Blog | MDK Design Associates

Rejuvenate Your Home For Spring

Rejuvenate your home for spring to elevate your mood and keep designs fresh. It has been more than one year since we first felt the significant impact of COVID-19 on our daily lives. We’ve all adapted to change from school to work and social gatherings in between. We are emerging on the other side of this global pandemic. At the same time, Spring flowers are getting ready to bloom on our beautiful East Coast. We can feel the rejuvenation of this season and have been anticipating the change that is upon us.

With this change, we have been preparing our homes for the Spring. If you are inspired to prepare your space for the boost in energy, discover our tips for the season ahead.

Here are 6 ways to rejuvenate your home for Spring

1. Consider updating the colors around your home

There is always one room in our homes that we “play” with, be it changing artwork, testing wall colors or navigating new furniture trends. For the Spring, we are testing a wide spectrum of palettes. We are seeing neutral shades ooze calm and soft colors that are inspired by nature, to bold and contrasting colors like red with light pink to create playful designs. Consider how color updates around your home can bring you into the Spring and through the Summer.

2. It’s time for Spring Cleaning!

Our most favorite time of the year – seriously! It’s incredible how things around the home accumulate, from side tables to our closets.

Now is the time to pack away our Winter parkas and bring our Spring trench coats out. Make space in your closet and determine what you will donate and what you might sell. We’re big fans of finding deals on sites like eBay!

3. Dive into accent colors

While you’re updating the paint colors around your home, look for accent pieces that can complement a new coat of paint. You may find inspiration from Pantone’s color of the year – PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating. “It is a story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly,” shared Pantone. We love the idea of playing with these two colors as compliments and accents of one another.

Pillows With Punch – An Easy Way To Update Your Space

4. Speaking of color, consider updating your throws and pillows

If you’ve been following us for the last few years, you will know that we love the idea of changing out throws and pillows as the seasons move. Having accent pillows for the Spring and Summer, then exchanging them for the Fall and Winter palettes are an easy and inexpensive way to add new life to any room. Throw pillow covers, like these on Amazon, come in a wide variety of colors for you to choose from.

5. Invest in a new area rug for your living room or bedroom

Especially if you have beautiful hardwood to protect, a protective (but fun!) area rug is essential. If you are going to invest in one area of your home this Spring, an impressive area rug might be just that.

Area rugs are an easy way to update your space for the season ahead. There are so many options available, between finding something entirely unique on Etsy to perusing the sites of Wayfair and Nordstrom, there are many retailers on the market to consider. You may even consider using this new area rug as being your accent color as we shared above.

Aromatic Scents Soothe The Soul

6. Add refreshing Spring scents with beautiful candles for your home

There is nothing that smells better than Spring! And there is almost nothing that elevates your home, and your mood, like a brand new candle.

Some of our favorite scents for Spring in the form of scented candles are here…

Floral Street Sunshine Bloom from Sephora, with key notes of coconut and jasmine to set the stage for a new season.

Limited Edition Barries Candle, bringing forward the tangy freshness of blackcurrant berries.
Replica Springtime in a Park from Sephora perhaps our most favorite, with hints of jasmine and pear that set the stage for the Springtime.
Fornasetti Medium Rossetti Scented Candle from Saks Fifth Avenue, not only a beautiful exterior, but a multi-faceted scent that features white rose, jasmine and orange blossom.

Celebrating the season of Spring in Boston is a wonderful experience. Following a cold and snowy winter, we can emerge together with the incoming warmth of the sun. Flowers are budding in our gardens and homes are being rejuvenated for the new seasons. These six tips above will help you celebrate the season and all that awaits us. Check one project at a time off your list to rejuvenate your home this Spring.

If you are considering greater renovations or builds within your home beyond this season, MDK Design Associates is here to help. Contact us here to collaborate on your next interior design project in the Greater Boston area.

1
APR

MDK Interior Designs Blog

spring design ideas

Home Design Trends for 2021 – 7 Interior Ideas

Home design trends for 2021 are on the minds of homeowners as we hunker down this winter during the pandemic. We can all agree – 2020 has been far from expected, unusual in the greatest sense of the word, and an unprecedented time for individuals and businesses. We have written about the amount of time spent in our homes throughout this past year, and while there is certainly light at the end of this unknown tunnel, it has given us an opportunity to consider small scale to full scale renovations in our homes as we enter 2021.

With this comes home interior design trends for the new year. 2021 will be all about comfort and creativity as we create both stylish and sophisticated home designs (hello, new home office!)

