The symbolism surrounding a red front door is not exactly clear. In China, red means luck. In Feng Shui, a red door is usually a recipe for prosperity. In Colonial times, it symbolized that the home and its owners were welcoming. I have also heard that a red front door means the mortgage is paid off- making a red front door more of a status symbol rather than a spiritual or friendly sign.

(A red door in a neighborhood around the corner from me.)

Given that there are a few meanings tied to a red front door, I feel it best to observe the architecture first, then try to make sense of it. Take, for instance, this Colonial style home. This particular red door is probably speaking to tradition more than anything else. However, a red front door on a contemporary home is probably not there for tradition, and possibly there for luck or prosperity, instead.

In some neighborhoods, where traditional architecture abounds, the red door may be quite common. To stand out, consider other colors. Lately, I have noticed a trend for yellow front doors (yes, yellow!). Remember that your door can be a statement. It does not have to match the rest of your trim or dominant exterior color.

Door colors that I would consider experimenting with, given the proper architecture and neighborhood: deep purple, midnight blue, deep orange,

yellow (A yellow door is too fun, plus, its also my favorite color!). Really, you can use any color- so long as you get the right value (not too bright or vibrant and not too light or pastel).

If you want to experiment with a front door color, but you are nervous to make a bold statement- start with a color that is already part of your house's exterior, just go a lot deeper. If you have a light blue house, consider navy blue or black. If you have a tan house, try rich chocolate brown or any other deep earthy color such as forest green or a burnt sienna brown.

Just be sure to consider your house's architectural style and go from there. A colorful, statement making front door is a sure way to set your house apart while implementing a fresh take on tradition.

The orange door photo can be found in this photostream. The yellow door photo can be found here.

Today one of my clients asked me if his appliance brands have to match. We are remodeling his kitchen and he is purchasing the appliances on his own. A sales person made my client a little nervous when he told him the brands should all be the same. (Really, it was my fault for sending him out alone!). I reassured him that the sales person was being absurd. This question was also recently posed on a remodeling message board- I get the feeling there is general confusion out there. So, here is my answer (and a few notes!).

In short, no, the brands don't have to match. Here are some sound guidelines:

First and foremost, it depends on your kitchen and your needs. How will you be using your appliances? Do you have any special requirements such as a top of the line wine cooler? Do you want a range for a serious cook? Often times, a particular brand doesn't even offer every type of appliance. And, even when a brand does offer every appliance, sometimes a competitor makes a better model. Its up to you and whats important. Its perfectly fine to have a Sub Zero refrigerator with a Viking or La Cornue range. Don't think you must have that Viking label on every single appliance, its just not practical. If you do, chances are you are sending the message that you really don't use your kitchen and you just had your designer fill it for you (that's what we designers refer to as the "Trophy Kitchen").

Second, the finishes should match (not necessarily the brand). There are a few exceptions to this rule:

1) When you do a few appliances in a metal finish, such as stainless, and a few appliances in an integrated panel. An integrated panel is a custom panel that matches your cabinetry. Its placed on your appliance as a facade in order to seamlessly integrate and "hide" your appliance in plain sight. This trick is commonly used for dishwashers and large refrigerators.

2) The other exception is when you are making a statement with a vibrant color or a luxury range; however, the rest of the appliances should match in finish so the kitchen looks cohesive and polished. An example: a turquoise Elmira range, hood and refrigerator would mix nicely with polished stainless microwave, dishwasher and warming drawers of a different brand.

For recommendations on where to shop for appliances, visit an archived post here.

I specify and personally use Dunn Edwards and Benjamin Moore paints. Both lines are exceptional in quality and durability. Also, both lines can be found throughout the country so its easy to specify and consult on paint colors even if a project is out of state.

Dunn Edwards is convenient for contractors, as many subs have accounts with Dunn Edwards. They offer a solid color selection that isn't too big or too small, so its not at all overwhelming for a consumer. Dunn Edwards paint also rolls on smooth and even- so its a great paint to use when you are doing it yourself for a small weekend project.

Benjamin Moore has a depth and breadth of colors that, to my knowledge, is unsurpassed in the industry. Their paint is very high quality and they offer every color imaginable. I especially appreciate that they have 6 finish options to choose from, as opposed to 4 or 5 at most other paint suppliers. Their colors are especially rich with pigment and behave well with light sources. They also offer a healthy (and "Green") line of paints called Aura which can be made to match any color you want if they don't have a desirable pre-formulated color in their standard Aura line.

As a side note- when you hire a painter, inquire about what brand of paint they use and ask them for their reasons. If you would rather have a different brand on your walls- it is perfectly okay to specify (a fancy word we designers and architects use for "pick out") the brand you desire. They usually have no problem accommodating your request, especially since they accommodate architects and designers specifications all the time.

Before I answer this question, let me clue you in on a little something I learned while in the fashion industry. Did you know that there are Color Forecasters at Color Forecasting Agencies that decide, months (even years!) in advance, what the popular color shades and tints will be for any given season and/or year? Did you know that every major design-related house or manufacturer subscribes to this service so they make garments and housewares in *the right* colors for each season? Crazy, right? Its true!

