J. Douglas Design

Dark Walls Mean Major Pop - Interior Design Dallas Ideas

2012-02-18T05:55:00.000-08:00

Are you daring enough to paint your walls really dark - or even black? We are! Dark walls make for great contrast and ambiance in an interior design - considering the lighting in the room, the furnishings - and the overall look that you want to achieve.

If you love drama, (and we do!) then dark walls can really bring out the space in a beautifully bold way. Here are some things to consider if you are feeling really spunky and thinking of painting a room dark.

Lighting: Do you have plenty of windows in your space to lighten things up? This is imperative really, before you paint too much of the room dark. If you paint a space completely dark, and lighting is insufficient - then you will make the space appear much smaller. But don't be afraid to paint a room dark - even in a small room, with enough natural light - it can add the unique feel you are trying to achieve.

Trim & Moulding: do you have chair rail moulding or crown moulding? Are baseboards white? Sometimes, and depending on your design and the architecture - to achieve nice lines and contrast - if you have bright white, clean moulding and trim alongside dark walls - the effect is interesting and bold. If there is no trim or moulding really in a very dark room, then one must offset the stark darkness with lighting and wall coverings, or art of some sort. The whole idea of a dark space is to create illusions and theatrics - so contrasting pieces and colors and shades are key.

Furnishings: Are your furnishings dark too? If they are, then this is not really an option. Your dark pieces will melt away into the background and the stark contrast between items and area will not be achieved. Choose an accent color, a nice light and bright one - and pair it with your furniture in the form of window coverings, pillows, throws, lampshades, accessories - and other smaller areas. But don't go overboard - there is a 'right amount' of 'stuff' to have sitting around and in interior design - you can 'over accessorize'. Remember - the whole idea with a dramatic paint job in your space is to make everything else POP.

Can there be too much POP? You bet, we could also call it busy, mind-boggling, or capable of causing heart conditions of seizures. But you won't get this from simply painting your room a dark color to create contrast and depth for your furnishings and art pieces. This typically comes from mixing scary patterns and simultaneous contrast of pairing the wrong hues of complimentary colors - or over accessorizing with too many unnecessary doo-dads.

Feeling bold but want to chat about it? Call us at J. Douglas Design - your premier source for Dallas Interior Design and fine furniture!

Photo from CasaSugar

Brand Spotlight: Swaim

2012-02-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

J. Douglas Design, as your premier Dallas interior design firm - only carries the finest and most distinctive names in fine furniture and accessories.

We're thrilled to have been featuring Swaim furniture and accessories in our designs for years. We always find something special in each collection and are pleased to present them as our featured brand.

Swaim has been creating unique furniture and accessories since 1945. The 'Swaim style' is unique and varied - from very modern and clean looks to traditional and timeless - making innovative use of materials and color.

Because they use extremely distinctive upholstery and fabrics, as well as highly dramatic surface materials (which make for exquisite and durable table tops, sidings and shelving of pieces) - their designs stand out one-of-a-kind.

What we love about all Swaim pieces, is that most of their designs can be used in so many layouts, or genres of design. We mix it up all the time with brands, and sometimes you need something that truly stands out - and Swaim delivers.

For more information on Swaim furniture, our other furniture brands, or for an interior design consultation - contact us through our website. We are where Dallas goes for fine furniture and interior design.

Spring 2012 Interior Design Color Spotlight

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

With color, whether in the fashion, art or interior design industry - Pantone is the king who calls the shots. Every year, and - every season - the company - (Pantone is also an icon and THE standard for color) sets the trends for popular hues.

For Spring 2012, we noticed that the palette for inspiration is much lighter and brighter - with only one darker-value color being on the chosen color chart. The deepest value color is Sodalite Blue, which is much like a navy blue. Even the earthy browns of Starfish and Driftwood (clearly sea-inspired - and even most of the Pantone-picked colors are quite beachy...) are still muted significantly, and will easily blend with the brighter colors in the selection. The brightest is a hot pink of sorts called Cabaret, and the color of the year - Tangerine Tango - which is a very nice, bright and happy red-strong orange.

The 'color of the year' - Tangerine Tango -is a very bright, happy color. But, it's not for everyone when it comes in your interio r design. For one, it is not easily used with other colors - because when it is, there is a high probability of clash if you don't get the exact hue to accompany it. The other issue is that it is a very strong color, emotionally and quite literally - and can be overwhelming and too 'warm' when in a space that is covered in it. What might be easier - is to use it as an accent to really make your room pop. It's a color that we feel - you use IN your design; not AS your design.

We really love the other not-as-on-the-forefront colors in this 2012 Spring color collection - the seaside green and blues: Margarita and Cockatoo. Margarita is a soft, limey blue-based green (that has heavenly hints of gray) and Cockatoo reminds us of the rich Tiffany & Co. blue, that muted aqua that just screams high-end. The two even pair beautifully.

Need help with your colors? You've landed on the right blog. Contact award-winning Dallas interior designer J. Douglas Bradford for an expert opinion on your interior.

Brand Spotlight - Theodore Alexander

2011-12-22T05:25:00.000-08:00

Founded by Englishman Paul Maitland Smith, Theodore Alexander has grown to become one of the largest furniture manufacturers in East Asia. The furniture reflects their passion for perfection and producing timeless pieces with their age-old crafting techniques. The true mastery of the art is apparent, and styles within the brand are quite vast. Out and about in Dallas? Take an opportunity to stop by the J. Douglas Design Dallas Furniture showroom - and you'll see these fine furnishings truly one of a kind.

The diversity of designer furniture available from Theodore Alexander varies from bedroom nightstands, to seating and accessories - to perhaps, an elegant living room armoire, each bringing a different personality and "feel" to the room or living space.

Part of the exclusive feel of Theodore Alexander furnishings can be credited to their use of the most unique and interesting materials to create beauty, as well as functionality. Theodore Alexander has established itself as having "eclectic, traditional and modern classical furniture". Stop by and experience for yourself, the traditional craftsmanship of all the distinctive brands offered at J. Douglas Design.

Mounting and Framing Options At J. Douglas Design

2011-12-12T06:14:00.000-08:00

What's that? It's the Bronze Star - A U.S. Armed Forces individual military decoration and the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Honors such as these should be displayed with pride (and style!) as well as preserved for future generations to admire.

It was no surprise that we would want to really show this off with custom framing. For this piece, we decided to mount it on blue dupioni silk. It has been encased in a convenient, durable lucite case; the top lifts off for easy-access care to the medal and replacement of materials if necessary. You can take the medals out of the case whenever you need them. They are attached to the mounting board just like they would be on a uniform.

This also makes a great gift idea for our military honorees, or for anything really that you want to display and preserve. This and many other framing options available at J. Douglas Design.

Nominated - WFAA-List Best Of Dallas Furniture

2011-12-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

We're thrilled to announce that we've been nominated a SECOND year for WFAA-List Best of Dallas - again in the category of BEST FURNITURE. It's no secret that we rock it in terms of fine furniture and furnishings in Dallas. We're the exclusive vendor for Marge Carson, and we carry several great brands like Christopher Guy, Maitland-Smith and more.

We need your help, though - to WIN FIRST PLACE AGAIN! Can we count on your vote? It only takes a minute, and we appreciate every vote! Tell your friends -
Click here to vote for J. Douglas Design - Best Furniture

Dining Through The Holidays

2011-11-27T05:21:00.000-08:00

The dining space of any dwelling often represents the real heart of the home. Dining rooms bring together family and friends for sustenance, celebrations, and are a place or warmth and connection that nourish the body and the soul. The dining room is a unique place that reflects your family heritage, and makes new friends feel at home.

Choose your décor for this special space from the heart. You can create a warm, but fashionable room that invites and excites.

The dining table is the natural focal point of the dining area. You could choose from a world of shapes, styles, sizes and even materials when selecting your dining room table. Make use of fresh florals as your centerpiece for a stunning display of nature in all its elegance. For efficient use of space, and an extra-close dining experience, try replacing one side of your dining chairs with a bench. This ‘communal seating’ is a trick of the trade in the interior design world to add more space.

Lighting creates the ambiance for the room. Whether your space is filled with flecks of reflected light from a distinctive chandelier, or is less formally and more dimly lit by trendy wall sconces, your lighting can be flexible. Depending on your lifestyle, or the occasion – you might opt for the glow of an alabaster light or choose to make full use of natural light, if you have windows in your space.

Your furnishings, fabrics, accessories and lighting can transform your dining area season to season, reason to reason for a charmingly elegant space to gather.

Image from Christopher Guy (Dining Rendering) for more details on this collection click here or contact J. Douglas Design.

Brand Spotlight: Taylor King

2011-11-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like coming home from a long day and relaxing in the place that you call “home”. Home is where you relax, enjoy life, family - and make memories. We all want furniture in our home that makes us feel warm, comfortable and welcomes others to our residence in style.

Taylor King Furniture is a leading brand for comfortable, durable, upholstered seating and other furniture for your interior spaces. From the luxurious feel of the fabrics, to the detail of the beautiful French nails - every piece is designed with beauty and comfort in mind.

Handmade with kiln-dried hardwood lumber and frame stock cut by hand – you simply won’t find better quality furniture than Taylor King.

J. Douglas Design is honored to be a retailer of this wonderfully-made designer furniture. The pieces are rich with color and texture, which adds to it's distinctive style, and has for years passed Mr. Bradford's discriminating selection process for his showroom. When picking our your furniture for your home or office make sure to visit the J. Douglas Design's showroom located in Dallas and see Taylor King furniture, and many other exclusive brands - and experience luxury at it’s best.

Ornamentation Isn't Just For Trees This Holiday

2011-11-07T14:49:00.000-08:00

Decorating your living space, and especially your holiday table, for the holidays is important to your family tradition and holiday entertaining. Once the decor is in place, it's as easy as starting a roaring fire, turning on the White Christmas CD and commencing to making magnificent memories with your family traditions.

Follow these tips for adding spectacular stress-free seasonal sparkle to your home:

Keep your colors schemes simple. Choose your holiday colors, and then go with the flow. Holiday decorating isn’t about re-doing your living space every year, it’s about enhancing what you have, and adding special (and memorable) touches to your existing decor. It’s ok to mix colors in most cases, but keep in mind - for the holidays, you truly can never go wrong by decorating with gold and silver. Adding a metallic to your existing palette will add shine and sparkle; you know the old Christmas song... “silver and gold”? Get inspiration from it!

Decorate with candles, trees and ornaments throughout your spaces. Ornamentation isn't just for trees! Hang ornaments throughout your home, and decorate your tables with random ornaments and glass balls. Have little trees? Use them as centerpieces on your tables or place small trees in your hallways and on your porch. Take a old bowl and fill with beautiful vintage glass Christmas tree balls for a lovely addition to the table.

Whether you are beginning in a new place or continuing traditions in a home you have been in for years, it’s ok to change things up each year, add in some personality and make new, different memories each year.

Christmas Ornaments - Crate and Barrel

Lightening Up Leather

2011-11-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

Leather furniture is so classy and clean – that is why so many people decorate their home and work space using beautiful, durable leather.

Rich leather can often darken a room as well and make it dreary. Learning how to decorate properly around your leather furniture is key. Add colorful window treatments in the room where the leather furniture is. You also can throw some fun and light throw pillows on the furniture, or utilize a throw blanket as well to bring in some lighter tones.

The darker décor is ok in a library or office because you want to create a darker calmer atmosphere however in your living space that you use everyday you need some color to add some personality. If it still needs to 'lighten up a bit' - incorporating lighter, earthy colors can open up the room and the room will seem bigger as well.

Use light colored, 'modern' accents to compliment your darker traditional leather pieces - such as rocks, and concreted knick knacks on the mantle and around. Couple your leather with rich woods, and modern elements for a clean, sleek look for your interior design. Use colors to suit the season such as mustards and oranges – they will match your holiday decorations to change things up from time to time and add a pop of color.

Spending a lot of money on nice leather furniture is a sure way to add class and luxury to your room, so go ahead and buy that leather furniture; you cannot get much richer than that.

Gorgeous Gourds Of Holiday Decor

2011-10-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Preparing your home for the Thanksgiving Feast can be difficult at best - there will be tons of people in your home, and busy work creating fantastic meals to be shared around a family table. It's the start of the most wonderful time of the year. Decorating with pumpkins and squash may sound funny - but it is - every year, a reliable and relevant trend in holiday decor.

There are many different ways to incorporate gourds, pumpkins and squash into your interior design during Autumn.

According to Martha Stewart (and she is in authority on this sort of thing...) Autumn is the easiest season to decorate your home because of the use of a just even a single pumpkin, some squash and a little creative thinking can make a huge difference in the entire atmosphere of your home.

Sur la table, you can clean out your pumpkin and use for a dip dish, and place on a nice platter with your favorite crackers. You can also use a cleaned out pumpkin for soup or chowder.

Use the big pumpkin for your Thanksgiving Day feast centerpiece. Place in the center of your beautiful dining table and place some small squash, random leaves scattered around it. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

The great thing about pumpkins and squash are their unique and wonderful natural fall colors. Decorating your home or work place with these wondrous fall colors such as the different types of pumpkins can not only be unique but also will save some money. You can use these decorating tips from mid-September up until the day after Thanksgiving.

Visit a Farmers Market to get some great unique and no-two alike pumpkins and squash to scatter on the front porch steps to give that inviting and warm welcome to friends and family.

Entertaining Indoors

2011-10-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Just because the weather is beginning to change, and the winds are starting to blow a bit cooler - doesn’t mean that you have to stop entertaining. Sure, outdoor barbeques and hot days drinking lemonade on the patio are definitely coming to a close, but you can easily still entertain outdoors in some settings - or bring entertaining indoors!