Here are seven new home design trends for 2021 as we round the “year that was”

1. Bringing everything “home” – from gyms to offices

While it may have been a challenge at times, many of us kept up with our gym routines in the best possible way. From outdoor workouts in the Summer to buying those oh-so-expensive dumbbells as we navigated our way through to the Fall, fitness was and is an essential piece to our stability puzzle. Likewise, working from home created a whole new set of benefits for our lifestyle; however, many of us did not have the dedicated space for a home office environment.

2021 is all about bringing everything “home”, primarily in the gym and home office sense. We are seeing clients investing in a high tech home gym, from a full rack of dumbbells to a Peloton in a fully functional basement. Similarly, home offices are on the rise, with many of us choosing to work from home permanently. Consider how you may integrate technology with style in both of these areas of your home.

2. More time in your kitchen leads to a renovation

As you’re spending increasingly more time in your home office and home gym, why not turn your eyes to an optimized kitchen? We are seeing the integration of mixed materials and finishes in kitchens making a rise. Combining smoked oak wood with lacquer, floating shelves to bring a sense of modern simplicity, and dark kitchens are back – and we can’t wait to get these projects underway.

Black kitchen cabinets were a trend just a few short years ago, and we’re excited that they have made their triumphant return. Mixing dark-tone wood and rich hues provides the modern drama that we have all been waiting for.

Home Design Trends for 2021 Include Unique Hardware, Bright Colors, & Beautiful Bedrooms

3. Hardware in the kitchen will come in all shapes and sizes

Kitchen hardware is perhaps one of the most overlooked finish in a kitchen renovation – though it is not overlooked by our team here at MDK Designs.

Once you have picked your appliances, your flooring, your dark cabinets, it’s time to pull everything together with copper handles and traditional faucets. Brushed nickel is also, always, a solid option!

Consider hardware in the kitchen like jewelry to an outfit. While your black dress and statement heels look spectacular on an evening out, it can sometimes be the hoop earrings or diamond necklace that brings it all together.

4. Consider the color palette for 2021

When designing a room – or rooms – for our clients, we always consider the latest color trends. 2021 is no exception. When choosing colors for living rooms, for example, there are several aspects that must be taken into account; the furniture, the hardware, the textiles and the lighting. Bringing together combinations that are already present can help set the stage for what is ahead.

The color palette for 2021 features warm hues with a bright punch of color. Visualize creams with a punch of cranberry, for example, or sage green with a splash of teal. You may consider throws or pillows to bring this palette to life.

5. Invest in your master bedroom

Much like we have clients investing in their home offices and gyms, we highly recommend looking to your master bedroom as an investment. Consider looking at your bedding as an area of opportunity (after all, you spend 7-8 hours in your bed every single night!)

Your master bedroom must be an oasis, and a place to truly unwind and relax at night.

Home Theaters & Serene Spaces Stay Home Design Trends for 2021

6. Home theaters will carry you through 2021

With movie theaters closed, or partially open, many of us are looking to our homes for a chance to bring entertainment to life within our own four walls. Remember – a home theater doesn’t have to be expensive! If you have the space, you can bring together a DIY configuration of sorts. A large television, combined with a popcorn machine, perhaps a candy station, and seating for the whole family. Just because you can’t go to the theatre doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a movie experience in your own home.

7. Bring meditation home

To bring everything together, meditation and self-care must be at the top of your list for 2021. While your home office will provide a place to spend your day, consider the use of a meditation zone, a calming and quiet area of your home, to set your intentions for the day, reflect on what was, and to show gratitude for what you have. A meditation zone in your own home can connect both your body and your mind as one, bringing your soul to rest as you embark on a new journey of 2021.

As we move into the new year, consider how you might give your home a reset; an opportunity to set the stage for what lies ahead in 2021. After the year that was, take time to reflect on what you accomplished and set goals for the new calendar year.

From us to you here at MDK Designs, we wish you a joyful and splendid Holiday and New Year with your loved ones!

30
DEC

MDK Interior Designs Blog

home design trends for 2021

Home Design Ideas for Winter 2020

Home design ideas for Winter may be a top of mind. With the global pandemic impacting our lives in a meaningful way as we enter the Winter, we continue to spend more time in our homes. We’ve shared our recommendations for outdoor living space ideas for 2020, and as we move into the cold months of the year, an indoor space that creates warmth and beauty is key.

You may have been spending more time in the kitchen, office or living area throughout this year. Have ideas and concepts to renovate your space? Whether big or small, MDK Design Associates has compiled home design ideas to prepare your home for the season ahead. Remember, getting your home ready to be warm and cozy doesn’t need to come with a significant price tag.

