Kitchen and Living Room Design: Creating Sightlines

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Ellecor

You love the open floor plan of your home. It makes a spacious feeling, increases natural light, and allows for easier movement from room to room. How do you keep your sightlines clear? Ellecor Design explains how to create sightlines as part of kitchen and living room design.

Sightlines Explained

Sightlines take advantage of open spaces to allow people to see (or not see) various elements in your home. One key advantage to sightlines in an open floor plan is that you can keep an eye on small children playing in the living room while you’re cooking in the kitchen. You can also watch TV while you’re prepping dinner, or relax in the living room when you’re listening for the oven to beep. There are several ways to create clean sightlines in kitchen and living room design.

Stay Low

Keep your furniture and accessories lower, around 4 feet or less. Avoid floor lamps or table lamps that block the TV while you’re in the kitchen. Forget high-backed chairs, tall pieces of art, or freestanding shelves. You can have these items in your living room design, but consider them as corner pieces that are out of the way.

Rearrange Furniture

One handy part of an open floor plan is the easy path to walk from room to room. Rearrange your furniture to make a cohesive path that goes from your living room, through the dining room, and to the kitchen. You might have a hallway that stretches down from the living room towards the bedrooms. Think about aligning that hallway with your open floor plan’s living room design. You could have a space that allows you to see from your kitchen to the end of the hallway!

Think of Straight Edges

Maintain straight lines with your furniture to have a clear sightline. Align the back of your couch or comfy chair with the edge of the dining room table to create a longer line of sight. Imagine lining up a pool shot in billiards or measuring a piece of wood to cut. You want your line to be as straight as possible in living room design.

Avoid These Sightlines

Some sightlines should be avoided in living room design, just because they are unseemly and you want to maintain some aspects of privacy in your home. Try not to make a sightline where it’s easy to see dirty dishes in the kitchen, the toilet when the bathroom door is open, or the interior of a bedroom. Dirty dishes don’t look pleasant, and the bathroom and bedroom should be places of privacy in your home.

Living Room Design by Ellecor

An open floor plan is a great way to create an inviting space for your family and friends. The Ellecor Design team has suggestions, tips, tricks, furniture, and accessories to take full advantage of your kitchen and living room design. Contact Ellecor Design today or call (417) 720-2602 for more information.

Kitchen Design: Types of Kitchen Cabinets

Posted on February 17, 2020February 17, 2020 by Ellecor

Kitchen cabinets are an important part of the kitchen design. With so many different finishes, styles, and possibilities, cabinets allow you to make your space your own! But when you are remodeling your home, how are you supposed to decide which type of cabinet is ideal for your layout? Ellecor Interior Design is here to help! In today’s blog, we look at four types of cabinets you should consider for your kitchen design.

Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets are mounted at eye-level on the wall, usually above a counter or appliance. They often store dishes, glasses, dry foods, and spices. When adding wall cabinets to your kitchen design, you should consider your needs for storage and accessibility. The right wall cabinets can complement both the backsplash and the countertop to complete your kitchen design.

Base Cabinets

If you are looking for additional storage for pots, pans, cleaning supplies, and more, base cabinets are a huge help! By installing these cabinets, you immediately free up space in your wall cabinets so you can store your bigger, bulkier items below. Some common features of base cabinets include Lazy Susans, pull-out drawers, and island cabinets.

Pantry Cabinets

Pantry cabinets, also known as tall cabinets, are perfect for holding groceries, cookie sheets, and cleaning supplies. Just as the name suggests, they fulfill the role of a pantry, but they often require much less square footage. When you are remodeling your house and don’t have room for an extensive pantry, install a few pantry cabinets to give you the extra space!

Cabinet Drawers

Cabinet drawers are a life-saver in your kitchen design. They can easily hold utensils, cooking tools, dish-towels, and much more. Drawers are essential to any kitchen design because they create an easily accessible space for smaller items that are used frequently. Plus, with so many stylistic options for drawers, you can really make your kitchen unique!

Ellecor Interior Design: Your Personal Kitchen Design Experts

Looking for help with your kitchen remodel? Ellecor Interior Design is the perfect place to start! Our interior designers are experts at all things kitchen design, creating amazing home styles and maximizing storage space.

Take a look at our extensive gallery, where you will find some of our favorite designs, decor, and more! We want to help transform your kitchen, so contact us today to find out more!

4 Must Haves in Your Open Kitchen Design

Posted on November 8, 2019October 18, 2019 by Ellecor

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where you gather with your family for meals, and it’s where your guests mingle during parties. When you want to redesign your home, the kitchen is an essential part of the plan. From comfortable seating to an open floor plan, there are lots of details that contribute to the perfect kitchen. In today’s blog, Ellecor Interior Design lists four must-haves for your kitchen design.

