Color Code

Color is all around us and affects us in many different ways. Adding color to a design can strongly influence the feeling of the room.

There are three types of colors: warm colors, cool colors & neutrals.

The WARM COLORS, red, orange & yellow are energetic.

COOL COLORS have the opposite effect. Blue, green and purple are calming.

NEUTRALS are typically used as a background color. They help balance the more vibrant colors.

Here are some color interpretations to help you create the mood you want in each room of your home.

BLUE = Calm, Peaceful, Sad

PURPLE = Imaginative, Creative, Royal, Dramatic, Rich

GREEN = Growth, Earth, Prosperity, Tranquility

YELLOW = Uplifting, Hopeful, Warm

WHITE/IVORY = Pure, Clean, Simplistic

BLACK = Mysterious, Elegant, Bold

GRAY = Conservative, Elegant, Reserved

BROWN = Earthy, Natural, Warm

RED = Passion, Energy, Love, Anger

ORANGE = Happy, Lively, Enthusiastic

What's In Now

Each year, Sherwin-Williams publishes the Color Mix, a look at the trends in color palettes, and 2014 is turning out to be a great year! From delicate and translucent pastels, to bold colors inspired by nature and art around the world, you are sure to find your perfect shades. 

Click here to learn more:

2014 Color Pallette

Take it to the WALL!

Walls create the backdrop to our homes, so why would you want to leave them beige and void of texture? It is important for a home to have a few unexpected twists that make the space energetic and lively.

One easy way to do this is by dressing up your walls. Whether you choose a bold accent color or you want to add decorative wainscoting, these things can elevate your home to a great custom look.

What are some of Aiva´s favorite ways to decorate walls?

Wallpaper is a great option. There are so many wallpaper books out there with bright colors and bold patterns that would boost the design of any room. From matte to metallic, trellis to stripes, wallpaper is classy and can be styled to fit any type of home.

Paint is another easy way to add drama. Adding a bright pop of color will liven up a room and draw you into the space. Using stencils and tape to create a bold pattern on the wall gives you the same effect of wallpaper, but for half of the cost.

If you fall into the traditional category, wainscoting, beadboard, and picture frame molding with a chair rail are great options. This will add texture to your walls without being overly dramatic. Consider adding paint to the molding to infuse color into the space. Another idea we are loving is the use of reclaimed wood to create an accent wall.

But this is just the surface of thinking of your walls. Let's go a bit deeper...

Not So Dry Drywall

Drywall textures can be divided into two categories based on how they are applied.

Some textures are made by hand tools and are known as hand applied textures. Hand drywall textures vary based on skill level and techniques used. They are applied using special brushes, knives & trowels.

Spray textures are produced by a machine that sprays the texture onto the wall.

There are so many wall options, it may get overwhelming. This is a great start, and of course you can always call Aiva for great personalized ideas.

Happy Space = Happy You

We have all heard the adage “We are products of our environment,” and many studies have proven that it is indeed true. That means that your health, your happiness, and how you think and behave everyday could very well be the product of where and with whom you are spending your time. So the best thing you could do for your overall well-being is to create a space where you, and everyone you are with, feel the best.

Aiva has some great ways to help you do that.

It IS Easy Being Green

If you close your eyes right now and imagine yourself in a happy, peaceful place… Go ahead, I´ll wait…

…

…

YOU. ARE. HERE.

I´m willing to bet you imagined some place in nature. Whether that was sitting in the middle of a giant flower garden, on top of a hill overlooking gorgeous green pastures and mountains, next to a picturesque waterfall, or on a sandy beach with the waves lapping at your toes… oh, you´re wandering again, stay with me :-)  , something of nature was probably involved.  We feel good in nature, and we can bring those happy feelings home by inviting natural elements into our homes.