Here are our 8 home design ideas to get ready for the Winter season

1. Prepare with a basic declutter

There is truly nothing better than a declutter of your home! Start with the master bedroom and move to other areas of your home. Declutter all surfaces, objects and items that you no longer need or use. Not only will this help to enhance the over well-being of your home, it can also help to free your mind of clutter. It’s also an opportunity to donate clothes you are no longer wearing anymore.

2. Consider your Winter lighting

The nights are getting darker, and as such your interior lighting needs to compliment the exterior. You may invest in smart lighting in order to adjust the tones of your home. There is a wide variety of smart bulbs available on Amazon, which can be adjusted depending on your unique needs.

3. Consider re-arranging furniture as needed

If you have spent a great deal of time in a room over the last number of months, you may have considered rearranging the furniture. Perhaps the television could be placed on a wall, with room created below, or maybe a side chair could be relocated elsewhere.

4. Invest in fresh florals every week

Just because it is the Winter doesn’t mean that fresh flowers aren’t available in Boston. Surrounding yourselves with plants will not only improve air quality, it has also been said to decrease stress levels. It is important to connect with nature in any way that we can.

Think Calming Fragrances, Cozy Blankets, Clean Environments & Home Health

5. Place scented candles around your home

As we approach the Hanukkah and Christmas season, we can already smell the scent of cinnamon and frankincense in the air. Placing scented candles around your home will leave a lasting impression.

6. Place new throws on your couch and bed

Incorporating soft furnishings into spaces will create a warm and cozy atmosphere for your home. From silky throws to comfortable blankets, these are the home comforts we truly need right now – and they can be ordered online.

7. Re-consider where your home office is placed

Keep your work area separate from your bedroom. It is important to have a dedicated space at home to promote productivity. A very clean and comfortable environment will not only foster productivity, it will also help with overall focus.

8. Invest in a home gym

You may already have your dream gym envisioned, or perhaps you have one that needs re-arrangement. Investing in your physical fitness during this global pandemic will help to prepare yourself both physically and mentally. Be mindful of nourishing and supporting your body over the Winter. You may want to consult with an interior designer like MDK Design Associates in creating the perfect home gym – just contact Melanie at MDK here.

As we move into the Winter, you will most certainly be spending more time in your home with your family and loved ones. Preparing your home to be cozy during these months will go a long way in your preparation for the long Winter ahead.

9
NOV

MDK Interior Designs Blog

home design ideas for winter 2020

Homeschool Room Ideas for the School Year

Homeschool room ideas are top of mind for parents during the pandemic. With the new school year right around the corner, we are all balancing our work lives. Between the school routines and work schedules more challenging times are ahead of us. Whether you are embarking on virtual learning exclusively, or a hybrid model of in-class and home learning, homeschool room ideas are essential to setting ourselves up for success.

To create the perfect environment, focus on some of the best homeschool room set-up ideas. We’ve compiled the ‘must haves’ you need to keep your children focused and educated during this time.

Homeschool Room Ideas – 6 Ways to Create the Perfect Academic Space

1. Dedicate a space for learning and learning only

If you have the room at home, be sure to identify a space that is for learning during the day. Allocate time to mimic the school hours. It will make your child feel like they are actually “going” somewhere. Even if it’s up the stairs or around the corner, a dedicated space can do wonders.

This will also help to give your family some room to breathe, so homework and Zoom classes are not held at the kitchen table.

2. Re-think the lighting in your homeschool environment space

Natural light is great for two reasons. First, it provides energy as your child navigates through the day. Second, it can support a great viewing environment while your child is on camera with their classmates during live classes.

If the room does not have access to natural light, have some fun with your kids. For example, consider some string lights found on Amazon. String lights are simple, affordable and a creative way to add some fun in the space.

Keep in Mind Climate, Color & Comfort

3. Be sure to create a comfortable climate

As we move from the Summer into the Fall and colder months, be aware of the climate in the home learning space. Areas like home offices above the garage can become particularly cold if it is not well insulated. Consider adding area rugs if the space allows for it. Rugs add comfort and aid in sound absorption too!

4. Bring a splash of color to your space

No child wants dull walls surrounding them for hours each day. While you don’t need to paint your walls like a crayon box, it is valuable to have an inspiring homeschool environment. Although pastels and neutral tones continue to be popular as we move through the Fall, consider adding splashes of color in the form of pillows, throws, artwork or even storage bins.