Have you ever noticed that the same shade of sage green was offered at the height of the Shabby Chic fad from everything to t-shirts to bed sheets? Or that the same impossible shade of Robbins Egg Blue could be found in everything from floor rugs to desk accessories to scarves during the Brown and Blue craze? (I realize that some people are still subscribing to that trend, so its not "done" yet- I do have to admit it is a nice color combination.) When I first learned this as a young undergrad, I felt a little betrayed. Did I really have zero control over what I chose for myself and my home? Maybe this is the reason I'm not an overly trendy person, and why I generally subscribe to classic and timeless rather than flash-in-the-pan.

Answering this question comes with a grain of salt, and I would also like to restate that I do not agree with implementing trends into your home unless it fits your style. With that said, lets talk about some color trends or 2009! A great way to incorporate new interiors trends of any kind can be found in one of my previous Q+A answers  here. If you don't have time to read it- let me cut to the chase and recommend you incorporate trends in small doses, and in ways that coordinate with what you already have going on.

For 2009, according to Vol. 5, Issue II of STIR , a specialty publication by Sherwin-Williams, here is what to expect:

-Gray will act as an important neutral in both residential and commercial spaces

-Intense colors will tone down to more restrained and elegant shades

-Reds and Oranges will have a yellow undertone (the undertone is really important when choosing paint colors!)

-Blues will have a slight undertone of violet (in other words, they will lean more purple)

-Yellows and greens will be more yellow-based (think avocado), and some will have a touch of blue, too (think green gemstone shades).

-Neutrals will be inspired by nature such as stone, wood, and natural textiles like linen.

-Grays will range from light to dark and be utilized as a main neutral, with a touch of brown, that ever popular "natural neutral". To picture gray-brown, think about a set of French Gray markers. In French Gray, brown is used to warm up the color (as opposed to a Cool Gray, which is blue based).

I get this question a lot! For the general public, I recommend shopping at Pacific Sales. This is a southern California based company so you won't find them elsewhere (yet!). Pacific sales is the go-to place for many interior designers, architects, and custom "ultra" luxury home builders when assisting their clients with appliances or referring their clients to do their own purchasing. Some of the brands they offer include: Miele, Toto, Viking, Wolf, Sub Zero, and Kitchen Aid. They offer top of the line products at very competitive prices. Everyone I have referred to Pacific Sales sales has had a wonderful experience.

Tips: 1) Visit their website to locate the showroom nearest you. 2) Upon arrival, ask for a brief tour and description of how they have their floor set up and how to read their price tags (its not hard, but often your price is even better- so ask!). 3)Take general measurements of the appliances you are replacing (or the size needed for new construction, remodel, addition). 4) Your designer or architect will probably guide you towards metal finish or integrated panel, bring that information along with you to obtain more accurate pricing and to limit your scope when shopping around.

If you are in the market to purchase new appliances, plan to take half a day visiting this retail showroom full of great product! Have fun!

I am thrilled to answer this question since Carerra Marble is one of my favorite surfaces. Its classic (harking back to Ancient Rome) and its absolutely gorgeous.

Carerra marble comes from Carerra, Italy which was established in 1235 C.E.. Aside from its impressive pedigree as a medium (think Michelangelo's David and the Pantheon in Rome), it is very distinctive due to its milky white color and gray striations.

No matter what, Carerra marble is elegant. It has a more formal look than, say, your run of the mill flecked granite or quartz composite. Carerra is more dressy, more refined. Its quiet, calm and sophisticated.

Not to disappoint- but Carerra marble goes with just about every color! Its a neutral, so adding one more color to it or including it in a more diverse palette makes it perfect. Lets break it down according to interior style:

Contemporary- This is an instance where you can get away with mixing Carerra with another neutral. Pull out the gray and go a little darker. Mix it with black for a high contrast, sexy, polished look. Put it against a light sand color for a clean vibe. When mixing with a color for a more contemporary interior- stay on the lighter side (no darker than the tone of the gray in the marble).

Conservative Transitional- In transitional design, you pull from both Contemporary and Traditional. The way to solve this problem of where to go with the color when you are erring conservatively is to get the tone right. I recommend a medium Dusty Blue or a medium Olive Green.

"Make a Statement" Transitional- Punch it up with color. If you want to make a statement (as if the Carerra isn't enough), think bold! Traditional colors are deeper, so when choosing Transitional colors- it's okay to step into the area of bold color. I would love to see Kelley Green, deep Olive Green, Forest Green, Burnt Orange or even Navy Blue mixed with Carerra's white and gray. Pair it with quality white/dark wood cabinetry and accent it with brass or high polished chrome hardware and you have the potential for a seriously gorgeous and unique kitchen or bath. Its easy to distinguish yourself with color, since not everyone has the guts to go bold.

For something a little more fresh, quirky or feminine- lavender and light pink would look amazing with Carerra marble. You could rock this in either contemporary (just go a little more pastel), or transitional (go more towards the middle-ish range of colors on a paint chip, but be careful- you don't what the lavender or pink to come off as juvenile!).