Large Island

Most open layout kitchens have a large island that serves a variety of uses. If you are looking for more countertop space without overcrowding your cabinets and pantries, an island can provide the perfect storage solution. Kitchen islands are a focal point of the kitchen design, so they quickly turn into a hub for guests. In an open kitchen layout, islands allow for more space and a free-flow of traffic, allowing whoever is cooking in the kitchen to have the space they need without overcrowding.

Open Shelving

One way to immediately make a kitchen feel bigger and more open is to remove the cabinet doors completely! This increases the open feeling in the entire area. However, you need to have clean and organized shelf space, so that means no cluttered dishes and spices. Instead of removing the cabinet doors entirely, you can simply switch to glass cabinet doors. This is perfect for a modern design that creates a surprising amount of extra space!

In-Wall Appliances

Bulky appliances like your refrigerator and microwave can feel like big blocks in the middle of an otherwise open space. If your refrigerator is always in the way and your microwave is taking up a ton of counter space, it’s time to consider in-wall appliances. You can create a surprising amount of space by mounting your microwave above your range and creating a space for your fridge in custom cabinetry. It may sound like a big project, but the pros at Ellecor Interior Design do it every day! If you want to make more space in your kitchen, we’ll make it easy!

Additional Seating

When you are hosting guests, you will want extra seating so everyone will be comfortable. It can be difficult to accommodate a lot of dinner guests, so the right seating solution is critical. A kitchen island is a perfect place to seat several guests in barstools or tall chairs. If you want to create the feeling of a real restaurant for a big group of guests, we recommend a few high-top tables with tall chairs; you can set them up before the event and take them down afterwards, for simple extra seating you can keep in storage until your next gala!

Transform Your Kitchen Design With Ellecor

Your kitchen is one of the most welcoming places in the house, and a new design allows you to make the most of every detail. Whether you are looking for a complete redesign or just some home decor help, Ellecor Interior Design is just what you need. Check out our galleries to find inspiration for your own home makeover! Contact us today for more information and set up an appointment today!

Types of Interior Design Styles (Part 2)

Posted on November 1, 2019October 18, 2019 by Ellecor

The interior design of your home is a window into your personal sense of style and comfort. There are endless options for your home design, from the clean lines of Minimalist styles to the cozy clutter of Bohemian styles. In part two of our blog series, we discuss interior design styles that create a cozy, comfortable feeling at home.

Rustic

If you prefer a log cabin feeling and you want to bring the outdoors into your home, the rustic style is perfect for you. Rustic homes have bold natural design elements, sturdy wooden furniture, and lots of natural light. Rustic designs often incorporate natural textures, such as rough hewn oak, beautiful stonework, and aged leather furniture. Rustic home design is also perfect for decorative and functional indoor plants, such as bright and colorful flowers or fragrant and tasty herbs. If you want to feel cozy and secure in a gorgeous natural space, rustic interior design elements are perfect for you!

Scandinavian

Scandinavian interior design is very simplistic, but it also incorporates a warm sense of sentimentality that makes even minimalist scandinavian designs feel cozy. This style is clean, with organic curves and lines, drawing lots of inspiration from nature. Scandinavian designs incorporate small, tasteful elements of art and decor, with subtle natural colors. Often, there is a patterned rug that ties all of the colors together and warms the space. A Scandinavian design is flexible, so you can incorporate elements of other design styles, such as Minimalist or Bohemian.

Bohemian

If there is one home design that never seems to age or go out of style, it is Bohemian. The Bohemian style is characterized by a mix-match of colors, patterns, and textures, giving it a very vintage feel. There are often global influences in bohemian styles, inspiring intricate decorations and funky shapes. Bohemian style is often personal, because many of the unique items of decor have a special meaning for the homeowner, perhaps acquired on adventures abroad!

Farmhouse

Farmhouse designs often incorporate natural elements that situate the home in the local ecology, such as stone from a local quarry or reclaimed wood from a nearby barn. Exposed wooden beams are a wonderful feature of the farmhouse style. For exposed wooden beams made of reclaimed wood, Ellecor Interior Design offers Kudos Reclaimed Wood products.

The harvest table is a quintessential element of farmhouse design — a large, sturdy table perfect for gathering items from the garden and enjoying a big family meal. Farmhouse designs are natural, practical, and comfortable, creating the perfect environment for cozy evenings with family and friends.

