Stephanie Yeraka

Flooring for Every Room

July 3, 2013 by Stephanie Yeraka Leave a Comment

Selecting the appropriate flooring materials can be a headache if you are trying to tackle the job by yourself. A designer can point you in the right direction based on the style of your home and your budget. Associates at flooring showrooms are also very informative; their knowledge and supply of products is endless. When looking for flooring, make sure you know the uses of the spaces you are designing. Is it a powder bath or a bathroom with a shower? Is stone in the kitchen too hard to stand on for long periods of time? Would hardwood be a better choice?

Hardwood floors come in all shapes and styles. Wider, distressed planks are more rustic and suitable for a MountainTahoe look or a Mediterranean design, whereas narrow planks can have a more traditional or contemporary look, depending on the distressing and finish. A dark finish with high gloss and no distressing is perfect for a contemporary feel. Hardwood can be put in any room in the house. Bathrooms with hardwood floors have a warmer feel and can be installed properly so water is not an issue.Refinishing wood floors to change the color is less expensive than replacing it and is an easy process if you are working with the right team.

There are many floor tile options to choose from for a bathroom, entry, or living space. Natural stones such as limestone, slate,marble, and travertine are beautiful in different ways. While these options are the most expensive, they increase the beauty and value of your home. Honed and unpolished finishes are ideal for floors; if they get wet you are less likely to slip. Natural stone should be sealed to make the floor less porous and to keep them from staining. Small accent tiles can be polished to add a bit of fancy detail! Porcelain tile is great for bathrooms that get used a bit roughly, for example a kid’s bath or pool bath. Grout can come sanded or unsanded. Sanded grout has sand in it and is used when grout spacing can be a bit larger to enhance the beauty of the tile pattern. Unsanded grout is usually used for smaller grout lines, like mosaic floor tiles. Possibilities are endless when it comes to color. Consult a designer for flawless flooring transitions and color selection!

The Art of Dressing a Window

May 29, 2013 by Stephanie Yeraka Leave a Comment

The best way to start dressing any window is to figure out what treatment options are going to work for the window style. Do you need panels on either side of the window to dress up the look or do you need functioning draperies for privacy?

Hardware options are limitless; decorative metal rods and rings can work for a more contemporary look, while wood rods and rings have a warmer traditional look. Drapery panel pleat styles also vary depending on the treatment; use a grommet top for a contemporary look or a French pleat to achieve the traditional style.

Traversing draperies are used to cover an entire window when needed and stack back to one side or split in the middle when they are open. Usually these draperies start above the window and end at the floor with either a puddle for a more traditional look or about a half inch above the floor for a cleaner look. These draperies can run on a battery operated motor or they can be opened and closed with a manual operation, either a wand or chain mechanism.

For a traditional arched top window, try a fun arched fixed panel drapery with medallions mirroring the curve of the window. This will give the illusion that the arch and window are larger than they really are. Add a swag to the front of a fixed panel or between panels to dress up the design.
A valance or cornice box can be used to hide a combination of treatments on one window. This valance should be proportionate to the window it is covering. The treatments below drapery panels, roman shades, or blinds should not be squished or floating freely behind the valance.

Making sure the treatments work together with each other and that they look appropriate in the room is going to make or break the look of the window treatment. Window treatment designs are endless. Find a style that fits your needs and talk to a designer about different, fun options!

De-Clutter Before Summer

May 4, 2013 by Stephanie Yeraka Leave a Comment

Start the summer months off on the right foot by doing a little spring cleaning and purging. A fresh start with a clean home will leave you feeling excited to entertain and show off your new look. Don’t take on too much at one time; start with simple goals and tasks by making piles of what to keep and what to toss or donate. Set aside an hour after work, or during your favorite TV show, to sort paperwork and organize. If the thought of organizing leaves you in a cold sweat, call a professional organizer to give you a jump start.

With a clutter free house you will have the ability to think about what upholstery furniture items need to be spruced up. Re-stuffing sagging chair or sofa cushions is a simple and cost effective way to get more out of your furniture. Another easy option is reupholstering sofas or chairs, especially if the frames are in good shape and the style still works with your home. If some items are beyond cosmetic repair and over 10 to 15 years old, it may be time to think about replacing them with new pieces. Changing the furniture configuration and layout of a room can also make a big difference, if the room allows. Angle a sofa in the room or switch the placement of two chairs with a sofa.

De-cluttering can also mean reorganizing some of your accessories. Group pieces in threes and work with tall, medium and small sizes when placing items together. For example, if a room is very symmetrical it is best to keep items of the same height on opposite ends of the fireplace mantle. If you think you have too many items in one place, you probably do! Less is more when decorating a room; make sure there is enough space to set a drink or book on a table and keep traffic pathways clear of furniture so it is easy to move around in the space. Magazines and books are great cocktail table features. Three of one or the other is enough to give some height but not overwhelm.

