The entrance to a home sets the tone for your home. This is usually the first thing guest experience when they come over. Make it a strong and lasting first impression. Read along and find out what makes an entrance way a success.

Aesthetics and accessibility should be used hand in hand. Make sure the outside of your door and entry way are clean, tidy and pleasing to the eye. Keep this area clutter free if possible. If there are steps, make sure they are free from obstruction. Getting to the front door should be safe and easy. Keep paint or stain maintained. Install good lighting so others can see well at night. Make an effort to provide an entrance that is easily accessed and approachable.

Door bells and door knockers should be easily visible. These items need to be able to be heard as well. If you have a larger house, install a door bell with a pleasing ring that can be heard throughout the home. Take into consideration the actual noise that the bell creates. Short and sweet bells or rings are optimal. You and your family will be hearing this noise day to day; its best to keep the sound simple. If your home is smaller, you may want a loud door knocker.

Hardware should work with ease. Door knobs are better hardware for interior doors. Knobs can be tricky if you have your hands full. Door handles work better in this location. They provide a certain entrance look and can be easily accessible.

Plants placed near a home’s entrance bestow a welcoming feel, simply by adding life to the entry. Hanging plants or window boxes on either side of the door create symmetry and give life. Small trees and topiaries can extend the entrance leading up to the door if your space feels small and cramped. Just make sure all plants are not in the way. Make sure hanging plants do not run the risk of hitting guest in the head. Leave ample room to walk and keep plants out of the egress area.

  It’s hard to explain your style when you don’t have the vocabulary to properly identify it to others when asking for advice. This article helps to explain exactly what a few of these styles are, and what makes them each unique. It may just come in handy when remodeling or shopping for furniture to help explain what you are looking for when you ask an associate or designer. 

The foremost identifier for urban chic is a contemporary design. You will want to make sure that all of the lines in your space are clean and crisp. It will have an air of modern sophistication, employing black, white and otherwise neutral color palettes. Furniture and living room accessories such as lamps will be made of sleek materials using metal accents or perhaps glass. Combining these elements will create an urban chic environment.

Perhaps instead you prefer a more rustic look. Our Rustic Reflections design aesthetic is focused on natural materials. It’s all about bringing the wilderness into your home. If this speaks to you, you’ll want to be sure to use lots of natural stone, wood and colors you would might come across in the great outdoors. This look is great for someone who wants to feel at home but only seems to feel that way when they are on a hike or exploring outside. 

 There is another natural look but it is completely different from it’s woodsy counterpart—that would be Seaside Simplicity. This design concept would bring the beach to your house, and is guided by the colors of the beachfront and sea. You’ll want to think light and airy, and use natural elements in key places. Beach houses are casual places but to keep it from getting too informal you’ll want to also evoke a sense of refinement—it should feel casual but look refined. 

These are just a few of our design inspiration concepts.  Check back soon more in this series but in the meantime go to our website and check out the pictures and design inspiration yourself!  Feel free to stop by Dolphin Carpet any time if you have questions.

An eclectic style interior looks so easy, yet intriguing. It keeps the mind guessing while making the body feel comfortable within the environment. Many people desire to create an eclectic look, but fail because the look turns out messy and cluttered. This look can be easy to pull off by keeping a few ideas and concepts in mind.

Mesh proportions together using different styles of furnishings. Furniture and accessories carry a certain weight within a room. Meshing proportions means to group like sized items. Size is the common interest both pieces have in common, therefore allowing them go together.

Coordinate art and textiles within the space. By doing so the items become the color palette of the home. This style allows you freedom to display your collections. Anything vintage will fit in to this category: books, records, jars, boxes, plants – the list goes on and on. For example if you collect crystal perfume bottles, display them. If you only display the best, the clutter cannot take over and destroy the look you are working towards.

Textures play a major role when creating an eclectic decorating style. Textiles provide the softness that make guest feel at home while Items of various textures add interest to a space. Add texture by finding unique textures in different flooring, furniture and fabrics.

Most importantly remember to group furnishings together by combining likeness in weight. Don’t pair an oversize chair with a small, dainty accent table. The two items would look off balance sitting next to one another. If you have a chunky item, pair it with another chunky piece.

