All posts by Jigsaw Design

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!

Nature Does It Best

Living in the environmentally conscious age we live in really inspires each of us to think outside the box.  Granted we have always been taught to go green, recycle and not to ever waste water…but who knew that 70 year old barn my grandfather built would be worth so much money…torn down that is.  Reclaimed wood is one of the many ways designers and architects are thinking in a sustainable format.  Essentially, the wood found in barns, snow fences, and other outdoor buildings that have stood the test of time have a proven record of sustainability and are still ready for good use.

Cedar and cypress wood are a few of these hearty materials that are being used in a myriad of ways.  Known as “Reclaimed Wood”, this natural resource is extracted, de-metaled, cleaned and sometimes treated if necessary.  The wood can then be used for the exterior of the home, interior walls, stair cases, art and furniture.  The Jigsaw Designers like mixing the rustic look of vintage wood into a modern home giving it new life, for example installing a reclaimed wood wall with polished concrete flooring giving a new twist and added interest and texture to the home.   A formal dining room can be given an earthy warm feel while still being perfectly proper and luxurious when adding a reclaimed wood dining table.  Combing old with new brings a vintage-fresh feel and cozy familiarity to your home.

While at one time being hard to come by, reclaimed wood can be found easily from a variety of resources on the internet.  One of our favorite operations is called Trestlewood based in Utah and Idaho.  The cost of recycled lumber varies, and in an “as is” condition will be more expensive than new, green lumber.  While furniture is quite diverse in quality, style and price, it can be found through small custom mom and pop operations to chains like Restoration Hardware.  We love this gorgeous sustainable credenza by Urban Woods LA included in the photos below.  Also on the rise, sustainable restaurants are a trend we are seeing a lot more of.  The Jigsaw Designers remodeled the local LA eatery, Fatty’s Public House,  and installed a unique reclaimed wood ceiling and eye catching wood interiors throughout as seen in the photos below.

Using natural and reclaimed materials is a trend that we know will evolve as these things do, but buying sustainable and reusing will never go out of style.

No trees were harmed while writing this blog. Ceiling Wood Fattys wall Reclaimed Wood 2 Reclaimed wood 3 Reclaimed Wood west elm wood

For more information on reclaimed wood 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 Updated Photo Wall

The modern day photo wall isn’t your traditional grandmother’s brag wall anymore.  When selecting the right frames and using a fresh layout, you can create a work of art.  We’ve mapped out some simple steps to make what seems like a daunting process enjoyable.

The first step of course is selecting some initial photos that you want to frame.  The Jigsaw Designers suggest mixing black and white images with color to not limit your use of vintage family photos with your most recent ones.   Next step is choosing an overall theme for your frames.  Selecting a look that matches your style or something you’d like to compliment in your home for a cohesive look.  The Jigsaw Designers recently installed a picture wall with all white high gloss frames mixing baroque, arabesque and simple style frames.  The inspiration came from a trendy local hotel and perfectly complimented the existing white wrought iron and cabinetry in her home.  Being limited on photo display space the result was a fresh modern art wall where the client could enjoy her much loved family photos every day. 

Next, we recommend mixing in other elements into your picture wall to add depth and dimension.  A fleur d’lei, family initial, or even your child’s artwork are great ways to add variety to your wall and express your personality.  Once you selected all of your elements, it’s time to design the layout.  The best way to start is simply take all your art wall pieces and create a layout on your floor.  Move pieces around until you are satisfied with the flow.  If it’s tough to get started try roughly sketching out the frame shapes on paper and gently taping them to the wall.  Then move on to a mock layout on the floor to see what the finished look will be.

Once you’ve selected your layout you are ready to install.  You will need to use picture hangers for installation and a measuring tape to space all the elements precisely.  For a really crisp look, we recommend using a bubble measure to ensure the elements are perfectly straight.  Lastly, step back and admire your work of art. 

The modern day photo wall can be installed in any home or office, regardless of the overall style of the space.  It can add warmth and coziness to any room and make you feel surrounded by loved ones.  Whether you choose to make a photo wall with family photos or landscapes and artwork, following these steps will help you create a statement wall for you to be proud to display.

Photo wall 3

Photo wall 2

photo wall 1

For more information on photo walls 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!

Faux Antlers

Animal antlers are not just for hunting lodges anymore.  They are also for those who seek a little whimsy in their décor.  The longevity of this trend in displaying faux and real animal horns and antlers is definitely one that’s up for debate.  Nonetheless, these interesting little oddities are simply…cool.  Antlers and horns can be found in a variety of styles and materials; solid white ceramic, printed paper mache’, chrome and of course the real thing.

The Jigsaw Designers love the look of horns and antlers mixed into a modern space with clean lines.  Get this look by placing a single pair of antlers or several pair on a solid brightly painted wall for a fun and modern look.   The antlers in any style can bring an element of surprise to almost any room.  We also recommend using a statement color antler with exaggerated features as a focal point in a living or dining room, possibly above the fire place for a quirky conversation piece.

Below are a few of our favorites.  These interesting creatures are quite easy to find on-line.  Some of the best styles we have found can be purchased in custom colors on Etsy.  Others are available on-line at West Elm, Restoration Hardware and a variety of other on-line venues.

 Chrome Antlers White Antlers Printed Antler Pink Antler

For more information on faux antlers 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!

Precious Metal

Metal and metallic hues have fluctuated from gold to silver, chrome to brass for decades.  Well, there’s a new trend in metal making waves in interior design.  Made up of a mixture of gold and copper, Rose Gold has made its way from the jewelry market into home and commercial interiors.  Rose gold is THE color in metallic this season and it is welcomed with its warm color and soft feminine glow.

Capture the trend without overdoing this look by adding a few rose gold accessories to any room.  However not being the easiest color to find, light fixtures, mirrors, candelabras and throw pillows are quite readily available.  Try adding a few pieces to spruce up a room that is all neutrals.  It looks beautiful with hard wood floors, and pairs well with virtually any color.  We especially love Rose Gold with white, blush, burgundy, cream, navy and purple.

If you have other metals prominent in your space, try the fresh look of multiple metals mixing rose gold, yellow gold, and silver.  This look is very strong in the jewelry world and is naturally trending into interior design.   If you are a skeptic about this trend lasting, do it yourself with Rose Gold paint which is available everywhere.  Spray an existing vase and try the trend before you invest.

Jigsaw Designers recommend experimenting with Rose Gold.  This precious metal will give any room a fun updated look with a gorgeous glow.

Rose Gold Photo 1 Rose Gold Photo 2 Rose Gold Photo 3

For more information on rose gold 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!