Spring Is in the Air

March 29, 2013 by Stephanie Yeraka Leave a Comment

Outdoor living spaces should be as well thought out as the interior living spaces. If you have been thinking about backyard remodeling, it is a must for summertime entertaining and can make a big difference. If a plan is set into place and executed with the proper team of Contractor, Landscape Architect, and Interior Designer the project will run smoothly, on time, and on budget. Starting a project in the spring will allow enough time to order furniture, build structures, and do any landscaping needed. Fortunately, creating a backyard escape is attainable no matter how large or small the project.

Creating a space that ties in with the style of the home is important. Keeping the use of different materials to a minimum will make the new space feel like it has been there for years. Choosing the appropriate materials is a good place to start. Discuss possibilities with your contractor and designer; selecting patio materials depends on the existing space and how much demo needs to be done to achieve a certain look. Seating areas around a fire pit or under a cabana have many options. Find your home’s design style and work from there. If your home has dark wrought iron details contrasted with a lighter paint color, select a dark metal frame and lighter fabric. Then use accent pillows with fun colors to tie in other elements in the backyard.

Cabanas can be simple fabric structures detached from the home opposite the pool for lounging or dining purposes. Structures can be built separate or attached to the home with electrical, running water, a full outdoor kitchen, ceiling fans, and even a built-in fireplace. Outdoor kitchens that are close to the barbecue are convenient for cleaning utensils and storing cooking supplies. Kitchens can be an outlet for entertaining—include a bar height counter top with barstools for casual entertaining. Outdoor areas should be a stay-cation oasis for you and your family. Get started today with the help from an experienced designer.

The Art of Accessorizing

March 6, 2013 by Stephanie Yeraka Leave a Comment

Starting any design project with a color scheme in mind will help the creative juices start to flow. Start with a list of spaces that need a little something extra. Focus on the style of the room and what furniture and accent pieces already exist to work with and even reorganize for a new, updated look. Gather some artifacts from your travels on bookshelves, a console table, or end tables. These are great items to group together in a display and can be very eye catching; using the colors in these pieces in accent pillows or flowers in the room is a great starting place.

It is always nice to have fresh floral arrangements in a beautiful vase on the kitchen island, cocktail table or dining table when guests are over or just for everyday cheer! This arrangement can be placed on top of a stack of three books with a low decorative box on the same table. Make sure to decorate in three’s, one or two items is not enough. Putting three items from one collection together that are different heights on a console table or cocktail table will add interest and keep the eye moving around the room. Doing the same with a candlestick, vase, and low box also achieves this aesthetically pleasing look.

If your home is more symmetrical, don’t stray too far from the natural balance of the space. Flank candlesticks on either side of the fireplace mantle that are the same height, add a painting or mirror above the fireplace that complements the style of the room. If your fireplace is not centered on the wall, place larger objects on the side with the larger wall space, and smaller items on the other.

Accessorizing in private spaces of the home should be personal and fit your taste. A large hall wall can be the canvas for an art display or family photos, if done correctly it will be unique and eye catching. Your bathroom retreat can come to life when accessories are introduced. Everything from decorative hand towels to shells near the bathtub, bringing fun elements into the bathing area adds warmth and interest.

Secrets to Your Dream Master Bath

February 5, 2013 by Stephanie Yeraka Leave a Comment

Whether you enjoy the warm extravagance of a traditional style bath and dressing room or the more modern, clean look of a contemporary style, luxury is always attainable. Decorative stone flooring with a beautifully designed tile pattern can distinguish the vanity area from the bath area. Radiant heated tile floors, the heat lamp/vent in the shower, and a heated towel rack are accessories that cannot be overlooked.

Multiple showerheads help make cleaning a snap and give a nice variety. A hand-held shower head is a must for tough to reach corners, and a rain shower head will give the effect of standing under a waterfall in Hawaii! A tile niche for soaps and shower accessories provide a decorative ledge and keep these items off of the floor.

Framing the windows with decorative curtains hides the hardware and opaque or semi-opaque shades behind that provide much needed privacy. Bulky head rails can be neatly tucked away under valances and the remote controlled shades come down with ease when needed and can be hidden to maximize the beautiful view.
Custom vanities can be designed with your needs in mind and finished off with decorative feet at the bottom or a base built to the floor. Countertop options are never ending, to name a few: marble or quartz can give a clean, contemporary feel, or pick granite for the warm, traditional effect. A lower built-in vanity for make-up with a small, comfortable bench will make getting ready in the mornings much more enjoyable.

A lovely chandelier over the Whirlpool tub will make the space feel romantic and well lit. Just the right amount of light over the vanities using decorative wall sconces, bath bars with three downward shining lights, or pendants will complete the room and make it shine! Tying all of the elements together in coordinating colors and sheen options will make the room come to life.

Designing Your Dream Office

January 14, 2013 by Stephanie Yeraka Leave a Comment

Built-ins for storage, a free standing or built-in desk, a great desk chair, and seating for guests are the basic necessities for any home office. The style in which you choose to execute them is up to you. Custom built-ins behind a desk should have lateral files to organize and store paperwork and other cabinets below for heavier items that need to stay out of sight. Top lit upper cabinets can have glass doors for displaying awards, fun accessories from travels, or books while keeping the dust away. Open shelves are great for binders or items that are used every day for easy access. The layout of your office should reflect your work habits and needs. If two people are using one office the individual spaces should be cohesive yet designed for each person’s requirements. This is a great design challenge for an interior designer to tackle—taking each person’s wants into consideration and creating a space for both to work comfortably.

