Design Trends 2018

At Level Craft, we don’t have a crystal ball in our office, but it seems, according to the industry predictions for 2018, we’ve been seeing far into the future for a while now. Several of the hottest trends according to articles published by Houzz, LA Times, and Vogue, are already practices we implement in our design and construction.

Black is the New Black

To be specific, matte black is white hot this year! We love it. Not only are you making a bold statement with the use of matte black fixtures, your home environment can easily be transformed to either a dramatic masculine level of sophistication or softened and made subtler by color pallet choices and added textural elements. 

Just like that versatile little black dress you have hanging in your closet, matte black fixtures can be adapted to achieve numerous desired looks depending on design choices. Don’t worry, we have lots of suggestions.

Did Someone say Feature Wall?

I hope so. We know walls and which ones to feature. I know what you’re thinking, “What is a feature wall, and why do I need one?”

design by urbanhome

Feature walls are quickly becoming an easy way to liven up a space and create dynamic focal points by incorporating bold color or texture. Stylistic statements can be made using a variety of materials, we really love reclaimed wood and shiplap, but there are endless options. While feature walls are better suited for large open spaces, we can help you with other ways to create emphasis in your smaller rooms. There is an exception to that rule, bathrooms. Bathrooms, even tiny ones, benefit from adding a little something extra. Check out this example with shiplap- perfect way to break up those verticals!

And even though a ceiling can't really be considered a wall, it can still be featured! 

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We Give Trough Sinks Two Thumbs-Up!

We are on board with trough sinks, after all, they were an original feature of our muse- the farmhouse. Homeowners often desire two vanities in the bathroom, but don’t want the clutter or extra weight of a large countertop and cabinets. A trough sink is a perfect solution. You get your two faucets, a little extra space, and you can stay true to your minimal self.

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Who cares about trends anyway? Trends come and go, style moves forward, and the modern farmhouse is here to stay. 

Happy New Year!

Virginia + Debbie

EASTSIDE FAVORITES

We were thrilled to see Atlanta’s Westside featured in April’s edition of House Beautiful.  Along with areas like Chicago’s Lincoln Park, New York’s Flatiron District, and San Francisco’s Sacramento Street, Atlanta’s Westside “Design District” depicts the transformative and creative energy of this city.  The Westside once “blighted with abandoned warehouses,” is now dotted with über-chic boutiques and smartly modish housing.

No offense to the awesome Westside but we thought we’d give credit where credit is due and give a shout out to just a few of our “Eastside” favorites.

Located in the heart of downtown Decatur, Heliotrope offers unique and light-hearted home and personal accessories.  This is our go-to place for one-of-a-kind gifts.  If we’re looking for something truly unusual we’ll check out what’s new at Kudzu Antique Market.  From Folk Art and collectibles to garden art and Fair Trade goods—if we troll the aisles long enough we always find something we simply can’t live without.

Inman Park’s City Issue (pictured in this posting) is another homegrown Eastside favorite. Specializing in vintage and modern furnishings from the 50’s through the early 70’s, mid-century modern design has experienced a huge resurgence. Jennifer Sams, owner of City Issue speculates “In the past ten to twenty years mid-century modern has become more appealing because the simple, clean lines and spare design provide balance.”  Among the myriad of whimsically sleek mid-century modern treasures you’ll find at City Issue are sectional sofas, arc lamps, a pair of Danish “Penguin Chairs,” wall clocks, magazine racks, wool rugs, crystal candle holders, cocktail tables, cabinets, and credenzas.  For a full list of City Issue inventory check out www.cityissue.com.

COLOR CONSCIOUSNESS - Part One

COLOR CONSCIOUSNESS

The effects of color are often underestimated. We respond to color in both a conscious and an unconscious way. Color holds power. When there’s a house or architectural product that calls to us but we can’t put a finger on why—it’s likely the color. In fact, psychologists say over 50 percent of our initial reactions involve color. Now we even know which colors evoke which mood. Here’s a short primer for you to explore colors and the moods that they inspire:

Yellow

Yellow produces two opposing moods—happiness and anxiety. Initially, yellow produces joy and hope but if you’re surrounded by yellow for too long it may increase irritability. Because of this yellow may not be the color choice you room in which you spend enormous amount of time. Anxious yellow can be hushed by harmonizing it with other colors.

Purple

Like yellow, purple evokes bipolar moods of relaxation and stimulation. Purple is favored by creative-types because it stimulates the imagination and creativity. Purple works well in many space types. Day-dreamy purple is an excellent choice for an artist’s studio. Lavender has been a longstanding favorite color for little girls’ rooms and Tweeners. Elegant, regal purple is also a perfect choice for adult spaces. Purple hues like lilac and deep eggplant are becoming more and more popular city apartments and country homes with sophisticated interiors.

Red

Most of us know that the color red raises strong emotions. Though red is associated with feelings of love, comfort, and sometimes anger (“seeing red”)—overall it creates feelings of strong excitement and intensity. Red is the most dynamic color on the spectrum.   Red’s intensity can be overwhelming at times so it may be best reserved as an accent color.

Blue

“Cool blue” has a reputation as a chill-out color for good reason. Above all colors, scientists have found that blue actually produces a calming physiological effect in humans. So, if you have a room reserved for lounging and relaxation consider a soft sky or Cloisonne Blue. Blue also works really well in small spaces, bedrooms, and hallways. Though it seems to be a psychological contrast, studies show that not only are people more relaxed in blue rooms they are also more productive. So blue may also be an ideal color choice for an office space.

More on colors and the feelings they evoke next week…

WHERE CUSTOM COLLABORATION MEETS ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Last week a potential client asked “Other than the fact that you’re both women, what makes you different than the all the other building and renovation companies out there?”   At first, the question caught me off guard. But the truth is there are two things that set us apart from the rest. First, we look at each home renovation project not as a custom collaboration. It’s very important that we’re on the same page as our client. To do this we work together. We meet over coffee, we discuss, we envision, we scribble on napkins (sometimes literally) and compare notes to make sure everyone’s ideas, expectations and aesthetics are in synch. Ultimately, our clients need to be happy with our work. By approaching each home renovation project not just as a contract job but as a mutual custom collaboration—our clients always end up with a smile of satisfaction.

Secondly, I’d have to say that attention to detail is also our calling card. If your favorite piece of furniture is a turn-of-the-century farm table made from rescued barn wood then we’ll use that idea as a jumping off point and treasure hunt an architectural accent piece from the same period—maybe we’ll hang a repurposed light fixture built from an old pickle barrel above that farm table—or we’ll add a salvaged plank wood window bench to our design plans. Our end product always rings true because we pay attention to the details—and the small details always make a huge difference.

 Thanks for reading! Virginia Van Lear. Level Craft.