When designing eclectically, remember less is more. When in doubt take it out! If you have any questions about the best flooring to use for your space, please feel free to contact Dolphin Carpet or visit one of our showrooms.

Part 1 – Color and Walls

Some personality types thrive in spaces that are dramatic, decadent, and trasportive. If you’re idea of a dream space demands these qualities grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this three-part series about ways to create dynamic dram in your room or home!

Don’t be afraid of the dark

If you would like add drama to a room an easy way to start is by using dark colors. Create atmosphere with colors such as crimson, deep violet, royal blue, chocolate brown, and, of course, black. Avoid using them as accent colors, and instead use them liberally to achieve the effect. Mix and match dark hues as well. Try crimson and chocolate brown, or black and royal blue. Yes, you can paint walls black by the way! It’s just a matter of handling it properly. High sheen paints don’t translate well to black walls, but a flat, matte black paint can make walls look positively chic!

Let the walls close in

A feeling of open space isn’t necessarily a priority with dramatic décor. It’s about creating a space that transports you and in this case a slightly ‘closed-in’ feeling is ideal. To that effect, try to achieve drama in a room with wallpaper or floor designs. Search for intricate, embellished designs with unique textures. A good word to think on while sifting through possibilities is ‘decadent.’ Beautiful designer wallpapers ooze decadence. Again, search for mid to dark tone colors and don’t be shy about using something bold like raspberry red. Consider metallic finishes as well.

What could make a bigger statement on the walls than gold sheen wallpaper or a dramatic floor pattern? If you’re artistically inclined another fabulous option is to hand paint the walls with an elaborate design. You can find a marvelous set of options for painting tools designed for home interiors. With a little research and, well, a lot of time, the room could be transformed into an iteration of drama that comes straight from your creative mind. Like the idea but not sure you can pull it off? Practice on a large board, and then give it a try. Little is lost if you don’t like it because you can simply paint over it. You can also utilize online tools to visualize the space such as our Virtual Room Designer.

Next read  Part 2 – Ceilings and Scale

How to use color to convey in interior design

We are wrapping up our series on the psychology of color with this post about natural colors. In Parts 1-3 we discussed dark, light, and bold colors. Our feature series wouldn’t be complete of course without hues that remind us of Mother Nature. To review, we’ve been chatting about the ways that color affects the way people experience a space.

It is not imperative that you give this consideration when deciding how to decorate. But, if you want to create a space that has the wow-factor you experience when you enter a room designed by an interior designer, considering color psychology is highly recommended. Especially if you love natural color because you can create an exquisite space that feels grounded and lovely, but also invigorating! Enjoy!

Chartreuse – artsy, bold, trendy

Coral – life force, energizing

Dusty Pink – soft, subtle, cozy, dusky, gentle, composed

Earth Brown – earthy, grounded, steady, solid, rooted, wholesome, sheltering, warm, durable, secure, reliable, natural, traditional

Gold – rich, glowing, divine, intuitive, luxurious, opulent, expensive, radiant, valuable, prestigious

Mauve – wistful, sentimental, thoughtful

Neutral Grey – classic, corporate, practical, timeless, quality, quiet, neutral, logical, deliberate, reserved, basic, modest, efficient, dutiful, methodical

Olive Green – military, camouflage, safari, classic

Periwinkle – genial, lively, sprightly, convivial, cordial

Silver – sleek, classy, stylish, modern, cool

Sky Blue – calming, cool, heavenly, constant, faithful, true, dependable, restful, content, tranquil, reassuring, trust, serenity, expansive, open, transcendent

Tan – rugged, outdoor, rustic, woodsy

Tangerine – vital, fruitful, energizing

Taupe – classic, neutral, practical, timeless, quality, basic, organic, inconspicuous, understated, modest

Terra Cotta – earthy, warm, country, wholesome, welcoming, abundance

How to use color to convey in interior design

Now that we’ve discussed both light and dark colors it’s time to step up the excitement and learn how to use bold colors to create a mood in a room! As mentioned in Parts 1 and 2, color has a dramatic effect on space. It influences energy, emotional response, and overall enjoyment. Perhaps you’re already savvy or perhaps this is your first exposure to this method. Either way, our series of guides to the power of specific colors is sure to aid in creating a space that you adore. If your goal is for others to adore it as well then all the better!

