Back in Black

Upon the dawning of the little black dress in 1926, Coco Chanel made the color black instantly chic.  Since then the infamous color has encapsulated style, class and edge.    The unwritten rule in interior design has been to add something black to every room.  Well, today that ‘something’ has taken on a much larger role.  Explore with us the different ways to add this daring color to your home with this ultra-hot trend.

The Jigsaw Designers love adding black paint to the walls in any room.  One black accent wall can make a huge impact whether you are painting a large or small area.  A narrow wall at the end of a hallway, the large wall behind your headboard, whatever your comfort level is it will add high impact style.  Next, choosing accessories in bright colors and metallics will really pop off the black and add drama.  Adding a white crown molding or all white bedding to your bedroom can give the room balance and a crisp finish.  The sophistication of this color will also create attention to the focal point of the room.  However a wide range of black paint is available, our designers prefer using Matte Black which made its big come-back with celebrity automobiles.  It’s more versatile and forgiving than a glossy finish, and adds the greatest wow factor in a room.  The matte black look is hot and has been on the rise recently and is just finding its way into home interiors.  While black is always in style the new matte black is taking center stage and we love it.

Black Study Black Bedroom

Always the color of optical illusion, this powerful hue is sexy and mysterious.   We recently did a post on decorating your ceiling to complete the look of your space.   Don’t let us stop you from adding black to the ceiling either.  While one would think it would make the room appear smaller it’s actually quite the opposite effect.  The black painted ceiling when complimented by lighter walls and ample natural light will result in an infinite look that makes a room feel as if it goes on forever.

Black Ceiling 2

Black Ceiling

Chances are your mother always told you to add something black to every room.  Well, at the time she was probably referring to a piece of furniture or a picture frame and not an entire wall.  This still deems great advice however.  If you want to try the trend, but are a bit more color shy, it can easily be incorporated with furniture and accessories.  If you are a bit more brave, try a piece on a grandeur scale like a sofa or buffet table.  Otherwise, a black framed mirror, vintage chair or lamp can be a nice start.

Black Buffet

Black Headboard

Black Sofas

We hope you will be inspired to experiment with the color black in any room of your home.  It can be the perfect anchor in a room or spice up a hallway that gets overlooked.   Forget all the myths you’ve been told about this adventurous color and decorate outside the lines!

Black Foyer

For more information on black color trends and resources visit the contact page on the Jigsaw Design Group website at www.jigsawdesigngroup.com.  Someone will quickly contact you with more information.  Please subscribe to the blog for more informative articles like these, and check out our Facebook page for more tips and images!  Be sure to ‘like us’ on Facebook!

Crown Molding and Medallions

Welcome back to Part of 3 of our series on decorating your ceiling.  In this post we will talk about updating your décor with crown molding, but with a twist on design.  Furthermore, we will show you a great way to add a finished look in an unexpected way.

Around since ancient Greece, the use of crown molding and ceiling molding are a tried and true method for adding a strong visual effect to any room.  Crown molding can transform the look of a room in an instant and at an affordable price.  There are a wide range of moldings available including premade and unique custom designed moldings in a variety of materials.  Typical styles at-market range from Craftsman, Revival, Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Early American, and Georgian, each adding its own personality to the room.  A slight beading can make a room more feminine, while clean lines on Greek Revival can make a room appear polished and crisp.  There are endless images on-line to see what style you feel is the perfect match for your space.  We’ve included some images of unique crown molding below to tempt the inner designer in you.  Notice how in image #3 the archway is in the traditional Federal style, and the ceiling is in an exclusive custom design.  Mixing the styles adds interest and drama, which all girls love!

Unique Crown 1 Unique Crown 2 Unique Crown 3

For an extra special touch to your ceiling the Jigsaw Designers like using circular ceiling molding called a ceiling medallion.  The medallions look fantastic around light fixtures and chandeliers for an unexpected touch.  The molding easily completes the look and gives the room a custom finish.  See the images below from a recent Jigsaw install with an elegant pattern around a crystal chandelier.  This look can work well in a home or office and we especially love it in modern, classic and Hollywood glam homes.  It’s a lovely element of surprise in a bathroom or kitchen where in times past it would only be found in a formal dining room.

chand 2

Ceiling medallions are readily available in the marketplace and can be found on-line.  A few of our favorite vendors are architecturaldepot.com and classicceilings.com, because we’ve found the quality to be nice and made of good materials and not plastic.  Prices range generally from $12-$55 and can go upwards from there.  Ceiling medallions can all be used on walls too…but we’ll save that for another post. 

Ceiling Medallion 1

Ceiling Medallion 2

Ceiling Medallion on Wall

Crown molding and ceiling medallions are a sure way to lighten and brighten a room.  The Jigsaw team does recommend using a contractor for crown molding, but if you are handy with a saw then you can probably handle the job.  Take your ceiling to new heights with this easy update! 

For more information on crown molding and resources visit the contact page on the Jigsaw Design Group website at www.jigsawdesigngroup.com.  Someone will quickly contact you with more information.  Please subscribe to the blog for more informative articles like these, and check out our Facebook page for more tips and images!  Be sure to ‘like us’ on Facebook!

