Hi there! I just started this new blog so I wanted to fill you in on past posts from my Facebook blog. Now you can be up to date with design tips, inspiration, and creative ideas from Sami Wall, Inc. Please enjoy!!
A glimpse into the world of… Jonathan Adler. Known for his “happy chic” look (if you can’t tell), this New-Jersey born bloke began his design career as a potter. He launched his rise to success by selling his whimsical pottery to Barney’s. Adler then opened his first store in Soho and branched out into the furniture, household accessory, and interior design realm… lucky us! Most noted for his needlepoint pillows, designing the Parker Palm Springs Hotel, his quirky pottery, and bold and colourful furniture line, we are happy to gain inspiration from this eccentric and one-of-a-kind guy.
Trying to make a good first impression? Nothing does the trick like a smart front door. This is a great opportunity to be bold with colour because if you get sick of it after a while, switching up the colour is a quick and easy change to make… very non-committal. If you are into a less punchy and more subtle modern door, using an interesting wood, funky door handle or door knocker could do the job in a very tasteful way.
Stairways need to be functional first and foremost, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun and make them a wow-factor in your home. Interesting construction, materials, or finishes can help you transform your stairs into an attention-grabbing feature piece. Just remember to keep with the look of your home to create cohesion. So whether you float them, suspend them, tile them, paint them, curl them, or carpet them, have some fun and please enjoy.
Having trouble choosing a colour scheme for your space? I understand; it can be a bit daunting at times. First things first… I find it’s best to start with one colour that you know you love and want to use. After you know what colour you would like to start with, feel free to use this guide, outlining the six different types of colour schemes, to help you achieve your ideal colour combo. Good luck and may the force be with you.
Sometimes we zig and sometimes we zag. Zigzag patterns have made quite a statement in recent interior design, appearing in high-end, forward-thinking, and lively spaces. From bathroom tiles to area rugs to wallpaper, furniture and accessories, the zigzag pattern has a strong, fun and energetic presence. If you dare to use the mighty zigzag, choose just one element of your room in which to showcase it. Please enjoy.
Shine on you crazy diamond! What’s the best way to shine? With a funky chandelier of course. When choosing a chandelier for above your dining table, take size and shape into account. As a general starting point for size and positioning, the chandelier should take up approximately 50% of your dining table width and be hung about 30” above the table height. If you are struggling with choosing the right chandelier shape for your space, take visual cues from other items/patterns in your room. If you have a square geometric wallpaper print on your feature wall, a square chandelier that mimics these shapes will provide your space with cohesion. Chandeliers are your chance to add a little sparkle… so have fun with it and don’t be afraid to go bold.
Vancouver Special homes, in all their glory, have graced Vancouver neighbourhoods since the 1960s. Historically known as awkward eye-sores, they have become loved in recent years, appreciated for how truly unappealing they are. Some Vancouver Specials have been completely re-invented with new modern facelifts. But this idea is hilarious… local designers, Bob Kronbauer and Jason Sokolowski, constructed a child-sized Vancouver Special for Bob’s two-year old son. Equipped with real concrete kitty cat statues, where one would usually find lions, as well as chalkboard interior walls, and a working drainpipe, this is a true work of art. You can purchase these mini Vancouver Specials at Vancouver Special (how appropriate!).
Look on the bright side my friends. If you’re hesitant to use bold colours in your indoor space, try using them outdoors! Bright colours actually do brighten your mood, releasing serotonin in your brain and making you feel happy. Now, you don’t want your outdoor space to look like a psychedelic trip to Candyland… just pick one, two, or three colours that go well together and make you feel like sunshine.
As far as metallics go, gold is rich, adventurous, vogue, and chic. It looks great as an accent colour, providing a fun touch of bling to any room. Gold can be used to create a retro-chic throwback style such as “Hollywood Regency,” or the fun, retro looks seen in Palm Springs or Palm Beach in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Use gold strategically… an entirely gold room is definitely overdoing it; stick to using gold on a few accessories or one or two major items to make your space look happy, funky, and inviting.
Want to add a splash of culture to your space? Ikat (pronounced ‘ee-KHAT’) is an ancient Indonesian design that has had a major influence on North-American fashion and interior design over the past few years. Ikat patterns can add a vibrant and exotic element to your interior. If you want to create a bold, elegant and eclectic piece of furniture, apply an ikat fabric to a traditional sofa or chair that is not typically associated with the look. Enjoy adding some eye-catching ikat to your life.
This moodboard is for your enjoyment and inspiration. The look I am featuring is what I like to call “rustic chic.” Achieve this rustic look by adding elements of country style to your space such as raw wood, antlers, animal hide, wrought iron, fur, stone, or any other natural materials. To then make your space more “chic,” pair these items with a hint of glamour… a gold and glass coffee table, velvet throw pillows, or a button-tufted ottoman.
This week we are featuring the beauty of feature walls! A feature wall attracts your attention when you walk into a room and provides the space with emphasis. It’s a great way to make a statement and set a tone without overwhelming the viewer. You can create a feature wall by using art, paint, wallpaper, drapery, or a change of material such as tile, wood, concrete, or stone.
These special ottomans (now commonly called poufs) have become the ultimate "floater" piece of furniture. They offer versatility as they can transform from a coffee table to a footstool to additional seating, all within the same space. Pus, they provide a great opportunity to add colour, pattern, or texture to your room.