An important consideration is to think about the way combining colors changes things. For example, if you use just bright red and bright pink in a room it might feel energetic and festive, but after awhile that could seem like too much. So, try incorporating golden yellow so it also feels comfortable. You can control this even further by minimally using the colors that evoke stronger responses, and liberally using colors that are inherently mellower. 

Blue Purple – contemplative, meditative, spiritual, soul-searching, intuitive, mysterious, enchanting

Bright Red – exciting, energizing, passionate, hot, dynamic, provocative, dramatic, powerful, courageous, assertive, impulsive, adventurous, spontaneous, motivating

Bright Pink – exciting, playful, attention-getting, high energy, wild, tropical, festive, vibrant

Bright Yellow – illuminating, joyful, hot, lively, friendly, luminous, enlightening, energetic, sunshine, innovative, aware, surprising

Ginger – spicy, flavorful, tangy, pungent, exotic

Golden Yellow – nourishing, buttery, tasty, sun, hospitable, comforting

Lavender – romantic, nostalgic, fanciful, light

Lime – fresh, citrusy, youthful, refreshing

Red Purple -thrilling, intense, exciting, dramatic, creative, expressive

Tangerine – vitality, fruitfulness, energizing

Turquoise infinity, compassionate, protective, faithful, water, coolness, sky, gemstone, tropical, oceans

Texture is one of the most overlooked aspects of home decor. DIY decorating gals rule the roost when it comes to following advice about color, furniture arrangement, accessorizing, etc. But, most people don’t give the idea of texture enough consideration. Yet, it is very important! Why? Because texture helps influence mood, comfort, and visual interest. It is often the detail that draws you into a room to inspect it a little more closely. You ask yourself, “Is that faux fur bed throw as soft as it looks?” Or, “Are those granite countertops as smooth and glossy as they seem?” Then you move closer to find out. Texture is a very exciting element of décor because it is so detailed and intriguing. 

There are two approaches to texture. One is to work with elements that have permanence and a lasting impact on the room. For example, wood floors, stone tiles, and wallpaper. If you own your home and you have the autonomy to go big, we recommend starting with changes such as these. The second approach is to rely on temporary or intermittent decorative items – things that you can easily remove when it’s time to do so.

If you wish to make large-scale changes, such as new flooring, your next step is to connect with an expert and seek help and design guidance. We are happy to help you start on this path. 

On the other hand, if you want to make small, easy changes, here are a few simple ways to incorporate texture into your design scheme.

• Rugs: Incorporate both small functional rugs and large area rugs.
• Pillows: Don’t just mix colors. Mix fabrics and treatments, such as, tweed, faux fur, sequined, etc.
• Natural sources: An easy and lovely way to enjoy texture – candles and plants!
• Paint: Create depth by working with multiple shades of the same color, rather than a hodge-podge of different colors.
• Wall art: Avoid flat framed items, and try 3D art pieces. For example, box frames that allow space to set thing in them. Rather than hang a framed photo, set it inside a box frame hung on the wall. Same photo, different textural aspect due to depth.
• Lighting: Add small light sources to the room to enhance light and shadow. So, a boutique mini-lamp or a moody sconce.
• Accessories: An obvious suggestion. Use plenty of unique and visually interesting pieces such as vases, decorative balls, and so forth.
• Blankets and throws: The trick here is to be less concerned with function and more concerned with touch. Add more than one. Try a knit blanket, a chenille throw, and a traditional quilt.

Part 1 – Inspiration

Gone are the days when functionality was the rule of thumb for bathroom design. Bathrooms are now one of the top two reasons why people buy a home (the other is the kitchen,) and people are seeking a space that is just as welcoming and comfortable as the rest of the house. This is primarily true of the master bath as it is the bathroom that gets the most extended use.

So, how do you transform your master bathroom from a well designed room into your favorite room in the house? By turning your attention to unusual ideas for personalization! In this six-part series we are going to share some fabulous ideas about how to accomplish the goal. Some of our suggestions are standard fare, but most of these ideas show you how to create a space in ways you’ve never considered. So, grab a cup of coffee and read on to learn how it’s done. The posts are short and to the point so you’ll whiz through all six posts in no time!

