Marie Burgos Design Blog

Wallpaper today has punch with bright colors and bold patterns. New designs are popping up every day giving consumers multiple options that fit their design wavelength. Utilizing these graphic wall-coverings on one wall creates an exciting focal point in any room.

When the owners of a 4-level loft in Gramercy Park requested a modern eclectic look, I chose a vintage inspired wallpaper to create a funky atmosphere in their music studio. It was just the right touch for this young artistic couple.

Photography by Francis Augustine

Wallpaper Republic has several collections similar in design to what I used in the Gramercy Park remodel. They focus on collaborating with world-class artists and designers to bring a series of collections that are extremely creative. They even allow customization of any design to make it perfect for your home.

Since there are endless options, it is easy to find the exact print to make you grin.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.chictip.com

One of best ways to incorporate a chic and almost airy look in your home is by incorporating Lucite furniture into your home décor.  Lucite, also known as acrylic glass, usually comes in a clear color, but more furniture and product designers are manufacturing it in bright colors like fuchsia and orange, as well as softer hues like smoke gray, and even black.  Still, nothing says chic and sophisticated like a clear Lucite accent chair or cocktail table.

Lucite accent chair and cocktail table

Elle Decor (via)

In addition to a gorgeous Lucite chandelier, the dining room in this Palm Beach Home is also furnished with Phillipe Starck’s Louis XIV Ghost Chairs and a glass-topped table.  The result is equal parts modernism and Hollywood Regency glam.

Fuschia pink lucite chairs

Manolo Home (via)

In this contemporary dining room, fuschia pink Lucite accent chairs accent a bright pink chandelier.  The pink actually provides a nice, feminine, contrast to the almost masculine lines of this room.

Lucite dining table

Fresh Quince (via)

The Lucite table here is an airy accent in this fresh dining room.  Lucite tables are great for those prone to spillage.

Ghost chairs

Blog Fossil (via)

In this nook, Starck’s Louis XIV Ghost Chairs with accent pillows for comfort, and a Saarinen-inspired Tulip table create a look of coziness and warmth.  Love the arrangement of fresh flowers in little vases!

Lucite coffee table

Decorating With Sheets (via)

Here’s a great example of incorporating luminescent Lucite into a quirky living room.  The low-set coffee table gives the eye a chance to rest, what with the motley of prints, color,  pattern and cool wall décor.

Lucite cocktail table

Chloe Blossom (via)

This handsome living room is accented both by a drop-dead gorgeous sofa in royal blue and a simply-designed Lucite coffee table.  Both pieces add a bit of drama to a room that was, otherwise, simply decorated.

As you can see, the beauty and chicness of Lucite knows no bounds.  It may look like a simple material, but it’s capable of adding a look of airiness, glamor and sophistication to any room.

Content provided by Arcadian Home Decor, a site that specializes in top quality home accessories at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!

Spring is the perfect time to be outdoors.  The air is fragrant with blossoming plants, the sun smiles down as nature sprouts and the chirps of birds building their nest is in full swing. The beauty is abundant and conveniently just outside your door. The best way to take advantage of this incredible time of year, of course, is to create an outdoor living space.

Chances are your outdoor style is not fully established, but never fear. Instead, view the outdoors as an extension of your in-home living space. You can easily mimic any interior design style from a french country comfy space to a sleek modern mediation sanctuary.

Nothing is more relaxing than lounging in a natural environment in the privacy of your own home. See which of these outdoor living areas captures your eye.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.studiobcreativejuice.com

A chalkboard or a blackboard can conjure up the images of addition and subtraction or the weekly vocabulary words.  These boards were the very advanced reusable writing surfaces used in the classic classroom. Today these iconic boards have recently been making a black-and-white statement in the modern home.

Simply put, the chalkboard provides practical space for the weekly grocery or to-do list, but who knew these boards could also contribute to the overall design aesthetic? The examples below are brilliant.

This quaint kitchen has several “old-fashion” components such as the tin bread container, apron front farmhouse sink, antique gas stove and the industrial inspired lighting. But it’s the elegant chalkboard that brings the room together for the harmonious “old-fashion” feeling.