5. Be sure to have space for a large whiteboard

If your child is a visual learner, they may have a need for a whiteboard area. Most children love to see their work on display. In addition, whiteboards can give a bigger visual of homework assignments.

Bonus – as an ‘in home’ teaching support, you could use this area to surprise your children with a different quote every morning. Here is a great resource for 200 inspirational quotes for kids that cover school, life and success.

6. Provide options for alternative seating

We all know that sitting at a desk all day has been linked to health concerns, like obesity, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar and more. To avoid such concerns, providing options for alternative seating arrangements is essential. As a result, try yoga/bosu balls for balanced seating, bean bags, and ergonomic chairs. Above all, provide alternatives for your children as they inevitably sit at the computer screen for hours each day.

Desk Set-Up Ideas for Kids’ Rooms

Floating desks can take up very little space. Therefore, you don’t need to redesign your entire room around a new desk. Simply, use a wall unit with the ability for a drop-down desk. The feature can be a useful space saver in smaller Boston apartments or homes. Desks with a hutch can also be a great way to display favorite toys or belongings. In conclusion, think simple desks and satisfying visual displays in your room setting.

As we all navigate the new school year, we will inevitably journey along these bumps together. During this time as we create the perfect homeschool environment for our children, remember to practice patience with one another. Be safe and healthy! Contact MDK Designs for more homeschool set up ideas.

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SEP

MDK Interior Designs Blog

homeschool room ideas

Outdoor Living Space Ideas for 2020

Outdoor living space ideas are on our minds, as we continue to navigate the global pandemic. We are spending hours upon hours with our loved ones. This time spent with our family and close friends has likely encouraged you to dream of outdoor living space ideas. You might be thinking about upcoming renovations or perhaps a new house purchase all together!

While we collectively navigate this landscape, the summer is here. How can we make the most of it given the situation? The heat of the Boston weather means that we are spending more time outside. Therefore, think of your backyard as an at-home Oasis……and that Oasis is needed now more than ever!

Here are 5 ways you can make the most of your outdoor living space – a backyard Oasis for the Summer of 2020

1. Create the perfect outdoor movie theatre

It’s time to get outside, and bring the entertainment with you. For the best outdoor movie experience, here’s all you need…

An outdoor screen projector, like this one
A white bedsheet and some clothespins
Snacks!

Pin the bedsheets to nearby trees. Use tape to place on a flat surface. Place linens on the side of your home so you can quickly and easily take your family movie night outdoors. Be sure to wait until dusk!

2. Take a staycation in your backyard

While you might not be getting to the lake or cabin to do some camping and enjoying a family vacation, why not take the tents and s’mores to your backyard?

An extension of the aforementioned movie night could be an actual staycation in your backyard. Get out the tents, grab what you need to make at-home s’mores and enjoy the fresh air from the comfort of your very own outdoors.

3. There is no time like the present to get those landscaping chores done

If you have a green thumb, this is the time to shine! Consider a trip to your local farmer’s market or garden center to purchase some of the Summer’s most versatile plants. One of our favorites is the Begonia, a summer bedding plant. Begonias are often well loved for their large blooms in a very wide variety of colors. These plants are suitable for beds, borders, hanging baskets and window boxes, and can add some excellent foliage to your garden.

4. Create a wine bar in your backyard

Many of our clients are blessed to have a wide, open space in their backyard that can serve many purposes. Why not consider utilizing the space for a beautiful wine bar?

You can either go all-in with a customized solution, or you can envision this as a DIY project. Consider purchasing a portable table and storage cabinet like this one. In addition, you can build a wine bar yourself to complement your outdoor barbecue or outdoor kitchen. It’s a good time to invest in enhancing the backyard. You might even consider an outdoor kitchen since it can serve you and family through the Summer and into the Fall.

5. If you make one investment this Summer, it will be this.

Outdoor fire pits are one of the greatest purchases you can make to breathe life into your backyard. Surrounding yourself with warmth, around a beautiful fire in the evening, brings a sense of ambience to your home. There are impressive fire pits you can purchase online, or you can receive a consultation from MDK Designs to have a great vision of your backyard area. Whatever you decide, consider investing in a fire pit this Summer.

As we all continue to navigate this global pandemic, consider the time spent inside your home as a complement to a greater vision for your outdoor oasis. To learn more, or gain insight from Melanie and her team, click here.

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JUL

MDK Interior Designs Blog

outdoor living space ideas

5 Home Interior Design Ideas You Can Use

There is no better time to share home interior design ideas while we are all hunkering down. With the practice of social distancing, physical workplaces are closed for an undetermined amount of time. As a result, the unknown can create uncertainty especially, as we become more familiar with the four walls in which we live.