Ellecor Interior Design Can Transform Your Home

Whether you are seeking a Minimalist home design or a cozy Bohemian experience, our team of interior designers is dedicated to making your home exactly how you want it. You can count on professional quality with a personal touch, as we partner with you to ensure you are pleased with the finished product. If you want to learn more about Ellecor Interior Design, contact us today.

Types of Interior Design Styles (Part 1)

Posted on October 25, 2019October 18, 2019 by Ellecor

The interior design style of a home should create a special “wow” moment every time you walk in the front door. Each interior design is always unique, because it represents the personality of the homeowner. Today, Ellecor Interior Design kicks off our two-part blog series as we highlight some of the most popular interior design styles.

Modern

Modern interior design consists of sleek finishes, geometric furniture, and overall simplicity. When you think of a modern home, you probably think of clean lines and simple colors, such as white, black, and grey. You will rarely find patterns or textures in modern styles; simplicity is preferred instead. This interior design style is most commonly found in upscale urban locations such as New York City or Los Angeles. Interior designers like to pair modern homes with modern interior design and artwork.

Mid-century Modern

One of the most popular interior design styles is mid-century modern. The defining quality of this style is its use of design elements from the 1930s to 1950s with a modern twist. These home designs often incorporate subtle curves, different materials and textures, and clean lines. Mid-century Modern design offers the simple minimalism of modern design with the cozy feeling of a family home.

Minimalistic

Some people will mistake a minimalistic style with a modern style; however, they have their differences. Minimalism is really a lifestyle translated into the design of the home — complete simplicity and the elimination of anything unnecessary. All of the surfaces are clean and free of clutter. There are no unnecessary decorations, furniture pieces, or knick-knacks. A true minimalistic design is primarily white, grey and black; however, pops of vibrant color can serve to emphasize the rest of the minimalist style.

Contemporary

Contemporary design is a perfect blend of traditional and modern styles. This movement encapsulates several ideas from the mid-20th-century to the present. Contemporary designs feature monotone color palettes with browns and whites. In this popular interior design style, natural light and ambient light are key to creating the right experience.

Ellecor Interior Design Can Help You Today

Are you looking for a complete redesign of your home? Ellecor Interior Design wants to help! Our expert team of designers is here to create your dream home. No matter what style you have in mind, we will do everything we can to meet your needs. For more information on Ellecor Interior Design, you can check out the products and services we offer. We also have a gallery on our website to showcase some of our favorite home designs.

5 Home Decor Trends That Are Making a Comeback

Posted on October 18, 2019March 23, 2020 by Ellecor

There are some elements of interior design that are simply timeless, so they keep coming back into style decade after decade. Design trends from the 70s and 80s are making a major comeback as we move ahead into 2020. When you draw inspiration from classic designs that never go out of style, you can dramatically change the dynamic of your home. In today’s blog, Ellecor Interior Design lists five home decor trends that are a blast from the past.

Textured Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a resurgence and becoming much more popular in modern interior design. Rather than settling for monochromatic paint, wallpaper allows for fun and intricate designs that can transform a living space. Millennials are the ones to thank for this comeback home decor trend. There are textured wallpapers like bamboo, silk, and linen that will make any room stand out among the rest.

Wood Paneling

Wood paneling gained its popularity in the 50s and wasn’t considered ‘outdated’ until the 80s. At one point, you could find wood paneling in just about every house across America. This 60-year-old trend is back with a new, modern approach. Wood paneling has more of a rustic, farmhouse feel than it did in the past. There are endless options for wood finishes these days — from traditional cherry stains to distressed pastel paints — so you are able to incorporate lots of subtle color in your wood paneling. If you are looking for an interior design utilizing reclaimed wood, look no further than Ellecor Interior Design.

Wicker and Bamboo

Home decor trends come and go, and trending styles in furniture change too! A great example is the renewed popularity of wicker and bamboo in modern trends. From Bohemian bungalows to Minimalist penthouses, bamboo and wicker are making a comeback. From deckchairs to headboards, from bamboo bonsais to wicker storage baskets, these natural elements are making a big comeback!

Retro Appliances

When you are redesigning your home, you want efficient and reliable appliances for your kitchen. If you want the vintage appeal of antique appliances with the reliability of the 21st century, you are in luck! Many mainstream appliance companies are beginning to design products with vintage styles that also offer all the benefits of modern appliances.

Metal Accents

Copper, brass, and stainless-steel are becoming more common in home remodels and home decor. This metal trend can be seen in kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, doorknobs, and even in modern furniture pieces. Out of all of the metals that are regaining popularity, brass is the most intriguing. This clean and bold material can add flair to any design, for a modern style with vintage appeal.

