Dabbieri Blog

{ Why Choose Wool Floor Coverings? }

At our last co-sponsored designer event on sustainable design, I spoke on the pros of choosing carpeting created from natural materials – mainly wool.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge proponent for green design. I won’t get into the specifics of all that now, but if you have any questions on sustainable, green or natural interior design – ask me. It’s one of my favorite subjects.

Why do I love wool carpeting so much? Why wool?

• Wool is natural, renewable and sustainable.
• Wool improves indoor air-quality by removing pollutants and toxins from the air.
• Wool naturally regulates indoor humidity by releasing moisture into dry air and removing moisture from humid environments.
• Wool has the exceptional ability to withstand prolonged wear and tear.

Let me know what you think. Again, if you have any questions on sustainable, green or natural interior design – just ask!

{ Can you create a calming interior & still be bold? }

That's the question of the day. The answer: Absolutely.

Color is key. Try pairing your neutrals with a dash of vibrant color. Add a touch of richness using textured floor coverings, fabrics and wallpapers. Try switching out your neutrals for varying shades of gray. Gray can also provide an appealing canvas for other colors to take flight.

For calm with whimsy.
Try adding blue and blue-green accents such as a robin’s egg blue and Atlantic teal; or add warm, subtle hues such as apricot, salmon or sweet potato. All of the above can add spark to neutral palettes.

For calm with intensity.
Try adding vibrant oranges, maroons or browns such as an orange ginger, Merlot or deep chocolate. You could also pair soothing greens with varying shades of yellow creating like sour apple, kiwi or lime.

These are my thoughts. I'm interested to know what you think...

{ Interior Design 101: Tips For Designing Your Space }

Time to redesign! Call me crazy, but redesigning a room is one of my most favorite things to do. If you’re wanting to redesign a space, but don’t know where to start, I’ve listed some quick and simple tips below…

What’s the size of the space?
If you’re extremely tempted to purchase that gorgeous, plush, over sized, paprika colored couch, you might want to think twice if the space is 80 square feet.

Consider your own personal style.
Some opt for different styles in every room; some carry the same theme throughout every room. It’s your choice, but think about what you like.

Determine a space’s own natural key focal point(s).
You can use these points to draw the eye towards beautiful color accents - like that abstract lime green vase you’ve always loved.

What’s the space’s purpose?
Relaxing? Reading? Yoga? Work? The room’s decided purpose can make a difference in choosing lighting, furniture and floor covering.

Determine the space’s natural traffic patterns.
For instance - wood beams, stain glass windows and fireplaces.

Have some tips of your own you'd like to share, please do by commenting below! If you’re looking for tips on color and textures, check out our What is luxury? post.

{ What is luxury? }

Actually, I should be asking, “What’s luxury to you?” It used to be companies and/or products defined luxury, but now the paradigm has changed. You - not the product – define today’s luxury. I like that!

Today’s luxury still feels rich and decadent, but isn’t necessarily measured by price tags. Now, luxury is not only being defined by the quality of the product, but also by the experiences and sensations it stirs.

Let’s bring it back to home decor - by combining the colors and textures of your most beautiful life moments. You know, the ones that make you smile whenever you think of them.

Once you’ve decided on pairing the vivid ocean blue you viewed from your honeymoon villa on Maui with the silky softness of a dozen Stargazer lilies – you’ll add depth and dimension to any room, creating interiors that exude luxury, warmth and openness.

After you’ve thought a little on your favorite colors and textures - here are a few quick guidelines for combining them:

1. Each color and combination of colors will create a different mood. By pairing lights with darks, adding finishes and special touches such as grains or fabrics, you create a heightened sense of depth and dimension.
2. Try playing up pattern with texture to create focal points that make your room pop. Using neutral or solid backgrounds along with pieces and accessories that have pattern and texture can create additional depth. Tip: Keep the number of patterns to a minimum to avoid making the room appear too busy or cluttered.
3. Flooring can be the main focus in the room, or used as a backdrop to highlight the room’s unique attributes. Choose level carpeting in solid colors to anchor the room, or choose patterned carpets in solids or tone-on-tone styles to create additional interest.
4. Use well-made area rugs to define spaces or use combinations of carpeting, hard surfaces and borders to frame rooms and boundaries.
5. Pairing items of different heights and widths or different pattern heights and widths create additional interest and intrigue.

If you have some beautiful memories you’ve used to evoke a special sensation in your home decor - we’d love for you to share by commenting below!