Haute Tin Roof

Welcome back to Part 2 of our series on ceiling décor.  Today we will explore a new twist on ceiling tiles.  While ceiling tiles have been used throughout history since 12th Century Japan, interestingly enough, they still serve the same purpose, aesthetics and acoustics.  In the modern world, tin ceilings and ornate drop ceiling tiles are vintage chic, and the Jigsaw Designers are big fans.

Ceiling tiles are a great way to add drama and character to your space.  Drop ceiling tiles, tin ceiling tiles and porcelain tiles can be installed indoor as well as outdoor.  Today’s ceiling tiles are available in many styles, sizes, colors, and materials.  Designs vary in materials from wood, metal, leather, fiber as well as the more common drywall.   Some drop ceiling tiles can be found with recycled materials if you are searching for an eco-conscious option.

Drop ceiling tiles are a smart addition to your home as they are sag proof, waterproof and washable.  These tiles are available in a variety of designs and colors and materials.  Not only do dropped ceiling tiles work wonders for acoustics in a noisy room like the living or family room, but it also adds style and character to the home.  Using ceiling tiles will create interesting visual effects with shapes, patterns, and textures and can even add support and insulation.

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One of our favorite types of ceiling tile is stamped metal panels.  This Victorian chic throwback can transform the look of a room.  While true vintage panels give a nod to our eco-conscious world, this ceiling gives a cozy yet prestigious vibe like no other.   While working well in any room, we especially love to see tin ceilings in kitchens, hallways and family rooms.  Jigsaw recently installed a faux tin ceiling in a conference room with an equestrian style décor.  The look is a flawless blend of masculine and feminine with the tin ceiling being the perfect complement to the room.

If you want to try this unique trend yet keep your cost down, the least expensive way to get the tin ceiling tile look is by using plastic ceiling tiles that are paintable. This is what the Jigsaw team used in the above conference room.  The plastic tile is very easy to install yourself and they come in both direct mount and grid system. It depends on your ceiling as to which option to use.  The tile can be found online at ProcCeilingtiles.com or at your neighborhood Home Depot or Lowes.  They all have a wide selection of colors, styles and patterns as well as pressed tin options.

tin roof 1

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Porcelain tiles have been used in bathrooms, kitchens and swimming pools for ages.  So why not use them on the ceiling?  Below we have included an image with a bathroom that is tiled from floor to ceiling with small simple porcelain tiles.  The results are dramatic without being overpowering and monotonous.  An install like this would require a professional, however if you are handy some ceiling tile installs are simple enough to do yourself.  We also love the look of ceiling tiles in outdoor archways and the ceiling of your veranda or patio area.  Revamp your space with this creative and artistic look and enjoy all of your couture surroundings.

For more information on decorating your ceiling and resources visit the contact page on the Jigsaw Design Group website at www.jigsawdesigngroup.com.  Someone will quickly contact you with more information.  Please subscribe to the blog for more informative articles like these, and check out our Facebook page for more tips and images!  Be sure to ‘like us’ on Facebook!

Keep Looking Up

Michelangelo was on to something when he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.  What a groundbreaking use of space and approach to artistic expression!   Like the Vatican, decorating the ceiling in your home is a great way to liven up a room, add visual interest and tell your artistic story.  Over the course of the next few blogs we will explore unique ways to include your ceiling as part of your décor.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating the ceiling.  First we will address painting as it is the most “do it yourself” options.  Painting is the quickest and least expensive way to achieve this update.  Simply painting the ceiling one solid accent color can instantly add depth to the overall look of your space.  It’s fairly easy if you are up for the challenge and can be achieved in a solid afternoon of work.  Using a paint roller with an extension handle will make this tedious job a bit easier than standing on a ladder with the typical roller.

Ceiling 1 Color

Ceiling 1 Color 2

If you are looking to add a bit of whimsy, try painting fun wide stripes or an interesting pattern.  Stripes work well in a masculine or feminine setting simply by careful selection of color. Painting stripes on the ceiling works best if you have two people when taping.  First measure the width between stripes on opposite ends of the ceiling.  Next, using painting tape, stretch the tape very taught from one end to the other and attaching at the area marked with a pencil.  If the tape is stretched taught your straight line should be a success.   Then paint and remove the tape when almost fully dried.

Chevron Ceiling Striped Ceiling

Bold prints or patterns will bring new life to your space and add tons of character.  When opting for an intricate pattern like an arabesque or bamboo weave a stencil is a must.  Great stencils can be found online from many different resources like cuttingedgestencils.com.  Prices range from $12-$70 for stencils and come in a wide selection.  For something simple like polka dots, you can make the stencil yourself or find them everywhere online from Etsy to eBay.   When using a stencil, taping and measuring are the key.  The more secure your taping job is, the greater the success of the overall project.  Aim for two thin coats of paint versus one thick coat.  As always, carefully remove the stencil and use low tack tape.