Make the biggest POP during Winter and Fall seasons by letting the food and the dining table set the mood and tone for the evening. Decorating the main food table can help make your life easier – and allow you to change your home's look instantly. Add some red tones and you can have an Italian bistro party right there in your own home, or have serve savory classics with classic Fall colors.

And here's another tip to save time and money! Recycle! J. Douglas Design loves keeping organic and 'green' elements in the equation when decorating a home - and especially when decorating for a party or just having friends over to fellowship. Reusing and 'recycling' your seasonal accessories and furnishings year-round will really save a dollar and when done creatively, add new sparkle each time you re-use the piece.

Recycle your summer wicker by adding Fall/Winter throws or new cushions. Reuse wood pieces and get pot plants to add some color. Use what you have left over from summer and spruce up with some twigs and leaves for the blasts of autumn. Bring out the terra cotta pots from the garage and put herbs in them to assist in the décor and them of the party or celebration.

Most importantly - don’t over-think decorating. Whether you are re-decorating your home for the season or simply for a get-together it’s imperative that you keep things simple. Getting hung up on small details can ruin the mood and remember that decorating your home is about you and your personality.

Furry Fine Furnishings For Pampered Pets Only

2011-10-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Some people have it all... and so do some pets...

There are a few very lucky pets out there, who live in the same luxury their human parents enjoy. And there are some, even luckier - who get to sleep in a custom bed by exclusive designers of fine furniture, Marge Carson.

The Murphy Pet Sofa from Marge Carson is just one example of the posh home accessories you could lavish on your furry friend. With it, you can of course, brag about and display your pet's keen sense of style.

Like most Marge Carson pieces, the attention to detail is second to none. Your best friend can return to his or her animalistic roots with the fashionable (but not overdone) plush animal print bedding and pillow accessory. And, they'll be barking for years about the circular, comfortable shape of the piece, the rich leather, and the stud detail along the perimeter of the base and accents along the edges.

Not too RUFF....

Home Economics 101

2011-09-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Whether it is your very first home, or you're just looking for some ways to spruce up your house, during these economically tough times, it is completely understandable to look for affordable ways to do it. You don't always have to completely remodel or hire an interior designer - you can do so much on your own.

Here are some simple and cheap ways to breathe some new life into your home and make it feel brand new - design on a dime with a seasonal new look.

Brighten up! - One of the simplest things you can do for your house is to buy new light fixtures. It's incredible how big of a difference a new light fixture can have in a home; it can change everything from how bright the room is, to the look and feel of the room. Add some DRAMA, or tone down the feelings! Including decorative lamps in your rooms can change the lighting as well and add a more “warm” feeling to a room, especially moving into the winter months.

Add some spice! Mix it up by mixing up some paint. Splashing some new colors onto your walls some spaces seem bigger and brighter. Change the color scheme of your main living areas by going to your local home decor store and finding a suitable color palette. You will be amazed how much new wall color can change the interior look of a room. Painting IS, and always WILL BE - the cheapest way to transform your space!

Organize, organize, organize. Clean up the clutter by organizing your workbench, kitchen and home office. One way to make your home seem more spacious is by hanging things on the wall. Organize your pots and pans to hang above your kitchen island, or organize your documents and paperwork in a neat wooden boxes to make your office feel relaxing and comfortable.

These tips require some elbow grease, but they all can create a new look for your rooms without breaking the bank.

Fashion Week Brings Fresh Ideas

2011-09-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Last week was Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the world's premiere event all that will happen in the world of fashion next Spring, for high-end designers and up and coming fashion artisans. We can take a few tips from this to preview what might be going on in the world of interior design as well.

Colorblocking: You might use this theme (Mondrian style, of course) for your art pieces or wall-hangings. Or - perhaps you aren't a huge fan of patterns - if that the case, then this makes for a great opportunity to color block or even use monochromatic schemes on pillows and window treatments to accent your other, larger pieces.

Florals: So if you ARE a fan of patterns - Fashion Week says that FLORALS are where it's at. Anna Sui presented some beautiful florals at Fashion Week. Use it as your chance to really utilize color, and bring MORE color in.

Bigger is Better: Take a feather from Oscar de la Renta's hat! Go bold with a statement piece - like a walnut or burl wood executive desk or distinctive dining room set - anything from Marge Carson or Christopher Guy will MAKE A STATEMENT!

The Magic Of Missoni

2011-09-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

And so it was, this week - Target's website crashed repeatedly all day during the debut of Italian designer Missoni's partnership line of apparel, footwear, luggage and housewares in a 400-piece collection.

Exclusive high-end runway meets affordable home design. This is the do-it-yourself interior designer's dream come true. It's also a great, cost-effective way to deck out a kid's room, or a dorm room.

While the high-movement patterns may not suit everyone's taste, they are sure to accent or blend into most spaces, and the colors are hugely flexible. The patterns are fairly flexible as well - as they are quite simple; lines mostly.

Plus, there are a few must-have gems in the collection of home accessories - (which likely explains why EVERYTHING is still out of stock). And then there is the PRICE. Can't beat that part.

We loved this ribbon pillow because of it's bold and dimensional texture. It sort of makes you want to reach out and touc it. We also loved the large table vase, as it looks hugely expensive - but isn't really, and from an artsy point of view - we liked the movement of the lines, it 'flows' in a way that makes the eye move up and down - to experience the entire shape of the piece. A little piece of art, if you will.

When can you get yours? Nobody knows! Not now. But hold tight - we're sure that the success of the Missoni Target line will keep Target ordering more, and the style is likely to be mimicked by other designers. Their zig-zag might be trademarked, but you can look for bold pattern and touchable texture to stay put through 2012.

Furniture And Design Trends Revealed

2011-09-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

Some interesting design trends came from this summer's Las Vegas Market, the twice-annual and widely-enjoyed home furnishings and interior designer (paradise!) tradeshow. What's fantastic about these trade shows - is that we get a real insider-look to the trends-to-be before they hit the retail floors.

And because brilliant minds love to share - we are sharing with YOU these exclusive ideas and trends for the near future of hip interior style.

Trend 1: In French Tradition or - Dans la Tradition Française
Exposed fine woods are integral here, coupled with a neutral palette and natural textiles (linens). Keeping it simple and clean is key; accessorize and add pop with finely embroidered pillows or throws, and small patches of modern color, patterns and prints. How to get the look? Keep it simple. Use neutral colors, grays, browns, creams - and take it easy on the patterns. Showcase your wood furnishings and accents and opt for linen (with a nice heavy texture) for pillows, throws and window treatments in muted, light colors.

Trend 2: Decorative Accents
"Vintage Modern" leads the way in decorative accents. If it's "vintage" great, if it's "vintage" and GLAM - then it's "Vintage Modern". Think about what Jane Russell or Aubrey Hepburn could have been like with today's makeup, hair and lighting - talk about beauty! So, transitioning to interior design, we would take the play up the beauty of antiques (furniture, heirloom pieces) and couple it with today's recycled materials and plastics, metals. Patterns are vintage inspired with touches of today's color trends and accents of yesteryear. How to get the look? This trend is easily accomplished by mixing the OLD with the NEW and sparing nothing on the tiny details. Go 'GLAM' by opting for the more expensive details - crystal, diamonds, and shiny, sparkly stuff.

Trend 3: American Style
It's more about American history and heritage - inspired by folk-style patterns, Colonial-era colors and shapes and deep, beautiful wood pieces and accents. It's about terrific craftsmanship and furnishings that took hard work and superior skill to create. How get the look? Once again - play up your wood pieces, use American colors (muted, soft reds and blues) either solid, or in Colonial-inspired plaids or prints. Make use of natual light to reminisce of an earlier time in our country. Don't forget the details - patchwork quilts and anything with historical significance or heirloom pieces - will complete your space.

For more information on these trends, (and some that we've come up with on our own!) contact award-winning Dallas interior-designer J. Douglas Design or visit our Dallas furnishings showroom today!

Fall into Fall Design

2011-08-30T05:31:00.000-07:00

With school starting back, football season beginning – that means it’s the beginning of the fall season.

Decorating for the fall season includes decorating for Halloween and for Thanksgiving - so why not decorate your home with the interior design trend colors of fall 2011. Pantone is the leader of the color industry - and one of the most trusted nterior designer resources in the industry. If you want to know about design colors – especially for your interior design needs – visit Pantone to find out the latest colors and hues for the season.

For Fall 2011 – the idea is to go natural. Lovers of all things warm will be going hot this year with Tangerine Tango and some brown additions like Cinnamon Stick. Enhance the fall décor with yellows such as Lemon Meringue and Flan and Pear Sorbet.

Designing your fall table should be easy with beautiful dried leaves and foliage. Add some corn stalks to bring in the yellow and green. Throw in a vintage mason jar full of candy corn and dribble some acorns throughout the table for a warm and inviting addition to your formal dining table.

Don’t forget the mantel in the sitting room - topiaries with orange foliage and pine cones - lots of hurricanes with candles - all of this will certainly give the feel of autumn in your space. Make use of berries, and leaves to spice up for fall.

Designing A College Boy's Dorm Room

2011-08-26T05:37:00.001-07:00

Entering college comes with many questions about the professors, intramurals, the social scene - but perhaps MOST importantly: How do I turn this 10 x 10 square they call a “dorm” into my home for the next two semesters?

While girls are busy bringing their fun accessories and fluffing-up their up-kept, clean and tidy rooms—it can be easy to neglect the interior design needs of dorm rooms for guys. You don’t have the be a interior designer to make your dorm your own, and especially for males – it's about finding the right balance - and the right interior furnishings.

Guarantee your room stands out from the rest and still stay within your budget. Rock that college dorm room interior decorating thing!

Designing Uber-Small Spaces for Young Men - 101

1 - Use “manly” colors. Typically, fall colors are considered the most masculine. These colors include browns, khakis, and dark reds and greens. Painting your walls one of these colors will not only make your room look more lively, but also be recognized as a room full of men! Long gone are the days of posters on the walls and beer signs. And don't forget the super-cool, super-metro GRAY shades - they go with nearly everything - and are very HOT right now.

2. Get that young man a futon & bunk combo. Nothing says "college" like a comfortable futon underneath a lofted bed, so get one! Plus, it's a HUGELY efficient use of space. Have your friends over for late-night gaming sessions or movies on the couch and soak up as much of the dorm community as possible! Throw some nice pillows on the futon for a more classy if you have a date. Toss a nice quilt or blanket over the back to add some personality.

Utilizing your space is important, but making your space personal is key. Remember these two tips for your room to make it home.

Dorm Room Design 101

2011-08-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

You’re FREE from school.... and with that freedom comes a new responsibility and some new fun. One of the greatest joys of going off to college is being able to work your own magic with the interior design of your dorm room.

Decorating your collage dorm room is a great way to show off your new found freedom and independence and you can throw in your fun personality.

BE EFFICIENT: Let’s face, dorm rooms haven't always been the most 'super great' space in terms of space, location and size – but they are getting better. They don't have great closet space, and at times – more than one person in the bathroom and not too many quiet nights... but with efficient space saving home furnishings and uber cool stores like Ikea, the things you can do and the money you can save when decorating a dorm room are growing! Many colleges and universities are making their dorm rooms larger and a little more hip.

PERSONALIZE: Personalizing your dorm room with your own bedding is a great way to start. Typically you will have a twin or XL twin bed in your dorm so make it WORK! Shop for fun comforters and pillows and make it colorful and make it YOU. You can even add a mattress cover for extra softness. Mattress covers even come in organic materials if you have allergies.

MAKE IT FUN: Add fun things to your dorm room wall like pictures, bulletin boards or posters but BE WARNED – don’t infringe on your roommates territory. This can be the biggest mistake ever when going off to college. You'll want to work to get along with your roommate - and bring them in on the designing aspect. They might have some throw pillows that make the combined space. Toss down some rugs and some fun lamps and put on the fun tunes and your time will be great. Don't forget - cool cowhide rugs add lots of pizazz to a dorm room - super cool, super durable.

REMEMBER WHY YOU'RE THERE: Unless you are there to become an interior designer - it's important to prioritize with money and time spent on decorating. Don’t forget that the reason why your there at college and that is to learn. So before you have the coolest, most awesome decor on the hall - make sure you have the basics: that your desk is equipped with a nice desk lamp, plenty of space for your laptop and books and of course.. a picture of Mom and Dad from home. Picture frames reminding you of home can be influential in your success.

Good luck, Graduate!

Celebrating 22 Years Of Interior Design Excellence

2011-07-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

At J. Douglas Design - we're celebrating 22 years of Dallas interior design excellence! We are thrilled to have been named WFAA-List Best of Dallas Furniture for 2010, are proud to be the recipient of the prestigious McSam Award, and none of it would have been possible without YOU!

Of course - we only select the finest brands of home furnishings and accessories - such as Christopher Guy, Fine Art Lamps and we are the exclusive Dallas area retailer for Marge Carson; and that helps.

To celebrate - we're offering:
20% OFF
furniture, special order and design services until August 15th!

Contact our office for more information on how you can take advantage of these savings and refresh your design just in time for holiday entertaining.

Dallas Interior Design Spotlight: Christopher Guy Furnishings

2011-07-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Christopher Guy Harrison is to interior design as Prada is to fashion and accessories. With heirloom quality and timeless designer style - Christopher Guy interior furnishings are elegant, sophisticated - and hand crafted. At J. Douglas Design - we've been using Christopher Guy furnishings for years in our interior design projects - and for good reason: his pieces are among the most distinctive in the interior and home furnishing market.

