Beyond the typical toddler room canvas of bright primary colors, bold palettes can be achieved using warm secondary and intermediate colors such as yellow, orange, fuchsia with touches of cool blue, green, and grey. Opting for walls painted in white or eggshell can leave many possibilities for pops of color and pattern to be introduced on bedding, upholstery, floor coverings, and even a wallpapered feature wall.

Accessories add charm and the finishing details to this space. John Granen Photography Fireplace by Bellan Construction
Example of a large transitional home design design in Seattle

A sophisticated, yet livable, redesign took this Mediterranean-style home from old-world to a transitional/soft contemporary look. Opting to acknowledge the client’s past New York, Miami and LA residences, modern touches were added throughout. Leveraging the new kitchen backsplash, mixed hues and patterns of blues and grays flow through each room, adding cohesive style as well as needed pops of color. The neutral color palette of the main upholstery pieces and multi-colored artwork allows the homeowner’s future flexibility to introduce different colored accents to their rooms, creating new looks and maximizing the possibilities within their existing design. In the main living space, a dramatic, large-scale tile design created a newly-defined statement wall in the family room—balancing the originally problematic offset fireplace. The oyster shell artwork above the fireplace, geometric etagere, and soft and sleek seating complement the tile and allow it to remain a grounding element in the room, while colorful artwork, rugs, and upholstery ensure the room stays lively. The brightly lit dining room boasts a bold blue hue and dramatic drapery to make an impactful statement without upstaging the rest of the surrounding rooms. A mica-chipped accent wall in the bedroom was the perfect backdrop to the white lacquer and chrome details in the furnishings. We added additional vivid fuchsia accents (the clients’ favorite color) and fuzzy textures to balance the edgy details, keeping an overall soft, feminine look.

Example of a transitional living room design in New York

Example of a transitional home design design in Other

For many, professional interior design is a luxury. Whether your home’s design project is large or small, having the ability to transform your house, apartment or condo into a beautiful, unique space is a wonderful opportunity for self-expression. Even if it is a just simple accent wall painted in a color that speaks to you, or a complete renovation of your cabinets to achieve the kitchen of your dreams, interior design allows you to create an environment that is both personal and comfortable. That is exactly how interior designer and founder of Design Exchange Sean Carlson Perry feels about what he does for a living. “The reason that I love designing spaces, and value the impact of space design on people, is the way the spaces make us feel, the visceral appeal of good design. Good design should stimulate the senses and generate an emotionally engaging experience. As a designer, I get to massage and sculpt people’s experience of space!” Perry shared with us. In late 2017, the Paintzen team connected with Perry regarding a very special design project he was working on. Design Exchange was renovating, redesigning and re-furnishing The Ali Forney Center. The Ali Forney Center, based in New York City, is the largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to housing homeless LGBTQ youth. Nearly 40% of the homeless youth population is LGBTQ. Homeless LGBTQ youth are eight times more likely to experience violence, discrimination, and suicide. AFC houses 124 youths each night and provides services to over 1,400 homeless young people per year. Although the organization does an incredible job to provide safety and shelter to homeless youth, Perry and his team felt the space itself could use some updating and could feel more welcoming. Rooms were dark, cold, and lacked proper storage. Furniture was in poor shape and didn’t work. The rooms were being under-utilized; overall, there was so much more that could be done within the walls of the AFC that could be improved using interior design & paint! We at Paintzen were excited to partner with Design Exchange to do our part in this transformation. The dark, paneled walls were re-painted white. This entirely opened up the space, making it brighter, warmer and more welcoming. The white walls also served as a much better backdrop for smart lighting, as well as for the furniture, wall decor, and new flooring. Beyond painting, Perry and his team used FLOR carpet tiles for durability in a bright Fuchsia shade for a pop of color. They created a more functional layout to maximize the space and make better use of its architectural details and added new furniture including lamps, tables, throws, a sofa, a TV and a Roku to make the space beautiful, and even fun. “Design increases connection and community,” Perry told us. “When we revamp a shelter space, history tells us that the residents spend more time in the space, more time with their peers, building connections and community; a greater sense of home.” Perry’s goal was to create an environment that set its residents up for success by improving their quality of life, outlook and self-esteem. “This isn’t extreme home makeover (although I wish I had that budget!). It’s about improving the aesthetics of the space to create a better environment and experience for people who are going through challenging times. I’ve been lucky enough to have an amount of work that allows me to donate a portion of profits to Design Exchange Projects.” Sean Carlson Perry founded Design Exchange as a way to use his talent, passion, and skills to help those who are struggling, or in a place of immediate need. He was searching to bring deeper meaning and a humanitarian component to his work. Perry has worked with clients in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. “Good design—functionally, aesthetically and ergonomically—promotes a better quality of life.” This is a mantra that describes why Perry does what he does through Design Exchange, working to help the underserved of New York City and other cities across the country. “I grew up gay in Nebraska, and have gone through some hard times when I was younger, but I can’t imagine going through what these kids go through – rejection from family, being kicked out of the house for being who they are, homeless and having nowhere else to turn,” said Perry. “Luckily, there is The Ali Forney Center. Doing these projects for AFC strikes close to home for me, so they are extra special and close to my heart.”