Envision Your Style With Ellecor Interior Design

If you are looking for a home design transformation, Ellecor Interior Design can help. Vintage home decor ideas are making a major comeback, and they offer endless inspiration for amazing designs. So contact Ellecor Interior Design to create something truly special. Our gallery gives a great look at the transformations we have completed, and we want yours to be next!

The Holiday Home

Posted on December 24, 2018March 23, 2020 by Ellecor

If you are planning on hosting any family gatherings this holiday season, you know that time is of the essence! In this blog, Ellecor Interior Design explains how you can use your existing decor in order to make you home holiday ready!

Use What You Have

Before you run out to the store, take a look at your existing decor. Look for rich colors, and pay close attention to any decorative pieces you have that have motifs like elk, deer, pine trees, cardinals, snowflakes, or berry bushes. You can use those pieces to help create your overall holiday vision.

Pick A Color Scheme

If you are more drawn to icy blues and bright whites than greens and reds, use them! You will probably have more of those colors in your year-long decor anyway. Do not be afraid to experiment with the addition of silvers and golds to brighten any room. Metallic surfaces reflect candlelight and can add to the overall ambiance you are building.

Create Calm

In a season of chaos, you and your guests can both appreciate a clean and calm environment. Try using candles and lamps in the place of overhead lights. This will give any room a cozy feeling. If you have little ones who might be roaming about, it is a good idea to use flameless candles that have LED lights in them to make them fire safe. Use lots of folded blankets to change the color scheme of your standard furniture. Remember that your friends and family will be happy to be with you for the holidays and that any environment you create will be wonderful!

Contact Ellecor Today

If you feel that your home could use a revamp, contact Ellecor today! We provide a full range of interior design services and work with your unique needs, tastes, and ideas. Contact us online today or call us at (417) 720-2602.

DIY Design Ideas

Posted on December 17, 2018March 23, 2020 by Ellecor

Ellecor: DIY Design Ideas

It can be very fun to update your home from time to time, but it can also be a bit of a process. In this blog, Ellecor Interior Design guides you through five simple DIYs that will have your home looking great in no time!

1. Tape Picture Frames

Do you have a wall in your home that is bare and boring? Spice it up a bit with tape picture frames. First, purchase a few rolls of Washi tape that are in patterns or color schemes that you enjoy and that you believe work with your current decor. Next, print a few images from your personal photo collection and apply them to the blank wall of your choice using paint safe tape. Frame the images with the Washi tape. Keep a small space between the edge of the print and the tape itself to add some contrast.

2. Pom-Pom Runner

Pom-pom runners can be used to make an older table look trendier, and can even be hung up on the wall or draped across the back of a chair or a couch to add a fun statement. Go to your local craft store and purchase two or three bags of pom-poms. Purchase two rolls of twine. Using a hot glue gun, apply the pom-poms along the twine about two inches apart. Be careful not to burn your fingers. Now place the pom-pom runner in an area of your home that needs some color and enjoy!

3. Permanent Chalkboard Sign

Buy a small chalkboard from your local craft store. Purchase some white acrylic paint. Use a piece of paper and a pencil to determine your design. Take your pencil and trace the design onto the chalkboard in pencil. Use a paintbrush and the acrylic paint to paint over the top of the design. Allow to dry fully. Your Chalkboard now has a permanent design!

4. Gold Accents

Are you into gold lately? Do you want your furniture to look a bit more modernized and a bit trendier? Purchase a small container of gold paint. Using a two or three-inch thick paintbrush, paint the legs of your older furniture. Allow your first coat to dry, and then reapply. Not only does this simple trick update your furniture and help tie your rooms together, and it also hides any scrapes or scuffs that can come with age.

5. Modern Twig Arrangement

To update the classic table centerpiece, all you need is some gold paint, a jar or vase, and some twigs from your yard! Go outside and gather twenty or so fallen twigs. Use warm water and a paper towel to clean off the dirt. Allow them to dry. Once they are dry, completely cover one side of them in the paint and allow that to dry. Then apply the paint to the other side of the twigs. If you want to add a bit more gold, try painting the jar or vase that the sticks are displayed in.

Contact Ellecor

Even after using DIYs to update your home, you may still want to seek the assistance of a professional. Ellecor has been assisting clients with interior design solutions since 2013. From simple design inspiration to complex project assistance, the Ellecor team can help you style your home in a way that suits your needs, and takes into account your unique tastes. Contact us online today or call (417) 720-2602.