The quality of his designs comes from a true mastery of the materials - combined with a cross-cultural flair for detail inspired from European and Asian craftsmanship. The end results are usually fine furniture a fusion of several different genres of design, modern and traditional at the same time - but ALWAYS in style.

His fine furnishings can be seen in movies and high-end hotels and commercial facilities worldwide. From the Venetian Las Vegas, to Ritz Carlton worldwide and Trump Plaza New York - exclusive and expensive destinations and those with a taste for luxury know well the Christopher Guy name.

More recently, he and his legendary internationally inspired designs received the highest honors of World Market Center Las Vegas: the Design Icon Award. The "Design Icon" award honors design visionaries who have created a body of work that left an indelible print on the industry. Created in 1996, the honor gives modern-day design legends a platform to share their stories and inspire others.

Red, White and Blue: What it Means For Interior Design

2011-07-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

This July 4th weekend, we thought it'd be cool to venture into the RED, WHITE and BLUE of interior design! And what better way to do it - than with Feng Shui - the ancient Asian art of using color and space to balance your life.

Turns out, the color meanings of Old Glory and the American colors are VERY fitting when referenced from Feng Shui. Some of the descriptive words would be - powerful, poised, confident, wise, adventurous, peaceful and trusting. Sounds like America to us!

Most colors in Feng Shui can be broken down into two groups - Yang, and Yin. Yang colors typically tend to be fire and wood elements. Yang colors will be the colors that provide you the enthusiasm or the positive energy required to do something or be motivated. On the other end of the spectrum - are the Yin colors, which are the colors that bring about healing and relaxation. Obviously, you need a balance of these - for optimal success, luck, motivation and mental clarity. On this patriotic holiday - let's look more into RED, WHITE and BLUE!

YANG:
Red: is Feng Shui's power color! Its feng shui color meaning is warmth - or, heat, strength and power, fame & fortune, and happiness. Something we all need, right?

YIN:
White: White represents poise, confidence and purity.

Blue: Blue is cool, calm and soothing. This color has great significance in Feng Shui as it reflects love as it heals and relaxes. Blue creates a feeling of peace and trust. Since it is the color of the sea and sky, Feng Shui associates it with adventure and exploration. Navy blue is the color of intellect and wisdom.

Need a little help integrating color for your best balance? Contact Dallas interior design firm J. Douglas Design - we're always on standby to help.

Fresh Southern Summer Fabrics

2011-06-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

What fabrics keep your design (and your body!) cool during these hot Texas summers? Does your Dallas interior design work well with these hot Dallas summer days?

Certainly, cotton fabrics are divine in terms of quality, cost and coolness, and are a natural fiber with tons of organic variations. Any savvy interior Designer knows this. But - the design industry is also utilizing the newer cotton/linen and hemp combinations in fabrics.

Perhaps the most important aspect of designing with fabric to consider during these hot summer months is your bedding. It needs to cover you, be stylish - but not smother you - especially here in the South.

Image Credit - from Southern Living - A Cottage White master bedroom.

Of course - color therapy plays in as well. White for that 'light airy' feeling, anda shabby-chic southern antique feel. Distressed milkwashed walls and a some flea-market-perfect accessories really romanticize this space. The whimsical chandelier over the bed seals the deal. What's important to note, is that the bedding is that light, fluffy (both in color, weight and texture) feathery down comfortable. Summer-cool, and Southern-chic.

Summer Color Inspirations

2011-06-22T12:29:00.001-07:00

Let Summertime guide your color choices this year - and you'll be pulling nature into your home, and creating your own 'happy place'. Certainly, you could consider these palettes anytime of the year - and painting is the perfect quick change for an interior space.

Of course - Chromotherapy, sometimes called color therapy, colorology or cromatherapy, is of itself a way to effect your mood, and balance "energy". And, on a more practical application - light therapy is used in medical circles to treat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

So - you will want to consider the room you're going to paint - the color, and the lighting. Depending on the size of the room and the color, a test patch on the wall is always a great idea. If it's well lit with natural light, you can generally assume that any inspirations from Mother nature that you pull in will be reflected similarly. If it's not well lit - then you'll want to utilize lamps and artificial lighting of course. Make sure the color works with the space, the accessories and furnishings - and that it's what you want it to be, and has the desired effect on your mood and sense of well being. Colors always can 'feel' different once they cover a large space.

The Beach
Teals, deep blues - these cool colors are sure to keep the mood light, relaxed and fresh. Utilize stark whites along side the bold walls - with lamps, drapes and accessories - couple with soft lighting.

The Meadow
"The Meadow" theme is frequented by all shades of yellow, and works well with almost any space. Yellow is one of those colors that is generally considered a 'happy' color, and goes especially well with nearly any floral print, or pattern - and looks great with whites or woods (even really dark woods!).

The Desert
You don't need a mesa to feel on top of the world, just paint your walls the color of a hazy gray-blue sky, and accent with the colors of pink sunlit sands. You'll really be bringing nature indoors, so make sure to consider and review the actual desert at different times of the day - and notice the differences in hues between early morning, and late evening. Be your own Yogi in minimalistic style, with colors you might have thought only God could paint.

Starry Skies
The darkest blues and violets call for bright white accents or rich furnishings. Be careful with patterns and use of other colors when using dark blues and purple hues - in fact - monochromatic accents are safest here if you must use a color other than white or a metallic accent.

Don't be scared though - this is another cool combination that can really soothe the senses if done correctly.

Just don't ruin this one with complimentary colors - it won't work. In fact, it might make you sick. Could you imagine this cute little powder room with orange anywhere - ? It's miss the mark.

Observe your world and figure out what moves you. Then - grab a can of paint and go to town. Bring your love of life into your interior design.

A King's Throne

2011-06-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is June 19th

What is man’s best friend? We think a dog might actually be a close second, and a fine chair the winner of this war! And with Father’s Day coming around we’re sure that dad’s old recliner is getting to be a bit out of date – so why not get him a new one? In fact, why not go even further and make him feel like a king with a new throne for his office, or perhaps a fine piece of seating?

Of course, J. Douglas Design is the exclusive retailer in Dallas for Marge Carson fine furniture. (both chairs pictured in this post are from Marge Carson) We not only have many different types of chairs for every day use, but more specifically, we have chaises, super-manly wing back styles, executive desk chairs and sets of chairs and foot rests.

Chaises, while not a traditional recliner, certainly act like one. They are long chairs for reclining that not only give your dad – or any family member – the capability to recline, but to recline elegantly at that. At first, chaise lounges were neither easy nor inexpensive to create. The metal hand of the chaise was actually curved by hand, which made the chaise lounge unavailable to the public. It also had to be shipped in full assembly, which presented transportation troubles. Now, though, chaises (like ours) are put out into our stores so that anyone – with a good eye, of course – can have one to complete their home décor.

Father’s day is an important day to be celebrated and revered, and we know that you only want your dad to have the best – so let us help you! J. Douglas Design sends well wishes to ALL the Father's out there. Still not sure what he might love? Come down or call J. Douglas Design any time and we will gladly help you pick the best gift for your father and his tastes!

Matching Luxury

2011-05-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Here at J. Douglas Design we are always striving to give you, our clients, the finest selection of furniture and unique pieces for your home furnishing endeavors. And did you know? There is a magazine out there, which strives for the same sort of excellence that we do: Grand Luxe Magazine.

Grand Luxe Magazine works in the same circles as we do - with a distinctive style and a clientele who expects only the very best.

Every issue of Grand Luxe Magazine is filled with stunning full-color photography and includes culture, society and lifestyle features which are printed on the highest quality of paper around.

What all is in this magazine? Well, there are multiple profiles of influential people, the arts, philanthropy, destinations, fine dining, entertainment and luxury event coverage. And if you decide that you would like to be on of their Grand Luxe VIP members, then you have access to multiple different events like the monthly Happy Hours and Trunk Shows and the Annual Holiday Wish Book Cocktail Party, as well as the Grand Luxe Polo Cup Championship.

If you are one of our customers then we already know that you look for the best within your community, so, if you haven’t already, sign up today for Grand Luxe Magazine and enjoy all that life, and Dallas, has to offer!

What Is Color?

2011-05-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

There are so many different colors in the vast world; such as various shades of colors found in nature, or brighter hues and tones of paint on a canvas. But, how do we get all of these colors? Well it might surprise you to know that we actually get all colors from the way our eye perceives light and the way materials either absorb or reflect this light.

How could this be? Well it’s simple – you just combine the lights in different ratios. By changing the brightness in certain different colors you can get every color you could ever imagine. Millions.

In the world of painting, we use additive coloring to get lighter tints (basically, we mix white with the color to get a tint), and to get a shade, we would add black to produce shaded versions of the same color.

But in other industries, and in color theory itself - additive coloring is a bit different, where for example, combining all three additive primary colors in equal amounts will produce the color white itself. Good examples of this include televisions and computers.

What happens, though, when the source of your color is not light, but instead is something like a book or photograph? Well it’s easy – we just use Subtractive Coloring instead. Subtractive Coloring’s colors are Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. What makes Subtractive Coloring different from Additive is that in Subtractive the three colors are used to make darker colors, and when all three are mixed together they create the color black. For all you Photoshop experts out there - this is what happens when you 'invert' an image.

In essence, all colors are made up by how we, as individuals, see them. So, in theory, colors do not exist in nature, but instead are something that we perceive as color given three different situations: white light, the way materials absorb or reflect light, and by the sensibility of the human eye. This would also mean that colors do not exist in powders and paints or fabrics.

Some eyes can be more sensible than others, though – and at J. Douglas Design we know that we have the right eye to help you combine any types of different colors that you may want in any kind of home décor.

International Museum Day and Art this May 18th

2011-05-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to a museum before and thought to yourself – there should be a day where we celebrate places like this! For those of you who do not know – there is!

ICOM (The World Museum Community) established International Museum Day in 1977 to encourage public awareness on the role of museums in the development of society, and ever since then the worldwide community of museums celebrates International Museum Day on May 18 every year.

Each year there is a theme, and this year the theme of the International Museum Day is Museums and Memory. Museums conserve memories and tell stories and they have, in their collections, several objects that are vital to the memory of the areas we live in. Many of them are delicate, some endangered, and they all need special care and protection. International Museum Day 2011 will be an opportunity to discover and re-discover your individual and collective memory.

The purpose, as a whole- of International Museum Day is to make communities around the world aware of their heritage and aware of where they came from as a people, and it is also to help share all that the museums have to offer. Museums, no matter which one you go to, all have the common purpose of sharing with the masses the different art and art styles that have come about in this huge world of ours.

What is the purpose of art though? The purpose of art is to communicate ideas and to create a sense of beauty in even the darkest of places. If you are looking to accomplish either one of these things, any type of art that speaks to who you are as a person would definitely help you do this.

At J. Douglas Design not only can we help you figure out how to incorporate this art into your home, but we also proudly feature and use the artwork of Phoenix Art Group in our designs. So not only can we give you the type of home furnishing and home accents needed to make your home truly yours, but we also have an insight into what kind of art can help you set yourself apart from the rest.

Taylor King Furniture - a perfect style for your home

2011-05-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

Do you ever go into a furniture store looking for a specific “something” that you just cannot seem to find? Then, when you can’t find it, do you go home in frustration? Well, let Taylor King Furniture help you with our many own “do it yourself” styles in multiple different collections, where you get to design your own style and seating arrangements!

In the Taylor King Collection you can see that we have something called “Taylor Made,” which is our way of telling you that we have what you need to make the furniture that you want in only five steps. First you have to choose between “Standard” or “Continental” Depth. Then you choose which back you would like, and then follows the frame, then the arms. After all of that is done, you choose your base and you’re finished!

To get more specific, if you are looking at the King’s Road collection, you’ll see that we have something called “Cozy Creations” which helps you design any couch, chair, or loveseat into what you want in only four easy steps! First, you choose your back cushion, then pick the perfect seating arrangement from a single seat up to a full sectional. Then you get to choose the arm style, and lastly pick a base option. Depending on your taste, Cozy Creations can be designed for sophisticated elegance or everyday casual.

If you’re honestly tired of trying to look for something that can just not be found, make it yourself with Taylor King Furniture, which just so happens to be one of J. Douglas’s featured lines, which means you know that you’re getting the best quality of fine furniture around the Dallas area!

The Color Psychology idea

2011-04-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

Why is it so important to have the right colors in your home? Because the colors in your home, no matter what room they are in, affect people in different ways and give people a certain view of who you are as a person. Our reaction to color is immediate and has an unfathomable impact on the choices we make.

What we are talking about here, of course, is Color Psychology, which is the study of color as a factor in human behavior. All humans react to colors in slightly different ways, and that is because we all have different experiences and different outlooks on life. Generally, although the exact emotion associated with the color may be different, colors have the same basic connotative value.

When one hears somebody say “red,” the normal thought may be of caution or love. Red could denote a stop sign, a fire truck, or maybe something red in your past that had some kind of negative feeling with it. Red can also mean love for some, making the person feel loved, excited, or even really happy. Red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and an ardent use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.

The color gray, though, does not have so much passion associated with it. Gray is the color of intellect, knowledge, and wisdom. It is a color that is decorous, conservative, and holds power. Gray is a great neutral, which is why interior designers often use it as a background color.

Blue, on the other hand, is more of a balance between the two. Blue can be both calm and exciting. Blue is seen as dependable and steadfast, and as the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming. Not all blues are serene and sedate, though. Brilliant or radiant blues become vibrant and dramatic and are an engaging color that expresses liveliness, while some shades of blue may come across as cold or callous.

