Think Outside The Mainstream
A small space doesn’t have to feel small. With a few simple changes, you can expand it substantially, until a tiny home feels like a spacious manor. It may not be, but the feeling will impart such an impression on those who visit. Remodels can make sense, and may upgrade property value, but they may not be strictly necessary. Following are five ideas to help you fully maximize the space in your home.
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1. Mirrors, Mirrors Everywhere
Mirrors essentially double the spread of light. If you’ve got a space that’s five feet wide and ten feet long, you can make it feel ten wide and twenty long if you fill it with mirrors. You’ve likely seen this trick at bars. Well certainly, you don’t want to fill your entire home with mirrors; that would be the slightest bit tacky.

However, several well-placed ones in the right corner, or on the right wall, can amplify light and extend the illusion of space to an otherwise compact room. You can put them on the roof, in corners, canted at angles, or surrounded by fine frames which make said mirrors appear almost as though they were pictures. Especially with apartments, mirrors help widen a space.


2. Partitions, Partitions, Partitions
You’ve likely heard of this, or even incorporated this strategy before. Partitions can divvy up a small space, giving you more surface area on which to hang pictures, portraits, or mirrors. There are all manners of partitions out there, some decorative, some basic, and many at differing levels of cost and coverage.

Wicker partitions can be especially handy, cordoning off portions of a room so that a living space can be divvied up into dining and sleeping quarters while still remaining relatively open. You might even design your own partitions.

3. Space-Conscious, Top-Tier Cabinetry
The right kind of cabinets can additionally expand a space, and there are all variety out there. Going the vertical route makes the most sense, but it depends on your space; you may have a corner of the house which benefits from a horizontal array. Whatever fits your needs, there are options for kitchen cabinets in Los Angeles or in Chicago at Studio Armadi (located in Evanston) which may be worth considering.

4. Vertical Storage
Vertical storage may not be consigned to the kitchen. There are vertical washers and dryers where one is stacked atop the other, and that can free up space for storage. Additionally, roof-mounted cabinets in terms of storage are often going to do a good job of helping you store things.

5. Paintings, Portraits, And Adding A Deck
Paintings and portraits, much like mirrors, can expand how large a space feels. So can initiating a deck remodel, though that can be expensive, and may not be in agreement with existing building codes. It all depends on what you have available, and associated costs. Still, a few portraits and a few paintings can really do a number on your living space.

Doing What You Can With What You Have Where You Are
Remodeling can be expensive, but you don’t have to do that to expand how it feels to live in a small space. You can do a lot with a little. Paintings, portraits, and mirrors will really expand a space, and vertical storage is absolutely essential. Additionally, partitions in the right place do much for a home.

Ultimately, how you optimize your home depends on what you prefer, and what resources you have available. But making a small space feel large isn’t as difficult as it may at first seem. It just requires a little careful strategy and application.

Article written by Ashley Lipman.

Antique brass, polished nickel, chrome: the list goes on. What’s a person to do? It can be overwhelming. When it comes to luxury interior design, mixing metals is the it thing, but many of my clients have been asking me how to make it work. Combining metals is a great strategy for a stunning room, as long as you follow some basic guidelines.

Before we start mixing, we need to cover some basics on metal finishes. There are so many to choose from. Where to begin? Let’s start with the most popular silver toned metals: chrome, nickel, and stainless steel. While all are silver, chrome has a blue undertone and nickel a warmer brown one.  Stainless steel goes well with both, but avoid mixing chrome and nickel, as it will appear a near miss. Nickel is more expensive, but chrome can give a great modern shine to contemporary interiors.
 
What’s with all the gold?! Many of us remember the 1980’s and all the brass that came with it. As a designer, I have spent many remodels pulling all of it out. But it's back, and in a new and sophisticated way. Don’t be afraid to embrace this trend. You don’t have to change out every door knob and hinge in your home. In fact, matching everything will make your home look dated. Cabinet hardware or light fixtures are great places to try adding gold tones. Most pulls are standard in size and can be changed out easily if you tire of it, and a light fixture is an easy update for a room. 
 
If bright gold is too brash for you, consider antique brass or bronze. Their rich, subdued colors are stunning and easier to mix with other metals. Rose gold and copper are also hot, but I tend to save this one for the more daring among us, or use it in accent pieces in the room.

Now for those metal mixing guidelines!
 
Choose a Dominant Metal
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One method is to choose a dominant metal that is the most prominent. Once you’ve done this, you can choose one or two accent metals to complete the rest of the look. For example, make a kitchen with stainless steel appliances sparkle by choosing a chandelier or vintage statement piece with wrought iron or brass accents. Your cabinet hardware can pick up the accent metal while your plumbing fixtures can stay a beautiful brushed nickel to keep in pace with your appliances.  Your lights and hardware are the “jewelry” of the room. Let your appliances, faucet, and sink be the basics in stainless.  My rule of thumb is two metals, with one taking a dominant role. A third can be used here and there, but as an accent in small amounts.  

Panel Your Appliances
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Integrating your appliances with cabinet panels takes away the large blocks of metal in your space, allowing you to be more intentional with your other metal finishes in the room.  Many appliance brands, even more affordable ones, are now offering panel ready options.  You may also consider new black appliance finishes that are more subdued and blend well.

