Carole Lee Interiors


How Tone On Tone Can Make Your Interiors More Interesting

Tone on tone coloring or layering is a decorating technique that takes a single or a few colors and uses different saturation levels of that color or colors throughout the entire space. You begin working with one general color area and manipulate this color through the use of fabrics, tints, shades and textures to create interest and variety. The effect can be dramatically transformed by lightening or darkening of that color.

Whether you’re saturating your home with rich hues or you’re adding layers of color to a neutral backdrop, at Carole Lee Interiors we celebrate tone on tone decorating. From fresh flowers that mirror the shade of the wall to throw pillows in the same color family as a nearby rug, the repetition of hues makes a big impact in your interior. Here are some ways we use tone on tone to decorate your space:

  • Layer your wall coloring
  • Pull inspiration from art
  • Mix and match patterns
  • Bring color into doors and windows
  • Match window treatments to walls
  • Pair tone on tone colors with black and white
  • Use tone on tone flooring
  • Incorporate a range of shades of the same color
  • Layer color through tabletop décor
  • Go extra bold with one vibrant item
  • Saturate with rich hues

These are just a few methods we use when decorating interiors using a tone on tone technique. Tone on tone interiors can be tricky to pull off if you do not have a lot of expertise working with color, hues and textures. If you are not a pro it is easy to make trial and error mistakes, which can begin to add costs to your project. Instead contact Carole Lee to schedule a consultation to see if tone on tone is a good idea for your space.


Is Gray The New Neutral?

 

When it comes to décor, there are a few hard and fast rules. Even if you don’t consistently follow the trends in color, fabrics, flooring and paint, you can easily recognize what is popular by shopping in furniture and home décor stores, as well as browsing home design websites.

However, the basic tenants of design are not immune to change. For decades interior designers have typically organized rooms around a neutral shade and two complementing or contrasting colors. Neutrals like beige, camel, tan and white have been popular for many years because they look good on floors and walls and tend to make rooms look larger and brighter.

As an interior design firm, we are expecting that gray, in its many variations, will be a top color choice for all types of interiors including luxury homes and elegant offices. A darker gray can be an attractive alternative while remaining subtle. When combined with white and black gray makes a bold statement. Bright colors really pop with gray. Cooler shades of gray can make a room feel inviting on a hot day and make rooms look refined and understated.

Gray hues work with so many different colors it is easy to change the appearance of a room by repainting an accent wall, changing flooring, new fabrics or inspired window treatments.

Simply put, there are so many shades and ways to use gray that will allow you make your home or office warm and inviting.

 

 

 

 

 


The Allure of The Bath

Carole Lee Interiors was recently featured in the September issue of ‘Chester County Life Magazine’ talking about today’s’ trends in bathroom design. Today’s bathrooms are simply not like bathrooms of the past. Homeowners want to transcend the typical. “We tend to seek a happy getaway that invites us to enjoy hours of relaxation,” points out Carole Lee.

Bathtubs and showers have reversed roles. Tubs are smaller, showers, sometimes room size. Today’s tubs are made for mini retreats and tend to be freestanding in the room. “Light a few candles, pour in bubbles, open a good book, and luxuriate,” Carole Lee suggests. “A bathroom haven isn’t limited to women. Men enjoy a calming soak as they watch a golf tournament or pro game, which is why we are incorporating TVs into many designs.”

Vacation environments continue in modern showers. More like spas, these spaces are highlighted with body sprays, rain shower heads, and hand showers. “A recent project,” notes Carole Lee, “integrated a large ceiling-mounted shower-head with another hung on the wall. We also install ample shelving, and corner seats.”

Environmentally conscious toilets that feature flush technology made to minimize spreading germs, as well as buttons to dictate flush rate and reduce water usage are made in sleek designs that work well in small or large spaces and can be hidden in a recess.

At Carole Lee Interiors they offer many design concepts to work within a smaller budget. “ People should work around an investment they can comfortably spend. To economize they can apply paint in the bath instead of wallpaper. Window treatments make a whole new statement. Rather than purchasing a sink or tub, consider replacing fixtures. Tubs, in fact, can be refinished to look showroom splendid. Tile, as well, is paintable if it’s still in good condition. Add artwork, silk flowers, and attractive accessories. It’s amazing how fresh and striking the room becomes. We derive just as much satisfaction – sometimes more – from small-budget projects,” states the designer.

The complete story, ‘The Allure of The Bath’ can be seen in the September/October issue of Chester County Life Magazine. And, if you are looking for a bathroom refresh, call Carole Lee Interiors today to set up an appointment.

 

 


Freshen Up for Spring

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Following a long and lingering winter, the first few weeks of spring breathe fresh air into our outdoor surroundings. Concurrently, the beginning of spring is an ideal time for homeowners to step outside and attend to the exterior surfaces of their homes, outdoor living spaces, and gardens. Outdoor “spring cleaning” projects can unfold in various forms: essential home maintenance efforts, design updates and improvements, and garden makeovers.

Essential home maintenance tasks ensure that the exterior surfaces of your home remain safe, preserved, and functional. A spring checklist of items includes: examining the roof for missing or damaged shingles, cleaning the gutters, servicing the air-conditioning unit, cleaning the windows and their screens, and power washing the deck and patio surfaces. Exterior design updates, such as a fresh coat of facade paint, will also enliven your home’s curb appeal. This season, a few trending façade paint combinations include: slate grey/white/deep turquoise, and white putty/taupe/olive green. In addition, installing new rail planters, and lush greenery like ferns and vine covers will accentuate your garden.


The Benefits of Whole House Standby Generators

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Standby generators are smart and effective pieces of equipment for homeowners to consider purchasing in order to avoid the effects and inconveniences of power outages.

What is a standby generator?

Standby generators are back up power sources that are permanently installed on a platform in your yard. Their size and build are comparable to a central air conditioning unit. Standby generators automatically detect an outage within the municipal power grid and subsequently provide seamless backup power to your home for an extended period of time.

How does as standby generator work?

Standby generators are equipped with two primary components: an automatic transfer switch (ATS), and generator. ATS technology identifies an outage in the municipal power grid, disconnects your home from the grid, and promptly connects the generator to your home’s electrical panel. The generator is powered by a local natural gas supply and will deliver high-quality power for an unlimited amount of time. Once the municipal power has been restored, ATS technology prompts the generator to disconnect and shutdown.

What are the positive attributes of standby generators? 

Standby generators protect the functionality of your home’s heating and cooling systems during a power outage. In addition, they allow vital home systems to operate during an outage to include sump pumps, well pumps, large appliances and security systems. Standby generators are ideal for families with small children or family members who rely on electricity to power medical devices, as well people who run a business out of their home.

Carole Lee Interiors provides comprehensive electrical services to include the installation of standby generators. At Carole Lee Interiors, we work with sophisticated contractors to help our client’s select a standby generator that is compatible with their home and ensure a seamless installation process.