All colors, not only these ones, have different emotions and thoughts associated with them, and all of these things should be taken into account before you go through with decorating any room.

At J. Douglas Design we are happy to help you choose whatever colors you need and we will happily make suggestions for color & textures to maximize use of your space based on your vision.

Effortless Spring Florals For Easter

2011-04-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

With Easter coming up this Sunday, you may be wondering how to get your space decorated in the right fashion for all of the friends and family coming over for celebrations for Easter Sunday.

Flowers, which are easily bought at any store, are the quickest way to get that Springtime holiday feel without doing anything too drastic (with regard to time and effort) to your interior design.

Certainly, there are several types of flowers and standard arrangements that are already associated with Easter. Here are some tips and ideas to add that touch of color... and if you're looking for more 'Easter meaning' behind the flowers - with regard to colors and their meanings and symbols during the season's religious holidays - we've covered that too.

White
The color white symbolizes the hope of the resurrection of Christ in the Christian religion, as well as the purity and newness that comes from victory over sin and death. White is purity, cleanliness, and innocence, and like black, white goes well with almost any color. Many kinds of white flowers are out there that can help you incorporate the Easter colors without doing anything too drastic. There are Wood Anemones, Spring Cress’, May Apples, and many more types as well.

Red
The color red is mostly associated with the blood shed during the crucifixion. The color red is extensively used to make designs on Easter eggs, and red spring flowers such as tulips, or red trilliums, are widely used to decorate Easter eggs and can even be included in flower baskets. Red can symbolize many things; from blood, to love, to infatuation. Red is also seen as a color of passion and warmth, so any hue of red can make a room’s interior design feel warm and welcoming.

Yellow
Yellow symbolizes the light of the world brought with Easter, and the resurrection - that 'enlightens the world'. Yellow can also symbolize joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, gold, dishonesty, cowardice, deceit, illness, and hazard. Spring season is the time for the bloom of attractive yellow colored flowers, such as chrysanthemums, gerberas and sunflowers. You can make use of the beautiful blooming flowers in your decorations for Easter in any room.

Purple
Purple is normally the color of royalty, and it is believed to have been the color of the garment that covered Jesus when he was taken to the crucifix. Purple tulips are often used to adorn Easter flower bonnets, and you can make a beautiful bouquet by making use of purple colored spring flowers. Deep or bright purples suggest riches, while lighter purples are more romantic and delicate. You can use redder purples for a warmer color scheme or the bluer purples to cool down.

While flowers are the quick fix to add any color into your house, all of these colors are in any number of pillow designs, baskets, vases, rugs, or even lampshades, and can make your house aesthetically pleasing while adding that “Easter Touch.”

Decorating with Vintage Wine-the color of the year

2011-04-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

The color brown, along with its’ different variations, is once again being brought to the attention of the J. Douglas Community. In all areas of fashion today, whether it is in clothes, accessories, apparel items, paints, or furniture, the color Vintage Wine is making a comeback.

Benjamin Moore's color designers are even expecting the color Vintage Wine to be the Color of the Year for 2011.

Starting out on the fashion runways of New York, Paris and Milan, this dulcet hue with a hint of smoky violet and a deep brown base is just as striking in the home. This prevailing Vintage Wine color, being a deeper hue of brown, not only gives one the feeling of luxury and warmth, but also makes any room that has this color in its interior design have a cosmopolitan feel to it, because it does have the uncanny ability to make any room seem exceptionally refined. This color would go well in any room, like for the bedroom designs or living room designs, and could also work well if you just simply took the color and painted it on your walls, or even made it an accent wall of sorts.

What makes the Vintage Wine color so great is that not only is it a shade of brown, but it then has its own variations of shades as well. There is Mirage White, Touch of Gray, African Violet, Hazy Lilac, Cabernet and Night Shade so no matter what you want your room to look like; this color can show up in many different forms, and even make your room stand out even more.

As always – if for some reason you cannot seem to figure out how exactly to incorporate this fashion-trendy Vintage Wine color into your room, come by J. Douglas Design, and we will gladly give you some interior design tips to help you figure out how to make your room the best it can be.

Brown - the color of sophistication this Spring

2011-04-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

The color Brown denotes a feeling of warmth, comfort, and security. It is often described as natural, down-to-earth, and conventional but brown can also be sophisticated. When trying to decide what color to make those white walls of yours, consider the color brown if you’re trying to achieve this warm sophisticated look. Designing with brown isn't easy. You have to choose just the right shades for your spaces.

Many people have heard horror stories of the color Brown, makes a room look too small, makes a room too dark, too depressing - that is old news as Brown is one of the most popular colors these days, especially when it comes to designing.

Brown is considered a neutral color in landscape design and is often used as a background color but remains popular for fashion design and home décor and is normally easily matched with other colors, because it is so neutral in nature. If you want red, blue, or sleek silver, any shade of brown can be found to match. There’s Auburn, Beige, Chocolate, Sepia and many more even obscure shades.

Brown is a color that is used in many different ways in many different rooms. If you ever need to know what shade is right for you or for your favorite color let J. Douglas Design make the perfect choice of colors for your spaces. Just tell them you want to "go brown" and let them lead you down the right road. Decorating with the color brown isn't that hard but sometimes we need help in making the right shade choice and J. Douglas Design has the perfect way to open up your spaces with colors of browns.

Sleek Simplicity In Style

2011-03-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

The modern trend of today’s sophisticated interior design? Sleek, Sensuous, and Simple. Luxury no longer comes in the form of over-abundance and an immeasurable number of things in a room. That's what Neicy would call - "Clutter".

Elegance is now knowing that there is only one couch in the whole room, but that the couch is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is comfortable too; form + function. Minimalism has become a new delicacy.

When someone walks into a room the first thing they want to see is cleanliness, sleekness, and that the person who’s room they are walking into has a good taste of art, home furnishings, and interior design, but that they also have a sense of when enough is actually too much. All of this together comes down to one thing – aesthetics.

Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy dealing with such ideas as the beautiful, the ugly, the sublime, the comic, etc. If one wants their room to “pop,” they have to be willing to be an aesthetician. What makes a room? The way everybody else views it – minus, of course, the person who designed it.

Not everybody, though, is cut out for the arduous task of figuring out what goes where in a room, and what looks good with whatever else. If for any reason you ever need help figuring out these many things that make your room the best it can be, get in touch with J. Douglas Design, where we are happy to help you in any way we can.

The Details In The Design - Marge Carson

2011-03-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

A room isn’t just meant to be a place where one sleeps, eats, or simply sits. Every room should be a place where someone can go to in order to escape the world around them. A room can only do that, though, if it is outfitted and the interior design is done in a careful way with the right home furnishings.

Even with the right couches, beds, covers, end tables, and so on, a room is never fully finished until one has all of the right accents in place. From buttons and closures, to nailheads and tassel ties, Marge Carson has thought of everything you need truly set your design apart from the rest. It's all in the details. Certainly - you want to create a fantastic room that is pleasing to the eye at first glance, but also one that even stands out on that 46th glance that you take, no matter how close you get or how far away you may be while looking in. Marge Carson designs take care of ALL the details that can really make a difference in your interior space.

Marge Carson is a fine furniture line that is great to use for any kind of interior design and we're pleased that they are one of the exclusive lines carried (and hand-selected) by J. Douglas Design.

Green is the color of the month

2011-03-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

March is here there is so much going on. First of all, Mardi Gras is going on as we speak, St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, right before the first day of Spring. With these holidays, you are sure to see the color green every where you look - green beads for Mardi Gras, green beer for St. Patrick’s Day and - of course - green grass for Spring. AND in case, you didn’t know the birthstone for March is “Aquamarine” (a greenish-blue color). So - GREEN IS the color for March. Bringing green into home design can work in any room and with any home furnishings.

In the Kitchen
Whether you have dark, rich cherry-wood or light, cream-colored cabinets, green is a beautiful accent to any kitchen. A soft, sage green wall compliments rich, wine red décor for a perfectly delicious treat. When your preference is a bright, airy space for your kitchen, opting for sea-green and/or aqua tone paired with bright coral or yellow make for a beautifully sea-worthy eatery.

In the Entry Way
Green in a foyer can be a nice transition between outside and in. Using different tones of green can accentuate the space. Maybe a light shade on the walls paired with dark green home accessories, such as a hanging lamp, glass vessels, or sconces. Of course, adding live, fresh is a great way to bring the outside in and welcomes your guest - as soon as they in the door.

In the Living Room
A dark, rich green adds sophistication and style to a living space to provide a cozy place to cuddle up and read a book or watch TV. Embellished edges and small streaks of contrasting color give a room weight when the palette is soft shades of ivy, sage, and grass green. Some of afraid to add dark colors with dark furniture, but intense green throw pillows against a rich brown leather sofa more than holds its own. Together, the two hues can enhance each other, evoking the beauty of a forest.

In the Bedroom
A master bedroom should be a serene oasis where the worries of the day melt away. Having the subtlety of sea-grass colored walls paired with crisp, white bedding and plush, soft green pillows makes for a refreshing and natural color scheme for a bedroom design.

In the Bathroom
And of course, who doesn’t want their own personal spa retreat just a few steps away? In a master bathroom, a soothing light green wall and soft, pastel towels rolled up on white furniture invites you right in. Adding delicious smelling candles and some beautiful potted (green) plants makes your bath a completely calming atmosphere that acts as your own personal sanctuary and getaway. Adding artwork and home furnishings can make any bathroom a retreat.

If you ever need help figuring out which “green” is right for you, contact J Douglas anytime for a personal Home Design Consultation.

A Winning Interior Starts With The Furnishings - AND the Designer!

2011-03-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

Have you ever walked into someone’s home and the home furnishings and accessories literally took your breath away? A space where every piece of furniture is a unique piece perfectly placed, and beautiful art and interesting pieces from around the world adorn the walls? Where everything fits into a clean and distinctive interior design? If you've walked into a home like this - and you're in the Dallas area - chances are - it was an interior design by J. Douglas Bradford of J. Douglas Design, Inc.

J. Douglas Design Inc. is the place to visit if you are ready to transform your home into the one described above - you know - the one that takes your breath away.

We offer the most exclusive brand-name furniture and fine furnishings - as well as interior accents and accessories, window treatments, fine rugs, and interior design services to help you take decorating your home to the next level.

J. Douglas Bradford has been creating award winning interior designs in Dallas for over 30 years. He or one of his designers will meet with you with one on one during your consultation to help you envision your “perfect” palace. From suggestions on colors & textures, furniture selections, fine art options, window treatments, and accessorizing - J. Douglas Design has it all covered where designing interiors is concerned.

So the next time you have that 'feeling' that transforming your house into a true showplace is what you need to be doing - visit the showroom at J. Douglas Design, we are certain that you won’t be disappointed.

Bring Spring INSIDE

2011-02-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

Getting over a winter (and several weeks of being cooped up with the kids due to unforseen snow days) calls for a nice, inexpensive 'renewal' of your interior design.

Open the windows, bring in the plants - and mix things up for the (sometimes volatile) Texas Spring!

Freshen up your home with Spring's delicate colors, lighten up your bedding (less covers needed in warmer months!) and revitalize your space with living plants. Prepare your psyche and your interior for the beauty and brightness that March, April and May bring.

Here are J. Douglas Design's tips for quick-pick-me-ups to revitalize and prepare your space (and your mood!) for Spring!

Paint Your Walls: If you're doing Spring cleaning anyway - then you're making more space and cleaning things things up a bit. Nothing says clean like a fresh coat of paint! And, it's an inexpensive way to truly transform a space with color. If you're one who paints often to change things up - select a bold Spring color. Spring will call for sky blues, dusty (but not drab) grays, perfectly picked pinks, yummy yellows, kiwi green - and of course - all shades of white are always in style.

If you're the type who fights change and are looking for something more stationery, then stick with a hue that works with your home furnishings, but don't be afraid to try something new! Keep in mind - paint is hands-down the EASIEST and CHEAPEST way to change things up - so test a few colors before you settle - and know you can always change it again and you won't break the bank.

Add color separately: Don't want to paint your wall? Try adding a piece of artwork or an accessory to add some pizazz to the room. Artwork, paintings, sculpture, vases, blankets, pillows - are all easy to find home furnishings that can add that something special to your space. Bring outdoor colors inside with beautiful bold green, pink and yellow accents to your current design. Take inspiration from cool water, bright flowers and a clear Texas sky!

Spring Patterns: With pattern, you can add dimension, texture and color - but it does so in small doses. Again, accessorizing is inexpensive enough that you can test and try different things, and change things out season to season. Floral patterns and abstract organic shapes in pattern remind us of the promise of 'new' during the Spring months. Revive a dull solid neutral sofa with a set of bold, patterned pillows.

Change Curtains or Bedding: Just getting a new window treatment or swapping out your bedding will make a huge change. And for Spring - remember to lighten things up. When selecting your curtains, bedding or accessories for the home - simply think "tranquil, fresh, new, clean"....

Add REAL flowers: Spring's hot colors are inspired by the fresh flowers that are available during the Spring months - tulips, daisies, lilies. Market Street (and most grocery stores) are a great place to get fresh flowers, inexpensively. Stick with a color scheme (I like off white lilies with dark greenery - it goes with everything and is pure, clean and Springlike!) Put them in an inexpensive glass container, and let them brighten your life.

Work-It While Working From Home

2011-02-22T14:30:00.000-08:00

More and more people are working from home these days and finding it difficult to find the extra “office” space needed to do their job.