Consider Your Color Scheme
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At the end of the day, metal is just another color in your room, so think of it as such.  In general, use warm metals (like copper, nickel, and brass) with warm hues (like ivory, griege, and taupe) and cool metals (such as chrome) with cool hues (such as blue, green, and cool grays). Neutral rooms benefit from metallic accents because they bring color, warmth, and texture. There is nothing like spicing up a gray room with a gorgeous golden mirror. Alternatively, gray and blue cabinets can blend well with stainless appliances, giving you room to use two other metals: for instance black and gold!

​Contemplate Texture

The texture of a metal impacts the way we view it, so keep that in mind when making selections. Sticking with one metal but varying the texture is another way to bring depth and visual interest to a space if mixing metals makes you nervous.
 
Use Natural Iron, Flat Black or Oil-rubbed Bronze As a Neutral
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All are beautiful on their own, bringing a dark accent to your palette. They also allow you to add highlights (warmer metals like gold or brass) and they won’t clash with your other metal tones.  

Mixed Material Items
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Using cabinet pulls with metal and leather, crystal, or acrylic gives a very luxurious feel and allows you to bring in just a touch of gold or brass. These are a great option for some more glam.  Use a black and gold light fixture and then pick one of those metals for your hardware and plumbing.  A mixed metal item can help jumpstart your metal combinations.

 
Live in Chicago or the North Shore?
Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.

​In the early 1990s, white cabinets were taking the luxury kitchen world by storm. Yet, a few years later, suddenly builders were offering darker cabinetry, such as maple and other honey-colored woods. However, fast-forward to the 2010s and here we are again with a major resurgence of white luxury kitchens. This trend is something we can count on: it is absolutely here to stay. Take a peek at some of my favorite personal white kitchen designs!

When it comes to luxury kitchens, choosing the perfect countertop material for your lifestyle is important. While quartz countertops have been a favorite throughout the years, quartzite countertops are making a splash and offering homeowners more options, elegance, and durability. Let’s take a look at quartzite!

What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock.  It’s created when sandstone is subjected to intense pressure and heat caused by tectonic plate compression in the Earth’s crust. The stone is mined and then made into slabs which are later cut to become your luxury countertops! Quartzite countertops are sealed for long-lasting beauty and durability.
 
Natural quartzite tends to be white or gray with hints of brown and black. This pairs beautifully with today’s gray, blue, and modern farmhouse trends – as well as can help you achieve a classic sophisticated look in any kitchen. Natural quartzite has the look of marble. However, it acts like granite in durability and doesn’t scratch or etch the way other natural stones can. It also withstands heat and isn’t endangered if you place hot items atop it. The veining of each stone, which varies from slab to slab, provides some of the most exquisite patterns. Because of this, there will never be two slabs that are the same! This allows your kitchen or bathroom a high-end feel that is customizable and always opulent. With all of these amazing factors, this is an upscale-stone that isn’t matched by any other stone countertop.

Is Quartzite a good investment?
Quartzite can be costly, but the quality and look are unequaled and will last! This investment is absolutely worth it because the longevity alone – not just the beauty – will keep your home shining for years to come.
 
How do you take care of Quartzite?
Natural quartzite's hardness protects it from etching and scratching, but it is important to remember that taking care of luxury items is always important. As a natural stone, it needs sealing to help it resist stains. Beyond that, though, natural quartzite care is both easy and simple.  Make sure to wipe it frequently with a damp cloth and only use mild soaps or stone cleaners. White it is difficult to scratch natural quartzite, avoid abrasives to maintain the brand-new appearance of your countertop.
 
Take a look at some of my favorites from Terazzo & Marble Supply!

I highly recommend this beautiful, long-lasting stone for all of your kitchen and bathroom countertops. I’d love to help you pick out the perfect one for your home. Live your luxury.

Live in Chicago or the North Shore?
Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.
 
Blog written by Kyle Thomas.

The right decorative plumbing and hardware can transform any average room into something truly phenomenal. By jumping on some of the latest technological advances and modern trends, you can improve design, aesthetic, and functionality. Here is a short list of some fabulous additions on the rise!
 
1. Add Larger, Customized Kitchen Sinks and Faucets!
 
By adding in larger, specialized sinks with modern advances like filtered water, cutting boards, dish racks, colanders, and more, you're able to change your lifestyle. For those who love to spend time in the kitchen, this adds functionality to your flow. While sinks used to be smaller, from 30" to 36", modern trends are showing wider and deeper sinks, anywhere from 42" to 68". The larger the sink, the more easily you can prep, entertain, and clean in one space. Also, by making sure you have a specialty faucet, you can have on-demand hot water filters that make preparing veggies, boiling pasta, or making tea very efficient.  Not only are the advancements in size making waves in interior design, but you are able to choose from many different colors, materials, and configurations to match your lifestyle. Give it a peek and see what tickles your fancy.