Green Spaces Study

Here´s how:

• have at least one tall potted plant, and as many little plants as you´d like: it’s amazing what this does to a space
• treat yourself to fresh flowers: scatter in vases and add pops of color everywhere
• select floral/tree prints on fabrics, rugs, or wallpaper
• Add surprising little elements of nature whenever possible 

                          Nature Inside   

Live Moss Bath Mat- water it by using it - adds interest and texture to any bathroom

                                     

Get Inspired

Words are powerful (word power). They can motivate and be helpful reminders of qualities that induce good energy. This is also true for images. Having a photograph or work of art that inspires you is a wonderful thing to look at on a daily basis.

Here’s how:

• frame your favorite inspirational quote and hang it where you’ll likely see it daily
• speckle your home with photographs of memories made and people you love
• art inspires beauty; hang pieces that remind you of something lovely

Color Me Happy

There’s no doubt that color influences mood. Much research on color psychology has proven this. Certain colors produce feelings of well-being and happiness over others. When selecting wall paint or color palettes for your space, keep this in mind: Want to feel more euphoric in your home?

Check out our Color Blog to learn more!

Brown = earthy, natural, warm

Perhaps you can remember a time where you walked into a room and immediately felt different. Maybe you get a claustrophobic or ominous feeling in certain spaces – of course, if you feel this way when you get to work, you may want to either redecorate your office (www.aivadecor.com) or make a career change (www.monster.com). 

Either way, just remember this: surrounding yourself with happy, beautiful things and spaces will make your whole life happier and more beautiful, and you deserve that.

Room for Baby

The Baby Room is the place where your little bundle of joy learns, grows, and continually develops.  From choosing the right furniture pieces to the perfect color scheme, keeping your child safe should be the main priority.  Here are a few tips to achieve a perfectly safe and colorful baby space.

Safety First

According to the EPA, one of the 5 leading health risks in the US is indoor air.  Yes, that is the air inside our homes.  And one of the leading causes of our air issues are paints, varnishes, and solvents we use containing VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compound.

Exposure to VOC’s can trigger asthma attacks, eye irritation, respiratory issues, nausea, and dizziness.  Given the health concerns of consumers and new government regulations, alternative paints have been introduced into the market.

A product with The Green Seal certification for Standard GS-11 is based on VOC content, the absence of chemicals, durability, and performance.  Look for these different types of paints to ensure healthy breathing for your baby and family.

• Low Odor or Low VOC Paint
• Zero VOC Paint
• Non-Toxic or Natural Paint

Color for the Senses

According to Barbara Richardson, a color expert and director of color marketing for ICI Paints, “the Psychology behind the color is incredibly personal.  Adults have lifetime experiences they filter their perception of a color through.  Their preferences come from strong emotional associations with the past, positive or negative experiences.”

Basic color psychology can help you create a room that’s in harmony with you and your baby’s needs.  Follow this guideline when choosing that color.

• Red: Stimulates the appetite, heart rate, and breathing.  Can make babies feel anxious, so it’s better used as an accent color.
• Orange: Associated with warmth and contentment; It’s a nurturing color.
• Yellow: Enhances concentration and stimulates learning, but it can make a baby cry more and cause anxiety.
• Blue: Relaxes the nervous system and has a tranquilizing effect, always helpful in a bedroom.
• Pink: Calming; acts as tranquilizer.
• Green: The easiest color on the eye, it has a neutral effect on the nervous system; a serene, refreshing color.
• White: Makes a room feel lighter and cooler.

The Right Furniture

The first thing you will select for your baby’s room is the crib.  Cribs come in a large variety of styles, dimensions, and finishes and your choice should be based on how the furniture piece will help to create the overall look of the room.  Now many cribs convert to toddler beds or to a regular twin sized beds.  By purchasing convertible cribs, you can use these furniture pieces for many years.

Next, you can begin adding the matching changing table and either a glider or a rocker recliner.  As far as storage, depending on the allotted space you can choose either a dresser or the expandable cubby holes paired with the fabric storage containers. 

