We recently shared a post that outlined several scenarios in which we were able to assist our clients with some major changes in their lives through the renovation of their homes. Hopefully, it helped you identify some areas in which you could improve your lifestyle through modifications to your own space. It doesn’t have to be an entire overhaul because something as simple as adding a wall-mounted organizer* by the entry can alleviate the stress of the all-too-common “mail stack on the counter” scenario. 

But sometimes you need a full shift. Sometimes we find that the space we have no longer serves who we are and whether you have started a family, are recently empty-nesters, or the way you service customers has changed overnight (hello covid!), your spatial needs have changed. Sometimes it happens so gradually, that we don’t even realize it until the realization hits you that you need something different and maybe you aren’t even sure where to start. As a business owner and total efficiency nerd, I always try to start with a SMART goal. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. 

A good example of a SMART goal would be: I want an open kitchen with plenty of storage and space for my little ones to sit at the counter while I cook. I would like to have this finished by the summer when they will be home with me all day and I will forgo my dream marble countertops to keep this affordable, as I know we will have to replace the cabinets to tweak the layout. 

Once you’ve identified your SMART goal, it’s time to start thinking about implementing the necessary changes. When we work with small business owners or homeowners alike, we employ a change management system to help guide the process. Rule #1, get everyone on board. It’s great to have dreams and ideas, but you’re creating a change that will affect everyone in the space timewise, financially, and how the end product is utilized. It is important to get buy-in and it is also helpful to get ideas from the other people who will use the space. When we work with clients, we require that all of the decision-makers and end-users be present at this stage. Buy-in and feedback from all involved is essential to a smooth process and also yields a better end product. 

Now you have your wishlist and are preparing for the beautiful, yet functional kitchen of your dreams. What’s next? While many say that a shift in mindset is required to successfully prepare for change we would like to offer that action, coupled with the guidance of an expert, can actually get you to that mindset quicker. Sticking with the example above, some great next steps would include: Going through all kitchen/pantry items to determine how much storage you actually need, donating items you don’t need (AKA Marie Kondo* your space), visiting a showroom to get ideas and rough pricing or contacting an Interior Designer to just handle it for you. We will ALWAYS recommend hiring a designer before a General Contractor. A good designer provides a plan and will work alongside the GC to help provide a code-compliant renovation and realistic budget. 

With these few simple steps, you have surpassed the decision limbo that so many get caught up in. You have also clearly identified what you want and how to get there and once you are in good hands with either a showroom or Interior Designer, you are actually done with the heavy lifting and on your way to your desired goal. 

At BMor Creative, we love to make life easier for our clients. Our expertise in planning and project management makes the interior design process go as smoothly as possible. And while there is no reason you couldn’t see this process through on your own, even a consultation with our team will give you the confidence that you’re on the right track (or help you correct) while assisting to narrow down your options much more quickly.

*Affiliate links: We occasionally use affiliate links to direct readers to examples of products for your projects. And while purchasing through these links does not cost you any more, we disclose that as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 

As an NCIDQ certified designer, we are often asked what it means to have this appellation and what is the benefit to you as a client? Let’s start with what this means. There is a huge difference in an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator. And while both can be extremely talented and creative, a Designer must hit certain milestones that demonstrate a certain level of experience and knowledge in the field especially in regards to public health, safety and welfare. As a student of Interior Design the goal is often to receive a degree, complete an internship under a licensed designer or architect in order to sit for the NCIDQ exams and secure licensure of their own.

This is especially important for those of us who work on commercial spaces, hence the public health, safety and welfare focus. This certification in most states allows the Designer to become a registered design professional and be able to sign and seal their own construction documents for permit, without the involvement (or expense) of an architect. Disclaimer: This will depend on the state and the size/scope of your project. A qualified and experienced Designer will let you know when you need to get an architect and/or engineer involved and will probably have a few good ones to recommend.

