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!!!!!!!!!!!

I love color add pops of brightness when using gray tones

Have you recently noticed that everything in interior design is gray.  All the magazines, furniture stores and fabric companies are showing mostly all gray and beige tones.  I have to say I HATE this.  Gray is great as a base mixed with pops of yellow, lime green or orange but gray alone is the color of depression.  Don't get caught up in fads.  Gray today gone tomorrow.  Pick the colors you like and make them work with the current lack luster trends

I am pleased to announce that Mavin Hill Designs has opened a new store in Flemington New Jersey.  Our address is 1 US Hwy 31 Flemington New Jersey 08822.  Our Phone number is 908-884-0770.  We carry unusual accessories and beautiful gifts.  We also offer gift certificates for interior design.

                                                      The Doldrums of Winter

This has been particularly brutal winter so far.  Home decor is often the last thing on peoples minds after the Christmas decorations are put back into the attic.  This is, however, the best time of year to do a home improvement projects.  All the contractors are slow in the winter, so you will get better pricing.  Also, if you wait till the spring, often no one calls you back.  They are just too busy.  Be assured if you call a designer or contractor in January or February they will be at your door within a day or two.