fingers.

Transitional Kitchen by Signature Design & Cabinetry LLC
Signature Design & Cabinetry LLC
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By sacrificing 6 to 8 inches of cupboard space, you could put a wood knife block fitted into a narrow pullout drawer near your prep area.
Traditional Kitchen by Trish Namm, Allied ASID - Kent Kitchen Works
Trish Namm, Allied ASID – Kent Kitchen Works
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Get onboard. Another use for a narrow space is a pullout chopping board and tray drawer. It can be integrated behind a door like the rest of the cabinetry but is a good spot to display decorative boards and trays.
Traditional Kitchen by Inspired Remodeling & Tile by Peter Bales
Inspired Remodeling & Tile by Peter Bales
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An extra board, like this pullout one, is always handy to separate chopping jobs — nobody likes onion-flavored apples! Make sure it is at a comfortable working height and is firm enough to work on without its wobbling or tipping.
Traditional Kitchen by Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
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Don’t waste an inch of space — fit a removable chopping board over a shallow drawer.
Contemporary Kitchen by The Kitchen Design Centre
The Kitchen Design Centre
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Get a kick out of your drawers. Who thought of toe kick drawers? Give that person a medal. Depending on your cabinetry construction, drawers can be retrofitted in this forgotten space. Keep drawer pulls simple and flat to avoid accidentally kicking them.
Transitional by kitchens by peter gill
kitchens by peter gill
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Toe kick drawers are handy for horizontal wine storage; infrequently used platters, trays and boards; table linens and tea towels; instruction books and paperwork; oversized cooking pans; a hidden supply of chocolate; pet bowls; and valuables.

Tip: Avoid storing good wine in the kitchen if you can help it. It’s probably the hottest room in the house. Toe kick spaces are a better, cooler option than something in the open kitchen area.

How to Add Toe-Kick Drawers for More Storage

Traditional Kitchen by Kitchen Classics - Charles Heller
Kitchen Classics – Charles Heller
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Give drawers air for food storage. Store some vegetables — for example, onions, garlic, uncut pumpkins and potatoes — in ventilated drawers to maintain their flavor and save fridge and bench space. Potatoes particularly hate the cold, as the starch converts to sugar, and the texture and taste suffer. Don’t refrigerate tomatoes, either — they taste better at room temperature. Lemons and oranges also give up more juice when not chilled. A low-level drawer with a mesh screen front is ideal for fruit and veg storage.
Traditional Kitchen by Degabriele Kitchens
Degabriele Kitchens
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Cane baskets in wooden frames on runners or brackets maintain air circulation around vegetables and are a rustic touch for a country-style kitchen.
Traditional Kitchen by Schrocks of Walnut Creek
Schrocks of Walnut Creek
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“Egg of an hour, bread of a day, a wife of twenty years” … or something like that. Crusty artisan bread should be eaten as soon after baking as possible. Commercial sliced bread is best stored somewhere cool, but not cold, and sealed against any wandering pests. Bulky countertop bread bins take up prep space, and fridge storage can actually accelerate staleness, so consider a bread drawer with a cover and an insulating pad in the base.

Tip: Freeze sliced bread after two to three days for toasting, and crusty bread after one. There are many uses for less-than-fresh bread, like garlicky, olive oil–y panzanella salad; bread crumbs for gratin dishes; yummy eggy French toast; and berry-soaked summer puddings.

Modern Kitchen by The Kitchen Design Centre
The Kitchen Design Centre
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What a mouthwatering display — no more delving into the pantry. Do you love to make curries and spicy Asian and Moroccan food? This spice “library” does need space but saves plenty in the pantry. I like how it is at a convenient height and how the lids can be popped off when a pinch of this or that is needed.

24 Hot Ideas for Stashing Spices

Contemporary Kitchen by Esther Hershcovich
Esther Hershcovich
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Make a go-to multipurpose drawer close to your prep surface. Keep frequently used herbs and spices and, if you bake, items like a flour sifter alongside everyday implements like vegetable peelers, can openers and tongs in side compartments.

Tip: Store bandages and burn cream in your go-to drawer.

by WoodWorks INC.
WoodWorks INC.
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A drawer insert with holes cut to fit metal or plastic buckets (very cheap) will help you get a handle on cooking clutter.

Tip: Separate utensils by material — wood, plastic and metal — so you can grab something quickly.