Do you need an NCIDQ certified Designer for your project? First and foremost, selecting an NCIDQ designer may not always be required or necessary for your project. If you only need some paint color selections and styling, then a decorator would suit you just fine. But when it comes to renovations requiring anything beyond updating finishes, a designer with the NCIDQ credentials will be your best bet. They have been vetted, tested and have already proven their experience in this realm in order to receive this certification. NCIDQ has put together a great series of videos covering this topic, should you want to learn more.

We are so honored and lucky to be a part of some of the largest shifts and life-changing decisions our clients face. Whether it is starting a new business, buying a new home or just deciding that they are finally going to transform their space to better serve them, our clients have big plans and trust us to implement them. Every project and client is unique but the one recurring theme we heard from clients about their new renovation projects was a desire for change.

Before – Builder grade finishes and woodwork. Furniture collected over time

We once worked with clients that had been married for years and wanted to work with us so they could finally quit living like college students (their words, not ours!). After getting to know them better we realized that this shift had much more to do with them owning their adult personalities more than actually trying to become new people overnight. They were successful and had lived and traveled all over the world, they had super cool collectibles they had picked up along their journey and stored all of them in boxes, because they weren’t sure how to showcase them alongside their mismatched furniture and beige walls. They had the desire and the budget to live differently, but as busy professionals, they had no idea where to start until they brought us on. We were able to develop a new color and finish scheme that spoke to their international taste and provided the perfect backdrop for their unique treasures.

After – Entertainment space with custom finishes, color scheme and bookshelf doors. Intentional new furniture selections that better reflect the homeowners personality

Before – Existing room divider with mdf shelving for storage

On another occasion, we consulted with a family who had a great home in an up-and-coming neighborhood. Financially, it made sense to staybut with a growing family (and book collection), they were being suffocated in their own home. The goal of our consultation was to determine if we could either make it work in their current space We were able to present several ideas and options that ultimately helped them stay in their desired home with all of the functionality, storage and updated looks they desired.

After – Custom bookshelves built into existing room divider

Before – Builder grade entry doors

One of our favorite challenges this past year was a project for a man who bought a home for a great deal in a cookie-cutter neighborhood that was conveniently located for his work commute. He loved the location, price and layout, but it was lacking his personalized taste and touches. We were faced with a number of challenges and questions, not the least of which being: Could we make this house his home with the money he saved on this purchase? Could we selectively plan some upgrades that would make him feel like he was in a modern custom home, at least until he backed out of the driveway? Of course we could…and we accomplished our goal by layering on some sophisticated architectural details like custom wood doors and ceilings.

After – New custom entry doors

These are huge, life-altering decisions that we are honored to help guide for our clients. It is a huge responsibility that we do not take lightly. In all of the previous scenarios, we were able to assist in a way that allowed our clients to keep up with their busy professional lives, without them expending much time or energy to make decisions and coordinate details. Change can be scary but it can also be invigorating. Our team of experts is here to do the heavy lifting, alleviate some of the stress of life-changing decisions, and create a space that is uniquely your own.

Yes, real fur and hides. Fur pillows, fur throws and even fur lamps…some of which were dyed crazy colors. Now this is the only thing I will not be “real” with you about…fur. Beyond the many ethical reasons I could spout, I simply think that it’s gross. But, fur is…interesting? Back around 2007-2009, I remember a short stint when cowhide was all the rage. People went crazy with it. Cowhide bowls, cowhide balls (Did I say balls?!) and anything decorative you could imagine. Thankfully, demand diminished quickly, and the trend fizzled out quickly. I’m hoping this neo-furrycolor-revival thing does, too.

Gone are the days of yester-grey…well, kind of. While I still noticed quite a bit of muted neutrals, color is starting to get back in the mix. Jewel tones mixed with their pastel counterparts created stunning visuals throughout the show. Colorful interiors have historically been the result of optimism returning to society after hard times. The grey/greige trend picked up in about 2010 when the recession was still full force and things were a little depressing all around. In hard times, people naturally cling to familiarity of simple things, and neutrals tend to offer stability. Given the rise of maximalism and bright colors, I’m hopeful that people are feeling more confident, adventurous and FUN with their design choices again.