The chalk-scribbed box adds a lot of punch to this space. This creative technique of applying chalkboard paint to an accessory versus applying to the walls will certainly generate new inspired executions.

Applying chalkboard paint to an entire wall stirs up quite a buzz and even injects a little humor. Not only can a month long to do list accrue but the dog also has direction to its water bowl. Very clever!

A simple twist on a classic chalkboard.  Create an interchangeable piece of artwork by framing the chalkboard.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.sallyleebythesea.com

The big it phrase these days is “pop of color,” which, admittedly, can provide incredible interest and drama to a space.  But not all rooms require a colorful splash. Instead, the most daring challenge themselves by creating a room full of white.

Chances are a white room was never on your design to-do list but these rooms will certainly change your mind.

This shaker style kitchen has a minimalistic appeal with clean lines, crisp whites and an open flow. Plain English in England uses 18th and 19th century cabinet-making techniques to ensure a classic, long-lasting product.  The cabinetry plus the mute colors come together to create a very elegant kitchen space.

White as far as the eye can see with a few dark wood elements make this room feel warm and welcoming. The room is grounded with a fantastic cross section wood floor design.  At the center of the space is a dark wood round dinning table flanked by chairs draped in flowing slipcovers.  And a bright ornate wood burning fireplace focal point rounds out the room.

With the right combination of white colors, textures and accents a white room can be even more dramatic than its colorful counterparts.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.seenandsaid.com

Accessories adorned with numerals are appearing left and right. This trend is paying homage to old-fashion general store paraphernalia, such as numbered canisters.  Whether purchasing an item pre-numbered or creating your own with a stencil this is a trend sure to add some charisma to your home.

Take a look at these examples for inspiration.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.sallyleebythesea.com

Gray is quickly becoming one of the most popular of the “neutrals” and no wonder–it provides a stunning background for any interior space. From the palest of pale tones to deep rich and mysterious shades, they each evoke a different mood.

Get a light and airy effect, a soft traditional look or a touch of glamorous Old Hollywood by choosing just one of the many grays. Often, several shades of this new neutral are used in the furnishings, accessories and floor coverings to add impact to the wall color. Silver metals are also seen in wall art frames and mirrors because they look so striking against a gray background. Below are more interior design ideas to help you incorporate gray in your own home.

A medium tone gray wall is adorned with a powerful collage of 15 black and white landscape photographs.

Deep gray looks amazing as a backdrop to the light gray on the upholstered sofa. The wall art from Arcadian Home Decor simply serves to draw more attention to the wall color.

The dark brooding grays in this wall art look stunning against the soft gray of the wall.

The palest of pale gray wall is simply a background for the massive contemporary mirror in this eclectic dining space with black wing chairs and twin drum pendants in stark contrast to the austere wood table and bench.

A sunburst mirror always looks amazing against gray, whether it’s a deep tone or pale hue like the wall in this picture. By adding the ornate mirrors on either side of the fireplace, the sunburst is given even more importance not less.

Butterflies adorn the medium gray wall in this glamorous bedroom. The ornate silver framed from Arcadian Home Decor look beautiful against the gray.

The gray painted wood siding and the framed map give a great rustic look to this living space. Notice how beautifully silver and mirror finishes contrast with the rough walls.

Marble, dark woods and soft gray paint merge to form a sophisticated design in this traditional bathroom.

Content provided by Design Shuffle which is a social media site filled with interior design ideas from top tier design talent around the world. Best of all, registration is completely free.

Old-world feel charm blended with modern amenities make this home a hit.  Every room is filled with details that create a warm and cozy space.  The detailed molding makes a statement over doorways, classic shaker style furniture extends a warm welcome and original wide plank wood floors cast a feeling of history. All in all, this home is lovely example of how Old-world style is not stiff and dusty.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.lovelyclusters.com

We have all cringed when we see a home coated in those oh-so-seventies ceramic tiles that create an intricate, yet, undesirable design.  Almost instinctively our minds wander toward this: “Why would anyone use that tile? It must go.”  But graphic tiles are, like many other design trends, on an upswing with new delightful designs.

Credit and gratitude is owed to Ashley Hicks, an enormously talented London-based designer, for these modern Moroccan-inspired tile designs. The tiles are cast in cement and the colors are mixed by hand for that vintage feel all leading to a breathtaking floor or backsplash.

