This client wanted an urban, casual yet grown up, simple and green space on a fairly modest budget. I think we managed quite nicely and I am thrilled with how it turned out.

For my clients who think they recognize the Otis Chairs and Seguro Coffee Table: you certainly do. I was 100% honest when I told you “I like to use these a lot.” Because I do.

I really like the textures here, and the way that the neutral walls give the art some room to breathe. …and those vintage wallpaper bolts by the fireplace are a favorite find of mine from Trohv.

Hope you like it, too!

Design consultations for all styles and budgets: JGB Interiors.

Don’t use flat paint. Just don’t. Painters like it because it covers easily, cheaply, and with fewer coats. But it shows every single fingerprint, scrape, and oil spot…and unlike eggshell or semigloss paint, you can’t just wipe the flaws away. Unless you’re one of those people who lives alone and is home only two hours a day, I guarantee you won’t be happy with a flat finish.

Lighting is often overlooked but it’s actually a huge factor in how you feel when you’re in a space. If you’re not in the market for installing better lighting or purchasing expensive fixtures the best thing you can do is install dimmers. They’re not expensive and you can usually do it yourself. Not only will it feel cozier and fancier, but dimming your lights will cut your energy bill.

For all of your row house and condo dwellers: dark colors aren’t off limits at all. Your space is what it is, and if it’s small there’s really no reason not to embrace that. Small is comfortable, intimate, and warm. So you want to paint it a deep eggplant but are worried that will close up the walls? Balance with some light colored furniture and a neutral rug and be on your way. Think that you can only fit a sofa and a chair in your living area? Try two smaller sofas facing each other for a great conversation arrangement that maximizes space. You can do it just like those folks in the burbs do, but with smaller pieces.

If you are planning to have children in the future, you actually don’t need to avoid all things glass and white and expensive. It’s entirely possible to make informed choices and take precautionary measures with your beloved pieces, and you’ll end up a lot more satisfied in the long run. Three of my favorite magic materials are acrylic, leather, and microfiber (and microfiber is much more interesting than it used to be…check out Room and Board’s options).

If you’re going to end up consulting a decorator or designer, don’t paint first unless you’re willing to potentially repaint or limit your options. We appreciate the ambition, but it’s not very helpful toward the end goal.

Hopefully these are useful tips to you. If you remember nothing else, just stay away from flat paint!

Design consultations for all styles and budgets: JGB Interiors.

If you’re a fan of the show, then I think you’ll love it.

This is just the basic space plan; the link is illustrated with axons, perspectives, and some renderings. (image via Kratkocasnik)

Reblogged from Kratkocasnik (which for the record I am not familiar with), this is a fairly detailed and seemingly accurate floor plan of the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce office.  FOR ONCE I have a Mad Men-related topic to blog about that isn’t linked to mid-century modern furniture!  Hooray!

I find only one glaring inaccuracy, which is the fact that there is no space for Bert Cooper’s office (or former office).  Ok ok, and that there are no exterior windows.  My husband thinks that there are several more offices missing and therefore hundreds of square feet omitted.  In any case, it’s a good effort and I enjoyed the images…hope you do, too!

Design consultations for all styles and budgets: JGB Interiors.