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Archive for the ‘Interior Decorating Ideas’ Category
Thursday, September 15th, 2011
Glazed Panels with gilded and glazed niche
Exploring trends with local designer Heidi Holzer, Owner of Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work in Redding, CT
A few months ago we met with Heidi Holzer of Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work to see some of her new signature wall finishes and fell in love with many of them. They are fantastic and will change your room from ordinary to extraordinary – a cut above. Titus Built’s master craftsmen create the custom-designed details that make your home one-of-a-kind and we are pleased to include the artisans of Heidi Holzer on our team. For more than two decades, Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work has transformed interior living spaces throughout the Northeast and beyond. Their methods include gilding, glazing, light refractive finishes, Venetian plaster, clay plaster, antiquing, reverse glass finishes, faux stone, faux ivory and more. Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work has been featured in six national publications. The aesthetics the company brings to each project are strongly influenced by Heidi’s previous successful careers in both custom jewelry and fashion. Recently we asked Heidi to share some of her experience with current trends in wall finishing and how the process can transform an interior living space.
 Color Gradation done to coordinate with fabrics and artwork
Faux Travertine with marble chips in custom color done in horizontal stripes
What are the current trends for wall finishes?
Metallic finishes are very popular right now, applied somewhat differently than they have been in the past. One method, for example, combines Venetian plastering with a metallic top layer. The addition of the metallic adds more depth and rich reflection qualities.
Aluminum Leaf cabinet with distressing and umber glaze
Hand painted Striae with pearlized mica stripes custom sized for each wall
How do you decide if wall finishes are the right idea for your home?
Sometimes price is a deterrent when considering wall finishes because the initial cost is higher than painting or wallpaper. Once you understand the actual value, choosing wall finishes makes sense. Wall finishes are much more durable than wallpaper or paint. Consider the difference between your average paint job and Venetian plastering, for instance. With the Venetian plastering process, five layers of very strong acrylic plaster are applied. This is a much stronger process than paint and hides fissures and cracks much better. Glazes are also more durable because they are more easily washed than painted surfaces, without residual marking.
Venetian Plaster walls with gold leaf niche and mica glazed cornice
Authentic Abalone embedded in Venetian plaster with mica wax
What are some interesting or challenging projects you’ve worked on recently?
We worked on a home in lower Fairfield County that was more contemporary than typical for the area. The owners wanted to concentrate on finishes that would look best at night since they entertain frequently and were usually spending most of their time at home after the sun went down. The client was interested in experimenting with a variety of painting techniques and different colored plasters. We accomplished the clients’ goals by using very clear colors, including yellow, blue and green, with no umber. The surfaces were highly waxed and polished to increase reflection. Wherever there was less light on a surface – for instance, on a niche – we added mica powders (non-toxic mineral powders) to final waxes to bring a light refractive quality to the space. There are no off the shelf solutions with Heidi Holzer and Titus Built … you know your home will look beautiful and original.
 Aluminum Leaf with custom color base and grid pattern glaze in a pale mica to coordinate with stainless steel and chrome elements in room
Thank you to Heidi Holzer for her participation in our blog. We look forward to working with her team for many years to come.
Tags: Connecticut, Fairfield County, Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work, Wall Finishes
Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Interior Decorating Ideas, Interior Remodeling | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
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Client received our first Lillian August Gift Card today! “I love it” she said, and proceeded to tell Jeff how she was going to spend her Card. Our client has already eye-spied some wonderful accessories available at the flagship store in Norwalk, CT.
Lillian August is an artist, a painter, an interior designer, a textile designer and a furniture designer. Lillian August Home Furnishings and Interior Design is a full service interior design firm and furnishings store. Their "must see" flagship store in Norwalk, Connecticut is one of the largest furnishings shops in the state, featuring a fantastic selection of furniture, lamps, mirrors, accessories, custom pieces, carpeting and outdoor decor. With a staff of over 35 talented designers, Lillian August can help take your decorating project, no matter how large or small, from start to finish.
To see how you too can receive a $500 Gift Card from Lillian August, check out our Gift Card Page www.titusbuilt.com/lillian-august-giftcard.htm.
Tags: Connecticut, Darien, Gift Card, Greenwich, Lillian August, New Canaan, Norwalk, Redding, Remodeling, Renovations, Ridgefield, West Redding, Weston, Westport, Wilton
Posted in Interior Decorating Ideas, Thank You! | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
Before and after photos of a foyer renovation
The foyer is your guests’ first impression of your home. It establishes the character of the rest of your home. Adding crown molding and wainscot panels transforms your home from ordinary to extraordinary overnight.
Photo courtesy of Kathleen Cragan Interior Design
In addition to crown molding and wainscot panels, try brightening up your space by updating the light fixtures and adding plants or silk flowers. Place and eye-catching rug in the center of the room and hang a stylish mirror, or a collection of mirrors, in the entryway.
Renovation of front entry foyer
Photo courtesy of Heidi Holzer Design & Decorative Work
For a grandeur look, why not consider a faux travertine facade. Travertine tiles on the walls are expensive and labor intense. Most foyer walls are constructed of drywall. To secure the wall tiles, the walls will need to be prepped by screwing cement board to the drywall, the tile pattern laid out, thin-set mortar applied to bond the travertine tiles, tiles set onto the thin-set and then finished with grout. Faux travertine is less labor intense and will transform your foyer into an elegant, impressive entryway.
Hope you’ve enjoyed these foyer transformations as much as I have. Check back with us frequently for current news and trends http://titusbuilt.com/blog/.
