There are a variety of oil-based and water-based paints on the market today. The sheens of these paints vary as well which often leave us wondering of which choice to make. Here are the most common 5 sheens or finishes and where they would work best depending on your needs.
- Flat. This sheen is ideal for low-traffic areas and works great to hide wall imperfections like dings, scratches, or even poor wall taping on the surfaces of interior walls. Often when you purchase a new home this is the paint sheen of choice used on the interior walls. Keep in mind this sheen picks up dirt easily but is very easy to touch up because the paint blends so well.
- Eggshell. This sheen is best for low traffic areas, smooth surfaces, and offers a gently wipeable surface in rooms where it is used.
- Satin. This sheen is elegant and good for active rooms. It can be wiped clean and is extremely versatile.
- Semigloss. This sheen is partially glossy and can be scrubbed with a washcloth. Great for high traffic areas where you don’t want too much shine. This does reflect light and will brighten a room with less light.
- Gloss. This sheen is very shiny and great for surfaces that need frequent cleaning and scrubbing or high traffic areas. Consider this for finish for trim, window casings, cabinets, and doors.
Let us choose you paint color and sheen today. Email us or call: 651-274-8832
Just a simple backsplash update can add so much to the look and feel of your kitchen. It is often the detail left last for the do it yourself home remodeler, but the variety of options can add art to the space where you spend most your time in your home. Here are 5 patterns that will add a touch of amazing to your kitchen.
- Patterned Large Tile. This is where art and tile grab the attention of guests in your kitchen. Don’t just think large, but think pattern, and think of it as a piece of artwork permanently hung in your kitchen.
- Diagonal Tile Patterns. Just turn plain tile 45 degrees and notice the difference. Although this is more costly because it is more labor intensive, it gives your kitchen a different pattern that catches the eye.
- Subway Tile. Subway is the classic choice and often is the most timeless. It is the choice that is used most often to flow from countertop to ceiling because of its simple size and beauty. You just can’t get enough of it.
- Herringbone Tile. This option adds an incredible amount of texture and life to subway tile standard horizontal pattern.
- Specialty Shaped Tile. Square or rectangular tile are not the only options as numerous manufacturers today offer a variety of shapes, colors, and prints. This pattern is definitely for those looking for something more unique.
-
- Diagonal Tile
-
- Subway Tile
-
- Herringbone Tile
-
- Large Pattern Tile
-
- Large Pattern Tile
In the last two posts we have referenced two items. First, standard lighting fixtures heights and second trends in countertops. In a recent remodel that was completed just today you will notice both of these items at play in some fresh photos. One factor you should notice in these pictures are the variety of materials. Notice the black cabinet refrigerator in the background along with two types of countertop material. This variety adds a whole lot of “art” to this kitchen. The second factor to notice is the custom lighting hanging over the countertop bar.
-
- Cambria and Pendant Lights
-
- Glass Tile, Butcher Board, and Cambria
-
- Cambria, Butcher Board, and Cabinet Door Fridge
All this and more can be ordered through Christina Lynn Interiors. Call today for an appointment.
Countertops have come a long way since laminates first hit the market as the top choice. Now, you have a wide selection of surface materials depending on the look, feel, finish and the price.
Trend #1: Think Thick.
- 2-2¼ inch thickness is trendy right now rather than that typical 1¼ inch countertops. This may not be an option in every kitchen, but you can still show them off on your island or a breakfast bar.
Trend #2: Mix the Materials.
- Exotic Stones. There are plenty of choices here like marble, granite, and soapstone but view them like artwork for your counters.
- Concrete. Comes also in a variety of styles and finishes.
- Quartz. Very durable engineered stone with a variety of styles but can be more expensive.
- Stainless Steel. Great look but tends to scratch easily.
- Butcher-Block. Making a comeback right now with more exotic woods and has fun finishes.
If you need help with you selections contact Christina Lynn.
-
- Concrete
-
- Granite
-
- Stainless
-
- Butcher Block
-
- Soap Stone
“What is the best height for Pendants, Chandeliers, and Wall Sconces?”
This one question is probably one of the most frequent questions I am asked but the proper height for any light depends on many factors such as the design and purpose of the light, the style of your decor, and the height of the ceiling. These three items must be taken into consideration when you determine the height that will work best for any light in your home.
As a general rules, here might be a few great hints:
- Typically all lights are hung low enough so that you cannot see the lightbulb, or low enough that it is not glaring you in the eye especially for downward lit lights.
- Standard heights are about 60-66 inches from the floor. If ceilings are 8 feet then hang around 60 inches. If they are 10 feet then hang them closer to 66 inches.
- For pendants consider hanging them 28-34 inches above the table or island.
- For lamps over a floor where people walk under them consider a distance of 84-96 inches which is at least 1 foot of clearance.
If you by chance are looking for lights we carry thousands of choices from these three companies:
I recently went furniture shopping with a client. As we left, she stated that she wanted a tight back sofa, however after she saw what a “tight back sofa” actually looked like she realized that that this was not what she was wanting. So I thought it might be good to explain the different types of sofas here.
- Camel Back Sofa – has one single hump in the middle of the seat back. A traditional look.
- Tight Back Sofa – has no loose cushions along the back. The fabric is pulled tightly over the back of the sofa. This sofa is good for those who want a firmer feel.
- Loose Back Sofa – are most common. They create a pillow like feel to the back. These cushions can be removed from the sofa.
- Attached Back Sofa – are the same thing as loose backs except the pillows are sewn onto the back so that they can not be removed from the sofa itself.
- Chesterfield Sofa – is a tufted (button pulled) all the way along the back and sometimes the sides. A very upscale look.
- Sectional Sofa – have several pieces that come together to create a L shape or U shape. These are great for large family rooms.
- Modern Sofa – usually have a track arm and very simple lines.
- Apartment Sofa – a smaller framed sofa to fit in smaller spaces.
- Settee Sofa – are made for one to two people. They have a wood frame, and unlike a bench, they have a back and arm.
-
- Apartment Sofa
-
- Attached Back Sofa
-
- Camel Back Sofa
-
- Chesterfield Sofa
-
- Settee
-
- Tight Back Sofa
-
- Sectional Sofa
-
- Modern Sofa
-
- Loose Back Sofa
We love to accessorize just like you. In store we have thousands of choices on accessories that might accent your side tables, counter tops, and mantel. Simply navigate through Uttermost Accessories, Cyan Accessories, or Kalalou Accessories at their site and we can order anything you see.
Here are the top 25 selling rugs at Design Market 2013 this year. Order these and many others through Christina Lynn Interiors. Visit Surya here, and then contact us.
Saloom is Christina Lynn’s newest furniture line. They pride themselves in high quality american made furniture that is also environmentally friendly. Their lines include maple and cherry hardwoods manufactured by expert craftsmen. Not only does their traditional dining furniture look and feel remarkable, it’s also built to last many generations to come. An purchase of Saloom is a life-lasting investment. Check out their inventory here.
Here are some great bold pattern pillows for the spring season.