When people think of orange and black, they traditionally associate it with Halloween and SF Giants.  However, it’s a beautiful color combination that can be part of your home or office decor all year round.  If you love the color orange for example, but are afraid to splash it on your walls in your living room for example, you can start on a smaller scale.  Plus, keep in mind that orange comes in various shades from a merigold orange (which is more of a yellow orange) to tangerine orange to rust. You don’t need to choose a bright orange if it doesn’t resonate with you.  If you prefer darker tones that evoke more warm earthly hues such as cinnabar or spice, you can start small with accents such as throw pillows, framed prints, vases, and candles.  Or, if you want to take it up a notch but not go all out just yet, you can paint your front door or paint one wall orange or black as a focal point.  You can choose to make a bold statement by splashing paint on your walls and ceiling or keep it subtle with accents. Here are 5 ways you can use this beautiful color scheme to transform your space into one that you love.

Pinterest

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What’s not to love about this orange fruit called pumpkins?  Pumpkins are considered a fruit because the definition of a fruit is “the sweet and fleshy product of a tree or other plant that contains seed and is edible.  Pumpkins can definitely be eaten, and if you’ve ever cut one open, you know it’s full of seeds.  Therefore, the pumpkin is the fruit of the pumpkin vine!  I love everything from pumpkin hot chocolate to pumpkin pie, pumpkin ice cream, and most of all, I like the fruit itself because there is so much you can do with them. You can paint them, create mini succulents to large decorative ones, and make a wreath out of pumpkins plus much more.  Here are a few ideas on how you can decorate your home or office space with real pumpkins, faux pumpkins, or pumpkin-themed accents!

Etsy
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I just completed a Master Bathroom Remodel project for a client and the end result was beyond my expectations.  My client and I couldn’t be happier.  The transformation from before to after was a step by step process and the end result truly captured my client’s style and personality.  For me, it’s taking what is, seeing it’s full potential, and transforming it – similar to a caterpillar transforming into a magnificent butterfly in all it’s glory and this is my purpose in life.  I’d like to share my process for how I worked on the design project from concept to completion.

Bathroom Remodel Project: Millbrae Condominium built in 1978

Client has owned his condo for 8 years and decided to finally jump in and remodel his master bathroom so that it is more up to date reflecting his style.

Problem: Master Bathroom is very small, outdated, and doesn’t get a lot of light. There is no exhaust fan and not a lot of air circulation.

Solution: Remove the wall separating vanity from shower and toilet to open up the space. Add an exhaust fan to draw out excess moisture and stale humid air improving the quality of indoor air. Replace all bath fittings and fixtures so it is up to date. Add tiles to shower wall and replace floor tiles.  Incorporate additional storage with a shower niche,  custom cabinet shelf above toilet and wall niche by vanity.  Keep existing door and move to the front of vanity so that there is a separate entrance from the master bedroom to the master bathroom.

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Fall is officially here as witnessed by the changing colors in nature such as burnt orange, deep reds, muted mustard, and rich browns.  Besides rich warm tones, teals, blush pink, navy, and dark muted tones are being used in a modern-twist for fall colors.  Whether it’s pillows, artwork, flea market finds, bedding, or plants, a few small changes can make a big difference in bringing warmth and coziness to your home. Below are some simple tips to getting your home ready for fall.

BHG

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If you are planning on remodeling your kitchen, there’s are a lot to think about, especially what cabinet storage features you would like.  Do you want roll out trays to store your pots and pans for easy access and visibility?  Do you want a spice rack and a pull out waste/recycling cabinet?  How about dividers to organize your utensils, dishes, baking sheets, and cutting boards?  There are so many wonderful features to incorporate that will make your life a whole lot easier when it comes to ease of access and visibility. So how do you decide what storage features you actually need when you are in the planning phase? Below are a few essential cabinet features to consider as you plan out your dream kitchen!

cliqstudios

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If you don’t have a lot of space in your home or office and struggle with finding ways to add storage to your limited space, (whether it’s carving out more room for your clothes, shoes, books, paperwork, supplies, or collectibles), there are definitely clever and smart ways to deal with the challenges of not having enough storage.  If you have the budget and time, you could build yourself or hire a carpenter to build a niche or built-ins to organize and store your items.  However, it can get costly. If you are on a budget, here are a few affordable tips and ideas to add more storage to your home or office.

Design: Nicole Benveniste |Photo: Lily Dong Photography

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