These four walls don’t need to be restrictive in nature. While spending more time in your home, consider this a unique opportunity to not only enjoy your home, but to think creatively about future home interior design ideas and projects.

5 Home Interior Design Ideas and questions to ask yourself along the way

1) Rearrange your home office

home office interior design — *MDK Design Associates Home Office*

If you typically work in a physical office, you are very likely working from home at this time. You may have an office in your home that was designed to aesthetic and appeal; now is the time to make it super functional.

Ensure that your office is separated from the house. For example, work is work, and your kitchen is your kitchen. Consider rearranging your furniture for a change in scenery. Be sure to have a visually appropriate backdrop for your video conference calls.

2) Is now the time to change those wall
colors?

You may be looking around at your walls and contemplating whether now is the time to make a change. Color can do wonders to lift your spirit. In fact, the Pantone Color of the Year is classic blue. Hues of blue evoke feelings of peace and tranquility.

Bright Yellow is a Home Design Trend

Adding bright colors with paint and fabrics can play a significant role in how we feel. A soft and subtle yellow can brighten your mood and increase your overall energy. Who doesn’t want a natural boost of momentum during a period of physical distancing?

3) Build forts and have sleepovers with your
children

While you are working from home, your kids are also studying virtually. As your family stays indoors more than what once was, you’ll need to get creative with how you engage your children.

Consider building forts from your couch and pillow cushions and have sleepovers with your kids. Grab your flashlights, make some popcorn, and read memorable books from their childhood. Now is the time to be creative with your routines and implement new activities in your home to support your kids.

Explore Different Cooking Ideas

kitchen cooking ideas — *White Kitchen with Colorful Red Accents*

4) Get creative with your cooking

Many of us are experiencing what it’s like to prepare three meals every day. The average American eats take-out nearly 6 times every week. Creating six additional meals during this time may seem like a great deal of effort!

There are excellent resources, like Minimalist Baker, who shares recipes requiring 10 ingredients or less, or 30 minutes or less to prepare. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking to add creativity into their meals.

Although many of us are working from home these days, our time is still very limited as we juggle home-schooling, meetings, conference calls, cleaning, exercising etc. Try to plan your meals ahead to help alleviate some pressure of what is for dinner and lunch. Planning your meals ahead will help make healthier eating choices rather than grabbing a bag of chips.

If you have a slow cooker at home, time to bring it out. The slow cooker is a perfect way to prepare delicious home-cooked meals without being glued to the kitchen all day. While you are getting your kitchen utensils ready, it’s a good idea to clean out those kitchen drawers. Organize your kitchen utensils and purchase containers online for storage. It’s a good time to rethink your kitchen tools.

Bring Outdoor Elements Inside Your Home

5) Take advantage of your outdoor space, if it is safe and secluded

We’ve written about creating the ideal outdoor space for your home – now is the time to use it!

If you can, get outside to pick flowers for the indoors, explore your outdoor space with a family picnic, or create a scavenger hunt. Consider how you have traditionally used your backyard in the past. We all can’t wait to spend time with friends and family again. In the meantime, you can pivot to a uniquely different purpose for your outdoor space.

With the uncertainty ahead, both in terms of physical distancing and other potential measures taken to keep Massachusetts safe and healthy, now is the time to bring creativity into the four walls of your home and beyond.

You are spending a great deal more time with your family and within your space. Consider how you can make the most of this time together, all while planning ahead to implement home interior design ideas and potential outdoor projects such as gardening and getting the planters ready.

Above all, stay safe, stay healthy and stay
connected to your loved ones during this unprecedented time.

30
MAR

MDK Interior Designs Blog

home interior design ideas

Interior Design Trends for 2020

2020 is the year of test and trial, without the tribulation. Throughout the year before us, we’ve seen the soft tones of the Spring emerge in our homes, we have built the outdoor oasis of our dreams in the Summer and we have truly integrated warmth during the Fall months in Boston. This past year taught us that we are poised for “anything goes” in 2020. Styles are evolving. Hence, this blog with a focus on interior design trends for 2020. Individuality is more important than ever. And, perhaps most interesting of them all, custom and crafty pieces are here – and they’re here to stay.

Interior Design Trends 2020 Shared By MDK Design Associates

1. Be prepared for unique additions to the home

Over the last few years, we’ve seen incredible interior design trends come through Boston. As the pendulum swings, however, it is clear that personality and unique additions to our homes is a trend that is poised to show itself in 2020.