Transitional Kitchen by Crystal Cabinets
Crystal Cabinets
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Soak up spills fast. Kitchen paper rolls need to be at the ready for quick action in case of spills and splashes. A clever little alcove in a drawer front puts a roll at your fingertips.
Traditional Kitchen by Midwest Stone Source & Custom Cabinetry | Rockford
Midwest Stone Source & Custom Cabinetry | Rockford
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Simplify undersink space. Undersink drawers that fit around plumbing fixtures are often an awkward shape. They can quickly turn chaotic, chock-full of bits and pieces. Creepy-crawlies love the warmth and sometimes moisture of this area, so don’t cram stuff in. Which items do you actually use in the kitchen? Do you wear more than one pair of rubber gloves at a time? Could some items go in, say, the laundry area? Pare down items like gloves, brushes, cloths and detergent for day-to-day use and top up from a supply in another area as needed.
Traditional Kitchen by David Heide Design Studio
David Heide Design Studio
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This is a practical arrangement for undersink storage. Narrow drawers on either side store cleaning products while rods multitask to hang paper rolls and tea towels.
by Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
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Put rubbish in its place. We all recycle now, right? Double-bin drawers neatly separate recyclables and general waste.

Tip: This cabinet design allows the bins to be easily removed from the side; they don’t need to be lifted over a side rail.

Modern Kitchen by Shenandoah Cabinetry
Shenandoah Cabinetry
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In a small household, full-height bins might be overkill and will waste space. If side-by-side bins or just one shorter bin can deal with your rubbish load, use the extra drawer depth for a bag holder. This will create space underneath for infrequently used items and room for a handy drawer above the kick space.

Take Your Recycling Station From Blah to ‘Ahhhh’

Contemporary Kitchen by Cross Custom Homes
Cross Custom Homes
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Wire your drawers. Do you need your technology while you cook, perhaps to look up recipes or cooking hints, make cooking notes, play music or make diary entries? A powered drawer can keep your electronics off the counter and away from cooking mess and moisture and can charge them at the same time
Originally Published on HOUZZ, by Janet Dunn

How to Pick the Perfect Accent Color

“Accents, when done right, can give any room an extra touch of interest.  But how do you select that ‘extra’ color?  With a little planning and thought.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Choosing a favorite color is easy. Choosing a two-tone color scheme for your home? Not so much. Mistakes come easily, and the frustration might leave you reaching for a bucket of white paint. But don’t wipe the slate clean just yet. Here are my suggestions for pairing the right accent color with each of the six primary and secondary colors — and more.
by Paul Anater
Paul Anater

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A quick brush-up on the color wheel before we start:Primary colors: Yellow, red and blue

Secondary colors: Green, orange and purple

Analogous: Colors that are neighbors on the spectrum, such as green and yellow, or red and purple

Complementary: Colors that oppose each other on the spectrum, such as green and red, or yellow and purple

Beach Style Dining Room by Tom Stringer Design Partners
Tom Stringer Design Partners

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Primary ColorsYellow walls with blue accent.

Yellow is scientifically the lightest and brightest of the hues (and naturally warm). The most classic pairing is a cool blue accent — blue being the least aggressive color choice possible. Whether you pick muted pastel shades or pair a saturated lemon with deep navy, mixing a warm yellow with a darker, chillier blue creates balance to keep the space from visually getting too hot or too loud.

Contemporary Living Room by 1800Lighting
1800Lighting

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Yellow walls with purple accent. For an edgier appeal, a complementary scheme (using colors on opposite sides of the color wheel) will produce a high-fashion, high-drama look. Just check out how the purples pop against the soft yellow walls in this photo.I recommend choosing a pale yellow or using both colors sparingly, and breaking up the look with plenty of neutrals to keep the scheme from looking too jarring. The result will be the essence of spring.

Contemporary Kitchen by Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard
Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

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Blue walls with yellow accent. Since yellow as a main color pairs so well with blue as an accent, it’s only natural that if you switch them, it would still be true. In fact, it works even more smoothly. When pairing blue walls (or in the case of my personal kitchen, blue cabinetry) with yellow accents, you can safely choose a bold blue and a pure, saturated yellow without overloading. Small hits of yellow are easily swallowed into the background, and blue is a very livable color, so you don’t have to be scared of accidentally going too intense.
Transitional Living Room by Alice Burnham, Inc.
Alice Burnham, Inc.

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Blue walls with blue accent. The liquid, mysterious qualities of blue make it an excellent choice for a monochromatic scheme, using a mix of tones to complement themselves. If you don’t feel confident choosing a hot color, simply pair blue with more blue (or some blue-greens and indigos) and let the oceanic shades run together.
Beach Style Bedroom by Terrat Elms Interior Design
Terrat Elms Interior Design

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Red walls with white accents. Red almost has a life of its own outside the color wheel. It’s so intense, and associated with such symbolic meaning (love, romance, fire, appetite), that it can be the hardest to pair with an accent. Thus, one of the most popular choices is to pair red with fresh white to avoid any clashing.Even when red is applied to just one feature wall, it will feel like the strongest color in the space, so if you aren’t sure, consider it the dominant hue and not an accent.

