|
|
My Blog
Kitchen & Bath
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2012 3:10 PM
 So, how
do you choose paint colors that work with the lighting in your home?
Pairing the right paint color and lighting can have magical
results; but, finding that perfect combination can be tricky.
Geography The first thing I do when I visit a home is look at the way the windows are facing.
If you have a south-facing room you’ll have sun a good portion of the day; if the
room has a north facing view, the opposite is true. In rooms without direct
sunlight, I recommend warmer colors to brighten the room. And, if you live in South
Florida where there’s abundant sunshine, you’re going to want to look at cooler
tones to balance the intense light from outside.
Utility I always ask my clients what the room is for; I had a client who only used
one of his rooms at night so he wanted it to look best then. This made all the
difference in picking out the right color; a warm chocolate brown, it looks
great with lamplight! What you need to remember is if the room is cool and
dark, add warmth. If it’s bright and illuminated, go neutral or add cool colors
with blue undertones.
Context What else is in the room? The way light reflects from one color to the next
has a strong impact, so the relationship between colors is important. Consider
all the large elements in the room, and the light bulbs used in your lamps and overhead lighting. Sometimes a color becomes redder, other
times a color becomes greener. Your best bet is to bring in samples of color
and pick out what you think looks best under the lighting conditions.
Testing For the best outcome, I encourage my clients to get a small sample to try out
before committing. I recommend painting small areas of every wall in
the room to ensure you will be happy with the color later on.
Trust
In the end, if you cannot trust your eyes, call a Color Expert like Pam DiTomaso,
Allied ASID of RyanAlexander Interiors.
Pam is trained to identify the exact hint and hue that works for you and
your décor. She will ensure you enjoy your homes' interior for a long time! |
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 3:45 PM
Recycled Glass  Recycled Glass invites a tremendous number of uses in design. Bits of broken glass bottles and porcelain transform
floors, furniture and counter tops into beautiful works of art. Utilizing this
sustainable component in design means that instead of mounting in a landfill for
thousands of years, post-consumer glass and porcelain are turned into gorgeous
fixtures by mixing crushed, recycled
glass with an epoxy resin thereby creating an endless number of sparkling terrazzo
designs! If you can’t find one that matches your home or office,
you can design your own, based on color, size and finish.
 The best part, terrazzo is virtually maintenance free, and lasts as long as your
building or home stands.
Unlike marble, which has to be removed from the earth, recycled glass is made from some of the 30 billion bottles
that would otherwise end up in landfills.
|
|
|
Posted on Friday, September 09, 2011 2:39 PM
You know what they say about opinions; everybody has one. So lets take a gander at Sherwin Williams predictions for
2012. Sherwin-Williams' colormix 2012 forecast highlights 40 hues,
in four earth-inspired, color-family groups: reds, blues, greens and neutrals.
Colors that are analogous, or adjacent on the color wheel, are a dominant
trend," said Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for
Sherwin-Williams. "We discover a fresh array of combinations within
color families be it fiery reds, watery blues, grassy greens or organic
neutrals."
The company says reds will be seen in many shades,
specifically flowery tones like fuchsias, red-oranges, violets and
delicate pinks. Two shades of blue that are expected to be popular
are denim and water.
"As
we seek economic blue skies, we're rediscovering denim, the rugged fabric of
the American worker," Jordan said. "Clean water is another
essential commodity, from oceans to tap. Our serene blue palette pays homage
to both of these treasured resources."
Greens with a more yellow-tint will be seen less, in 2012 than
previous years, as lush shades of green are paired with rustic
tones and organic elements like algae, moss and seaweed. Raw materials
continue to influence color trends, which will be seen in golden tones and
subtle neutral shades inspired by linens, wood and unfired porcelain.
|
|
|
Posted on Friday, August 26, 2011 3:37 PM
The South East's largest home improvement event returns
to the Miami Beach Convention Center Labor Day weekend.
