Archive for the ‘Ana's Design Tips’ Category

Are you the October Winnner?

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

It’s almost time to pick the new Photo Contest winners!

We had so much fun seeing all the amazing installations you sent us last time! And we can’t wait to pick the 3 new winners! To enter just send us pictures of your installation looking amazing and we will give you money to spend at Design For Less!  (See last quarters winners here)

The rules are simple…

  • All pictures must be original and not previously submitted for a Design For Less promotion.
  • The products in the project photos must have been purchased by the submitter from Design For Less with valid order number.

The prize is attractive…

  • 1st Prize:  $200 Design For Less Gift Certificate
  • 2nd Prize: $100 Design For Less Gift Certificate
  • 3rd Prize:  $50 Design For Less Gift Certificate

Submitting is easy…

  • Email your photo(s) to info@design-4-less.com
  • Include your name, address, and phone number in the email so that we can contact you if you win!

A little hint…
If you remove any extra items from your counters and take the picture during the day when the light is natural, this will get you a picture right out of Home and Garden.  Young House Love has a great how-to on taking beautiful pictures of your house.

If you are done with your remodel and do not think you can use the gift certificate we would love to see your pictures anyways.  It is always a treat seeing the final look of the projects.  You can also pass the discount on to a family member or friend.

Good luck and we look forward to your submissions!

The submission cut off for the October winner is September 30th.  But the contest runs quarterly so keep the installations coming!

See videos of some of our favorite installations.

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Tips For Amazing Wall & Floor Textures by Ana Morales

Friday, July 30th, 2010

There are many ways to add textural interest to any room on both floors and walls. With all the amazing tile finishes now available, the possibilities are endless! Here a a few looks to inspire your next project!

Un-Neutralize the Neutral

Neutrals are undeniably serene and soothing. To avoid looking bland, neutrals require a design imperative for their survival: texture. In this room the contrast between the neutral porcelain and the dark cabinetry offers a touch of sophisticated style and texture without being overbearing. By using the same porcelain in a different pattern behind the vanity, the color scheme remains neutral but great visual texture is achieved.

Limestone Grey Porcelain Installation

The Layered Look

Texture can be added from top to bottom in a room for dramatic effect. The trick to layering is to stick to the same color scheme when combining different finishes. To achieve this effect, mix smooth finishes with patterned finishes to achieve a unique look. In this bathroom the uniting background color is white, but the sage green flower patterned porcelain on the wall adds amazing texture without being overwhelming.

Deco Silk Porcelain Tile Installation

Get Floored

If you’re a fan of hardwood floors, a wood grain that boasts a lot of gorgeous grain, brings instant texture. The variations in the wood’s natural color will add a lot of personality to a neutral room, while providing a stunning foundation to the room’s furnishings.

Block Wenge Porcelain Tile Installation

Textural Walls

Texture lovers will revel in the effect created by installing woven finish porcelain. The woven porcelain finish is  very earthy and natural, and looks amazing on any surface. This is a great product that can be installed on any wall or floor to add textural interest.

Yakarta Wenge Porcealin Tile Installation

Faux Stone Finishes

Bathrooms can be a showcase for texture.  If you are looking for something that will be classic but with a modern twist, consider using one of the many faux stone porcelain options that are available. Using a porcelain that is made to look like natural stone in a neutral tone, brings installations from flat to fabulous. This option will give you that same visual pop, without breaking the bank.

Ferroker Laton Porcelain Installation

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Fireplace Facelift by Ana Morales

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Does your fireplace need a new look?

Today’s options for remodeling ugly, outdated fireplace mantels and surrounds should light your creative fire. One goal of decorating and making a house a home is to create an atmosphere of warmth. Color and texture do their part, but a fireplace is the ultimate addition. Update or change the look of yours and learn options that can give warmth and ambiance without breaking the bank.

A fireplace is the focal point of any room, it always gives the room a sense of style. To make yours stand out, try dressing it up by using a great mantel material. When choosing a material for your fireplace, it is necessary to keep the existing room decor in mind. You want to compliment the style, furniture, cabinetry and even the fabrics in the room. Fortunately there is a wide range of materials including Porcelain, Natural Stone, Mosaics and Stainless Steel that will fit any decor. Mix materials or feature just one, the possibilities are endless.

Here are a few Fireplace Installations from our clients that can serve as inspiration for your project:

Glass Mosaic
When paired with iridescent glass tile, the fireplace appears custom-made.
Glass Mosaic Fireplace

Porcelain
Using porcelain for the fireplace provides a cool / clean look for this contemporary home.

Natural Pebble Tile
The natural pebble tile combined with the warm wood paneling gives this fireplace a very natural and classic look.

Smokey Black Fireplace

Stainless Steel
Make a cool, contemporary and powerful focal point in your room with a stainless finish

Stainless Fireplace

Updating a fireplace in your home can also increase its value. Unique fireplaces are a great selling point, they really set your home apart from the others.  It’s really a Win – Win situation, you get to look at something beautiful everyday and it increases your property value. So go ahead, get creative and give your fireplace the new look its been begging you for.

