Fall in Love with Fifty Shades of Grey



Valentine’s Day is this week and we just love how there are over Fifty Shades of Grey that are trending in design right now. Why not share with our readers why we fell in love with grey, I don’t mean Christian Grey but the color grey.  So for those ladies and gentlemen looking for a new look in 2013 here are a few things to get you excited and talking about grey.

  • MASTER BEDROOM: Why not start in the bedroom, after all it is Valentine’s Day! Below’s image from Houzz is an example of using the entire pallet of grey including black in a master bedroom design.  Update your master bedroom by integrating silver lamps, picture frames, a chandelier, bedding or curtains.
Contemporary Bedroom design
Contemporary Bedroom design by Chicago Interior Designer Michael Abrams Limited
  •  MASTER BATHROOM: A great place to relax and step away from the business of life. Redo your space with a complete overhaul or simply update your faucet, mirrors and lighting fixtures. A quick and easy makeover is a splash of color and new linens but why stop there? Create a complete look from top to bottom.
Read More...

Fifty Shades Darker



If you are one of our newsletter subscribers you were greeted with our “Fifty Shades of Grey” newsletter at the end of last year. Many of our readers loved the idea and play on words so we decided to continue the theme just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Fifty Shades of Grey is now Fifty Shades Darker as we explore the colors of grey to black used in interior design styles. Yes, you read that correctly black in design. The color black is an excellent way to add drama to a room, make a painting or sofa pop, or attract your eye to an area in the room or home. Here are 5 ways to incorporate black, the darker shade of grey, into your home this month:

  1. Accent Lamp – Contrary to what you might think the use of a dark or black lampshade can drastically change the mood in a space to warm and inviting.
  2. Kitchen Chairs – Trends have shifted in kitchen design. Many kitchens now feature an island with granite countertops and accent stools. Adding black kitchen stools or chairs can add a bang to your island effect.
Read More...

“Fifty Shades of Grey”



Grey is by no means a new color, however, we are seeing a lot more of it in design, patterns, and materials throughout the design process in both fashion and interior decorating.

Adding Shades of Grey to your Home:

A light or dark shade of grey will make for a great accent wall in a living room, kitchen, office, bathroom, and even the nursery. Using the concept of an accent wall select a dominant color on 3 walls and the 4th wall, usually the featured wall with a piece of wall art or furniture use a darker shade of the color.

Other ways to incorporate softer or bolder shades of grey is through accent pieces and accessories in the room and home.

  • Place Settings
  • Throw Pillows
  • Area Rugs
  • Picture/Art Frames
  • Vases

How about these amazing photographs from Houzz.com – featured below are a few highlights from tile to accents to accessories to the wall color.

Traditional Dining Room design
Traditional Dining Room design by Austin General Contractor Avenue B Development
Read More...

Paint with Color – Designer Tips



Did you catch September’s Newsletter? If so, then you must be anxious for the Painting Color Tips by your very own Pamela Kofsky, Color Consultant. Pam does offer a la carte services including a color consultation when selecting a wall color for your next room.

Purpose of Space

  • What is the purpose of the space?
  • What mood are you setting?
  • Is this a high-traffic area?
  • Will the kids or pets make contact with the wall?

Selecting a Paint Color

  • What is your color palette for your room/space?
  • What are the other items in the room or space?
  • Are you looking for a solid color or a two-toned room?
  • Are you looking at a WARM color palette or a COOL color palette?
    • WARM = Red, Orange, Yellow
    • COOL = Blue, Green, Purple

Selecting a Finish
Know your options, each option reflects light differently:

  • Semi-Gloss
  • Gloss
  • Matte
  • Eggshell
  • Flat
  • Satin
© Copyright 2011-2014 Elegant Interior Designs – Philadelphia Interior Designer