Finally, choose the best quality mattress you can afford.  The firmer the mattress, the safer it is.  Soft bedding sets make your baby comfortable and keep them safe as well.  The best fabrics for baby bedding are tight weave cotton or cotton blends.

Can You Feel It? - Using Textures in Your Interior Design

“The proper and subtle use of texture takes a design from being flat and dead to noticeable and alive.”                                                                                                                                    – Josh Byers

Texture is described as how a surface or object feels. Texture can be recognized by touch or sight. 

When you see a brick wall, you know it is rough and gritty without having to physically touch it. This is because your mind remembers a time in the past when you have touched a similar rough textures. When we see an object with a certain texture, we remember past tactile experiences. 

Designers use texture in a room to evoke a certain emotion. Texture is one of the five basic design elements and is often overlooked. 

Smooth textures seem cold and formal, while objects with more texture makes a space feel cozy. 

Texture can be recognized by its weight too. Reflective surfaces appear lighter, while coarse textures have a heavier appearance. 

Texture affects how open or closed a room feels. Highly reflective, hard surfaces make a room look as if it is much larger than a room with heavy paneling.It is imperative that texture be applied in the right way so the space is harmonious. 

Because texture visually fills a space, it is best to use subtle texture in smaller areas while large rooms can easily carry heavier textures.

When working with a monochromatic space, texture adds dimension. A good example of this is the shabby chic style where everything is some shade of white and texture is used to create the contrast. White or light colored walls are accented by heavy decorative crown molding and distressed furniture. 

Contemporary design is notorious for its bold approach to texture. Exposed brick walls are paired with stainless steel accents. 

Think about the "feel" (no pun intended) you want for your room, and how texture can play into that. And of course, if you want some help, call Aiva.

But I Don't HAVE $20,000!!

So you're looking around your house and thinking how ugly and run-down the kitchen looks, how hideous that bathroom tile has always been, how that carpet has got to go. And really, what were the previous owners thinking with that wall color?

Ugh. Well, maybe you could do a remodel. You've been saving for a little while, and this house could definitely use a pick-me-up...

You go online to start checking prices and . . . WHAT??!! $20,000 to remodel a kitchen?! $30,000 for a bathroom?! You don't have that kind of money!

Ok, let's break this down: (click these links to see a complete breakdown of typical costs in the Cincinnati Metro area)  Kitchens and  Bathrooms are big projects! There's all that hardware, tile, and cabinetry, not to mention plumbers, electricians, carpenters, labor, etc. You understand that those things cost money, and that´s ok, but here's the bottom line:

You don't have $20,000!

Breathe. Relax. Aiva can help.

Here´s something very important that you should know.

Cutting Costs Is Not the Same as Cutting Corners

This is what truly sets Aiva apart from the competition:

1. Overhead costs - There is no need for a big office space or fancy showroom. Aiva believes that it is not fair to pass those costs on to the clients, and after all, this project is for your home, so AIVA COMES TO YOU. It is so much more practical to see first-hand the possibilities of a space and get ideas for specific issues. Every house, every client, is different, so you get customized solutions for YOUR needs, at a much more inexpensive price.

2. Relationships with Suppliers and Contractors - Having worked in the contracting industry for 4 years, Linda (Aiva´s owner and president) is not only an expert on a vast array of projects (see Remodels) that she does with an impeccable attention to detail, she also has contacts in every related industry - contractors, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, installers of tiling, floors, countertops. She knows who can do the job well for the best value, and she can pass the savings on to her clients. 

3. The 3 R´s - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Perhaps you don´t need to tear down a room and rebuild it to get the look you want. Maybe you could reface those cabinets, refinish that floor, or paint that old armoire. Maybe exactly what you need is being sold in perfect condition after being salvaged from other houses. And possibly what you are taking out could be sold the same way. Aiva knows all the smartest and least expensive ways to make a space beautiful and is passionate about getting you the most for your money. It is top quality products and less waste for less money.