Even more challenging is making it stylish and fit in with the rest of your home furnishings and interior design.

There are a lot of things to consider when designing your home office - here are just a few:

Space -
Space is probably the biggest factor to where and how you will design your home office. If potential clients are on the agenda, you will need to have a space close to a door for easy access. Also, having adequate space on both sides of the desk is a must if you have clients visiting your home office. Noise is another thing to consider. If the house is shared with other people - especially young children, there should be a separate room with a door designated for the office. Many of these spaces depend on how much privacy you need to work. Just a wall or two designated for office space in the family room, living room, a bedroom, or some other room may be appropriate. Possibly sharing the office with another room, such a dining room or living area - separated with bookshelves. Or even a guest room with a sleeper sofa or get a Murphy bed which folds up into the wall. Having ample storage space is also key to any room, but in an office area, it is essential for organization.

Storage -
Having ample storage space is key to any room - but in an office area, it is essential for the organization of your home business. A well designed closet can help you organize everything to function properly in your home office. Determining your needs is the first step. Separate items into different categories such as materials, documents, files, boxes and extra space for any inventory needed to store on site. Having a filing cabinet, closet supply and a place to sort mail is important to help reduce clutter.

Lighting -
Depending on what your home business is will help you determine how much and what type of lighting you need to effectively light your work space. Glares on a computer monitor can cause serious eye strain and headaches, so be sure to adjust your light from any windows and any other sources of ambient light. Task lighting is a good idea for such important tasks as reading, writing and working on the computer. Accent lighting can provide a more relaxed and beautiful workspace, while communicating to any clients that the office is professionally run and the business is competent. The proper lighting can make the office and workspace much more pleasant and efficient.

Furniture -
When working from home, you will probably spend many hours in your office space. Having an interior that is soothing and relaxing can improve your mood and make you look forward to the time spent there. But, offices need a clear work area, with adequate space for computer, a file space and a location for frequently referenced supplies and paper. Most offices need a desk, a very comfy chair, computer (& any other equipment), a filing cabinet and possibly a few shelves. It is best to invest in office furniture that is sturdy and provides ample space for work and storage.

Your home office design should be truly all about you and whatever you can imagine. But, if you ever need help with ideas, you can always turn to J Douglas Designs to help your business grow.

Spotlight: Theodore Alexander

2011-02-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

You already know that J. Douglas Designs only carries the very best in fine furniture and home furnishings. Our 10,000+ square foot Dallas furniture showroom showcases the most beautiful and unique pieces available - each of which has been hand-picked personally by Mr. Bradford himself.

One of the most interesting lines we carry, is Theodore Alexander. A leading manufacturer of fine furniture, their exquisite and vast collection of furniture and furnishings employ hundreds of designs, and hundreds of inspirations - resulting in thousands of styles - from eclectic to traditional.

Of course, Theodore Alexander is also known for quality. Each piece custom crafted to last a lifetime. With quality and timeless designs like theirs, you can pass it down - generation to generation.

The brand was born in 1996 - and is a sister brand to Maitland Smith - created by industry legend Paul Maitland Smith. Maitland Smith has been an industry leader in quality, style and selection for over 25 years.

Want to investigate Maitland Smith or Theodore Alexander pieces for your interior design? Contact us at J. Douglas Design today or visit our Dallas furniture showroom to see the beauty and quality of these lines.

Spring Is (Almost) In The Air...

2011-02-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

All this snow and the harsh winter winds have forced many to stay indoors more than usual these past few weeks. And especially after the vibrant colors and festive music and lights of the holidays - your interior design, home furnishings and furniture might seem now just as “cold and dreary” as it has been outside. But warmer weather is just around the corner - sunshine is on it's way!

Rescue your living space from the winter doldrums by adding a splash of color, texture or an accessory! Adorn your sofa with a bold new throw, top your bare, empty mantle with a candle or display some your fabulous gallery art work on your walls.

Here are just a few other ideas for fighting the winter blues at home:
Winter whites. While there is something magical about the season's first glistening snowfall-by the time February is here, certain parts of the country (and us too after last week!) are sick of the thick white stuff. Consider some shades of white. They're light, bright, and soothing. In fact, a creamy white color scheme and sparkling accessories can actually recapture some of the magic and warmth that winter holds (without reminding us of the Ice Queen from Narnia). Line your tables with white linens and dishes. Create a warm glow with a display of white pillar candles in silver, glass or crystal candle holders. Place white roses or other equally creamy flowers in a pretty vase.

Keep It Cool. Light greens and blues can give anyone spring fever! The colors are uber-cool - light and airy, too - and are grounded with rich, neutral grays. You can really add some 'pop' to your design by using these relaxing and calming hues. Try a sage green chair a to accent snowy white bedding, add a bit of color to your bedding with pale blue pillows. They'll enhance the mood and setting of the entire space. With color, you can design a bedroom that is tranquil, with plenty of panache, class - and - most importantly - it will be your private sanctuary.

Go Really Green. While the mounds of brown, soggy grass and droopy trees outside your window aren't exactly a pleasant sight, having fresh, bright plants or flowers inside can always perk you right back up. In a variety of unique colors and shapes, indoor plants and herbs are the perfect solution to wake up your indoor space-especially if they're displayed in a pretty pot or planter. They also improve indoor air quality.

Exciting new hues. Take the chill out of the season by adding a vibrant new color into your decorating scheme, perhaps by painting an accent wall or simply adorning sofas and chairs with plush, oversized pillows. 2011 brings a variety of luscious color trends, such as light citrus yellow, rich-vintage wine and “honeysuckle“ pink (as we learned is the Color Of the Year from Pantone and is the perfect color for Spring).

Of course, you can always contact J. Douglas Designs for more ideas to help lift your rooms out of the winter doldrums and inspire you to give your home an early spring makeover.

Focus on Phoenix Art Group

2011-01-24T13:20:00.001-08:00

Trying to find the right artwork to accent your home furnishings can be a time consuming and arduous task. Whether you need original paintings; multi-dimensional art from acrylic, wood, metal or mixed media; digital art; poster prints; photography; or hand-made or manufactured frames, we've got just the line of artistic accents to fulfill your need for serious style. And you already know - we only hand select the finest brands, the best quality and most unique pieces for our showroom and to use in our interior design.

From a series of original paintings with complementary frames to a single sculpture for a prominent focal point to lines of art that are better suited to less prominent spaces or more limited budgets, Phoenix Art Group has tons of art selections to accent any interior style from minimal, to abstract - to traditional.

Think styles, colors and mediums to inspire ideas and make your home truly distinctive among their extensive collection of fine art.

We understand that your project is unique. We know that you might be working with a budget, as well - that's why we selected this extraordinary collection of fine art for our Dallas furniture showroom and interior design services. Phoenix Art Group has the capabilities to meet your need for lasting beauty and extraordinary value.

Anywhere you have a need for beauty, creativity, color and style to accentuate you home decor; visit us for the finest in all types of home furnishings and accents - as well as our award-winning interior design services. We're proud to feature and use the artwork of Phoenix Art Group in our designs.

Going Global In Your Home Design

2011-01-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

For 2011 trends in interior design - there has been a resurgence of interest in patterns and textures that have a global influence. Creating an atmosphere with taste of other cultures and a very unique style is easy, and each influence can have a different effect on your interior space.

A serene touch of Asian style, or South American flavor in a European home or maybe a 'Wild Wild West' theme in a beach vacation dwelling is possible without having to relocate to another country. You can have worldwide flair in your home, wherever you live.

New trends for furniture include rich, ethnic-inspired wood pieces and decorations. You can use wall hangings, antique blankets or other items made with luxurious and exotic textiles as well. Use these textiles to add pattern, texture, shape and definition to your walls or throw them casually over a sofa for a colorful accessory.

Moroccan and Indian items have been most popular and is always a bold, dynamic look. But, Aboriginal, Native American and African tribal patterns, including bold geometrics, are still front and center when used correctly. (in other words - never EVER go overboard with pattern. Use pattern to ACCENT your space, not DOMINATE it)

There is global influence of the color palettes across the world-mixing earth tones of browns, grays, and greens, with vibrant uplifting global accents of pinks, blues, oranges, yellows and purples. Rich jewel tones are the cornerstone of any global design and shows best on luxurious finishes and textiles like velvets and satins.

You can also add global intrigue by using souvenirs from world travel. Try using items from travels such as postcards, train tickets, jewelry picked up in a market, photos, coins or small paintings and have them assembled in a shadow box. Group your framed items so that they have a common denominator such as similar frames, a common color or related subjects. Each will have its own personality yet something in common that pulls the collection together. They will also look fantastic placed on a fireplace mantel, surrounded by travel books or hung on a wall with several other similar images.

Contact J. Douglas Designs Interior Design and Fine Furniture today to learn how we can utilize patterns and textures to bring a ‘global’ look to your interior space!

2011 Color Of The Year - HONEYSUCKLE

2011-01-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

If you ask J. Douglas Designs where to get ideas and inspirations for color, you would soon learn about the Pantone FASHION + HOME Color System. Most interior decorators (and designers, painters or artists of other types) are VERY familiar with the Pantone color system, and we typically rely on Pantone’s trend predictions for color.

AND the PANTONE COLOR OF 2011 is… (drum roll...)

It's A Color for 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!”

Honeysuckle is an upbeat and dynamic shade of pink. It can provoke romance and glamour, and it is the color of love's first blush. Pink delivers feel-good emotion in the same way that a beautiful flower blooms, one layer at a time. Honeysuckle is a very versatile color that can fit into any room!

In a living room, subtle touches of pink in an otherwise neutrally hued room add flair. Using color in small doses keeps a formal room from feeling overwhelming. This bold color can wake up a white kitchen or it can bathe your entire kitchen in a warm, soft, relaxing light that creates warmth and coziness. And of course, this pinkish/red hue is perfect for any nursery or a fun, vibrant bathroom for a hip teenage girl.

Contact J. Douglas Designs today to learn more about how with our award-winning furniture and interior design experience - we can help you add a little pizazz to any area of your home - even just with the right color - to turn your space into the beautiful retreat you've been waiting for.

Looking To 2011 - Inspirations For New Year

2010-12-21T10:14:00.001-08:00

It's time to get out the 'crystal ball of good taste' - and speculate on what the hot trends for interior design will be in 2011. But we don't have to use the crystal ball - actually. We already know what works: great hue choices that reflect your inner feelings and personality, ONLY the best and most unique furniture and home furnishings/pieces, and accessories (don't overdo accessories - careful!). Throw all these ingredients into your design-blender and voila! You've got a smoothie of a solid design. And what's best - it'll be a design that will work for YOU - for YEARS.

Still, there's speculation out there - such as that of imm cologne - interior design experts 'showcasing the interiors of the future'. They're European - and - we like Europe. We really like the 'deep thoughts' associated with their 2011 interior design trends. Of course - a huge influence is that of sustainability, as well as progress and innovation. They've dubbed "Emotional Austerity", "Surprising Empathy", "Re-Balancing" and "Transforming Perspectives" as the guiding principles for interior design next year - check it out it's fascinating!

If this is all to much for you, and you just want an exquisite interior space, then skip reading all this stuff, and call J. Douglas Bradford. He's your Dallas interior designer - and he also sells and designs with the finest furniture on the market.

Vote For J. Douglas Design - BEST FURNITURE

2010-12-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

WOW!!

We jumped this weekend to 4th place! THANK YOU for your support! Please share with all your friends and ask them to vote too! We need all we can get to win! For those of you who have not had a chance yet, you CAN help make J. Douglas Design #1 on WFAA-List Best of Dallas!

Please vote for us today (voting ends December 18th)- under category of FURNITURE! It only takes a minute. Also, join us on Facebook for updates!

It's all in the details @ J Douglas Designs!

WINTERIZE Your Home Décor

2010-12-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

While winter is not “officially” here yet, it is just around the corner and there is nothing like coming home to a warm, cozy home. Some of us have a fireplace, while others have warm area rugs. Is your décor as "winterized" as the rest of your home? A few extra touches can go a long way in preparing your home for the season.

Decorating for winter can be as simple as choosing the right fabrics or picking the right color scheme. A well-designed home can make you forget that it's even freezing outside! Here are some ways to warm up your décor during the colder months.

Rearrange your furniture. One way to create warmth is to put your furniture closer together, making a room look more inviting and creating lots of space for conversation. Arrange them in a circle or have two or more pieces face each other. If you have a large room, try placing round a designer area rug under the furniture to define the space and add warmth to the room.

Make use of layers. Most people cope with the weather by throwing on extra layers of clothing. The same idea works around your home-add extra layers to your fine furniture, tablecloths, and window treatments. Add topper fabrics to your tablecloths to suit the season, and use a valance on your living room windows.

Add some soft fabrics. Fill the room with thick, rich materials that give it a warmer feel. Wool and velvet are some of the most popular winter fabrics, especially for throw blankets. Area rugs are very effective at warming up a room, it's just a matter of choosing the right design.

Use some candles. Candles not only look chic and stylish; they also provide light and heating at no extra cost. Instead of turning on the lamp, light a few candles in your living room to create some ambience. Small rooms can use them as table centerpieces. For large rooms, candles can be distributed along the walls, as it evens out the lighting.

Choose warm colors. Colors provide visual warmth and enhance the heating effect of other interior design elements. For winter, your dominant colors should be in the red-to-yellow spectrum. Pair them with toned-down earth colors such as brown and beige.

Contact J. Douglas Design today to learn more about how we can help you transform your space, into the beautiful, warm and cozy retreat you've been waiting for.

