A creamy beige carpet was custom bound using a fun leopard print fabric for this tasteful living room. Photo credit: Becky Hackler Interiors Area rugs are one of my favorite design elements. A great rug can take a room from "meh" to "wow" quickly and inexpensively. Rugs add color, texture and warmth to any room, and they are versatile, easy to change if buying new furniture or repainting. Think of rugs as an accessory to express your creativity and personal style. It's easy to find inexpensive everyday rugs at department stores like Target or Kohl’s, or at “big box” store

Here you see a beautiful, kitchen remodel by J. Renee Designs. Isn't it inviting? This story was written by Jessica Schuler, a top Louisville Interior Designer with J. Renee Designs. Are you thinking of updating your home for the New Year? Here are some design tips to set you right on trend for 2013. You want your Louisville home looking great, right? Start at the Bottom As we know, all good design starts with the floor. Whether it’s rustic hardwood or an eco-friendly rug, 2013 is all about green floors. The look of weathered, aged hardwood is still going strong in 2013 an

When done well, exceptional staging puts your home above the competition. Stage your home like a pro, and it will sell faster and for more money, period. Professional home staging is a key part of selling your home fast, and at the highest possible price. Properties that aren't well-staged, remain on the market longer and end up selling for less than they are truly worth. Don't let this happen to you. Great home staging can take your ordinary, ho-hum house and instantly make it feel more spacious, warmer, brighter, and more welcoming! So, let's jump right in. Top 10 Professional

This story was written by Ashley Furniture HomeStore, which strives to be a one-stop-shop for all furniture, mattress and designer needs in a non-threatening atmosphere. They invite you to come by and let them help you find your inner furniture fashionista! Stop! Look at your surroundings, and think of the first thing you noticed. Aside from the location, you probably noticed if you felt comfortable, safe, relaxed and what you were sitting on and the decor. That's right, I am talking about furniture. It's a topic that not many people talk about, but I think it is important because most peop

If you are searching for the perfect lighting for your home, you have come to the right place because this article will give you five creative lighting ideas for your home. You do not have to be a professional interior designer to be able to use these tips. All you need to is the right kind of lighting that you can install in your home. Lighting does not only make your home brighter. Creative lights can also make your home more attractive and pleasing to the eyes. This is why a lot of homeowners spend time and energy in choosing the right kind of lighting for their home. Below are five crea

Homeowners tossing around ideas on whether to remodel or redesign the home are in a great position to weigh the pros and cons. Regardless of how big or small the plan, the best advice is to obtain the input of a talented Louisville architect, especially if changes will affect the home's footprint, mechanical features or flow from room-to-room. Make sure to have fun with your Louisville remodel. Planning ahead and utilizing trustworthy experts makes it all possible! This is also the best time to compare the expense of a moderate redesign versus a full remodel. Change is Possible

It's fun to follow the trends. Some are breakthrough concepts that are completely new and take the world by storm. Others are cyclical, in the sense that, they used to be "in" but felt out of favor then returned to be the current "it" style. Showing as many homes to my clients as I do, it's interesting for me to see what homeowners currently like, in terms of Louisville kitchen design. The vast majority of homes display very similar designs with only minor variations. But every once in awhile, I'm wowed by an innovative kitchen that does things differently. The following is a list of

There were styles a'plenty at this year's Homearama, you just need to know where to look. Homerama 2012 has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a traditional look or the latest trends. For example, Louisville's ubiquitous fleur de lys continues to prove it has staying power as a design motif. It's everywhere from accessories to hand towels to painted furniture. But pattern and color are gaining ground on neutral favorites. There was even a room with alternate orange and pale blue walls. I noted color on everything from kitchen backsplashes, to window treatments. A

It seems ironic that the Home & Garden Show was packed after last week's severe weather, but this year's event seemed more crowded than ever, and there seemed to be more booths as well. In addition to taking in the usual replacement windows, sunrooms, and UK/UofL handbags, I did have a chance to talk with some friends in the flooring industry about the latest trends. There are a multitude of decorative tiles that can be used in a variety of ways, such as this one from Mees Tile and Marble. My first stop was Mees Tile and Marble, where a gorgeous decorative tile medallion caught my eye.

Several design trends for 2012 can be seen in this photo: smaller rooms, energy efficient windows and bringing more of the outside in. Although there are some that believe that the housing recession has passed, it has had a major affect upon real estate throughout the country. The purpose of this article is to see how the down market is changing home design trends going forward, in particular 2012. #1 Home Size Is Decreasing As a Realtor, my focus is on Louisville real estate, but Louisville, like most of the nation, is seeing fewer new construction homes being built. It's not just

Find these fun and colorful birdies at Dandelion. It's that time of the year again—decorating, parties, and gifts! Fortunately our fair city has great local shops waiting to help. Don't worry, there's still 12 shopping days until Christmas! I love the animal-motif decorations at Dandelion, 3729 Lexington Rd (Vogue Center). These cute birds brighten up any tree, wreath or garland. There are also owls, penguins, and rabbits. Dandelion also has luscious scented candles and cute holiday-boxed matches that make a perfect hostess gift for any holiday event. The fleur de lis re

Don't forget to visit The Designers Show House if you haven't yet! The annual event, sponsored by Bellarmine Women's Council to benefit the University's Student Aid Fund, is at Stonecote Estate, 1005 Alta Vista, off Lexington Rd. It's a great place to get ideas for furniture, paint colors and other local decorating trends. The first thing that caught by eye as I entered the living room was Tassels signature use of vivid color and pattern. A stunning painted secretary desk in one corner set the the tone for the use of painted pieces throught out the house, including a desk in the

It's not just the weather that's raising the temperature at Norton Commons. Design trends are on fire! Homearama is in full swing and we wanted to bring the latest in Louisville interior design. In addition to the requisite fleur de lys everywhere (my favorite of which was a bathroom wall stencil), we couldn't help but notice that wallpaper is making a big comeback. Look for animals motifs on that wallpaper, as well as on bedding, pillows and art/accessories. Lions and monkeys and cows, oh my! Birds, butterflies and ladybugs are favorites too. These prints tie in perfectly with

When in Louisville, dress like a Louisvillian! Make sure to visit Elizabeth's Timeless Attire. What a great name for shop! Design*Sponge, the best design blog evah, has just posted its Louisville City Guide! Among the hot spots are places for your last minute Derby needs for your home, yourself and for entertaining out of town guests. For those last minute Derby party accessories or hostess gifts, try Scout and Hudson Home, both on Market St., or 2023 on Frankfort Ave. I will admit my bias to Hudson Home, my friend Andrew is the owner, and he has an amazing collection of "green" fu

Hardwood floors bring out the best in any Louisville home. Love the warmth and beauty of wood flooring but not sure where to start? Here are a few tips! As you're shopping, keep in mind your budget and how long you plan on staying in the home. Solid Hardwood Flooring Solid wood is durable and beautiful but generally costs a little more. Most styles can not be used "below grade" (i.e. basements, cellars, etc.) because they need to be nailed down to a wood sub-floor, not concrete. They are also not a good idea in areas with moisture or humidity, such as bathrooms, because they do

The Home & Garden Show just started today and runs through Sunday! If you go, here are a few things you don't want to miss! Make sure to visit PPG Porter Paints and see the new Louisville Color Collection! Color Consultant Tracy Burbrink says "These colors are in honor of our 90th anniversary, and are exclusive to Louisville only!" I was also fascinated with the colors and styles of Cambria stone counter tops. You have to see these! They are all natural, food safe and American made! And don't forget the freebies - I got a yardstick, had my rings cleaned, and was given