Happily, these are not your mother’s graphic tiles.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.mstreetdenver.com

Lace-making is an ancient craft dating back to the early 15th and 16th centuries. Over the years lace has been characterized as romantic, elegant, classic and dainty. So how do you exhibit lace in your home without over doing it? Easy. Make a gorgeous impact through a few lace inspired accessories similar to the looks below.

This stunning entertainment piece was constructed to resemble enlarged single lace panels.  The designer utilized a laser cutting machine to create the brocade lace detail on the wood.

A shade darker than the wall, this lace fabric panel hung floor-to-ceiling generates an enormous impact with a sprinkle of texture.

Set the mood by applying a lace molded wallpaper directly to the focal wall. Select a subtle neutral color to best highlight the room.

A pendant light simply draped in a dainty lace design is grace personified.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.bahrainidiva.com, www.zainteriora.net, www.eleganceredefined.com, www.naturalinteriordesign.com

Truly unique and personalized fabric designs are often created by a technique referred to as block printing. Designs are generated by hand-carved wooden blocks covered with dye which are repeatedly pressed along the length of a cloth to create a pattern. Slight imperfections are what make the finished product even more marvelous.

Lucky for us, the character of hand block printing is still intact through mass manufacturing capabilities allowing reasonable prices and a wider variety of options.  Today, block printed look-a-like fabrics are generated by wooden blocks, stencils, engraved plates, rollers or silkscreens.

An old technique brought into the new age. Take a peek at some fabric designs below.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.treesouls.com, www.apartmenttherapy.com, www.styleathome.com, www.ehow.com

The camera lens of Petra Bindel focused in on these incredible Swedish homes. The decor screams modern minimalism full of inspiration.

In other words, these rooms are sure to stir your creativity.

Unusual artwork crawls the wall, the sofa is cluttered with a heap of colorful throw pillows and the plum rug lines the black-stained concrete floor. Clean and crisp with a dash of hues.

The essence of a relaxing room is created by a birch wood cabinet with open shelves displaying classic white kitchenware.

Muted grays, statement blacks and white collide to create a visually stunning kitchen.  The countertop and island were created in a dull concrete bringing striking elegance to the room.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.designismine.com

Using bright colors in interiors can be intimidating and overwhelming, but if used in moderation pops of color can bring an eclectic flash of excitement. Take a peek at these extraordinary uses of bold paint colors.

Using old-fashioned doors as decoration is a great way to add interest to any room, but paint it an electric blue and you have a double dose of genius.

The muted birch tree wallpaper provides the perfect backdrop for the jaw-dropping vibrant orange headboard.

These ornate dining room chairs are adorned with lime green paint. Amazing combination of traditional and modern.

Fiery red paint engulfs this room of all white furniture and accessories.

A strong robin’s-egg-blue kitchen table grounds the room as the airy light fixtures and lightly dusted blue walls construct a soft atmosphere.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.studiobcreativejuice.com

True, renovations can get messy, destructive and noisy but the end result will uplift your daily routine.  This incredible kitchen renovation, created by Maryland designer Kristin Peake, took this home from drab and dull to light, airy and breathtaking.

Undoubtedly, the most drastic improvement is the transformation provided by the white cabinetry and trim.  Immediately the space feels open and ethereal, offering a peaceful gathering zone.  Peake also took the families needs into account by generating several different seating arrangements such as the table in the bay window, high top chairs at the bar and a comfortable seating setup surrounding the fireplace.  A number of additions proved to support the needs of the residents; more storage in the island, rotating water spigot over the stove and farmhouse sink.

Simply put, this renovation provided a reinvention vested in the family’s needs.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.dcbydesignblog.com

Usually, a stair case is practical and only partially designed with wrought iron or even a wood banister.  But these staircase examples have stepped it up in the design department to fuse functionality with an artistic statement piece.

This DNA-like design requires a second glance to determine if its coming or going.

This rooms minimalistic style is topped off with an extreme metal staircase.

These wooden beauties seem a bit like an optical illusion.