Contemporary Dining Room Contemporary Dining Room

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Red walls with blue accent. Navy again comes to the rescue with red walls. Even though the heat of red and the iciness of blue may make them feel like they’re at opposite ends of the spectrum, red’s true complement is green, but trustworthy blue plays against it without piling on drama. Plus, the combination carries a sense of classic Americana and nautical inspiration, so the sight isn’t a shock to the system.
Eclectic Living Room by FOUR LIONS
FOUR LIONS

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Blue walls with red accent and yellow pop. A special note for primary colors: blending the three together is a timeless tradition found in everything from ancient artworks to hip modernist apartments. Start with blue walls, add moderate hits of red (in one or two furniture pieces) and sprinkle in yellow accessories for an easy-as-1-2-3 look.
Contemporary Bedroom Built Work

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Secondary Colors

Orange walls with green accent. Orange, as a combination of yellow and red, is one of the most controversial colors — it mixes red’s heat with yellow’s brightness for a result that cannot be ignored.Blue is orange’s direct complement. If you prefer to tone down orange a little, use a leafy green; it will add a touch of coolness without fighting to be the star of the show. Choose a yellow-green for an almost analogous effect that can feel positively uncontroversial.
Contemporary Bedroom by Home Staging
Home Staging

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Purple walls with purple accent. Purple, like blue, is another hue that works quite well with itself. When used as a main color, it is typically either a dark and moody shade for a royal effect or a pale, grayed-out tone that keeps a look from feeling childish. Mix in some red-purple and indigo hues to keep the look from feeling too loud or too one note.
Beach Style Bedroom by WA Design Architects
WA Design Architects

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Purple walls with yellow accent. With a very soft purple, an earthy golden yellow tone will create a sense of whimsy and energy without feeling cartoonish. Just be sure to include some additional accent colors if you want to avoid creating a theme room.
Tropical Bedroom by A. Rejeanne Interiors
A. Rejeanne Interiors

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Green walls with yellow, red and orange accents. While the other two secondary colors are a bit more temperamental, green is probably the easiest dominant color to work with, which leaves lots of room to get creative. Try going for an analogous color scheme but taking it one step further, mixing in various hues from half of the color wheel. For example, this room moves from green to yellow and on to orange and red.
Contemporary Dining Room by Vendome Press
Vendome Press

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Green walls with blue, purple and violet accents. This room moves from green to analogous blue and on to purple and violet. In each case the bold hue is anchored by naturally flexible green (like a flower grounded by a stem) so the space feels full of color and yet not overwhelmed by contrast. Sticking to half of the color wheel creates a lot of interest while keeping the different energies tied together.
Shabby chic Living Room by Andrea Brooks Interiors
Andrea Brooks Interiors

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Pink walls with green accent. While pink is truly just a light shade of red it takes on a life of its own, which is probably why it gets its own name. Pairing pink with green is a long-standing preppy tradition that creates a sense of playful positivity tempered by an air of sophistication, so it doesn’t even read as a complementary scheme despite the two hues’ being true opposites.
Victorian Living Room by Favreau Design
Favreau Design

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Complementary ColorsLike pink and green, the fail-safe secret to creating a complementary scheme (that your guests will indeed compliment) is to let the primary hue dominate, in a toned-down shade, while sprinkling in a light helping of the accent hue, preferably in small doses and patterns. This will ensure that the look is lively but not loony, with just the right amount of edge.

Beach Style Family Room by Rachel Reider Interiors
Rachel Reider Interiors

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White walls with any color. When choosing an accent for white, you truly can’t go wrong with just about any favorite hue. However, to keep your color pop from popping too hard, the best bet is to mix a variety of colors, lest one dominate and take over the palette. Looking to a fun fabric or painting as inspiration, take slightly toned-down versions of its hues to apply to fabrics and accents throughout the space.
Tropical Living Room by Mead Quin Design
Mead Quin Design

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Gray walls with gold accent. If no accent color seems quite right for you, consider adding natural elements like gold and natural greenery. Both will add depth to a scheme based on sophisticated grays and off-whites (or, really, any color in the spectrum) without interrupting the flow, giving you the perfect antipop pop.
Originally published on HOUZZ, by Yanic Simard