The Home Design & Remodeling Show is a unique marketplace that
enables homeowners to experience the products and services first hand,
talk one-on-one with the experts and get personalized advice to plan
individual home improvement and design projects.
Pam won't answer any requests for the room design she will unveil; but, we did manage to find out that a world
famous artist is working with Pam and will incorporate his artwork in her
Room Vignette.
...The Miami Home Design & Remodeling Show opens
Friday, September 2, 2011 and ends on Tuesday September 6, 2011 at the
Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach,
FL 33139.
Stop by Booth C to be delighted by Pam's design. Click on Home Design to see show hours and ticket information. |
Design Connections, TradeShows, Community, Dining Rooms, Wall Art, Bedrooms, Living Rooms, Kitchen & Bath, Floors, Accents, Outdoor Entertaining
|
|
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2011 12:03 PM
When considering granite as a choice for countertops;
most people come to the conclusion that they either can afford granite or they can’t! What they don’t consider in their decorating scheme is granite tile. As an interior
designer there are some situations in which I will offer it as a less
expensive option. For example; a home
that is being updated for sale or as an investment property to be rented… granite tile is an appropriate choice
for up to date home décor.
But a granite tile countertop
rather than one made from solid granite? As a design choice, I recommend this option
when the kitchen needs the feel of being “grand”
but budget does not allow it. Granite tile is about 1/3 the price of granite slab. Additionally granite tile styles and colors are numerous.
 When paired with wood cabinetry,
a natural surface stone always looks better and adds polish & flair to the
design concept. And, as with any type of
countertop; whether it is part of kitchen décor or bathroom décor; a great installation
is just as important as the material being installed! A great installer knows
how to place the tile to minimize the number of cuts; and ensures that grout
lines are exceptionally thin.
Additionally, the benefits of
granite are still realized whether
or not it is in tile form or slab form.
As a natural stone product, this igneous rock is relatively comparable
in hardness and strength as a diamond.
Its density causes it to be highly
resistant to bacteria, making it an ideal material for countertops. Since maintenance is minimal, why not consider
granite tile as a great value option?
|
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Friday, January 21, 2011 2:55 PM
What can be done to make the closet space as purposeful as
possible? Here are a few tips for getting the most from your closets:
- If
your clothing closet has just
one rod consider adding another; you can sort out clothes based on usage,
seasons, or by tops and bottoms.
Think about a department store like Macy’s; not only are they in the business of stylizing your
clothing, but they organize it too!
- If in
your tool closet you are always
scrambling around looking for that special screwdriver, then perhaps it’s
time to mount the screwdriver right onto the inside of the door. Or look at these mobile
tool cabinets that you can pull out of the closet and roll right up to
your project!
- Toy storage is pointless if you
don’t engage your youngster! The last thing you need is your two year
old throwing a tantrum because his favorite stuffed animal is in the back
of the closet beyond his reach! Large storage
bins can hold balls, stuffed animals, and dress up clothing. Use clear
plastic containers, label them, and then install pull out shelves to
keep them organized and within easy reach.
Not only will you help your child develop a system of organizing; but,
your child will be able to read and identify similar items at an early age!
- Craft storage requires discipline
and well thought out container purchases (check out the Container
Store for great storage solutions!)
Are you separating your beads by size or color? Will you need large containers for yarn
or small containers for thread?
Then store your containers in drawers that are clearly marked; i.e.
Beads.
- Decorative or Seasonal items are the easiest to organize by the
holiday.
Designate specific shelves in your closet for each Holiday. And as you store items back into their
respective bins, weed out anything that has lost its “glitter”. Then when you purchase new items you
will already have the space on its respective shelf
- You do
not have to have a gourmet kitchen to have pull
out drawers installed in the Pantry. Set the shelves at heights best suited
for your needs; keep glass jars and cans at chest height. This eliminates grabbing for a breakable
or heavy item in haste and not having a full grasp on it!
|
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Monday, January 10, 2011 9:10 PM
While I stopped making short
lived resolutions years ago; these small Home
Décor resolutions will last well into the new year!