This trend of unique additions to your home is not one that is exploring the most crafted and one-of-a-kind pieces. Instead, it is about adding your personality into a Great Room, your personal photos into a home office and your sense of style and sophistication within your four walls.

Consider what makes you truly happy. Is it memories of your hike to Kilimanjaro that are perfectly encapsulated in a unique frame? Is it wood candelabra that takes a risk within a modern, concrete floor home? 2020 is about this unique blend of personality.

2. Eco-friendly is key

We talk about eco-friendly alternatives and overall sustainability within our daily lives, though have we considered it within our homes?

There is an ethical component that we must consider when making purchases. From the addition of plants in a family room, which provide oxygen and filter chemicals, to furniture made from natural materials versus plastic moulding, making simple decisions when creating a room in your home, or undergoing a full renovation, will help to impact eco-friendly sustainability.

Interior Design Trends 2020 Consider Color, Patterns & Uniqueness

3. Colors are everywhere

For the last couple of years, we have seen neutrals make a splash through our homes. Pinks, taupes, greys and blues have made their way to the walls of Boston. In 2020, we are seeing these neutrals be replaced by warmer colors – everywhere. From walls and cabinets to tiles and side tables, unique shades are making their way into nearly each and every room of our homes.

4. Patterns on patterns

If you’ve been following our blog for some time, you know how much we love our rugs here at MDK Design. We love the concept of tying in colors and hues on the walls with a beautiful, ornate and patterned rug. Thankfully, we’ll see more of this throughout the year. Upholstered furniture mixed with patterns of various scales will help tie rooms together, both large and small. Contrasting patterns will help to bring in a chic look and feel to a room, tying back to the unique integrations of your personal design preference with a trend in this calendar year.

5. Speaking of unique, let’s talk velvet for interior design trends this year

We know, we know, velvet may not be everyone’s cup of tea, though it will be wildly popular throughout 2020. Velvet provides a blend of color and comfort, while oozing the sense of luxury.

Velvet on sofas will be a design option that we will see plenty of in 2020. This trend ties together the vibrancy of varying hues, with the blend of luxury and ultimate comfort. Don’t be afraid to pop some color using velvet as we move through 2020.

6. Though some of us might be going back to basics

Approximately 4-5 years ago, we saw the contrast of black and white in our homes. From black and white kitchens, to the starkness of tiles in our powder rooms, these color spectrum opposites made for a true yin and yang in our homes.

With the aforementioned trends we are seeing in 2020 – from unique rugs to eco-friendly solutions – we are also seeing black and white come into play. Think black sofas, white marble countertops, black textiles and onyx prints. Imagine that pop of velvet color in a black and white contrasted room?

In 2020, black and white is set to make a return. Interior designers and homeowners alike can look forward to this remarkable palette on which we can create our unique canvas.

2020 is all about you – personalization in your home, unique additions that truly could not be done by anyone else but yourself. This year, consider how you can make your house a home with updates that make an impact on your way of living.

Need help redesigning or renovating your home in 2020? Contact Melanie Kokoros at MDK Design Associates for a FREE 1-Hour Design Consultation.

20
FEB

MDK Interior Designs Blog

interior design trends 2020

12 Ways to Decorate for Christmas

Since your home is evolving from the comfort of the Fall to the cold of Winter, MDK Design Associates shares 12 ways to decorate for Christmas. Thanksgiving has come and gone. You are most likely preparing for the change of season and more holidays.

Boston is expected to receive a cold, hard winter so we turn our attention to comfort indoors. From candles and throws, to delicate lighting and soft pillows, the confines of our walls are home to a newfound luxury and relaxation. This season, of course, leading to the enjoyment of Christmas.

Transforming your home into the season of Christmas can be a collective effort within your family.

To help you get started, here are 12 Ways to Decorate for Christmas in Boston.

1. Bring in a feeling of glitz and glamour

With plenty of sparkles in our wardrobe during Christmastime, why not integrate the glitz indoors, too? Consider rose golds and pinks on your tree in the form of ornaments, or even pillows. Rose golds have a great way of bringing warmth to your home, in an understated way.

2. String lights and garland on your staircase

Aren’t we all dreaming of a White Christmas? We love the idea of weaving lights, garland and even a flash of florals on your staircase. Welcome your guests into your foyer with a splash of holiday cheer.

3. Throws and pillows, oh my!

If you’ve been around our blog for a few years, you will know how much we absolutely love the idea of seasonal and festive throws and pillows. From tones to materials, you can truly transform a room with just a few select pieces.

