Barn doors are not just for barns anymore. This country farmhouse inspired design has made its way indoors and become a popular piece of interior décor. A space saving statement piece, these doors offer a decorative yet functional alternative to traditional swinging doors. Similar to pocket doors, these are very popular in small homes or apartments where every square inch of space counts. However, their versatile and unique aesthetic make them popular in any style home.
Interior Design
Using Mood Boards for Interior Design
If you ask a designer about their design process, the term “mood board” is more than likely going to come up in conversation. Gathering samples and putting them together to present to their client is a process that designers have been going through for many years. However, these boards are a great tool for homeowners to use as well. Creating a mood board, or inspiration board, is useful to curate ideas for a space and is a fun way to become excited about the design process. Your designer will use your finished product to develop a clear picture of your style and what you are looking for.
Five Design Ideas to Beat the Winter Blues
By this time of year, the winter seems endless. The snow has lost its cozy appeal and our favorite hat has gone from cute to snow-soaked. With shorter, colder, and snowier days we often find ourselves trapped indoors. It is easy to become tired of the décor around us and become desperate for a change. Instead of cursing the snow and the cold, be inspired by these five home design ideas that will put you in a warm weather state of mind.
Popular Interior Design Styles Explained
A significant challenge that people often face when designing or redecorating their home is understanding the large vocabulary that is used to describe interior design style. Determining what interior design style works best for you can be a daunting task. Often, a variety of these styles are combined to create the perfect blend, reflecting the client’s personal style.
As you begin your design journey by searching magazines and the internet for inspiration, having a fundamental knowledge of the various styles is essential. Below, read about elements that create the foundation of each design style.
Modern Sophistication: Decorating with Geometrics
Stemming from ancient Greek art and fashion, the use of lines and shapes has made its way to the center of interior design. Geometrics is defined as the use of lines and shapes to create a pattern or design. Using geometric designs in a space creates visual interest and expresses feelings and mood. However, using these designs can be overwhelming to the inexperienced designer. Follow these simple tips to add some modern sophistication to any room in your home.
Welcome to Babel’s Paint & Decorating Blog
Babel’s Paint & Decorating is a Benjamin Moore dealer with five locations in Massachusetts. We are a member of the National Lumber Family of Companies, a family owned and operated business that has been providing building materials and services to homeowners, contractors and builders in New England since 1934.
Our knowledgeable paint specialists are here to help you choose the perfect paint product for the interior and exterior of your home, plus the right supplies for your project. Color Consultants offer their expertise for an introductory in-store consultation free of charge for color selection and home design. Please be aware that our Brockton store has Benjamin Moore Experts on staff, but not a designer or consultant.
We also have experts in window treatments, wallcoverings, upholstery and furniture. Our talented interior designers are located in our Norwood, Needham, Canton, and Foxboro stores. If you would like individual attention, or have a large project, Babel’s provides services by appointment.
All questions are welcomed, no matter what you are working on. It is our pleasure to help you select colors and assist in home design. We hope that you will find the subjects covered in our blog helpful, and encourage your participation with questions and comments.
How to Select a Paint Finish
When choosing a paint for your latest project, the decisions don’t end with color. The finish you choose is just as important. If you are unfamiliar, “finish” (or sheen) refers to the amount of shine the paint will have when it dries. Below is a list of all paint finishes available in Benjamin Moore Paints. These are listed from the least amount of sheen (flat) to the highest amount of sheen (high gloss). A flat paint has no light reflection and each sheen will gradually show more reflection the further you go across this list.
Flat → Matte → Eggshell → Pearl → Satin → Semi-Gloss → Gloss → High gloss
Visiting a Design Center: Everything You Need to Know
Design Centers are typically large buildings full of showrooms or stalls for home design product vendors to display their goods. Wallcoverings, fabric, custom furniture — almost everything you need to decorate your home can be found at a Design Center. Access to these specialized shopping centers has traditionally been exclusive “to-the-trade”. However, more Design Centers are welcoming the public.
This is due in part to the changes brought about by the internet and expanding access to information formerly held by professionals. In addition, consumers now expect to find just about anything (both information and products) online. Buyers who are educating themselves online are demanding access to previously guarded trade secrets, and to showrooms where they can see products first-hand. However, a smart consumer also knows when hiring an expert is the best choice.
How Interior Designers Transform Your Home
Only a few years ago, interior designers were the sole source of information and resources for interior design. Today, the internet has changed that. Anyone can do a quick search and find endless information for DIY home decorating, yet interior designers remain in high demand. Hiring a decorator can help you stay on budget, give you access to trade only materials, and will result in a beautifully decorated room that you are happy with, the first time.
2017 Benjamin Moore Color of the Year, Shadow 2117-30
Allusive and enigmatic…a master of ambiance…indulge your mysterious side…
National Lumber Home Finishes 