Reface Your Old Cabinets

Sometimes the cost of replacing your current cabinets can just be too costly.  If the cabinets are functional, but just no longer your taste, you have other options.  Why not try replacing the doors and hardware.  It the boxes are in good shape match them up with new fronts.  The results can be striking and about one third the cost of new cabinets.  In this job today we replaced 1980's euro cabinets with real wood.  The results appear as if the house was built with red oak shaker cabinets.

                                                             Lighten it Up


I have been noticing a trend when it comes to interior painting.  People are beginning to use much lighter colors when painting their homes. I see a trend toward light colors like grays, pale taupes and off whites.  I am also seeing trim paint becoming white or even super white with very white ceilings.  People are making their spaces cleaner and more modern.  Lighter paint colors are just another part of the new trend.  For more information listen to my radio show Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber

Radio Wednesdays from 10 -11 am and 2-3 pm.

                                                               Grey with a Twist



  It is quite obvious that the color grey has been with us for a while now as a hot trend.  Grey is a neutral and goes well with most decors.  I must say I had to get used to this at first.  I had preferred the warm of earth tones and neutrals like tan, taupe, and caramel. I have recently been pairing the "new" grey with several colors and I love the outcome.  Grey with lime green is a really beautiful combination.  It is fresh and inviting.  Grey with yellow is trending all over the place.  It is a classic combination and will work well with both tradition and contemporary decors.  Finally Coral is really hot right now for summer 2015 and pairs really well with most shades of grey.  So if you are having a grey day try spicing it up with some of these updated pops of color. For more info contact Mavin Hill Designs @ 908-884-0770.

 

                                            I'm in love with navy and coral


 I recently started a new project in a very traditional home.  The client has a strong liking of blue and white china.  I decided to pair it with dark coral to make it fresh and I love the punches of color.  Please try this color combination, it can be quite striking.

Try a Bell Jar

Have you ever noticed your foyer lighting?  Lighting is the first impression someone gets when they enter your home.  It is important that the home is well light, but it is also important that the fixtures look good.  One of the styles I like the most is the classic bell jar fixture.  It can be used in traditional or transitional setting.  It is a great look that will stand the test of time.  Here are a few pictures of my most recent foyer makeover using bell jars fixtures

                                                           Say it with Flowers

I recently did a big party and decided on a color theme.   I then setout to find flowers in different shapes but in the same color ranges. This theme carried throughout the space and gave the event an identity.  when you decorate for a party be consistent and carry one or 2 colors throughout.

                                                      Yellow is the color of Spring

There are many colors that are attributed to Spring.  Pink, white, green, lavender are just a few but my favorite is yellow.  Yellow has a sunny brightness and always seems happy to me.  When you are changing you accents for Spring this season try adding some yellow.  There are so many shades to choose from.  Also, it combines well with so many other colors.  Yellow works with blue, white, purple , green, coral and most other shades. Try adding some yellow in your flower beds as well.  Yellow carries and can be seen further from a distance.  That is why new fire trucks are yellow now not red. Add to your sunny disposition and try some yellow today

Blue is the new Black

I am in love with navy blue.  I believe it is the perfect color.  It can be formal or contemporary.  I goes with many other colors.  It is very rich and can also be a good accent color.  Navy blue is the one color that looks good on everyone.  If you are blonde, brunette, red head, grey, white, or even bald.  Navy looks good on you.  It is the same thing with interior design. Navy is always so rich and warm, but also looks up to date.  Try navy in your next home improvement.  Either as an accent or a whole room.

                                       Accessories Can Make or break a bathroom


Recently I renovated a master bath to make it handicapped accessible.  Because of this, we have a great deal of hard services.  When you are working on an area like this. It is very  important to soften the area with accessories.  Flowers, candles, shower curtain, window treatments are all designed to bring color and softness for a space.  In this case we need to use a great deal of neutral tile.   It is beautiful, but I wanted to add pops of color.  We chose Purple and olive  against the neutral tan.  It really soften the space and gives visual interest.   For more helpful tips, listen to my new radio show on Hunterdon Chamber Radio.  It is called Modern Design and airs every Wednesday from 10- 11 am.

                                                A NEW DOOR CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING




It is very important to  me that a home have an identity based upon the architecture.  I see so many people that ignore the roots of a home and really mask it's beauty.  If you have a Victorian house you want fussy details and colorful paint schemes.  If you own a contemporary you need to keep the lines clean a simple and do large bold yet simple statements.  This also goes for interior design.  If you have a 4 bedroom center hall colonial don't fill it with contemporary furniture it will look terrible.  I believe people need to know what their design style is before the purchase a home.  If your taste is for country French you can look for that style house.  If you can't afford a country french house a ranch home really can work well to become country French.   If you like modern and cant afford a new home.  A 1960's split level and be very cool and modern with the right colors and furniture.  It's all about respecting the roots of a home and honoring what it is .  Recently I have been working on a contemporary that the previous owners tried to make look ornate Italian/ Victorian.  It just did not work with the house or the lot.  I recently changed out the Victorian front door to a contemporary door with bold but simple lines.  The house sang.  It is so right now.  Please take a good look at your house and honor its roots.  You will be sure that the outcome with be perfect if you respect its history.

                                                  Flooring in 2015


My guest today on Hunterdon Chamber Radio's new Program Modern Design was John Mc Lean of Rugs to Riches in Flemington NJ.  We discussed what is new in flooring for 2015.  We both agree that hard wood floors continue to be the trend.  People are also opting for darker stains and wider boards.  Most new floors are 5 inches in width now.  Also matte finishes are much more in style and the hand scraped look is quite popular. Please listen to me each Wednesday from 10 am -11 am on Hunterdon Chamber Radio.  Click on Modern Design and then click on archives.  You can listen to all my podcast anytime.

                                       MY NEW RADIO SHOW ON DESIGN

I am pleased to announce that I now have a one hour online radio program on interior design.  The Show is called Modern Design.  If you go to Hunterdon Chamber Radio then click on my show Modern Design you will find me.   We run live every Wednesday from 10 - 11 am with local guests and experts on trends and handy tips on design.  We will also have a call in number to take your design questions.  The shows are taped and you can go on to our pod casts 24 hours after they air so you can listen to us any time.   If you want anymore information or if you would like to be a guest on Modern Design please call me @ 908-884-0770.  I look forward to this new adventure!!!!!!!!!!!