Reading Nook – Interior Design – Ellecor

Posted on December 10, 2018March 23, 2020 by Ellecor

Interior Design: The Perfect Reading Nook

I think we can all agree that on a rainy day there’s nothing better than snuggling up with a cup of tea and a good book. The only thing that could enhance such a delightful experience is having a dedicated reading nook specifically designed for ultimate comfort. Read our Ellecor blog to find out what you need to create the perfect reading nook!

A Comfy Chair

You can’t have a reading nook without a plush chair. Find a chair that’s comfortable but still provides good support. Choose colors that will be calming to you and facilitate rest and relaxation.

Lots of Cozy Blankets

Of course, you’ll want to have some cozy blankets at your disposal for chilly days. A blanket can be a great way to add a pop of color to the space. If your chair is a neutral color, choose a brightly colored blanket that’ll add both color and texture to the space.

Really Good Lighting

To fully enjoy your reading nook, you need to have good lighting so you don’t strain your eyes. If you can, place your reading nook next to a window to provide natural reading light. Also, make sure you have a lamp on hand for those dark winter days or night time reading. Make sure that it’s a soft, warm light that isn’t hard on your eyes.

Someplace to Put Your Drink

You’ll need someplace to put your tea while you read. A small end table should suit your purposes fine. An end table is another great way to add a pop of color. Don’t forget to have some coasters handy!

Someplace to Put Your Feet

Place an ottoman near your comfy chair so you can prop your feet up while you read. There are a lot of options when it comes to ottomans. We suggest choosing one that’s cushioned to provide yourself with the utmost comfort while you read.

Don’t Forget the Bookshelf

If you have space, put a bookshelf near your reading nook. That way you can have all your favorite tales handy for when you sit down to read. Keep the shelves stocked with old favorites and books that are on your “must-read” list!

Let Ellecor Help You!

At Ellecor we have the perfect décor and furniture pieces to help you create the most beautiful and comfortable reading space for your home. If you’d like help putting the space together, we have a team of incredible interior designers who have an excellent eye for creating lovely spaces. Contact us today or come visit us in store!

Restore it with Billy Goat Paint

Posted on January 11, 2016March 23, 2020 by Ellecor

Little Billy Goat Paint

DIY’ers rejoice! A 417-land shop is selling an easy-to-use paint that won’t get your goat.

by Ettie Berneking

Little Billy Goat Paint is the perfect tool to add to your remodeling and DIY projects arsenal.

Put down that sandpaper and step away from the primer. You don’t need them! What you do need is to head to Ellecor Interior Design. While most of your shopping trips at this home decor store might have you dreaming about a new living room set or fantasizing about redoing that guest bedroom, this latest home remodel project is all DIY, and it starts with a can of Little Billy Goat Paint.

Finally released to the public in June, this paint/primer made its way to Ellecor in August, and owner Haden Long has already been busy painting chairs, tables, tin ceiling tiles, clocks, and picture frames.

“We’ve had some of our clients redo furniture, and we have helped with those projects,” Long says. “Often, we would just use Sherwin Williams paint or whatever was available at home improvement stores. But this line looked so easy to use, and I thought it would be perfect to have in store for our DIY crowd.”

Priced at $32 a jar and with 16 colors to choose from, the Little Billy Goat Paints have become an instant hit.

To show off the product, Long and her team set up painting demos at Farmers Park and are always ready to help answer questions at the store. With a matte finish that veers toward antique in style, these paints are easy to use. There is no sanding or priming needed. Just grab a paintbrush and get to work.

“These are really a one-step restoration paint,” Long says. “We’ve even used it on highly varnished furniture, and you can’t even scratch it off with your fingernail.”

Don’t see the color you like? Mix in one of the glazes—black, brown or white—to deepen, whitewash or alter any of the colors. And for those who have sworn off painting after several failed attempts, there are even six colorful paint sticks you can play with. Long used the sticks to bedazzle a clock and a few picture frames. “These are basically crayons for adults,” she says. Coloring time has never been so much fun!

Five Fun Ways to Use Little Billy Goat Paint

1. Repaint an old wooden dresser to match your new bedding.

2. Don’t throw away that boring clock. Use the paint sticks to give it a new look and plenty of style.

3. Instead of spending tons of money on a new dining room set, just paint the two end chairs to create a new focal point.

4. Use the paint sticks to jazz up inexpensive picture frames for the winter season. While updating your decor, this can double as craft time with the kids.

5. This paint can be used on almost any material, even that outdated bathroom tile. Now your Pinteresting has a purpose!

– See more here.