In short, Transitional design is the mixing of Contemporary and Traditional styles. It is so popular, well-liked and versatile that it should be called "The New Traditional"...but it hasn't caught on yet- so for now, its called Transitional. (I am giong through this blog as of late 2011 and Im happy to report it is now called "New Traditional"! haha!).

"Contemporary" design (also mistakenly called Modern- but that's an issue for another week!) uses soft, neutral color palettes with lots of texture, simple decor and architectural character, clean lines, very light or very dark wood tones, metal accents, open plans and simplicity. Overall, the tone of Contemporary design is peaceful, calming and elegant in an unstuffy way.

Traditional "Traditional" design utilizes a richer color palette, medium to dark wood tones, a lot of architectural character (think mouldings, wainscoting, beadboard), quality woodworking and antiques, lots of detail in decorative accents, and a more compartmentalized plan (think different rooms for every activity). Overall, the tone of Traditional design is rich, warm and echoes history.

"Transitional" combines the best of both worlds- the calming and clean aspects of Contemporary with the warm and very tailored look of Traditional. When I design a Transitional interior, I like the bones of the space to be more traditional, and the decor and furnishings more Contemporary. Taking color and style direction into consideration, this is usually a good balance of the two. Mixing these two styles creates a backdrop that is both casual and formal. To me, Transitional design is a very American look. After all, the concept of casual elegance was, indeed, born by Americans.

Examples of Transitional interiors from my personal architectural photo library (note- the name of the designers for these rooms are unbeknownst to be, otherwise, their names would be credited!):

The paneling and wood plank floors are traditional. The soft color palette, uncluttered walls, and very dark wood tones juxtaposed with the glossy white paneling are Contemporary. To make this space even more Transitional, a pair of coordinating but non-matching side tables or lamps could be used.

The Kelley green and mouldings & picture rail in this dining room are Traditional. The shape of the furniture, simple drapery panels, and choice of lighting fixture (rather than a traditional crystal chandelier) are Contemporary. Also, the lines of the fireplace and the mirror and artwork leaning against the wall is also a contemporary decor element.

The symmetry and mouldings are Traditional. The lines of the furniture, the soothing color palette, straight drapery panels, simple mantle and the use of the stone (both in the quantity used and in the size of each piece) are Contemporary.

I really love to design bedroom suites, libraries as living rooms (or living rooms as libraries), and foyers.

For bedrooms, it’s the place where we all begin and end the day. Making sure the appointments are the best you can afford and are suitable to your tastes is so important. Its a very personal space and a lot of the time, you can get away with expressing yourself more truly than you would say, in a family room, where you are pleasing everyone in the household and taking more functional issues into account.

I love living rooms, but they are becoming a lost social etiquette. Quite frankly, they are usually a waste of space- so I like to make them a living room a “slash” something else space. Our modern lives are so fruitful, so I really like to incorporate collections, books, photographs, interests… this is an area of the house where I feel you can really express personality without it being in your face all the time. Plus, the more unique it is- the more conversation will abound when you actually do use it to entertain guests! If a client knows they won't use the Living Room as entertaining space, I like to make it a reading room. Everyone reads- so why not have a special retreat for that activity? Viewed in that context, it becomes personal and interesting and inviting for the client.

My third favorite is the foyer. I suppose for the same reasons as the bedroom and living room. You can really be free with this space! It's a passage, but it's also a statement- a gesture to the tone of the home. Aside from exterior architecture and character, the foyers holds the "first impression" card. This is the place to go bold with style, color and/or pattern, utilize architectural features and design details, and display a knockout lighting fixture.

Q: What are the top three mistakes most people make when doing their own designing?

A: 1) People have problems budgeting the “big picture”. They tend to forget about labor costs and sometimes they loose sight of quality (on the labor and product end), and its very evident when this happens.

2) Color. Most people get color wrong. Color is very complex. Aside from the interior architecture of a space, color is often the most dominant element. People tend to play it safe, which results in washed out colors. On the other hand, some people like to jump right in and they choose a color that is too saturated or vibrant resulting in a rather garish effect. Also, people really like neutrals for walls (as do I!), but neutrals can be tricky since the undertones are so important. It takes someone who has color theory training to see through to the undertone of a color and understand how colors are made and how they play off of each other, how they react to light, etc. If a client can afford a designer for just one thing- I recommend a color consultation for paint, stains, interior and surface materials.

3) a) When doing their own shopping and purchasing, clients can easily be won over by price, sales and/or glossy marketing- rather than appropriateness to the established concept and style direction.

b) Another mistake I see clients make is not knowing what’s out there. They often times don’t know that they don’t know what’s out there. The good thing is, we designers don’t expect clients to know this- that’s what they hire us for! Interior Designers pull from a network of trade resources and vendors that don’t sell retail or in traditional retail outlets. A lot of my job is keeping up on what’s new, what’s great and “tried and true”, and what’s not so great. This is not the client’s duty- but when they do their own designing, they often miss the mark with regards to purchasing since all that’s available to them are retail products that are currently on the market. Good design does not come complete from a catalog or retail vignette- it comes from a network of all available products, filtered through a designer that understands elements of design and knows how to carry a style and concept out into a tangible result.