Although, I think it is actually a secretary meant for writing letters, I love all of the dainty nooks for my beauty stuff. I added some small vintage ashtrays to store jewelry and bobby bins, tucked away on the shelves.

I don’t have a lot of antiques, but the ones I do, I adore. Although, I am not really sure what they’re worth to anyone else. Recently though, I attended a lecture discussing how now is a great time to invest in antiques. Everyone wants vintage, and antiques are more affordable again. I believe that when a piece is functional and quirky, it doesn’t matter what year it was made, it will always come back into style.

Technically, each of these functions could take place in the same vanilla box. But the spatial considerations for a yoga studio vary greatly from those of a coffee shop. If you remove the table and chairs from a restaurant and replace it with cubicles – could it serve as an office? Perhaps, but it would suffer functionally, with a good amount of the space dominated by a now irrelevant commercial kitchen and other unnecessary elements. In turn, your staff and work product would suffer.

Photo: John Fountain

A well-designed space should project and serve its intended purpose. Successful brands have tuned towards this mentality, using their spaces to create an experience and elicit specific responses from employees and customers. These cutting edge companies stay at the forefront of their fields by designing spaces that promote positive, productive employees, and interactive environments for their customers.

Employers can fall short when they view a workspace as solely a space in which to work. In this case, we ask what their goal is for their employees: Do you want workers? Or do you want productive, focused individuals, capable of providing an amazing customer experience? One of the often overlooked considerations of a workspace is employee comfort. Do they have adequate lighting, acoustic privacy, and access to other resources needed to be efficient? Is there enough storage or do unsightly stacks of paperwork clutter every visible work surface?

Before & After

You may have recognized the obvious solutions to these common issues, but even designers can fall victim to disorganization and discomfort. While I am generally organized and most of my files and projects have a home, today the clutter creature was intruding on my focus. It was distracting, and I couldn’t afford to put it off any longer, so I took some time to spruce up my desk before getting down to business. Not only did it take way less time than anticipated, but it helped me to actually stay focused when I started working.

Photo: Miguel Emanuelli

Never underestimate the effect a well-designed workspace can have on your ability to focus and your productivity. Not to mention … your employees and your sanity will thank you!

Paint and color are one of the least expensive and most impactful ways to customize your space. Color is not simply used to dress up a room. Color is used to shape energy and sway emotions. It can reflect a person’s personality, express individuality, and can shift a person’s mood. Color can be what helps set your space apart, and make people remember you. And in a world where everyone seems to just want to fit in, we encourage you to stand out!

As designers, we take a thoughtful and precise approach to color choices and it’s all about achieving the desired effect. Did you know that the right colors can actually change the look and feel of your space? Did you know that color can actually change the way you feel? This is not some new-agey hype, experts have been studying ‘Color Theory’ since the early 1400s. Color and the way it is applied, are principles considered by Interior Designers, Graphics Designers, Marketing Teams, Product Designers, and Fashion alike.

There is a wealth of information available about color symbolism and meaning. Every hue has its own characteristics, and every variation has a purpose. When it comes to design, it’s not just about picking a color; it’s understanding how that color – and its variations can affect space and create a mood. At BMor Creative, we feel the ultimate goal for any renovation, whether it be a local eatery, small business office space, or historic home, is to express the personality of its inhabitants and contribute productively to how they use their space.

Temperature
Colors are classified by temperature: warm to cool. On the spectrum, blues, purples, most grays, and blue-greens are considered cooler colors; while reds, yellows, yellow-greens, oranges, browns, and tans are considered warmer.

Cool colors are known for their calming effects. They invoke mental pictures of water, mountains, wintertime, or an overcast sky – Natural Elements. And just as in nature, these elements can have relaxing and calming effects on a chosen space. Cool colors also tend to make a space feel larger and more expansive, receding visually. This makes cooler colors a good choice for smaller spaces and rooms or any environment you want to promote as calming or relaxed.

