Black and White

The black and white color combination is simple and pure.  It can be whatever it wants to be, modern, traditional, or regal.  No other combination has stood the test of time more.  On a recent adventure to France we found ourselves immersed in a flood of black and white with a roaring 20’s vibe at a local jazz spot.  Black and white was used throughout the space in every room, but each room revealed a fresh take on this classic combination.  White chairs with black trim, each with its own cashmere striped wrap thrown over the back.  Glossy white columns and bold striped wall paper, wide striped curved ceilings, this place had it all to the last detail of wrapped toilet paper in black and white tissue.  Enamored by the ambiance we left with a burning desire for all things black and white.

Club Raye

Club Raye 2

To achieve a lighter brighter take on this look of a sea of black and white you must start first with the foundation color…white.  Starting with white will give your room a crisp clean look and from there you can add as much black to mix as you would like.  A black and white rug and throw pillows may be just enough.  If you want more of an impact, adding a stripe chair or sofa will create the perfect pop.  Another quick fix for adding this haute combo to your space is simply by adding black and white paint.  Horizontal and vertical stripes, painting the trim, or adding a border can give your space the wow factor you are looking for.

stripe chairs

horizontal stripe

horizon living

For a different perspective on the black and white combination, start with black as your base color.  While this bold use of color is very dramatic coincidentally it’s quite soothing.  Be adventurous and add a splash of stripe with a sofa in front of the black walls for a statement-making living room.  For a softer look add a white lamp and accessories to the black-draped walls mixed with muted bedding for a sexy bedroom.

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modern living

bed 2

If you are lifetime lover of black and white and are certain of a time commitment to this color combo then why not be bold and make it more permanent.  Black and white flooring is tried and true and works well in any style of home.  Bold square tile flooring is classic and lays a base for black and white accents throughout the space in the traditional salon in the images below.  Or try creating an all-white space with black and white floor tiles for a fresh clean look.

salon

Bath

If you are committed but not to the point of flooring, then adding curtains or blinds with a stripe or boarder can be just enough touch and yet still be flexible with the look of the rest of the room.

stripe curtain

stripe blinds

boarder curtains

boarder blinds

This classic color combo can take so many different directions that this post could go on and on.  The dosage of black and white that you can handle is entirely up to you.  Whether it’s a few pillows and accessories or complete overhaul of black and white.  The theme is always in fashion and always commands attention.  Have fun creating your black and white world.  Enjoy!

white black floors

dining

For more information on black and white 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!

bed

The Modern Chandelier

Welcome back to part 2 of the Today’s Chandelier series.  In our last post we looked at traditional crystal and glass chandeliers.  While these traditional styles work well in modern to traditional homes, the same is true for the modern chandelier.  The modern chandelier is still mostly comprised of crystal and glass.  However we are seeing Lucite, wrought iron, shells, sea glass, wine bottles and many other materials.

wrought iron

wine bottles

Black chand living

One of the freshest styles in the crystal chandelier is called linear suspension and is typically is made up of strands of crystals hung in long drips of gorgeous light.  These styles work best over dining table, kitchens, or bar areas that have a wide space to cover.  See the images below how these long linear chandeliers add the perfect amount of drama to the room.  One of the images included is of blown glass bubbles that look as if they are floating down from the ceiling.

Modern Long Drip Dining

Modern Drip Dining

mod bubbles

The name chandelier has grown to mean many different things.  While at one time it was meant for the standard traditional crystal dripping lamp, but now it is much more.  The artichoke chandelier made way for other materials to be considered for the purpose elegant lighting, but without the glitzy crystals.  Below are images of beautiful starbursts of light, puffs of nylon, metal, and glass in organic forms and a mélange of colors and styles.  Glass tubes form a burst of light and energy, nylon dandelions float above a kitchen; all so pleasing and interesting to the eye.

dandelion kitchen

Star chan

Star bedroom

Like the traditional chandelier, bathrooms get dressed up with the modern chandelier.  Fresh zingy colors of glass pop in a modern bathroom.  As well as an oversized spray of tiny crystals hypnotize you while bathing in this erotic red bathroom.  The looks are sexy and fun and who wouldn’t want to linger in a bath here.

Modern Yellow Bath

red bath

Adding a chandelier can enhance the look of your home or office.  Whatever style you are most drawn to between modern or traditional chandeliers they are easily accessible and available in every budget.  There are many resources available on-line, or you can work with a custom designer like Jigsaw.  For example, the Jigsaw Designers work directly with Venetian manufacturers who can customize a one-of-a-kind chandelier to the last detail.   We hope this post will inspire you to embrace the inner Marie Antoinette in yourself and get a move on your chandelier install.

mod white chand bath

mod kitchen

For more information on chandeliers 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!