History of Holiday Trees and Trim

2010-11-19T10:22:00.001-08:00

Long before Christianity, evergreens held a special significance during the winter season. In a number of countries, the greenery was considered to possess spiritual attributes to ward off evil spirits and illness. Of course adornment reigned in old history; the inhabitants artistically decorated their doors and windows with boughs and greenery.

The early Romans, true appreciators of art and design, decorated their homes and temples with evergreen boughs for an annual feast at the winter solstice. The Saturnalia honored their god of agriculture, Saturn. Simultaneously and far to the north, the Druids, priests of the ancient Celts, were busy decorating, too. They festooned their temples with evergreen boughs, which they considered symbols of everlasting life.

The Christmas tree tradition we know is credited to Martin Luther, a 16th century Protestant reformer. As he walked home one winter evening, the brilliance of the stars twinkling among the evergreens captivated him. To save the scene for his family, he put up a tree in their home and wired candles onto the branches.

In the 1700s, German settlers brought the Christmas tree tradition to this continent, where it spread. In 1848, the tradition reached back across the ocean again. Very popular Queen Victoria of England had wed German Prince Albert; he put a tree up in Windsor Castle. That was it.

England took a new direction for holiday interior design and yuletide fashion. From then on, the Christmas tree became a tradition in England, the United States, and Canada.

A plain evergreen is nice. However, ornaments and lights make a personalized statement. Again, Germany gets credit for birthing a new industry of hand-made ornaments and exporting them to America. But it was American Thomas Edison’s assistant who came up with the idea of putting electric lights on the trees. The rest is history.

Today, Christmas tree decorating takes on as many forms as there are interior decorators. We can select ornaments, ribbons, garland, and lighting to complement the gorgeous furniture and interior furnishings you already have. Or, maybe you need some new fine furniture or an interior design to compliment your holiday endeavors. Drop by our Dallas Furniture Showroom for a consult or that perfect piece to finish or change the room accommodating your Christmas tree.

Oh, and by the way, did you know Christmas trees are grown in all fifty of the United States, but only Texas has J. Douglas Design?

What's in YOUR Living Room?

2010-11-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

Is your living space a designer's showcase or a comfy memory-making retreat for your family?

Design elements are important throughout your home, but you also have to make room for functionality. Form is great but it's not worth much unless it functions in your favor!

Color and accent play a huge function in interior design. This year, there are lots of trends. But the one we like best of the Dallas interior design trends is 'glam and glitz' with lots of gold, crystal and other metallic accents. A fantastic decorative chandelier over the dining table (if your dining and living is combined) or a fabulous HUGE mirror with a gilded gesso frame can transform your space - from FRUMPY to FAB instantly. And - mirrors, lighting options - can add real function to your room - offering illusions of space and depth and actual lighting sources.

Muted colors are also a trend - softer versions of brighter counterparts and shades of gray are the current rage. All of the new 'muted' toned colors compliment each other relaxing and soft way and add a bit of elegance to your room.

Of course - the most function in your living space will come from finding flexible home furnishing options. Don't limit yourself to the same old 'couch + table' setup, and don't get something that is too big for the space (i.e. - a HUGE, COLOSSAL, COSMICALLY SIGNIFICANT SECTIONAL is not necessary for most homes). I nstead - opt for smaller pieces of high end furniture to give you flexibility and function at the same time. We are talking about about chairs, smaller love seats and ornate & decorative accent pieces that can be used in combination - and rearranged as necessary to freshen up your space.

Take a look at what's in YOUR living room. You might just be due for something new. Contact us at J. Douglas Design - Where Dallas Goes For Fine Furniture and Interior Design for your consultation today!

Traditional Holiday Décor with a Modern Flair

2010-11-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

The holidays are full of traditions, from big family gatherings down to the simple pleasures like hot cocoa. When it seems like the whole world is in a festive mood, it's easy to get excited about checking off items on your traditional holiday to-do list, especially when it comes to decorating your home.

First, consider the overall decor or 'feel' you want to display. By combining modern design and classic traditions of holiday home decorating, your home can become memorable - inside and out. Think about color (rich shades of pumkin and spice!) and other things in nature that make one feel comfortable and warm for Fall and going into Winter.

Instead of a traditional straw cornucopia on the Thanksgiving table, perhaps a modern rendition of that piece made of aluminum window screen would be more at home in a contemporary setting. Country-style holiday decor may be more at home in a cottage-style interior, while sophisticated items may look best in a formal, traditional space. Matching the holiday accessories to the style of the interior decor is an important way to create a cohesive space, no matter the time of year.

If you're feeling bold, make your holiday decorations all about of-the-moment color and modern details. Snowy white branches are the perfect backdrop to make brightly colored glass bulbs and baubles really stand out. Go for colors like fuchsia, apple green, lemon yellow and turquoise. For an extra "wow" factor, use multicolored strands of lights that will play on the hues of your ornaments. Make your own tree skirt from brightly colored felt, and glue on small mirrors or silver-tone charms for extra sparkle.

If you’re home is rustic, go with rich woods, earth tones and, of course, splashes of brick red for an upscale-yet-casual look. Stringing your tree with white and gold lights will give it a warm glow; play on that ambience with raffia garland and ornaments made of natural materials. Hang cable-knit socks on the mantle for another touch of cozy luxury. The key to this look is that it is glowing, rather than shiny. Try wrapping gifts in brown kraft paper and adding pops of color with ribbon in colors that match your decor.

Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah, there are many opportunities to display holiday decor in your interior design. While each holiday usually requires different color palettes and themes, be sure to use general holiday decorating guidelines to stay congruent with the current style of your existing interior. This can help any home look like it belongs in the pages of a magazine. If you would like to speak with one of our Dallas interior design specialists - be sure to visit our website and Dallas furniture showroom.

Happy Holidays!

November Spotlght - La Barge

2010-11-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

With La Barge, it's all about the details. Or, more specifically - the accessories, finishes, and special touches in your home. Using only the most skilled artisans, La Barge home furnishings take inspiration from the finest pieces and treasures worldwide. If you are looking for that finishing touch for a space, or unique accent pieces - look no further than La Barge.

La Barge products are typically smaller pieces, or accents for your interior - such as mirrors, benches, occasional tables, wall decor, upholstery, and more. We've always been very choosy about the brands we carry - and chose only the best for our Dallas furniture showroom; La Barge certainly fits the bill.

Based in North Carolina, La Barge is a part of Furniture Brands International - a larger group of well-known furniture brands - such as Maitland-Smith, Drexel, Thomasville, and Lane - offering the public a wide range of products, styles and prices.

Scary Interior Design Mistakes and a Super Spooky Showroom Sale

2010-10-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

It's almost Halloween - and you should know that things can get really frightening - in the world of interior design. There are always 'do's and dont's' - but we've compiled the top 3 "Spookiest Design Faux-Pas" for your ghoulishly fun Halloween reading pleasure. (and it's truly a spook-tacular realistic resource and reference for decorating!)

Top 3 Spooky Interior Design Faux-Pas

1. Leaving color out of your design. Ok, so you are the 'white space' or 'minimalist' style. And monochrome, done right - is very hip. But EVERYBODY needs a pop of real color. You can't live in the 'presence of all light' or the 'absence of all light' (technical terms for white & black) forever. Gotta have SOME sort of splash of color. Somewhere. Buy a plant. Get a pillow or a rug. Bring the spectrum of light into your life. And do it FAST!
2. A Scale-Challenged Space. You think you're pretty good at 'eyeballing' things to fit into your spaces, do you? Just pop into the furniture store and buy something because it's a 'must-have'? Have you ever ended up with a space that is dominated by furniture with only or less than 1 foot of walking space in a room? Get out the tape measure and plan for several feet of walking space, and try to buy pieces that are practical, efficient and timeless.

3. Overboard Accessories. I sure hope we're not talking about you. Because if we are - Neicy Nash and her team at Clean House or the guys and gals at A&E's Hoarders will be in touch soon. HOW MANY KNICK-NACKS does a person need? You don't need figurines and snowglobes all over your house to make it 'home'. Instead - choose classy and timeless pieces that double as accent pieces - such as a decorative lamp, or an ornate side table. These things add an element of accessorizing while still being highly functional. Now, if you have a snow globe that doubles as a fully-functional crystal ball - (with fortune telling capability) - that might just be acceptable.

Of course - you might just need the help of a professional. J. Douglas Design is here for you. Just call us, and Douglas will pay you a visit and get your home sorted out chop chop.

And don't forget - we're still celebrating our 21st anniversary for our Dallas interior design business - helping our clients by creating stunning designs now for over 20 years! We're celebrating with a SUPER SALE - 20% off EVERYTHING in our Dallas furniture showroom. (including special orders!)

But hurry - this sale ends at the end of October!

Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween!

Spotlight on The Platt Collection

2010-10-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

J. Douglas Design is quite impressed with the collections and marques we carry. We have to be impressed - or we don't carry it. It's got to be special - to be used in our Dallas interior design business. One of those exclusive brands - is the Platt Collection of fine furniture and home furnishings.

What impresses us most about The Platt Collections, besides being family owned for 60 years - is their generosity and heart for wanting to make a difference in the world!

This year, The Platt Collections introduced The Alyce Collection which incorporates the breast cancer awareness ribbon into its design. The creative idea is the brainchild of furniture designer Glenn Midnet, whose mother, Alyce, died from breast cancer in 1974 when he was very young.

The Alyse chair incorporates the signature pink cancer awareness symbol and is constructed from sturdy plantation mahogany and covered with silk with brushed nickel feet. It’s both beautiful and comfortable!

The Platt Collection’s Alyce vanity desk and mirror incorporates the breast cancer awareness ribbon as well and is also constructed of plantation mahogany with brushed nickel accents and an onyx marble inset. The mahogany mirror is trimmed in a broken silver leaf finish.

Since ten percent of the proceeds from the sale of Alyce collection pieces will go to benefit cancer research, it’s a great feeling to be able to offer our clients a stylish way to help fight breast cancer.

So this month - in honor of breast cancer awareness month - our hats are off to The Platt Collection, for their creative and heartfelt contribution to the cause.

Furniture Design Spotlight: Marge Carson

2010-10-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

At J. Douglas Designs, we are proud to carry and spotlight high-end furniture by California-based Marge Carson. Founded in 1947, they are one of the world’s leading privately-held wood and upholstery manufacturers.

We especially appreciate the variety of styles Marge Carson offers with 14 different collections - Borghese, Chateau Chaumont, Design Folio, Hampton, Les Marches, Marquesa, Rue Royale, Samba, Segovia, Umbria, Verona, Villa Argenta, Vouvray, and Yorkshire Manor.

And with their customization programs, we’re able to purchase furniture for every room of the house including unique pieces such as banquettes and pet sofas. If a design project calls for accents such as bow and tassel ties, buttons, or nailhead trims we often turn to Marge Carson. Their eye-catching designs are enhanced with 55 rich finishes, and more than 600 plush fabrics, trims and leathers.

Christine Rendino, Director of Fashion & Merchandising, stays on top of the latest home furnishing design trends and incorporates those into every new piece created at Marge Carson. One strategy they use is to look to the fashion runways to decide on their trends and color direction. This lends credibility to their brand and gives us confidence that their upholstery and case goods are always on the cutting-edge.

Please stop by our exclusive Dallas furniture showroom to experience the world of Marge Carson home furnishings.

Celebrating 21 Years Of Dallas Interior Design

2010-10-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to J. Douglas Design, Inc. and award-winning Dallas designer, J. Douglas Bradford!

October officially marks twenty-one years of Dallas interior design excellence for Dallas interior designer, J. Douglas Bradford. Now over 20 years after opening the exclusive Dallas furniture showroom, J. Douglas Design, Inc. continues to incorporate the perfect pieces, the finest fabrics, timeless treatments and ageless accessories - with the end result being a simply elegant space.

Whatever your likes or styles - the super high-end furnishings and accessories from well-known furniture designers like Marge Carson, Maitland-Smith, Christopher Guy, Swaim and Theodore Alexander are sure to complete any design; but also prove to be a treasure that will endure the tests of time - and in superb style, no less.

Douglas has always been very passionate about the brands he carries, as well as the interior spaces he works with. Douglas is well-known for (and very proud of) hand selecting EVERY piece in his showroom. He only selects pieces he would have in his own home, and that are built with great care and quality.

It's more than just great design, it's about putting something together using only the best pieces - made of the highest quality materials - that will be timeless and tasteful for years to come.

Been looking to redesign a space in your home? Have you wanted to replace some furniture or accessorize your living spaces? Now is the time: To celebrate 21 years - J. Douglas Design is offering 20% OFF THE ENTIRE SHOWROOM AND ALL SPECIAL ORDERS through the end of October! Call 214-522-8100 for more details.

Basic Design - Elements & Principles

2010-09-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

Knowledge of basic interior design elements and principles can help you transform any space from frumpy to fabulous. Interior design involves so many variables that we thought it would be helpful to give our readers a “high-level” overview of the basics.

The elements and principles of design are the building blocks used to create any body of creative work. So what is the difference between the two?

Design elements are the basic units of a visual image. These elements in interior design include space (point), line (vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and curved), balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial) color (primary, secondary and complimentary), shape, texture, form and value.

The principles of design govern the relationships of the elements used and organize the arrangement as a whole and consist of unity, harmony, contrast, repetition (rhythm, pattern) variety (alternation), emphasis (dominance or focal point), proportion (scale), functionality, proximity & lighting.