Maximizing the space you have is the most important thing to think about. If you have a return wall in addition to the focal back office wall that can accommodate more cabinets, corner desks maximize unused space and take up less room. Floating a desk in the middle of the room with your back to the built-ins is a great use of space as well, leaving plenty of room to have seating for guests on the other side of the desk. Traditional wood paneled walls, Contemporary wallpaper, or a faux paint treatment can each bring a different design element to a home office. Two comfortable upholstered chairs and a nice rug will add some warmth to the room to balance the heaviness of traditional wood cabinets or more contemporary glossy finished cabinets. Recessed cans around the perimeter of the room will provide task lighting to work in your new office space. A great chandelier or interesting track lighting can add elegance and interest to an otherwise bare ceiling. The sky is the limit when it comes to designing an office. Find your style and add personal touches to make the space your own.

Paint Selection Made Easy

December 6, 2012 by Stephanie Yeraka Leave a Comment

Picking the right paint colors can be a tricky and daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.

Paint is a simple change that can bring new life into any room. Gaining color inspiration from different items in the home is the first place to start. The closet is a great source for color options. One picks clothes with hues that complement their skin tone, why not do the same with paint? An interesting vase or sculpture from an exotic trip can inspire a color palate for a fun accent wall or a soft neutral that is a bit more yellow or grey than one would have thought about.

Use the existing architecture in the home such as wood beams or cabinets for color help. If the beams are more on the red side, stick with a warm neutral for the walls. Cool neutrals will look too purple or blue next to the red wood beams. Carpet and flooring materials are also a great place to start for inspiration. Pick a color from the tile floor with the help of a color fan deck. If there are a few colors that match closely, get the paint samples and paint three foot by three foot squares on two or three walls in the room that get different sun exposure and shadowing.

There is no rule of thumb for ceiling color, however there are recommended options. For low ceilings a clean white is the best bet to give more height to the space. Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls is a great idea if they are higher or if there is white crown molding that needs to be accented. Vaulted ceilings can be painted one or two shades lighter than the wall color to casually draw the eye up without bringing too much attention to it. Always consult a designer if the task of refreshing paint colors seems too overwhelming, we are here to help!

Designing for the Little Ones

October 9, 2012 by Stephanie Yeraka Leave a Comment

One of the most exciting parts of having a new baby is decorating his or her room in anticipation for the big homecoming day. Designing children’s rooms has become more than just picking pink or blue paint and calling it a day. This will be a room where your child’s imagination and mind will grow quickly. With the help from a designer, your child’s room will become a place where you both can learn and explore together.

Theme rooms are great and can be started with newborns. Boys can delve into the wonders of the ocean or jungle with the help of murals, stuffed animals, vibrant paints, and fun fabrics. Disney Princesses or a floral garden for girls can include colorful wallpaper, decorative light fixtures, plush fabrics, and rugs.

Life stages progress quickly and an extravagantly themed room can be easily converted into a playtime getaway for growing children by simply changing the paint or wall coverings. Rugs have an added benefit of providing warmth and interest while protecting floors from toys! Bedding will need to be added with the introduction of a new bed and can stay until the child is in their early teens.

A child’s room needs to be able to adapt from a crib to big boy or girl bed with a few easy changes. Window treatments can go from fun and themed to simple and sophisticated by adding panels, without having to change the hardware. A comfortable rocking chair is the most important, aside from the crib. The crib should be both fun and functional; for example, heightened corner posts for a princess or castle themed room, or fish and seaweed painted on the rails for an underwater feel. The changing table will coordinate with the crib and can also serve as a dresser or other storage unit.

Create Your Oasis by Remodeling

September 3, 2012 by Stephanie Yeraka Leave a Comment

As a designer, I have been seeing more and more people deciding to remodel rather than sell and purchase a new home. Remodeling is the new way to get what you want and need out of your existing home. There are a few key things to think about before you begin. Remodeling the kitchen will make the biggest impact on the look of your home but it will also increase its worth. Your remodel should be about your wants and needs while also taking into account the effect on the resale value.

Hiring the right team including the Architect, contractor, and designer will make a world of difference. With an unlimited number of resources and design ideas at their fingertips, your one-inch binder of magazine clippings can go from dreams to reality. Most homeowners do not realize the total scope of a remodel. Tearing down walls and removing appliances can be a big shock, but having a detailed plan for the project and a deadline will keep everything flowing smoothly. Trust that your designer has the experience and knowledge to help you achieve your ideal home.

There are many decisions to make when redoing a bathroom including tile design, vanity selection, hardware, and light fixtures. Designing a master bathroom with that dream soaking tub and rain shower will make the process worth it in the end. Your bathroom can become a unique oasis that brings you back to your perfect tropical vacation every time you see it. Bringing a designer into the mix will minimize the chance for error and save you valuable time and money.