**Special shout out to Design 4 Less client Blake Gomez of Bellevue, WA. His home remodel project inspired my blog today.

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4 Spring Color Schemes For Your Kitchen by Ana Morales

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Spring is the perfect time to give your kitchen a fresh look. From serene classic shades to vivid contemporary hues, I have selected 4 color schemes you’ll want to try this season.

Classic Meets Chic

Black and white will always remain a favorite pairing. They are both sophisticated and dramatic and they compliment any decor.  In this kitchen the black and white  glass mosaic backsplash highlights the dark wood cabinetry with sleek stainless-steel appliances and a crisp white quartz countertop. Giving this kitchen a very classic meets chic look.

Contempo Spa Blend Glass Mosaic Backsplash.

Warm Comfort

In this installation we have chosen a black polished pebble as the backsplash, which brings a natural element into the design. The black pebble backsplash ideally compliments the neutral black / tan granite countertop and the warm wood cabinetry.  The result is a warm and inviting, yet still contemporary space.

Vivid Black Polished Pebble Tile Backsplash.

Bright and Clean

Bright hues are an ideal way to add life to a neutral kitchen. In this installation we have selected a light blue subway tile as the backsplash to contrast the crisp white cabinetry and complement the gray quartz countertop. The result is a very bright and fresh space.

3" x 6" Ocean Grey Subway Glass Tile Backsplash.

Energizing Appeal

Jewel tones, like the ones in this backsplash, really pop when paired with dark cabinetry. By combining dark wood and white cabinetry with a neutral beige quartz contertop, the backsplash colors are further enhanced.  The result is a very fun and contemporary space.

Henna Fusion 12" x 12" Glass Mosaic Backsplash.

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“Restaurant quality kitchen, without breaking the bank!” by Ana Morales

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

If you want a restaurant-quality kitchen without breaking the bank, here are a few designer tips. Professional-grade appliances,  a low-maintenance floor and back splash make creating your dream kitchen a cinch. A big factor in your design are the materials you use, tile is an easy way to make any space unique. I have attached a few images of a color palette that I feel is perfect for achieving this look. The palette is refined, contemporary and clean. This palette is a combination of glass, stainless steel and porcelain.  Combining these different textures will help you create an amazing installation. The crisp white glass in combination with the cool stainless steel and patterned porcelain really help set a hip restaurant vibe in your kitchen. I love the idea of  the subtle checkered pattern on the porcelain for the kitchen floor. The pattern is a great way of combining the different gray and white tones you will be using in the other materials, it adds visual interest without being overwhelming.  The glass & stainless tiles are a perfect choice for your back splash area, get creative with the combination of these materials.  I have attached a few images of a kitchen project that served as the inspiration for this color palette.  I love what was done with the stainless steel tile above the stove area. So go ahead, get creative and give your kitchen new life!

Color Palette: Blanco Glass Subway Tile, Stainless Steel Tile, Contempo Graphite Porcelain.

Amazing back splash achieved by combining Blanco Subway Tile & Stainless Steel Tile.

The large 12" x 24" Porcelain Tiles are a great way of bringing all the colors together and they are low maintenance!

Restaurant quality kitchen in the comfort of your own home!

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Ana Morales, Interior Designer at Design 4 Less

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

My name is Ana Morales and I am the in house Interior Designer for Design 4 Less. I am very excited to be part of the new Design 4 Less blog! I will be posting weekly blogs that will include design tips, new product findings and unique product combinations to help you create your dream space. Please feel free to contact me directly at ana@design-4-less.com if you need any help with your project. Interior Design is my life and I’m here to share my passion with you!

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“Creating the perfect Spa in your own home” by Ana Morales

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

There’s no better way to wash away stress than walking into a Spa bathroom where you can easily put your mind at ease. Looking to re create a unique spa experience in your own home without breaking the bank? There are many ways to bring a soothing feeling into your bathroom without spending a fortune. A big factor in your design are the materials you use, tile is an easy way to make any space unique. I have attached a few images of a color palette that I feel is perfect for achieving this look. The palette is relaxed, comfortable and soothing. This palette is a combination of natural stone, glass and porcelain, by combining these different textures you are sure to create an amazing installation. The soft greens in combination with the natural tans and whites really help set a serene vibe. I love the idea of using a pebble tile on the bottom of a shower, it’s a great way to introduce a natural element into the design. The soft green glass tile used in the shower walls gives a pop of color while the neutral white porcelain is a great way of bringing all the colors together and neutralizing the look.  So go ahead, treat yourself to your own personal spa in the comfort of your own home.

Color Palette, great mix of materials! Soothing & Relaxing colors….

Pebble Tile on shower pan to give your feet a massaging feeling….Looks great in combination with the clean glass subway walls.

Great combination of glass & stone for backsplash….

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