Paint: Select a new color and refresh those tired
walls. Or create an accent wall by
adding a BOLD
Color!
 Re-Arrange: Switch out the leather chair from your office
and replace it with the leopard print from the living room and both rooms are
refreshed!
Re-Frame: Take down your Artwork; re-evaluate its relevancy and
then go to your nearest framer and ask them to help you re-mat, re-size, and
re-frame! Remember, just because it came
down off the wall in the Living Room, does not mean it has to go back up
there! Perhaps the Bedroomdesign will be well
suited for this refreshed mastery!
 Lamps: Usually the most over looked outdated item in a home! Donate the old and buy new!
Re-Style: Re-style
the plant shelves! Even if you don’t buy
new accessories, dusting off and re-arranging what you have is refreshing!
Pillows: New pillows are like lollipops; once you get
tired of cherry red, it’s easy to get turned on by Lime green!  Make a Phone Call: Know when to give up and call
your Interior Decorator! At RyanAlexander Interiors
understand that tired rooms make you tired!
So even if you don’t know what to do, we can help you to re-vamp and
refresh; and, that is prolonged resolution
worth attaining! Contact us today at www.ryanalexanderinteriors.com
or 786-704-9370. |
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 9:02 PM
I received a phone call today from my client in NY. I work with her through email in-between
house calls. Today, “Lucy” called to
tell me that the painter said that the ceiling color HAS TO MATCH the trim color; only the finishes are to be different.
I find this phone call partly amusing…while,
my client and I have worked together for over 15 years through various projects
and re-do’s; the painter has planted a seed of doubt in her mind.
Of course, I chuckle because I know the root of his concern;
and then frown because I also know the root of hers! For him it is strictly economical. For her; her comfort level has been
compromised because I am not there to directly oversee the progress.
The painter wants to paint the ceiling flat white. Agreed, however; he wants to paint the trim,
semi-gloss white vs. semi-gloss Linen White. Painting the ceiling flat white and the trim
semi-gloss white; allows him to buy 5 gallon tubs of paint. A 5 gallon tub of paint is cheaper than individual
cans of paint and any leftovers are easily utilized for another customer. Otherwise; what does he do with a ½ gallon or
more of semi-gloss Linen White ( Benjamin
Moore custom color)? To wait for another
client to want semi-gloss Linen White
trim and moldings, could be a very long
time coming. While, I understand his
economic dilemma, I am not happy.
My client is feeling uneasy.
She is thinking, “the painter seems to know what he is talking about…makes
sense, ceiling needs to match the trim;
but, my interior designer is not
here, has she overlooked this aspect?”
Naturally, I calm her fears by explaining the painter’s motivation, and
remind "Lucy" that all the moldings, trim, and doors in the house are already painted
semi-gloss Linen White and all the
ceilings are already painted flat white!
She sighs a sigh of relief, and I know we are back on the same page
again!
BTW, I am flying to NY at the end of the week! (smile) |
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Friday, October 15, 2010 10:28 AM
Wallpaper is back; and, it is bolder and more colorful than
ever! But with so many choices, how do you decide on the right one? Unlike paint, once it’s up it is going to
stay there for a few years, so you better like it!
Today wallpapers are made of many different materials; most excitedly
is that they are being made with natural and organic properties; which means
the application process for many of them is simpler than what we are used to
traditionally. Some papers now include heat
and steam resistant materials for bathrooms or kitchens.
Since wallpaper is so versatile for its patterns,
shapes, and textures it is important to remember that a skilled paper installer
is as important to the décor as the wallpaper design itself
Consult with your interior designer
to help you narrow down selection and overall fashion style. While it is tempting to go on - line or run into a store to
make your selection; typically store clerks are not skilled in scale and
proportion; and depending on the paper itself, usually know nothing about the
importance of a great installer. ( I have seen expensive
paper ruined by an unskilled paper hanger!)
|
|
|
|
|