4. Add some rustic flair

A cozy home with an assortment of decor can be truly classic. String lights and a mantel with pine needle garland are just two ways you can tie elegance and rustic flair together.

5. Candles, candles, candles

As soon as the cool Winter hits, we love bringing out our festive candles. The scents of pine, mixed with soothing cinnamon just scream “Christmas”. Consider a combination of scents, along with tall table candles for your Christmas dinner.

6. This year is all about neutrals

You don’t need color to dazzle your dinner table for the Holidays. Mixing the aforementioned rose gold along the tones of champagne will go a long way in creating an uber chic environment, while still maintaining a festive home.

7. Consider changing your fine china for Christmas dinner

Your fine china is used throughout the year for other joyous occasions; perhaps you just cleaned and placed it away from Thanksgiving dinner! This Christmas, consider making the swap for festive assortments of red, white and green dishware. Being festive has never been easier.

8. Dress your table with holiday flair

Brass candle holders, a red tablecloth, and a winter floral arrangement are just a few ways to dress your table with Holiday flair. Your guests will feel welcome and excited to celebrate as the food hits the table.

9. Bring personal elements into your home

Christmas stockings are such a great, personal way to make your home feel warm and cozy. You can also lead activities with your kids, like creating DIY wood letters, customizing your stockings, or making ornaments as a family.

10. Deliver Christmas cards at the seats of your guests

While many of us send Christmas cards in the mail, consider having them ready for your guests at their seat of the dinner table. It’s not only a personalized way to show gratitude, it will also help to act as a place card!

11. Use wallpaper as wrapping paper

We have seen this on great DIY blogs, and we love the idea for Christmas. While it is more expensive than wrapping paper, the thickness and the pattern options are a great way to make your gifts appear fancy – without issues of tearing.

12. Add some quirk to your home

You have personality, so let’s show it! Hanging ornaments from your chandelier is an excellent way to add flavor to your home in a unique and meaningful way.

Keep it Creative & Fun When Using Specific Ways to Decorate for Christmas

Whether you are celebrating Christmas with family, friends or both, these are just 12 ways to decorate for Christmas. There are many ways to decorate for the holidays and it takes time and effort. Remember to focus on keeping it creative and fun for everyone! From MDK Designs to you and yours, enjoy the gratitude of the season!

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DEC

MDK Interior Designs Blog

Ways to Decorate for Christmas

Fall Interior Design Trends For 2019

Fall interior design trends for 2019 are on the minds of homeowners. Many of us think about pumpkins, pies and the colorful leaves of fall. Home decor and interior design is on your mind especially, if you are planning to host or entertain for the holidays. It’s an exciting time but where did the Summer go?

The weather is turning noticeably cooler so we naturally think about creating warmth in our homes. It’s truly time for Fall and *gasp* looking ahead to Winter in Boston and Greater Boston. Therefore, it’s a great time to get your New England space ready for the upcoming seasons.

MDK Design Associates has been working on interior design projects varying from luxury estates in Weston to Boston penthouse apartments over the last few months. It’s been amazing to see the wide array of home decor trends among our clients’ homes. Melanie Kokoros, Owner & Interior Designer, of MDK Design Associates takes you through the Fall interior design trends that you might consider in your home. These fall interior design trends are easy and cost effective to implement. Transition your home with ease through the upcoming season with these five interior design ideas.

Here are the Fall interior design trends for 2019

1. Integrate warm colors, like orange and blues

Through 2019 we have seen the fusion of pastels within homes to create a warm, welcoming feeling. Fall comes with new colors that we are already seeing while out shipping. For instance, warm colors like orange and blue. While these are generally not colors you would see integrated within one another, they bring a feeling of creativity within the home. Consider using these colors of warmth on a feature wall. In addition, you can even use orange and blue colors around a frame with a featured photo you love.

2. It’s all about the texture

As the weather turns, most of us like to cuddle up with our favorite blanket. It’s the time perfect time of year for sitting beside a wood-burning fire. Cozy up to throw pillows in your living room with a good book. Think about warming up in the evenings alongside of comfortable and soft textured fabrics. You might consider adding throw pillows with velvets, alongside neutral blankets or couch fabrics. Velvets are surely coming into trend as we enter the Fall season. Hence, adding different textures is an excellent way to make a small investment that can make a significant change in the overall look and feel of your room design.

Using a mix of metals is a popular addition to the home in a new season. For example, you can mix chromes with rose golds, and silvers with brass. They can be integrated within your couch legs, to your door handles.