4. Savvy Shopping - The perfect piece for your living room is out there. The ideal furniture for your bedroom is available. . . somewhere. But you don´t know where or when or how much. Luckily, Aiva does. There is always a vision for your design, and knowing where to find the best deals and the best pieces can make that vision come together for far less than you imagined. Again, we are not talking about cheap and low-quality, we are talking about new, well-made, and stylish products for less money, and Aiva knows how.

Aiva will work with you, your needs and your budget, and use her knowledge and experience to figure out the best way you can get the look and feel you want for your home for the budget you have.

And another note on quality: You´ve probably experienced it at one time or another, the previous owners or the contractors that built your house cut corners right and left to get the place sold. Maybe you end up replacing hardware here and there, or maybe you find out that a shoddy job by whoever they hired is costing you tens of thousands to fix years later.

Aiva prides itself on attention to detail and pleasing its clients (see Testimonials), and promises that every part of your design and remodel will be done with the utmost care and high-quality products at the lowest prices possible.

You do deserve a beautiful home, and although that can´t be free, Aiva can get you the best value for your money, along with the personalized attention and itemized pricing so that you know that each dollar you spend is unquestionably worth it. 

Remodel the Stress, Don't Stress the Remodel

Remodeling is notorious for its roller coaster effect. Whether you have been through the remodeling process before, or you are new to it, you are probably approaching the construction phase with anxiety and anticipation. 

Becoming aware of the remodeling stages and how they can affect you will help prepare you for the slow times. Understand that each project is different and there will always be challenges and unknowns that cannot be addressed until walls start to come down. It is our job to prevent any unforeseen challenges by bringing potential issues to your attention before they happen.

Up to this point, you have signed a deal, met with the designers to layout your space, and pick out materials and finishes. This is a very exciting time as your project comes together on paper. At this point, you have a lot of excitement and anticipation moving into the construction phase.

The construction phase can be divided into 6 basic phases: plan approval, demolition, framing, electrical and plumbing rough in, drywall, and finish out. Some phases will move fast, while others will seem to drag on for days.

The plan phase can be both exciting and a hassle. As you wait in anticipation for you project to kick off, this might seem like precious time wasted. However, it is necessary to begin any remodeling project.

Demo, the first phase of construction, is dusty, loud and inconvenient. There will be people you do not know coming through your front door so they can tear down your space and rebuild it. Depending on the size of your project, there may be piles of debris and a dumpster on site. At this point, you will feel like the inside of your home is completely exposed. We understand this can be unsettling and we expect our crews to respect your space. We will prep your home to keep from damaging the areas not being remodeled. Protective flooring through the main traffic areas and plastic sheets at construction entries will help control the dust and grime.

Fortunately, demo goes by very quickly along with the cleanup of all of the excess debris. The next phase, the framing stage, is when you get to start to see your space come alive. This is the first high point in the process.

Once framing is complete, the plumbing, electrical and mechanical work will start. It is at this point that the project will seem to slow down. You will not be able to see dramatic differences to the space like you do during demolition and framing. However, know that a lot of detail goes into this phase and it is a necessary step to ensure your space will function correctly. It is critical that plumbing and electrical be complete before insulation and dry wall go up.

The next phase is drywall, which most people find to be exciting. Once drywall is up, the room begins to take shape and you start to imagine yourself functioning in the space.

The final phase, the finish out phase, will seem slow. It is in this phase that painting, installation of doors and windows, installation of tile, cabinets, flooring, appliances, plumbing and lighting fixtures occur. It requires quite a bit of time to complete each part fully and you will be anxious to start using your space. Towards the end of this stage, we will do a punch-out list. Once each of these are addressed, the remodeling phase is over and you have a new and beautiful room.

There is no doubt about it, remodeling will be stressful. There will be times when you will question what you have gotten yourself into, but once everything is complete and you see the dramatic transformation, it will be worth the time and stress. We will do our best to be proactive and move as quickly and efficiently through each process without sacrificing quality.