Main and Sixth Brewing, Historic Springfield | Jacksonville, FL | Photo: Miguel Emmanuelli

Warm colors tend to bring out a sense of excitement, physicality, and energy. Think of the sun, sand, red clay, or fire – Natural Elements that embody warmth, physically and psychologically. Warm interiors make spaces feel more inviting and comforting. Often you’ll find public spaces in homes, restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs dressed in warm colors. And while cooler colors help expand a space, warmer colors help make larger rooms more intimate, creating a more human scale. Super high ceilings in a living room? Paint the walls and ceiling a warm neutral – it will suddenly feel more intimate and cozy.

King Residence, Historic Springfield | Jacksonville, FL | Photo: Miguel Emmanuelli

Now that you’ve narrowed down the color, it’s time to pick the perfect shade. But how do you know which green will work when there are over 50 to choose from? Understanding saturation can help.

Saturation
Saturation is best described as the intensity of color. Bright and bold colors, the purest and least modified from their true hues, are highly saturated. Softer, more muted versions of the same colors, created by adding black or complementary colors, are less saturated.

Highly saturated colors are visually stimulating and give off a sense of energy, excitement, and optimism. Think of an exercise gym, a Miami nightclub, or a children’s daycare center – places where energy and enthusiasm are implied and intended. It’s easy to envision those places with bright and bold color schemes. Saturated colors are also used to highlight an area or as an accent, drawing attention to a specific spot or room.

As designers, we love using bursts of color to act as signage, as well as contrast to shape large spaces or make a certain color really pop! However, you must proceed with caution. Too many bright colors or colors paired with its complementary companion can be overstimulating. The objective is to create a place for the eye to rest, not a sense of visual anxiety.

Trinity Baptist Pre-K | Jacksonville, FL

Less saturated colors are more peaceful and serene and provide a calming effect. They promote rest and relaxation and help lower negative emotional responses such as anxiety and fear. Is it any wonder these colors are commonly used in spas, mental health facilities, and areas of tranquility in homes, such as bedrooms and bathrooms? Just as too many bright colors can be overstimulating, too many muted colors make a room depressing. So, keeping it to a splash of color is sometimes what you want when looking to liven up a room.

Archer Residence | Jacksonville, FL | Photo: Miguel Emmanuelli

Still not sure?

Are you stuck between a few options? Color is one of our specialties at BMor Creative. We have years of experience in selecting the right palette for each client’s unique needs and personality. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. One of our clients’ biggest fears is picking the wrong colors. Not only do we offer full Interior Design, including Project Management and Construction services, we also offer color consultations.

Not sure how to pull it all together? We would love to share more of our passion and expertise in the world of color with you! Schedule a consult with us today, we’d love to help.

BMor Creative is a full-service interior design firm, specializing in commercial interior design and historic preservation for small business.

One of the most common threads was a strong influence of nature, with an emphasis on living walls and decorative mosses. Green walls have been around, but this year were offered in every color of the rainbow!

Textile and flooring companies are exploring every shape feasible to give designers endless combinations and options. There were plenty of strong geometric patterns with both bold and soft muted combos.

Jewel tones are in, big time! Paired with classic mid century pieces, these fabulous lounge spaces had us feeling like Joan Holloway dreaming of a vodka gimlet.

Overall, we were impressed with the show. Our inspiration banks have been filled thanks to all of the amazing product ideas, along with all of the fine food and ambience Chicago has to offer. Over the next several months, we will be highlighting some of the takeaways in our blog. Until then, here are a few highlights from the show!

These new looks were refreshing, with a cool vintage vibe. There were a lot of new and interesting mosaics, and we can’t wait for them to hit the market. These tiny tiles assembled to create classic textile patterns, like plaid and houndstooth, would be an awesome accent to any kitchen or bath.

Remember that bronze mirror look from the 70s? Well, be prepared to see a lot more of it coming in tile, and home accessories. We love the warm amber glow of it and are thrilled to have sources other than Salvation Army thrifting!