Add Warm Colors & Organic Materials Into Your Home Decor

3. Fall neutrals are back!

It feels like it has truly been ages since we could bring together creams, vanillas, taupes and chocolates, right? With Fall neutrals come soft, delicate wall colors, throw pillows, furniture highlights and more. As you soften and layer the clothes in your wardrobe similarly, you dress your home through the transitions of the season. Look through your living area, and consider how you can integrate Fall neutrals within your room.

4. Organic and natural materials are brought indoors

As consumers are looking for organic, natural ways to bring interior design into their home, we are certainly seeing the trend move within the Fall. After all, wood side tables, dining room chairs, dining room tables, bed frames and more can invoke the feeling of both nature and outdoors year round. You can integrate organic and natural materials like wood live edge tables, bamboo woven lamps, and eco friendly materials within areas of your home.

MDK Design Associates is seeing trends with the use of organic and natural materials in both luxury estates and apartment condos. This trend can be integrated across furnishings to home decor accessories.

Light Colored Floors For Fall

5. A home renovation with flooring

Much of our trend recommendations focus on simple, cost effective changes you can make in your home, though one of the most significant and impressive ways you can bring in a Fall trend is to update your flooring.

Light hardwood floors can enhance a large, brighter space and bring in a Scandinavian feel. We have moved through years of dark wood and complimenting furnishings. We are moving into a time where we are seeing lighter, tan and off-white and light gray flooring installations. Now is the time for that home renovation you have been considering!

If you are considering a Fall renovation, you can work within both small to large scale changes. Whether your budget is conservative, or you are ready to create a sweeping change, MDK Design Associates is prepared for any interior design update or residential or commercial renovation. To learn more, contact us at MDK Design here.

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SEP

MDK Interior Designs Blog

fall interior design trends

7 Ways To Make Your Summer Decor Hot

Summer decor is on our minds with the weather warming up here in Boston. We are dreaming of Summer decor – both indoor and outdoor. While you might be peeking out of your kitchen window and looking into your back patio, envisioning the updates you will make in a few short weeks, we encourage you to consider how your indoor decor will reflect the new season.

Your Summer decor is a reflection of how you approach the season. While some of us enjoy Spring and Fall, the shoulder seasons are filled with opportunity. Summer is when the indoor and outdoor areas of your home can truly shine.

With that in mind, how can you make your Summer decor shine?

Here are 7 ways to make your Summer decor hot, hot, hot!

1. Incorporate tranquility within your home

Tranquility and Summer go hand in hand, don’t they? The warm Summer evenings with family and friends surrounding your back patio, enjoying every last bit together.

Tranquility can be formed both indoors and outdoors. From a water feature in your home to a concrete fountain or a custom built waterfall, you can accomplish tranquility within any DIY project or budget.

2. Consider using ocean colors within your home

Bright blues. White tones. Nautical themes. Incorporating ocean colors within your home through throw pillows, blankets, plates, photo frames and more can go a long way. Better yet, be sure to stow these away in the Winter months so you can reuse next Summer!

3. Update your artwork to coastal concepts

Artwork can be difficult to find, though have you considered artwork according to the season?

Updating your artwork to coastal concepts, incorporating Summer themes and colors, can brighten up any room. Consider updating major pieces of artwork within your homes, such as artwork in living areas or bedrooms.

4. Everyone loves a Summer fire pit

We have written about fire pits in previous blog posts, and they are still ever as popular. Fire pits in the Summer can extend your length of time spent outdoors and are especially popular during barbeques and outdoor celebrations.

5. Add fresh towels to your bathroom

While hosting those Summer barbeques for friends and family, consider updating your bathroom with fresh towels. Blues, light greys, foam greens or soft yellows. Amazon has great solutions for interchangeable colors during this season.

6. Update your mantel with beach-themed decor

How about this for a fun Summer project?

Head to the beach with your kids and send them on an adventure challenge – collect shells, sea glass, sand and more. With your newfound goodies, clean the seashells and place your sand and sea glass in multi-size bottles. Position them on your mantel and remember the fun family activity you all participated in as the Summer moves on!

7. Fresh flowers for your interior entrance-way

There is truly nothing like fresh flowers in your home. The placement of fresh florals in a beautiful vase can light up any room. Daisys, dahlias, and lilies are some of the most popular florals for the Summer months and are sure to bring life into your Spring-transitioned home.

Summer in Boston is a beautiful time of the year to be in our historic city, and it can be made even more so when your Summer decor reflects the indoor and outdoor personality of your home. For more great Summer decor ideas, contact our team at MDK Designs here.

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MDK Interior Designs Blog

summer decor

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