Ask the Design Experts

Q. I’ve started to hear about the rough luxe style. What is it?

A. Carol and Ron Trimberger explain that the rough luxe look, first of all, is a timeless decorating style. It’s created when wood furnishings that look worn are paired with beautifully upholstered pieces, for example. It’s the whole idea of mixing the rough and natural with the sophisticated causal to create something altogether new. And the result is a room that is interesting to look at.

And it’s also fun to choose the pieces for a rough luxe style.

Rough luxe is also an ideal look for someone who already has antiques or family heirlooms and wants to mix them with a couple of new pieces.

Door County Interiors & Design features the rough luxe look on the showroom floor. One example is a bedroom in rough luxe style; a creamy colored upholstered headboard is juxtaposed with a worn (but new) gray wood bedside table with a metal top. A stylish upholstered chair with slim dark wood arms is nearby, while a table, made from recycled railroad ties, stands at the foot of the bed.

Q. What are some of the hot colors in 2010?

A. Carol Trimberger and Sue Bryzek, both of Door County Interiors & Design, attended a mid-January seminar in Appleton on the newest color trends in 2010 home design and architecture.

Taupe is expected to be one of the most popular colors this year, Carol said. Sherwin-Williams, which sponsored the ColorMix 2010 seminar, said its “camelback” taupe wall paint color is a best seller.

“Taupe is popular because it can be easily used as a major color on walls or furniture or as an accent such as taupe pillows on a brown leather sofa,” Carol said.

Also key in 2010 are shades of rust, but the hues are fresher and different from past shades of rust. “Color is the single most inexpensive way to affect change in a room. It is immediately gratifying,” Sue said.

“Color is always changing. It never stays the same. I think that is what makes it so interesting,” Carol added.

Other changes are in paint finishes, which go way beyond mat, satin and high gloss choices. There are also suede finishes, metallic finishes and looks that have a pebbled texture to them.

Door County Interiors & Design offers a complimentary design service to help people coordinate colors of paint, countertops, cabinets, lighting, fixtures, flooring, accessories and window treatments.

Q: What is style?

A: Style is a sense of beauty, simplicity, elegance, order and harmony. Style proclaims intelligence and wit. Style is the intersection of how you decorate with who you are.

Q: How do I know what style I am?

A: Interior designers can help you define your style. Your answers to questions and your guided choices help formulate your own style. Each person is unique and our designers strive to find each persons distinctive manner of expression or look.

Q: How do you know what type of window treatments to use?

A: There are many window treatments available. It is important to know if privacy and/or sun are issues. Design professionals are up to date on all the resources available to help you select a treatment that can control these issues as well as enhance the decor of any room.

Q: What is the most common problem people have in decorating their home?

A: When people are decorating their homes they often times have a problem focusing in on their style. Being a global society, we are over exposed to all kinds of cultural influences that create style. Some styles compliment others naturally, and others are not meant to be put together. When using different styles, you must be mindful that it is tastefully done.

Q: Is there a difference between a decorator and a designer?

A: Yes. An interior decorator can help you plan and arrange the colors, furnishings, and decorative scheme of a room. An interior designer is qualified to develop and prepare non-structural interior plans and specifications. Many states now have licensing to qualify interior designers.

Q: Is wallpaper out of style?

A: Wallpaper is definitely not out of style. Today's wall coverings go beyond just paper. Precious metals, grasses, opulent veneers, and exotic bamboo are innovative designs that bring the world of natural beauty to any interior.

Q: When starting from scratch decorating a room, should you match the furniture to the wall color or the other way around?

A: It is easier to start with your upholstery fabrics first. Using today's technology, any paint color you wish can be mixed to compliment the fabric.

Q: Are there "safe" colors that will never go out of style?

A: Yes, there are. Anything neutral; (such as black, white, brown or grey) are always good ground colors. Burgundy, navy blue and forest green are colors that have stood the test of time and are always easy to find. Colors such as orange, purple or teal are trendy and may be be too strong to live with over a longer period of time.

Q: What is the most important thing to remember when decorating your home?

A: Our homes are a reflection of who we are. When you are decorating, allow your personality, and inner beauty to be reflected in your choices. Develop a sense of harmony, peace and identity that flow with your choices.

Q: What does it cost to hire an interior designer?

A: Our interior design services are complimentary when you purchase furniture. To use a designer on a consultant basis, with no purchase is about $75 per hour. The wealth of knowledge designers bring in helping you make wise choices can translate into huge savings when costly mistakes are avoided.

Q: How do I know if I need the services of an interior designer?

A: Interior designers enhance your sense of style. The designer brings together your ideas of comfort, color, shape, value and beauty to create your own style. Designers use multiple resources which allow you to choose and define your own look.

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Any more questions? Please call us at (920) 868-9008!