There are no “rules” that will guarantee interior design excellence, however, successful design incorporates the use of the principles and elements to serve the designer's purpose and visual goals.

Our intent here at J.Douglas Design is always to achieve harmony between the elements to create fabulous spaces as the premier interior designer in Dallas. Now that you have an overview of the basics, we will be taking a deeper dive into the concepts of elements and principles in future posts. Stay tuned…

A Brief History Of Interior Design

2010-09-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Studying the history of interior design is important and can be either a resource for imitation or for stimulating new ideas. We call it - 'inspiration'. Interior designers are no different from other artists - the difference is that our canvas is your home. Come with us as we journey across time to take a brief view of this fascinating topic…

The history of interior design draws upon several different fields of study. It is based in architectural history, but incorporates elements of the decorative arts, including furniture, metalwork, glass, ceramics, and textiles.

Let's begin with prehistoric and indigenous design. Interestingly, modern art has been strongly influenced by native art. While modern design may not have been as deeply influenced there are often similarities (such as repetition and pattern) between design by indigenous peoples and modern work as seen in weavings such as rugs, blankets, pottery and baskets.

Then there are the ancient world influences of Egypt, Greece, Rome and others. Tombs found in Egypt have yielded up a wide range of objects which have given us a glimpse into Egyptian daily life. They suggest spaces with only minimal furniture, lively color in wall decorations and woven materials as well as the treatment of columns as strong decorative elements. We see similar architectural elements in Rome and Greece, but two distinct styles, and an distinct evolution of architectural know-how. The ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneum have shown us that ancient cities were not unlike ours - and were most certainly full of 'decor'. All of the ancient civilizations mentioned made use of wall paintings, sculpture - and furnishings accessories of all sorts.

Next, we'll jump to the Middle Ages, where we find early Christian, Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic design influences both in architecture and in design elements. From there history takes us into the Renaissance and Rococo - rich with its Italian, European, French and English influences. Neoclassicism gave us Empire and Regency styles.

The North American age was first influenced by Colonial, Federal and Gothic revival design. And who doesn’t love the Victorian Era with it’s Arts and Crafts, Shaker and Adirondack themes.

At the Turn of the Century we were steeped in Art Nouveau and in the Twentieth Century we were blessed with Eclecticism, Frank Lloyd Wright, De Stijl, Art Deco, Post-Modernism and Hi-tech.

As history is still writing itself, we are excited to see how Twenty-First Century interior design will play out as it is continually being influenced by the past, present and future.

Color Theory and Design Part II

2010-09-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! In part I of our series on color theory, we touched on the difference between primary, secondary, tertiary and complimentary colors on the color wheel, as well as blending/mixing colors, parent colors and simultaneous contrast.

This time we will expound a little more on each of these subtopics.

Now that you’re familiar with the color wheel, let’s look at the concept of warm vs. cool colors.

Looking at the color wheel, we see that the circle is divided into two families of color that make strongly different impressions. On the left side, red, orange and yellow are referred to as warm colors and green, blue and violet are cool.

Are you beginning to mentally associate between the colors themselves and the temperature sensations of hot and cold? Good. What you’ll notice while standing in a room of warm colors is that they actually seem to raise the apparent room temperature, making spaces feel cozy and pleasant indoors in winter, while cool colors provide relief on a hot day or in a warm climate. A complimentary pair is always made up of one warm and one cool color. Therefore, before deciding on a color, take into account the size of the room, the amount of light or where it is directed.

The Effects Of Color

When the primary colors - red, yellow and blue are used together, they create a very vibrant effect, resulting in striking contrasts. Together they are very successful in small space interior design because they revitalize and rejoice.

The cool colors - blue, green or violet produce a sense of calm and quiet, and like white, creates a distancing effect, making them also ideal for smaller, narrower rooms. However, be careful not to use them alone as they can be cold and impersonal as well.

Warm tones - the range from yellow to red, are vital and happy, and give the impression of “near” space, and therefore work best in large environments.

Now that you understand how groups of colors work together to create certain effects, let’s look at a phenomenon in color theory that is very important to be aware of so as not to create blurred vision or as we jokingly mentioned in part I – cardiac arrest.

Simultaneous contrast refers to how two colors, side by side, interact with one another and change our perception accordingly. Since we rarely see colors in isolation, simultaneous contrast affects our perception of the color that we see.

For example, red and blue boxes are modified where they border each other: the blue appears green and the red, orange. The real colors are not altered; only our perception of them changes.

Since our sensation is most intense where two extremes are juxtaposed, we should be careful when using simultaneous contrast in interior design.

Artists like Van Gogh purposely used simultaneous contrast in their paintings to create a jarring unpleasant sensation for the viewer. If this is not your goal (and we hope it’s NOT your goal in your interior design!), we encourage you to be aware of color mixing that causes simultaneous contrast.

If your goal is to create intense emotion in small doses then it may help to know that simultaneous contrast is most intense when the two colors are complementary colors. Mummy cases of ancient Egypt inlaid with gold and blue lapis are a good example of this, and traditional holiday colors of green and red are too.

Whatever your interior design goals are for your space, at J Douglas Designs, we have the expertise to guide you through color theory to help you select the best furniture and home accessories for your interior spaces.

Dining In For The Holidays

2010-09-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

The holidays are just around the corner: family time together, cooking, eating and celebrating a special time of the year. For Americans - gathering for great food, family & fellowship is a tradition for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas - and other holidays during the Fall months each year. And certainly, most meals are a social event for most families in these United States - holiday or not. So the design of the dining area is very important to create the atmosphere of sharing, comfort and feeling at 'home' that most associate with the tradition of eating together.

Before you plan and begin your dining room interior design, it's important to consider some aspects of your space: lighting, and focal points.

The lighting in a dining or eating area is paramount.

Guests might want to see what they're eating (No way!) or maybe it's a romantic and exclusive dinner for two - where mood rules the atmosphere. Functionality and flexibility is the key when it comes to dining room lighting. Opt for a fancy dimmer switch and lighting arrangement to fit the mood of your event.

It's also important to explore natural lighting and windows in your space before placing the actual fixtures. If you have great natural light from a large window on one side of the room, then obviously the other side of the room might be able to use a lamp or light source. Before you place - check your space!

Which brings us to focal points in your dining space.

And one more word on lighting - because it's related to both lighting AND focal points: most interior design plans for dining spaces include a strong light source directly over the table. This is a great opportunity to create a focal point, with both drama and style.

On other focal elements - do you perhaps have an architectural element such as a fireplace, or dramatic window, or a recessed ceiling in your dining room? If so - design opportunity is knocking. Play these up, embellish them and feature them in your design. If you don't have these assets to your space, then add them with your lighting, fixtures and artwork. The dining room is a very popular place for art.

Furniture = Function.

One thing is certain - American's don't gather and eat together STANDING UP. You must have a place to sit and serve.

Choosing a dining room table should first follow your initial style and taste for the room overall - with regard to style and design, but size and placement obviously plays a large role as well. Depending on the size of the space, your table should allow ample room for passage (even with chairs in use - so allow some extra space), and some negative space as well to avoid an overdone, cluttered look.

You want your dining room to be 'comfortable', 'tight and cozy' and 'aesthetic' - but you have to allow for your guests and yourself to MOVE around in the space as well. If you're unsure of what will work best in your space - you can always call J. Douglas Design for an in-home interior design consultation, or visit our Dallas furniture showroom.

For a smaller and more square dining room - a round table shape and of proper scale works great. For longer, oblong spaces, the traditional rectangular dining room table works well. With both options, there would be easy access to and from and around the table and seating.

Dining room designs are a favorite of J. Douglas Designs. Here's some design tips from us to you - to make ALL your in-home dining experiences a tradition to endure:

• Create an extra special pizazz and sparkle by including mirrors, mirrored accessories and glass elements. The shine, sparkle and crystal-clear reflections will add a subtle, special effect.

• Plan your table place settings, centerpiece and other accessories to really accent your design and add color, texture and shape. Adding these accessories will help the room not seem 'overwhelmed' by the large dining room table, but rather - accent it's presence.

Furniture Design Spotlight – Christopher Guy Furnishings

2010-09-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

Often referred to as “Creators of the World’s Most Fabulous Furnishings” by its peers, Christopher Guy furniture sports timeless & traditional and contemporary beauty, creating a distinctive look for any interior space.

The manufacturing and design operations (a one-million square foot workshop) are housed in a state-of-the-art facility and led by award-winning designer Christopher Guy Harrison - this line of furniture and accessories collections focuses on exceptional quality and unique, timeless designs - using tried and true methods of creation and finishing techniques.

At J. Douglas Design, we love the Christopher Guy furniture collections and are proud to carry their line of fine furnishings in our exclusive Dallas furniture showroom. Christopher Guy collections have graced the world’s finest residences, resorts, and even movie sets including 007 – Tomorrow Never Dies, The Mummy, and Oceans 13.

If Christopher Guy home furnishings are fabulous enough for MGM and Warner Brothers, we’re confident you will be proud to showcase their distinguished look in your home or business - and it's why we feature their furniture and furnishings as a part of many of our interior designs.

Got Style?

2010-08-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

A style, or theme, is a consistent idea used throughout a room or space to create a feeling of 'completeness'. Have you discovered your favorite design styles? Most people choose their interior design style for very personal reasons - for a lot of people it is simply a matter of taste. A designer develops a home architecture and interior design for a customer that has a style and theme that the prospective owner likes and mentally connects to.

Some themes often follow period styles. Examples of this are Louis XV, Victorian, Feng Shui, International, Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist, English Georgian, Art Deco, and many more. The evolution of interior decoration themes has now grown to include themes not necessarily consistent with a specific period style allowing the mixing of pieces from different periods.

Each element should contribute to form, function, or both and maintain a consistent standard of quality and combine to create the desired design.

Maybe you are inspired by your travels. A summer holiday to Tuscany? Backpacking in Asia? A trip to France? A relaxing week on a tropical beach? These are all good interior design themes to choose from, as your room will always remind you of your wonderful memories and make you feel happy and relaxed when you are in it.

Whether you have a favorite design style or two in mind or working with a blank slate, J. Douglas Design is here to help you implement the perfect theme and make sure that you’ve got style!

The Art of Working with an Interior Designer

2010-08-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Working with a interior design professional can be both exciting and intimidating. However, doing so can give your home continuity, function, and beauty without going over your budget.

Designers can save you money in many situations by allocating resources wisely, choosing durable, high quality furniture, eliminating decorating mistakes, and increasing creativity on your project.

Eliminate the fear factor and create a good experience by taking a few steps to prepare in advance:

1: Decide on a budget.

2: Collect color swatches you like.

3: Make your own project design file with pictures to illustrate what you like and what you don't like.

4: Think about the furniture pieces you hope to keep.

5: Be inspired!

For inspiration, visit model homes and stand in the rooms asking yourself questions like:

-How does this room make me feel?

-Are the colors too light or too dark for me?

-Is it too formal, or not formal enough?

-Do I like white carpeting, or would I rather have something darker and more anchored?

-Is that striped wallpaper crisp or just annoying? (likely the latter?)

-Is the furniture warm, dark, white, or colored?

- What do I like (or dislike) about it?

Other sources of inspiration include museums, auctions, antique stores and television design shows.

Next, communicate well and describe your vision. Listen. Talk. Listen. The more information you can give to your designer the better.

Doing your homework and teaming with a good interior designer can turn your interior into a beautiful, functional living space with a creative and unique flair - without cost of unnecessary mistakes.

Featured Line - Fine Art Lamps

2010-08-07T07:18:00.001-07:00

At J. Douglas Design - lighting is a huge part of ALL of our designs, as are the lamps and fixtures that deliver it. No design is complete without considering first the important aspect of lighting - and how best to layer in beautiful and timeless accessories that efficiently double as lighting. Think of a simple lamp, that doubles as a piece of art. Their name says it all - with Fine Art Lamps - we are able to achieve this mix.

At J. Douglas Design, we only hand select the finest pieces of furniture and accessories from the best-known lines for our interior design. And we're pleased to have worked with Fine Art Lamps for many years, bringing quality lighting to our clients - while also accessorizing with the 'fine art' of their pieces.

Lighting is an age-old necessity, from ancient flames in cave to Medieval oil lamps, to modern methods of lighting a space, the world has needed light - from the beginning of time. Man has found ways to light the way, and Fine Art Lamps has found a way to stylishly, beautifully, and well - artfully shed light on the topic.

Max Blumberg owned a glass factory in the late 19th century. His son, Jack, founded Fine Art Lamps in the early 40's. (1941) From the beginning - his goal was to employ only the finest craftsmen and artisans from all over the world, inspired by the fine crafts of ancient and Renaissance Italy, to produce top quality lighting - with unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship. It's no wonder that Fine Art Lamps has been a design leader in the lighting and interior design industry from the very start - they have always had the very best craftsmen, used the finest metal, glass and unique materials and offered a huge selection of style - and the most agile and unique designs. In 1965, Jack's son, Max has continued the quality and craftsmanship that Fine Art Lamps created and maintained for the family business.

Their commitment to providing only the best continues to this day in a state of the art facility in Miami. The continued quality and effort on behalf of this family-owned business has won Fine Art Lamps numerous honors and awards, such as the ARTS® Manufacturer of the Year Award (and they've done this 8 TIMES!) and induction into the ARTS® Hall of Fame.

Whether your interior design calls for an extravagant Italian-inspired metal-leaf flush mount design, or a hip and urban modern style chandelier with Asian inspiration - J. Douglas Design turns to Fine Art Lamps to complete the project. Fina Art Lamps has all styles - inspired from all over the world and every era of time to meet the interior design needs of the distinctive J. Douglas Design client.