Tags: Addition, Bump-Out Addition, Connecticut, Crown molding, Custom Millwork, Darien, Design-Build, Fairfield County, Faux Travertine Plaster Blocks, Foyer Remodel, Heidi Holzer Design & Decorative Work, Interior Decorating, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovations, Ridgefield, Wainscot Panels, Westport, Wilton
Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Interior Decorating Ideas, Interior Remodeling | No Comments »
Friday, February 18th, 2011
The economic downturn has been felt by many Fairfield County homeowners. Split-level and raised ranch homes offer more square footage than other styles of homes for the money. And, per the local realtors’ buzz, these once less desired homes are making a comeback with their clients.
Titus Built, LLC has been providing architectural design and remodeling services to the Fairfield County community for over fifteen years. Split-levels are just one style of the many homes we have transformed. Thought you’d like to see some photos of one of our split-level, design-build remodels:
Split-level goes modern on OLDHOUSEonline with “a house built in 1958 by the Modernist architect Edward James, which recalls the philosophy of Frank Lloyd Wright—author of The Natural House and the architect whose career spanned from the Prairie School of the Arts & Crafts era into International Style and Modern design… With main rooms a story above grade, this split-level house gives the impression of living in a glorious tree house.” Click here to preview this modern split-level renovation .
“Splits soared in popularity during the 1970s, when modest-priced lots called for modest homes that made the most of limited square footage. Today, they can be salvaged to fit modern life. Here’s how.”
Tags: Addition, Bump-Out Addition, Connecticut, Custom Millwork, Darien, Design-Build, Energy Efficient Homes, Exterior Facelift, Fairfield County, Fairfield County Realtor Buzz, Greenwich, Improving Functionality, New Canaan, Raised Ranch Remodel, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovations, Ridgefield, Small Addition, Split Level Remodel, Update Exterior, Weston, Westport, Wilton
Posted in Architectural Design & Home Renovations, Bathroom Remodeling, Exterior Remodeling, Interior Decorating Ideas, Interior Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling | No Comments »
Monday, February 14th, 2011
Decorating trends are defined by an elegant ambiance
The leading international furnishing show, IMM Cologne and Living Kitchen, took place in Germany last month. The four central trends to emerge were "Emotional Austerity", "Surprising Empathy", "Re-Balancing" and "Transforming Perspectives". This year, decorating trends are defined by an elegant ambiance with clear and unostentatious aesthetics. Shapes are pretty but modest – basic forms with boxy or rounded contours. Kitchens continue to be a family gathering area with cabinetry extending to other rooms. Current kitchen trends include varying platform levels for alternative living in the kitchen, ceramic and porcelain sinks replacing the formerly ubiquitous stainless steel, and thinner kitchen countertops.
ShelterPop predicted honeycomb as the pattern for the year. Color Marketing Group has chosen "Honey Moon" as the next color for 2011. CMG notes, "Inspirations come from hardworking honeybees, a move away from glitzier golds, toward a remembrance of things past. Honey Moon is patinated and reminiscent of warm, worn leather. Honey Moon offers a fresh face on yellow and blends the sensual stimulations of color and taste. Take the sweet earthiness of honey and combine it with the romance of a harvest moon to uncover this blended yellow."
Pantone predicted "honeysuckle" (a dynamic reddish pink) as the Color for 2011, explaining that, "Energizing Honeysuckle lifts spirits and imparts confidence to meet life’s ongoing challenges."
All trend predictions reveal a positive and upbeat attitude with renewed confidence that the economy is on the rise and expected to grow at a slightly faster pace than 2010. We are happy to see these trends and are confident that our expertise can help you enhance your home to fit your lifestyle today.
Tags: 2011 Interior Trends, Color Marketing Group, Connecticut, Darien, Fairfield County, Greenwich, IMM Cologne, Interior Decorating, Living Kitchen, New Canaan, Pantone, Remodel, Remodeling, Renovations, Ridgefield, ShelterPop, Weston, Westport, Wilton
Posted in Home Maintenance & Remodeling Tips, Interior Decorating Ideas | No Comments »
Friday, December 17th, 2010
 Ian Sanderson Fabric & "Honeysuckle" 2011 Pantone Color of the Year Interior decorating by combining patterns, fabrics and upholstery with updated trends can provide a rich, inviting atmosphere. There is not one design trend in fabrics today, but several – including jacquards, nubby yarns and chenille, as well as geometric floral designs using cool grays and other neutrals as the dominant colors. Pantone recently declared “Honeysuckle” as the color of the year for 2011. “A Color of All Seasons…Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it” http://www.pantone.com.
Designing with patterns requires careful thought. Too many large patterns will create competition instead of uniformity and balance. When decorating, pick a favorite pattern as your main focus. Choose accent patterns and solids to complement your main pattern and keep an even number of accent patterns throughout the space to produce a cohesive theme. Don’t forget to incorporate both large and small-scale patterns to maintain balance throughout the room. Combine multi-colored fabrics with solid textured fabrics to create a visually appealing room while adding dimension to the space. Even numbers complement the space while odd numbers focus on the space. Therefore, leave the odd numbers of decorating to the accessories, providing focal points throughout your room.
Another transition to consider is using a non-traditional fabric on your traditional upholstery frames. Adding trendy fabrics to your traditional upholstery will bring personal expression to your home while avoiding a “catalog” look.
Tags: Connecticut, Darien, Fabric Trends, Fairfield County, Interior Decorating, New Canaan, Westport, Wilton
Posted in Interior Decorating Ideas | No Comments »
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