Beautiful Design Made Simple Summer 2020

Over the last few months, it goes without saying that home has been the common theme for millions of people across the globe. Many of us have spent significantly more time within our four walls than possibly ever before, lending new perspective and a greater appreciation. Life slowed, family became central and, for many, home became the primary place for learning, working, and leisure. As we embark upon a summer that inevitably feels different than summers of years past, our focus on home has not swayed. And with this focus, we’ve taken the opportunity to hone in on family-focused design, being home, and creating spaces to enjoy with the ones we love. Here's a sneak peek at what's in store for you in the new Summer 2020 issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple magazine.

Styles We Love: Outdoor Decor Edition

We're taking a look at two outdoor decor styles that currently have our heart and sharing our favorite pieces to help you achieve the look in your own home. Will you lean more towards the playful look of Bistro Chic or the elevated sophistication of Upscale Al Fresco? 

Upscale Al Fresco: Who said your outdoor space can’t be just as elevated as your home’s interior? From wrought iron to warm woods to metallic touches, this sophisticated style offers striking visual appeal through its varying textures, finishes, and tones. Throw in an outdoor foundation and upscale fire pit and you’ve instantly created an outdoor oasis of your own. Continue reading >>

Pro Tips for Creating a Pet-Friendly Home

Phyllis Lui, Andrea Colman, Sara Bederman, and Eugenia Triandos double as professional designers and pet parents. Backed with first-hand experience and industry expertise, these designers are weighing in with their best design tips for creating pet-friendly spaces in a home.

Flooring is a primary consideration when cohabiting with pets. Most important is the point of entry. Whether it is a back door, front door or garage door, flooring needs to be impervious. We like natural stone, but there are many affordable options today, from ceramic to porcelain tiles. On the main floor, hard-surface floors are most desirable. We like using wire- brushed hardwood floors because they hide potential scratching from the nails but overall wear well and are very forgiving. Continue reading >>

Putting the Fun in Functional

Design by KANDRAC & KOLE INTERIOR DESIGN  Photography by LAUREN RUBINSTEIN

When it came to designing the basement of this Atlanta residence, designers at Kandrac & Kole Interior Design were tasked with creating a casual space that was tasteful and beautiful but not too fussy. Plus, it had to be comfortable and practical for family time and tons of hustle and bustle.Meet the clients: Mom and Dad are doctors who just relocated to Atlanta. Their two young daughters are quite different—one is quiet and loves books and music, and the other is rambunctious and creative. Mom wanted a space for family TV watching and creative time with bright, fun colors and a girly flair. Dad wanted a space where he could play pool and hang out with his buddies. He wanted “his side” to resemble his favorite restaurant, which has a distinct “wine cellar” feel. Continue reading >>

Family-Friendly Flooring

We're diving into three different flooring products that are both beautiful and perfect suited for the active household.

Spending time with family and pets, making memories, and laying sports both inside and outside is common in almost any household. With a variety of games, puzzles, and adventures to experience with your family, there's an endless amount of fun to be had in your home. Craft nights complete with glitter and sequins, homemade slime parties, and even game nights are often some of the most memorable evenings in our spaces. Continue reading >>

Designer Q&A: Color Your World

Interview with PHYLLIS LUI & ALEEM KASSAM  Design by KALU INTERIORS  Photography by PROVOKE STUDIOS

Color is one of the trickiest elements in any space, home, or design. With endless options in a variety of hues, tones, and textures, striking the right balance of color and intensity is the most integral element to any space. If done correctly, you can have a space beautifully accented through the use of color! First and foremost, find the balance. Where will your color be introduced? Typically, we suggest accents: furniture, rugs, pillows, art, and accessories. These are “noncommittal” items that will allow your space to transform through the seasons, trends, and years with you. This means that keeping a neutral palette in your base finishes, such as your floors, walls, and ceilings, will allow for the perfect base and canvas. So why not a white? Also, assessing your light is integral. Whether washed mostly with natural or artificial lighting, light will allow you the opportunity to assess how colors will be perceived. Continue reading >>

Behind the Design: an Emerald Isle-Inspired Home

Written by LAURA UMANSKY  Design by LAURA U DESIGN COLLECTIVE  Photography by KERRY KIRK

Inspired by the colors, sounds, and feelings of the Emerald Isle, there is no shortage of beauty and grace in this truly elegant design. By bringing together a sophisticated color palette that makes everyone feel warm and cozy and a focus on family, this home design is one that shouldn’t be missed.We’re excited to share the full reveal of our clients’ worldly and collected residence. Over the past several weeks, we’ve been detailing the interior design of this family- friendly home, inspired by the colors of Ireland.This new-construction home transports you to another place, a place where nature takes the spotlight. Working with the team at Scott Frasier Homes, our design marries our clients’ cultural roots with their love of travel and sports. Old World elements give the design a distinctly European feel while singular interior design details lend personal touches. Continue reading >>

Whiter & Brighter: The All-White Trend

Written by ANDREA COLMAN  Design by FINE FINISHES DESIGN  Photography by STEPHANI BUCHMAN

Contrary to popular belief, white is anything but basic. White can be expressive, energizing, and exciting. White can make a space feel bigger and brighter than its actual square footage, and in my professional designer experience, these are two characteristics that everyone covets for their own home. Particularly in small spaces but applicable in every home, any chance to create a greater sense of space and light is a golden opportunity.This is why the white-based color palette has been a long-standing trend, and it’s here to stay. This is also great news because it happens to be one of my favorite color choices, despite the fact that it’s not technically a color at all. From living rooms to kitchens and bathrooms, across a vast range of styles and style preferences, here are a few reasons to consider this trend in your home. Continue reading >>

9 Tips for Creating Family-Friendly Spaces

Design by HIBOU DESIGN & CO.  Photography by DREW HADLEY

Keeping your home organized by investing in storage baskets, “catch-all” spaces, and areas where you can place miscellaneous items is one way to create the perfect family- friendly haven where everything has a place. Furniture with hidden storage, such as beds with built-in drawers or ottomans that lift to reveal space inside, are excellent touches to make your home both beautiful and organized.Entryway rooms that feature space for shoes, keys, and mail will allow you to set your things down where they belong, and as an added bonus, you’ll always be able to find them! Think about what you need when you come and go from your home. Choose multifaceted decor pieces that provide you with both a feeling of happiness when you see them, as well as the space you need for your things. Continue reading >>

Explore the entire Summer 2020 Issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple magazine.