Exploring the Rich History of Interior Design

Interior Design in History

The history of interior design dates back to the early era of human civilization. For instance, rich furniture made of priceless metals and stones, colorful paintings, and elaborate symbols decorated ancient Egyptian homes. These interiors had great cultural and philosophical importance in addition to being functional; every piece was carefully picked to suggest riches, power, and spirituality.  Read on to learn how home design has evolved over the ages, and how history still influences interior design today.  

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Top Five Ways to Improve Depth and Texture in Your Home

The primary purpose of interior design is to create environments that are not only stunning but also mood- and thought-provoking. Texture and depth are two ways to do this in your designs. A room may feel cozier and more welcoming by using depth and texture to attract the eye, establish focal points, and provide visual interest. 

 

St Pete Interior Design
Various elements of this home we remodeled in St. Pete layer one upon the other to create visual interest, from the coffered ceilings and custom woodwork to the artwork, furniture and other home decor.

 

Designers, builders and homeowners can give a place more visual interest and depth by layering different textures and materials, using a variety of colors and patterns, combining unique lighting sources, and using diverse materials. Design areas that are not just attractive but also interesting and welcoming using these methods and ideas. 

Details of many techniques for adding texture and depth to interior design can be found here:

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2023 Interior Design Trends

What are the interior design trends for 2023, and why is everyone talking about them?  

The years of 2020 through 2023 saw a considerable amount of global upheaval. Coming into 2023, people want a fresh start. To feel like the world is finally righting itself, many have turned to interior design trends to help them find a sense of balance and beauty. That is what the design trends this year are trying to accomplish.

Here are a few of this year’s design trends. 

 

Earth tones in interior design
This home addition we did on Island Estates in Clearwater included a number of 2023 design trends, including warm earth tones.

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Why Do Florida Homes Have Textured Walls, and How Do I Make My Walls Smooth?

Smooth Walls In Florida Homes
This St. Pete home we remodeled last year featured smooth finish walls. This made wallpaper application possible in the stairwell and other parts of the home. 

Have you just moved to the Sunshine State from somewhere like California or New England?  Then perhaps you are surprised by the number of homes that feature textured walls.  Whether it’s the small, rough specks on a popcorn ceiling or orange-peel walls, or the more sweeping texture known as knock-down, texture can seem rough and strange when you’re used to smooth finish walls.  So why do so many Florida homes have textured walls?  And how do you make your walls smooth if you don’t like the texture?  Read on to find out.

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The Art of Mixing Metals in Your Home

Brass and stainless steel fixtures
Brass and stainless steel are the perfect combination in this custom kitchen in Harbor Oaks. Glass cabinet knobs add even more elegance and texture.

We love to see more and more homeowners jumping on the mixed metals bandwagon.  Gone are the days of monochromatic finishes, when interior designers and homeowners were limited to a single metallic finish in their faucets, light fixtures and hardware.  Combining a variety of metallic hues like copper, bronze, gold and silver is a trend we can definitely get behind, for not only does it add texture and depth to a space, it gives us a diverse color palette with a ton of room for creativity.  Like anything, though, this design technique can be misused and end up looking more like an afterthought than an aesthetic feature.  Here are some guidelines to help you understand the art of mixing metals when selecting the finishes and fixtures on your home.

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Home for the Holidays: 5 Tips to Improve Your Home This Time of Year

Holiday Decor

Holidays are the perfect time to do those little home improvement projects you may have been putting off all year. Around the holidays you usually have more home traffic, and you want your place to look its best. There are many trouble-free projects you and your family can do to jazz up your home for the holidays. Not only will it make your guests feel comfortable and at home, it will give you an excuse to spend quality time working on your home with your family.  

Read on for five tips to improve your home this time of year. 

Holiday Decor

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What’s Hot – and Not – in 2017 and 2018 Home Design Trends

When it comes to home design, trends can ebb and flow with the predictability of the ocean tides.  Each time, however, cyclical trends come back with new flair and new meaning.  So what innovations does 2018 have in store for homeowners creating their custom homes?  And how does it tie in to the design trends of 2017?  Read on to find out what’s hot – and not – in 2017 and 2018 home design trends.  

Kitchen Design Trends

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Brass is Back – But Not in Overkill

Brass interior design

Not since the height of the 70’s have we seen brass so strongly embraced in interior design. Along with its other warm metallic counterparts (copper and bronze), brass is enjoying a huge revival. Beaten, folded or polished – designers are celebrating its luxurious, yet industrial appeal, making everything from chandeliers, pendant lights, tables, dressers, chairs, bath and kitchen fixtures and decorative accessories out of this ancient metal.

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