2. Add Linear Drains and Luxury Showers!
 
They are starting to pop up everywhere: customizable, luxury showers! While shower and tub combinations are often being used for many homeowners' secondary bathrooms, master bathrooms are becoming much more elegant. For those who love showers, they're trimming the tub altogether and choosing larger spaces with multiple faucets. Even more exciting are the additions of steam units, benches, and sound, chroma, and aroma therapy that turn your bathroom into a spa. To capture that upscale look, choose large format tile or stone and a linear drain. Choosing a linear drain helps other things, though, such as helping water drain more efficiently when many shower functions are in use at the same time. Remember: using a linear drain creates a "wow" factor for any shower design. Last, for clients who have mobility issues, having a curbless shower makes entering and exiting the shower much easier, as well as provides a modern aesthetic that people everywhere are falling in love with.
 

3. Add a Smart Toilet!
 
While intelligent toilets and cleansing seats are a hit overseas, North Americans are definitely bringing the exotic back home. Intelligent toilets and cleansing seats use warm-water with pulsating and oscillating sprays as well as dryers and deodorizers to bring a more sanitary bathroom experience. Not only are these designs able to be matched with any decor, they also help the environment by saving on tissue paper. Make sure not to miss this one!
 
While these new trends may feel shocking to some, anyone with an eye for luxury interior design knows these will only become bigger and more visible in coming years. What do you think about these ideas? No matter what, always remember to live your luxury.

Spring is officially here and that means it's time to usher in a whole new energy into your home. No matter the style of your home -- modern and contemporary, classic or vintage -- these simple, inexpensive and fun ideas can bring out your creativity. By adding splashes of color and pattern, you can breathe life into a space, whether it's your living room, bedroom, or dining room. Get out of that winter slump and revive your home with some of these tips and tricks!

1. Add Bright Accent Pillows and Throws

By choosing new accent pillows and throws in fun bright or on-trend colors, you will be able to bring magic into any space. Use crisp fabrics like cotton and put away any heavy fabrics or throws. Spring is here and summer is just around the corner! When it comes to color, you can always consult my other color tips here.

2. Get Rid of Those Winter Rugs

I know we can all get attached to our snuggly winter rugs, but it is time to let those go (at least for awhile!). New rugs should be rolled out that are a reflection of spring: fun, versatile, and beautiful. Spring is all about new life, so usher in a whole new floor feel just beneath your toes! Here's a gorgeous example!

3. Embrace Greenery!

Pantone's "Color of the Year" this year is GREENERY! Didn't see the announcement? Check out my blog on it here! I absolutely love greenery because it brings the life of the outdoors right into your luxury home.

Whatever your personal style is, these tips and tricks can be tailored to your heart's desire. Don't miss out on bringing in a whole new splash of life into your home, because I promise you won't regret it. The year's cycles usher in natural themes, but spring is all about exploration, new beginnings, and above all, beauty. Indulge in it. You'll be glad you did. Live your luxury.

Live in Chicago or the North Shore?
Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.

Blog written by Kyle Thomas.

Across the board, you will find that white kitchens are easily the most popular style throughout interior design. This is because white kitchens naturally possess an aura of cleanliness. White usually will be the base color for walls, cabinets, countertops, tile, and even kitchen islands. White kitchens certainly are classic, but by broadening your horizons, you may find a sophisticated style that may suit you more: whether that be using a modern flair with navy or gray, or keeping it classic with pops of black. Here are a few tips and tricks I often present to clients when brainstorming for their luxury kitchen.

 1. Embrace the grays.
Gray is classic, clean, and can be absolutely stunning. Many kitchens with gray shades can feel more inviting because they don't feel as sterile, which can be a problem for all-white kitchens. The kitchen is the heart of the home and should welcome your friends and family in more than anything else. By using the perfect shade of gray, you can keep your lines clean.
 
2. Indulge in navy.
Navy kitchens have been growing in popularity over the last few years and it's easy to see why: with pops of navy on cabinets or kitchen islands, you are pulled into a space that feels charming and modern. When working with navy, you can keep it more classic by mixing it with grays or other neutral tones, or you can go all out to make sure your kitchen is the trendiest in town. Sometimes we've seen a powerful pop of navy via a kitchen island -- and this can make an otherwise all-white kitchen feel stunning. Whatever you do, don't be afraid to experiment, because at the very least, you can always use paint if you feel your style has evolved in a few years or later on down the line.

No matter what your style is, it's a great idea to look at your options whenever remodeling or redesigning your home. Your home is your special space and should always make you feel happy, safe, and expressive. Slipping into the common trend of going all-white doesn't feel so safe once you've learned your options and opened your eyes to an entire world outside of it.

Live in Chicago or the North Shore?
Schedule a consultation with luxury interior designer, Amber Golob, by contacting her at Amber@AmberGolob.com or calling 773-960-0498.

Blog written by Kyle Thomas.

"Nature’s neutral, PANTONE Greenery is a versatile “trans-seasonal” shade that lends itself to many color combinations. As displayed in the palettes below, Greenery is paired with neutrals, brights, deeper shades, pastels, metallics and even the enduring presence of PANTONE Color of the Year 2016, Rose Quartz and Serenity. These palettes easily cross over fashion, beauty, product and graphic design applications."
~Pantone Color