The Traditional Chandelier

It doesn’t matter who you are or what your style may be, at the end of the day every girl loves a chandelier.  We all have a princess, or a Marie Antoinette, living in us that loves to see a little bling hanging from the ceiling!  This post will be part 1 of a 2 part series on the Chandeliers of today.  We will start with the much loved traditional chandelier.

While dating back to medieval times, the royal courts loved the glimmer of candle light from the ceiling.  The love of twinkling light above us while we dine has never faded.  In modern times the chandelier has been used primarily in the dining room for the perfect ambience for entertaining and romance.  Over the course of the last decades however the traditional chandelier has made it way to many other rooms in the house.  The Jigsaw Designers love using these charming beauties in bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and even walk in closets.  The possibilities are endless.

trad bed

trad kitchen lamp

Chandeliers come in many different classes to fit into different style categories; crystal, glass, antique, candle, Lucite, and wrought iron.   The most popular being crystal and glass.  One of Jigsaw’s favorite ways to add a traditional crystal chandelier is to mix this ultra-feminine look into a rustic or rustic modern room.  See the image below and you can understand the perfect balance between the masculine wood and iron, with the delicate shimmer of the crystal.

Trad Rustic

The crystal chandelier is regarded as regal and elegant therefore is the perfect addition to the formal dining room.  As well, the light produced adds romance to any bedroom from traditional to modern.  We are even seeing a trend in laundry rooms getting a chandelier update.  Most moms spend a lot of their time doing laundry, so why not add a little glamour.

trad laundry room

The second most popular style is the glass chandelier.  Venetian blown glass being the most coveted.  The monochromatic glass chandeliers are gorgeous and even though they are typically considered traditional they fit perfectly into the modern home as well as the French country manor.  A trend we are seeing in glass chandeliers as well as crystal as to add this spectacle to your outdoor space.  It creates such an enchanting atmosphere; you’ll never want to go indoors.

trad outdoors

Trad black in fresh room

To add a chandelier or not…is that even a question?  We say add two!  We hope this post will expand your horizons and enlighten you.  Be sure to check back for our blog on the Modern Chandelier.

crystla closet

For more information on chandeliers 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!

crystal kitchen

Lucite…Clearly Fashionable!

Lucite furniture made a big comeback in 2002 with the introduction of the Ghost chair by Philippe Starke.  This unique and somewhat futuristic material shot to stardom immediately and has managed to keep a steady pulse ever since.  Since the 1930’s acrylic furniture has typically been associated with the Hollywood Glam (aka Regency) style.  However, this enchanting material can fit into most style categories adding a flare like no other.

There is just something about Lucite that is simply artistic.  It has personality and a sense of humor.  Even the most serious or glamorous rooms lighten up when a touch of Lucite is added to the mix.  In the images below you will see how much impact this material has in even the most traditional rooms.

living

Elegant

While Lucite’s presence is always known, its translucent quality gives way for another focal point in the room.  See the gorgeous dining room below.  The long elegant table, herringbone wood floors, chandelier and the art-work.  This room is about the art, and the edgy yet invisible chairs somehow allow you to enjoy the entire room verses one element.

dining

The 60’s spawned a big surge for all things acrylic and we love this ultra-modern ball chair by Christian Daninos circa 1968.  While the vintage pieces like these are in high demand, companies like Kartell make a large assortment of styles and colors that can work well in most homes and budgets.

space chair

bar

The functionality of Lucite furniture has improved over the years and therefore is more than a show piece.  For example the chairs included in the images below with the double desks; the study area has never been more hip!  The chairs almost float in the room and make way for your eye to enjoy the inspiring art and the task at hand.  When it comes to the bedroom the Lucite bed was made famous by Helena Rubenstein.   However taking on a on a new look, with simple clean lines that leave the work to the rest of the room.

work

bed

Lucite is such a versatile material and it’s meant to be fun.  Whether you’re ready to commit to see thru dining table or a simple Lucite tray, this is a trend you can invest in.  The look is so forward that it’s timeless and therefore something you can hold on to for years to come.

party

For more information on lucite 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!

Pretty in Navy and Pink

While being dawned by the A list celebs at the Oscars, these oh-so-complimentary colors have been a match made in interior design heaven.  Navy and pink are the perfect partners where masculine meets feminine in the home.  This stunning pair exudes balance and harmony in a spectacular fashion.