And why not be efficient in efforts to style and design your space? You have to have light - so why not add a true piece of art at the same time? They picked the perfect name for what they do - FINE ART LAMPS.

Color Theory and Interior Design - Part I

2010-08-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

In any visual art, including interior design - color theory is a very important set of concepts that rule how the hues of a finished work impact the overall outcome of the project. Sometimes, it's also about mixing colors.

For a painter, it's very important to be so familiar with color that you know exactly what colors to mix together and how much of each color - to the colors you see in real life.

Auguste Renoir was known as one of the greatest of the French Impressionists, and for very good reason. Like the other painters of his genre and period - he rarely used black or white, rather used a never ending array of more obscure color.

He was able to model his subjects in light and shade with only the colors of his paint. Mixing and using dark, deep blues and browns instead of solid black, and simple tints of cream and other pastels instead of stark white - he, and the other Impressionists became the masters of light and shade - and 'Painters of Life'. They painted what they saw, and they knew how to open their eyes to see the world around them, and apply the simple rules of color theory to mix the colors they saw.

Certainly, when we speak of interior design, we are most definitely speaking of a visual art. Over the course of the next few months, we'll chat about some basic rules of color theory that effect the outcome of the design of an interior space, and explain why and how it applies.

Color theory doesn't just end with knowing how to mix paint like Renoir and other painters throughout history.

For an interior des igner, it means knowing how to use color - to enhance the light, the shade, the mood and energy of a space. It's simply knowing how to COMBINE the colors in an area without invoking a heart attack or blurred vision.

(I promise this can happen when you mix the wrong colors! Well, ok, maybe I am being a little dramatic - maybe it won't cause full-blown cardiac arrest - but one part of color theory - simultaneous contrast - which we'll go into more detail later - can definitely blur one's vision, and is the source of many graphic/visual illusions - and must be dealt with carefully with regard to the visual art of interior design. Check out the link above for some color fun.)

So as we start on our journey to learn more about color, we should start with the basic color wheel.

Notice there is no black or white. This is because - all color - is actually light. This is why it's called a 'spectrum' of color, because it's the color of the light along the spectrum that actually allows the eye to see color.

So - from now on, when someone tells you their favorite color is 'white' - you can retort with, "hmmm.... that's funny - because white is not actually a color - it's presence of ALL light." - and likewise, if they say "black" is their hue of choice, you can say, "But black is not a hue at all! It's absence of ALL light!". It's true! Black occurs when there is NO light, and white occurs when there is ALL light. The colors in between are the 'spectrum' of light in between.

Think of a rainbow, there's no black or white on a rainbow. It's simply because there IS light, but not ALL light. You're seeing the spectrum in the middle.

The other parts of the color wheel you learned in kindergarten, but might have forgotten. You've got your PRIMARY colors (yellow, red, and blue) - these are the 'parents' of ALL colors. (Yes, even colors have families, parents and children! We'll get into parent colors and how to see them later on.) From yellow, red and blue come the SECONDARY colors: orange, green and violet. When you take the primary colors, and mix them with the secondary colors - it breaks the wheel down even further with TERTIARY colors such as red-orange, blue-green, yellow-green and so on. They can be broken down even more, into millions of hues.

Colors exactly OPPOSITE each other on the color wheel are called COMPLIMENTARY colors - and when used together in full strength (pure hue) - that's when simultaneous contrast can occur. We'll talk a little more about simultaneous contrast, tints, shades and using colors together in a space next time. This was just a primer on the basics.

So what did we learn? Black and white: NOT colors. Primary colors: they're the super-parents of all color. And Renoir: was one hip Impressionist who knew how to mix some mad paint.

Check back in a few weeks for Color Theory and Interior Design - Part II where we'll go into some more concepts, and start tying in tips and tricks of using color in an interior design.

Furniture Design Spotlight - Maitland-Smith

2010-07-21T17:49:00.001-07:00

The one thing we constantly work hard to do - is maintain a standard of elegance with the furniture lines we carry in our Dallas Furniture Showroom.

If the quality and service is not up to par - J. Douglas Design doesn't carry the line. And top quality, customer-service oriented makers of furniture and accessories are not always easy to come by. You want to do business with a company that has a great track record - and one that will stand behind their products.

One of our longest-standing business relationships is with Maitland-Smith - makers of fine furniture, accent furniture, decorative accessories, and lighting - for over thirty years. We've been selling Dallas furniture and accessories for nearly as long - and Maitland-Smith is certainly one of our most 'tried and true' brands with furniture designs that are consistently elegant and flexible - and unsurpassed quality.

Maitland-Smith pieces have always taken inspiration from seventeenth and eighteenth century antiques. These timeless treasures are not always 'replicated' in whole, but careful attention is taken to ensure that details are just as defined as old-world pieces; giving Maitland-Smith's furniture and accessories an elegant hand-made appeal.

Many of Maitland-Smith's pieces are indeed hand-painted or have hand-placed inlaid woodwork - created by fine artisans from the finest materials found all over the world. The quality and workmanship are unparalleled.

So if you're looking for a traditional or just seriously swanky update to your furniture collection - look no further than Maitland-Smith - makers of fine furniture for over 30 years, and a customer favorite at J. Douglas Design.

Bring on the patterns!

2010-06-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

Pattern is a design element (but not one of the standard elements of design) which is a must for any interior design, and can be easily be accomplished.

While pattern not one of the standard elements of design, it is a part of a very important design principle - repetition. Pattern also can play a key factor in other arenas - texture at times, as well as line, and color - all of which definitely ARE standard elements of design. The only challenge with utilizing pattern in an interior design - is not to overdo it, or mix patterns inappropriately. We'll talk about that later.

Here's some do's and don'ts for implementing pattern into your space - with style.

DO a preliminary check on your colors.

Don't go out and buy patterned pillows because you're 'drawn to them'. Then you'll be stuck trying to design a room around a pillow - and while it's CERTAINLY possible for me to do this if you want me to (I am a very confident interior designer - it only depends on your budget!) - I can tell you as an interior designer - it's not optimal to plan your design around an object. Take objects as inspiration - sure, but try not to base an entire space's design around a cool table runner you found at market. It'll be more expensive for you - trust me.

So - Before you select your pattern, and what/how/where you will use it in your design - keep in mind that a lot will depend on your overall color scheme. Strong solids on walls or furniture, wall hangings, window treatments - would dictate utilizing smaller elements of pattern and perhaps in a lighter value (for monochromatic colors already being used in your design) as well as complimentary hues to your main color. They should always blend nicely and complement your design. If you have strong navy blue walls, for example - you don't want to go get a matching navy curtains with tiny cream colored dots. They'll be lost in the wall color; and you won't be able to see or feel anything from them except MORE NAVY. Rather - you want to accentuate the beautiful DEPTH of your navy walls - so, you might find cream colored curtains with a cool navy toile pattern - to really make the windows pop; and add a nice sense of texture to the space.

DO know when to tone it down.

We're going to talk a moment about mixing patterns, and over-doing patterns. With mixing patterns - just try to remember to keep it SIMPLE+EXTRAVAGANT! Simple - meaning keep it simple. We're talking stripes, dots - a SIMPLE pattern. Couple it with a beautiful, more extravagant pattern such as paisley, damask, or toile - as long as there's not tons of damask + paisley + toile + big ole' stripes - (which could make even young people go into cardiac arrest - be warned) you'll be doing nicely.

Checks and stripes can easily be coupled with florals or other patterns, and are a very simple way to mix patterns to add a bit more interest to the design.

And here's a tip: if you're looking to add pattern, but do not want to overdo it, simply look for a small weaved fabric, GENTLY monochromatic or solid in color - the weave will add a bit of dimension and is a pattern to boot. You'll be killing two birds with one stone - adding dimension and pattern - without adding anything that will distract from your already exquisite design.

On overdoing it - certainly the previously described pattern combination would definitely fall under this category as well - but for example, if you already have pattern on your walls - and pattern on your sofa - then your goal should not be to try and add MORE pattern. It should be to complement the patterns you already have - by toning then down a bit.

So whether you're adding new patterns or complementing the ones you have - think about what your goals are for your design; and layer in the right colors and patterns to bring out the very best in your interior.

Quick Change STYLE

2010-06-22T16:38:00.001-07:00

Summer is upon us (officially!) and Fall is just around the corner. Many remodel or redesign in cooler weather, but sometimes it's easy to feel a little stagnant mid-season with regard to the look and feel of our interior space. A quick decorating change in order to lift our spirits!

There are unlimited QUICK AND EASY design or accessory changes you can make to truly refresh your design or even transform it into something totally different. You don't have to be an interior designer to make a quick change - in fact, it's a great way to spruce up your home between remodels or redesigns.

It's all about the layering of the space - between the base (space, layout, walls, floors) and the necessities (furniture pieces and their arrangement) and accessories (rugs, paintings, etc).

Paint your room! A quick paint job is an inexpensive way to transform the actual perception of a room - you can make an area appear larger, brighten up a windowless space or just change the way it appears by an inexpensive (flat) paint job.

Maybe you need to bring money and luck into your life - rearrange the furniture and choose a color to shift the energy through Feng Shui. The ancients used color for wellness in all areas of their life - and it's amazing what a quick color change in your living areas can do to freshen up a design, or totally transform it.

Certainly, there are wonderful faux finishes you could implement if you're looking to add some 'texture' and 'dimension' to the walls specifically, but we can add texture and dimension to a space in other ways - much more quickly.

Don't have time to paint the whole house or room? Here's a cool idea - paint a mural, or apply a design treatment to the CEILING (as long as you don't have the dreaded popcorn ceiling - which is never fun to try and remove.) - it'll quick-change the entire room in an ultra-hip way.

ACCESSORIZE, ACCESSORIZE, ACCESSORIZE: Add a rug or change out the lamps. Adding a rug is so easy - and you can find a rug that will bring a whole new style to your space.

For example, to add a touch of 'Africa' - opt for a faux Zebra print rug - it will add both pattern and texture to your room in one instant - and a touch of the exotic.

If your home is more traditional - add a more traditional style rug. You'll still gain additional color, pattern and texture to your room.

If you have patterned wallpaper, or patterned furniture - opt for a solid color rug so that the space doesn't get too busy.

Add new pillows to your sofa. Check and update your window treatments (this is a BIG ONE!) You wouldn't believe how many homes keep the same draperies or window treatments for (seems like) centuries. Try to stay with the times on this one - and don't overlook them just because they don't do much!

And accessorize with plants - they're a great way to bring nature INSIDE, and they add color and texture immediately. A well placed plant can truly bring the outdoors in - and brighten up the whole room.

TURN ON THE LIGHTS: Swap out the lamps with something more simple, or more ornate - depending on your goals for the design. Or add some lighting behind your larger pieces - such as a nice stand alone lamp to gently hover over your couch or sofa.

ADD SOME ART: Maybe it's a painting, maybe it's a piece of sculpture or some sort of installation piece; either way - there's tons of great local artists and galleries to choose that perfect piece for your home. Browse our furniture showroom for some beautiful pieces - whatever your design style! We like to think of our showroom as an art gallery - of furniture and home accessories!

There are tons of things you can do to spruce up your home without breaking the bank. Think of it as an in-between refresher to keep your design fresh.

Entertaining Exteriors

2010-06-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Custom designed outdoor living spaces are not just a hit in Texas, they're growing in popularity all over the country.

Exterior design trends over the last few years include outdoor kitchens and eating areas, luxurious sitting areas with fireplaces or fire pits, stand-alone bars and other arrangements, too that are perfect for outdoor entertaining or just enjoying fresh outdoor air.

Patios lined with lush foliage, floored with beautiful tile or durable, hip stained concrete and arranged with weather-safe furniture and accessories are being enjoyed coast-to-coast.

Certainly, a custom designed exterior space means increased home value for any residence that has an exquisite outdoor space.

Interestingly, there is a trend of large companies providing comfortable, outdoor areas for employees and visitors as well. Businesses are providing a relaxing, outdoor 'oasis' of sorts for meetings, entertaining and recreation.

Common materials used in outdoor furniture include redwood, cedar, teak, plastic, steel and aluminum. It's important to make sure your design includes the best quality furniture, and that it's up to the task of standing up to the weather - wherever you are.

Exterior design in Texas might require a bit of special planning, since Texas is one of the hottest states in the union. Depending on the location of your outdoor space (is it on a rooftop? a third or fourth story? which direction does it face?) you might need to consider the comfort of those enjoying your space with regard to the heat. Perhaps you will want to consider a misting system to cool off those relaxing outdoors. Another thing to consider are shade options: consider custom built awnings or overhead canopies, as well as the possibility of utilizing exterior fabric and curtains to bring a sense of 'breezy style' to your patio, and also to cool your guests.

Stay cool - and enjoy your summer!

Faux Finishes and Traditional Style

2010-06-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

Dallas Interior Designer Douglas Bradford, owner of J. Douglas Design, Inc, was featured in Texas Home and Living for integrating the elegant traditional style the client requested, and artistic touches with faux finishes and upscale accessories.

The client was worried that the color and finish of the walls would be too dark - but allowed Douglas artistic freedom - and it resulted in the perfect fusion of tradition, elegance and artistic flair. See how it all turned out - read the whole article here.

Welcome to our new blog

2010-03-18T08:49:00.001-07:00

We've been working on our new website and will have a new blog to share industry news, exclusive events, interior design tips and MORE. Please check back soon and interact with J. Douglas Design - where Dallas goes for fine furniture and interior design.