Inspiration – People typically think of an office or kitchen as the ideal place to feature inspirational elements. We suggest the bathroom. It’s the place that you both start and end your day. Morning and evening are excellent times to be reminded of your dreams and ambitions. Here are two great ways to incorporate motivation into your bathroom.

Hang wall art that features inspirational quotes and messages. Home design trends brought these pieces to the forefront a few years ago, so it is now easy to find them in mainstream stores. They are typically available in three formats. Framed artwork, canvas with no frame, and adhesive wall stencils. 

You can also hang artwork that represents where you want to be in the next five years. Visualization is an enormously effective way to realize your dreams. Seeing what you want makes you want it more and that makes you work harder. Now, imagine seeing it at least twice every day! Over the course of one year that’s 720 exposures to the desires of your heart. An example of what to feature is a wall hanging of a place where you want to move. Perhaps you feel that your dream life simply isn’t possible unless you live in Colorado. Hang a large print of a gorgeous image of Colorado and get a little further along with you’re your plan each day by seeing it. Another idea is to feature artwork that represents a skill you want to develop. Let’s say you are obsessed with becoming a photographer. Hang a large print that features vintage cameras or an abstract painting of a photographer at work.  

Next read Part 2 – Goals

When choosing color schemes it can be useful to help yourself and use a color wheel to determine what will work best for your home. Don’t overwhelm yourself by choosing too many color schemes in the beginning—this will only end up cluttering your final vision and may cause indecision down the road. Stick to two or three color schemes you truly feel best about, and stick with those as a jumping off point.

There are two different types of color schemes that you will work with when choosing which is best for your space. What space you are decorating will be very important in deciding which of the two color schemes is going to work for which rooms. Of course, if you feel inspired by one and it is not recommended for the room you imagined it in, feel free to explore your creativity and see where your color scheme takes you! You never know when the unexpected will pleasantly surprise you.

The first type of color scheme is the complementary color scheme. Complimentary describes colors that are opposite one another on the color wheel. Color combinations such as blue and orange, purple and yellow or red and green. However, this is only a loose guide—for instance if you choose green and red you do not have to go with the “traditional” hues of green and red.

Play with shades of each color such as lighter green accents mixed with red and pink accents. Or you could use a soft coral orange in tandem with a beautiful iris hue. The key is that they are in the same family, not that they are exactly that shade.

The second type of color scheme is the analogous color scheme. These are colors that sit next to one another on the color wheel. These color schemes tend to feel more muted because they are colors that will match closely with one another, offering a more soothing environment because of the cohesion the analogous colors provide.

Analogous colors bring the room together and don’t make your eye work to understand the color scheme in a complex manner. These colors simply flow to your mind’s eye. This color scheme will work best in rooms where you wish to recharge and rest. Places like bedrooms, family rooms and even kitchens will work well with these types of color schemes.

If you have any questions about your decorating, feel free to ask or browse our website for ideas and inspiration!

Our “Discover Your Style” application is a great way to narrow down your tastes if you aren’t quite sure what look you are most fond of. The best way to use this tool is to be absolutely honest with yourself. If you can’t decide between two that you like the look of you probably still saw one and liked it on first instinct. Stick with this choice because there will be 10 questions that together give you a better idea of your design style.

Remember to have fun while making your choices and no answer is a wrong answer. You may find you have a more modern taste for your living room but when choosing your bedroom you might like something with a little bit more warmth and texture. Once you have answered all ten questions you will be brought to your results page where the tool will break down your style preferences across five types.

Those five types are Urban Chic, Italian Impressions, Rustic Reflections, Seaside Simplicity and Stately Elegance. These five design styles are the most common themes seen in decorating. If you chose any of these styles during the quiz you will be shown a breakdown by percentage of which ones you chose and at what percentage rate each style is representative of your own style.

Additionally, below the “What I Like Results” you will also be given a description of the style you chose the most so that you can get a better understanding of the look you like. It also includes historical information on how this style has evolved and grown over the years so that you can see where it came from and maybe even try and play with different eras of the style as you being to design your space.

Now that you have a better idea of what your style is, take that information and come in to visit us at Dolphin Carpet and Tile so that we can help you make your design dreams a reality! Or you can visit our webpage to browse our inventory. Whatever your design needs, we are here to help.