A few brilliant examples of mixing practicality with style.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.homeinteriorszone.com

Most often cork is identified with the stopper for a wine bottle but this incredible material has so much more to offer.  Cork is comprised of a waxy substance called suberin which is a bit like a super material.

A few benefits include:

• Comfort & Softness: Air becomes trapped in the cork providing a natural shock absorption. In the instance of flooring, cork can relieve stress on the feet and joints.
• Noise Reduction: The same science that provides the softness and comfort also reduces noise and vibration. Utilizing cork as a wall covering will absorb unnecessary noise.
• Healthy & Safe: Cork has natural properties that are anti-allergenic and resistant to insects. Suberin repels insects, mites and mold and protects cork from rotting when it is exposed to water for a long time.

Needless the say the benefits are impressive but the best part is the style.  Take a look at a few examples of how cork can be used through the home.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.bamboofloorings.org, www.busyboo.com, www.kellyinteriordesign.net, www.momeld.com, www.3rings.com, www.bitrebels.com

The floor is another example of a canvas that is often ignored.  And as we move away from the age of carpet, it is becoming more important to spice up the ground we walk on.

These examples show how to punch up any room right were you walk.

This incredible design of octagons defined in creamy beige and tans adds another level to the already glamourous room.

This room is calming with a hint of romance, and the alternating width of the zig-zag adds a great focal point.

The hardwood floor is enhanced by the diamond pattern.  Rustic charm at its best.

Resembling a slate tile floor, this grey and white pattern radiates drama.

Magenta ceiling, clean white walls, minimal furnishing and an exquisite design on the floor.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.apartmenttherapy.com

Wainscoting has reached new heights. It is no longer strictly traditional as it pushes beyond the limits of a 3- to 5-foot installation in a room.  It is available in numerous options such as raised, shaker, flat, v groove or recessed panels.  And it is venturing into bright, bold color palettes.

To be fair, wainscoting has always added glamour to a space but these new uses open up a whole new appreciation of the application.

The images below showcase a range of updated yet traditional executions.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.turquoisetulipsandbliss.com, www.prettyorganizedpalace.com

Mood boards help inspire architects, graphic and interior designers, along with other numerous creative professions. These boards often contain material samples, inspirational photography, color swatches or even magazine clips of decor.  All of these items arranged together communicate a design concept to the client or co-workers.

Lucky for us, mood boards are also a great way for a home owner to discover design preference and style.  It’s as easy as identifying a few of your favorite items throughout your home. Dig through the closet, china cabinet, photographs and even literature to find anything that makes your heart skip a beat.  Cluster all the items together on a table or the floor allowing the interaction of textures, colors and patterns to appear. Most likely, a similar color scheme or emotion will be conveyed by the collection of items.

Finally, identify how the collection of items can be translated into a design.  Take, for example, the mood board below.  The paint color might be derived from the several shades of off-white and brown present in each image. The lace dress equals flowing lace window treatments or dainty crochet throw pillows.  The floating lanterns might translate into a pair of gorgeous wicker cabana chairs. Overall, the images elude a crisp, romantic feel.

With all of this in mind, take a moment to collect a few of your favorite things, and see what you find out about your design style.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.lovelyclusters.com

Seems our daily world has leaned toward taking the easiest path from A to B even when it comes to home decor. Between removable wall decals and solar panel outdoor lighting, today’s home owner can spruce up the house without much effort. However, for most easy solutions, you may not get a lasting effect.  Instead, create a terrarium for a long-lasting, low-maintenance accessory.

Terrariums were accidentally discovered by Dr. Nathaniel Ward in 1827 when he detected the scientific principle behind the self-sustained environments. Over the years, terrariums have changed in shape and size but one thing remained the same, these living works of art are incredible examples of science.

At its core, a terrarium is comprised of a few simple components.  A clear glass or plastic container works best, as tinted or cloudy surfaces reduce light transmittance and interfere with plant growth. And depending on the appearance you wish to achieve, a combination of soil, sand, gravel or rock can be used.  Just a few simple steps creates a self-watering environment created by your own imagination.

Remember there are no rules in terrariums.  Enjoy letting the inner gardner run wild.

For more design inspiration, email marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com.

Images: www.rawbeautifulme.com, www.thisnext.com, www.greatgreengoods.com, www.luxeandlucid.com