Photography by Joshua Targownik www.targophoto.com
Inspiration for a modern medium tone wood floor dining room remodel with green walls and no fireplace

Wild black and fuchsia wall paper and a mirrored wall give this bedroom life. Classic chic blend of style. Babakaiff photography.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist master carpeted and white floor bedroom design in Vancouver with gray walls

The homeowner and matriarch of this family is a powerhouse. Always doing everything for others so I really wanted to create a special space where she could close the doors and feel completely at ease. She has a feminine side that really comes across in life and in home decor so a little fuscia had to find it's way in here. Of course the inspiration came from the fabric as it almost always does. Design: Michelle Berwick Photography: Sam Stock Other Credits: Tonic Living, Saturday Afternoons, Wayfair Canada, Old World Shoppe, Homesense

Inspiration for a transitional enclosed dining room remodel in Chicago with gray walls

“Greensboro’s Grandest House” was recently selected as the 2013 ShowHouse presented by the Junior League of Greensboro and national media sponsor Traditional Home. Among the local and national design talent featured in this special fundraising event was design duo Patti Allen and Stephanie James of Furnitureland South, who transformed the estate’s patio into a classic, colorful and cozy space. Built in the early 1920s, the Adamsleigh estate is more than 15,000 square feet and covers 13.5 acres that include pools, a lake, tennis courts, a stone gazebo and a five-car garage. The 30×60 patio presented a special design challenge – the space was in disrepair and sat unevenly on a downward slope. Rising to the challenge, Patti and Stephanie partnered with Outer Space Landscapes to change the elevation of the patio in order to draw attention to the focal point and inspiration of the project: a beautiful canopy sofa by Century Furniture. The addition of 6 tons of landscaping material included Pennsylvania blue stone, pebbles, sand, cherry trees, azaleas and geraniums all blooming in the colors of the latest Sunbrella fabrics featured in the outdoor furnishings: crisp, sandy white, fuchsia and tangerine. Patti and Stephanie wanted to showcase clean and classic outdoor style with an edge of color and unexpected elements. Playful ottomans by Baker float in the space for multiple functions, adding an extra pop of color to the sophisticated setting which includes a dining table by Oscar de la Renta, organic spot tables from Phillips Collection, and daybeds and seating from Century Furniture. Combining their passion for interior spaces with signature designs, Allen and James Designs gave this outdoor space the comfort, color and style it deserved. Patti and Stephanie, co-founders of Allen and James Designs, are committed to inspire and influence unique spaces for home, work, play and relaxation. With over 25 years of experience and a dedication to client relationships, their infusion of international inspiration with style, color, texture and vision make Patti and Stephanie a creative duo capable of exceeding the expectations of any client’s design project. By forming over 400 connections with key manufactures such as Henredon, Century, Lillian August, Dovetail, Maitland Smith and Huntington House, Allen and James Designs can provide a broad range of options that virtually meet any need a client has to create their dream home.

Tina Cremer, H2 XERO Landscape
Large transitional backyard concrete paver patio photo in Orange County

This space belongs to an artsy couple who is not afraid of color. Pops of bright green and fuchsia cheer the space further and pull in the bright colors from the original artwork. A mid century wood server with unique graining calms the bright colors.

Bold colors and geometric patterns is what it's all about in this space as the client wanted a boutique hotel vibe with all the frills . A condo unit at the Seaholm towers in Austin is transformed from a plain modern-industrial aesthetic to a daring navy and magenta pad.

Arts and crafts home design photo in Other

A sophisticated, yet livable, redesign took this Mediterranean-style home from old-world to a transitional/soft contemporary look. Opting to acknowledge the client’s past New York, Miami and LA residences, modern touches were added throughout. Leveraging the new kitchen backsplash, mixed hues and patterns of blues and grays flow through each room, adding cohesive style as well as needed pops of color. The neutral color palette of the main upholstery pieces and multi-colored artwork allows the homeowner’s future flexibility to introduce different colored accents to their rooms, creating new looks and maximizing the possibilities within their existing design. In the main living space, a dramatic, large-scale tile design created a newly-defined statement wall in the family room—balancing the originally problematic offset fireplace. The oyster shell artwork above the fireplace, geometric etagere, and soft and sleek seating complement the tile and allow it to remain a grounding element in the room, while colorful artwork, rugs, and upholstery ensure the room stays lively. The brightly lit dining room boasts a bold blue hue and dramatic drapery to make an impactful statement without upstaging the rest of the surrounding rooms. A mica-chipped accent wall in the bedroom was the perfect backdrop to the white lacquer and chrome details in the furnishings. We added additional vivid fuchsia accents (the clients’ favorite color) and fuzzy textures to balance the edgy details, keeping an overall soft, feminine look.

Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic enclosed carpeted family room remodel in New York with multicolored walls

Color and texture add interest to the space. - Sally Painter Photography
Example of a mid-sized transitional home design design in Portland

In the breakfast nook, new pieces were purchased to reflect the modern vibe of the kitchen. Black repro Eiffel chairs continue the black-and white theme. The modern black light fixture repeats the geometric elements of this vignette. The simple drama of this arrangement is enhanced by the sweeping view of the city beyond. Ingrid Punwani Photography