1st image

Navy is a powerful color that is associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes confidence, trust, wisdom, intelligence, faith, and truth.  While pink is a symbol of love and associated with nurturing and compassion.   Therefore the strength of a navy room is perfectly balanced with the delicate softness of pink.  Take this living room for example.  It is a dynamic room with a bold navy patterned rug, navy walls and furniture.  Alone, this would be a navy overdose, but it appears completely balanced with the perfect placement of the pink pillows and framed artwork.

Living room

Too much of a good thing isn’t always the best.  Layering navy and pink with other colors is an easy way to get the look without committing every item in your space to these two colors.  In the next two photos these bedrooms have neutrals mixed in to soften the look.  The gray pillows in the first room help mellow the bold navy and pink.   Likewise, the gold color pillows in the second image help break up the intensity of this compelling color combo.

Bed Close Up

Bedroom 1

The best foundation color to pop the navy and pink is crisp white.  Whether it’s mixed into a pattern or the color of the largest piece of furniture in the room, this base color is necessary for the two colors to be displayed in all their glory.  If you are drawn to this look and want to try trend but not make a huge investment, then try starting with navy and pink as accent colors on a mostly white backdrop.  Navy and pink throw pillows on a white sofa, with pink flowers in a vase on the table are the perfect start.   White bedding with navy and pink pillows and navy curtains is another more disposable way to get the trend without overkill.

Living Close up

Navy and pink together are refreshing and full of energy.  This color combo is a happy one and we know it will affect your mood.  Who wouldn’t feel blissful sitting at this gorgeous navy and pink make up table?  What a great place to start the day, and what a great time for a navy and pink update.

Office

For more information on navy and pink 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!

The Spanish Evolution

The quintessential ‘Spanish style’ in interior design has truly evolved. Think white, light and airy when it comes to the new modern take on this classic hacienda style.  The fine line between Spanish and Mediterranean is thinning as the shift from dark and heavy décor moves into bright seaside whites with touches of classical iron and cherry wood.  The days of over cluttered and ornate accessories and art are becoming a thing of the past as the Spanish style transitions to a more minimal approach.  Lines are becoming cleaner and more elegant which lends itself to show off important pieces of elaborate art, tapestries and patterns.  In the image below, this light and airy room is so inviting with its crisp white walls, curtains and sofas.  The touches of iron for the curtain rods and lamps reflect the root of the Spanish style as well as the exposed beam ceilings.  The lines in the ceiling seem to sweep you softly to the outdoors among the cactus garden in nature’s own flora and fauna landscape.

White Living Room

The spirit of the Spanish style always feels like a vacation, but the contemporary hacienda has a chic new twist.  Clean nearly blank walls all in white, with one bright accent wall to pop a piece of Spanish artwork.  Mixing modern or mid-century modern furniture and flooring makes this new modern Spanish style unique and fresh.  Brightly colored tiles mixed with neutral or grey walls and antiques create a youthful vibe with old world bones.  Spanish style and tiles are really coming back but with more color and pattern options.  More options than the traditional brown and gold tones we used to be limited to.  The Jigsaw Designers love mixing these floor tiles in a bathroom with rustic modern pieces like a large black pained shower glass doors, reclaimed cabinets with Carrera countertops, and a vintage iron chandelier.

Modern span Mexican tile spanish tile

Consider wall tapestries and Spanish theme artwork when you update your decor. While giving focus to the room, wall art is an excellent opportunity to enhance your hacienda design theme.    While keeping the overall look white and bright, add a color indigenous to the Mediterranean and Spanish regions in colors of creamy ivory, gold, turquoise blues, rich greens and deep red and of course terra cotta.  High ceilings, concrete floors, and exposed beams are all typical elements of the Spanish style and can be the perfect canvas to express the Hacienda flavor.  In the bedroom image below the ceilings are very high, the color palate in greens and terra cotta, and while being a bit dark (which is typically Spanish), it is not cluttered with art work and accessories.  The space and rich colors are simply allowed to flow and the look really works.

Orange bedroom

Combining the grandeur of bold artwork with the organic look of iron wall decor and the rustic appeal of Spanish Hacienda furniture can make your rooms feel more interesting and inviting.  Furnish your space with touches of iron candle holders, candelabras, lanterns, hurricanes and wall sconces which are classic to Spanish and Mediterranean design.  All with keeping the lines cleaner and color palette brighter will give focus to the room and provide an excellent opportunity to enhance your updated Spanish-chic decorating theme.

Span Outdoor outdoor colonade

For more information on the spanish style 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!

staircase