The thought of painting the ceiling can be quite daunting.  However, if you plan well and use some of these valuable tips you are sure to have success…and hopefully some fun in the process.   Determine what inspires you…a color, a pattern or shape and get creative.

Ceiling Arabesque Butterfly stencil

For more information on decorating your ceiling and resources visit the contact page on the Jigsaw Design Group website at www.jigsawdesigngroup.com.  Someone will quickly contact you with more information.  Please subscribe to the blog for more informative articles like these, and check out our Facebook page for more tips and images!  Be sure to ‘like us’ on Facebook!

Gold Dot Ceiling

Une Touche d’ Elégance

You have everything perfectly decorated in your space.  You take a step back to admire your decorating skills, and you think…something is missing!  After you peruse the images below, you will find the answer and know that it’s simple and understated, but it speaks volumes of l’elegance…molding!  With a few easy steps and some inexpensive chair railing you can transform you bedroom to a decadent boudoir, a dining room into a social retreat, or your living room into an elegant lounge.  At Jigsaw, we love adding chair railing to any room to maximize impact.  It’s fun, it’s sexy and it’s easy…and we are going to show you how!

Here are the steps:

  1. Select the width and style of railing you’d like to use for your project.  Railing can be found at Home Depot, Lowe’s or most lumber yards.
  2. Measure the size box you want, and the height of the chair rail (if desired).
  3. Use a yardstick to draw the box directly on the wall.  If you plan to use one color paint on the wall, the Jigsaw Designers recommend painting the full wall first, and then draw your railing.
  4. Cut the railing with the measurements using an angle saw.  Railing can be cut at Home Depot, Lowe’s or any lumber yard you choose if you don’t have an angle saw.
  5. Paint the railing the desired color.
  6. Nail the railing into the wall in the center of the railing.  Fill in the corner cracks and nail holes with putty if necessary and then touch up paint.

These are the simple steps to follow.  After that you can get as creative as you dare with painting.  Below you will see how the Jigsaw team transformed a dull drab office into a glamorous and exciting place to work.  First they painted the entire wall black, and then added the white chair railing.  The overall look is classic and stunning.

Depth and dimension can be added to the room using monochromatic colors on the wall as well.  For example a darker grey paint below the railing and a lighter grey above the railing can add interest without being too busy.  Tone on tone can also be a very chic way to add railing in an understated fashion.  While the Jigsaw Designers recommend using a professional for crown molding around the ceiling, they are however confident that anyone can complete this project with great results.  We hope you are inspired to add drama and elegance to your space by following these simple steps for your railing project.

Before and After Photos:

Before Mold 2

molding 3before 3Office 1Mold Dining roomMolding bedmolding fabric

 

For more information on wall moldings and resources visit the contact page on the Jigsaw Design Group website at www.jigsawdesigngroup.com.  Someone will quickly contact you with more information.  Please subscribe to the blog for more informative articles like these, and check out our Facebook page for more tips and images!  Be sure to ‘like us’ on Facebook!

Wallpaper: Art for the Whole Wall

If you haven’t redecorated since the 70’s, then your pad is more hip than you think.  Don’t you dare remove that flocked wall paper; consumers pay far too much to have it installed these days.  Luckily, wall paper has made a big comeback and we are happy for its return!

Wallpaper is a great way to bring wow factor into your home in an exciting and unique way.  Using a bold color, texture or pattern can bring interest and dimension to the space.  Depending on the scale of the pattern, or intensity of the color, a room can be transformed in an instant.   With so many options available, choosing the perfect paper can be an endless search.  The Jigsaw Designers suggest complimenting something in the room in either color or pattern.  Then consider the size of existing prints or patterns, keeping the size on a similar scale or completely opposite scale are best.  Mixing patterns among pillows, rugs and wall paper are fine as long as there aren’t so many that the room feels confusing and makes you want to run for the hills.

Think of the wallpapered wall like a piece of art…yet relatively inexpensive.  The cost ranges from under $20 per roll up to a couple hundred dollars per roll.  It can also be changed or painted over easily when you tire of it.  The biggest expense is usually in hiring a contractor to hang it.  If you’re handy, try doing it yourself.  It’s a great weekend project if you have the patience.

Wall paper is available in a variety of types; flocks, foils, grass cloth, embossed, vinyl and fabric.  Each variety has a bit different temperament than the other, so if this is a DIY project you’ll want to consider this when you are selecting your paper.  While there are hundreds of wall paper vendors available, we especially love the offerings from www.wallpaperstogo.com and www.designyourwall.com.

Adding an art wall with wallpaper can bring energy and humor into an otherwise stale space.  We encourage you to be bold and try something interesting.  The result will be a work of art.Wallpaper mich 1 wallpaper mich2 wallpaper mich3

For more information on wallpaper and resources visit the contact page on the Jigsaw Design Group website at www.jigsawdesigngroup.com.  Someone will quickly contact you with more information.  Please subscribe to the blog for more informative articles like these, and check out our Facebook page for more tips and images!  Be sure to ‘like us’ on Facebook!