What to Expect when Working with West End

Howdy!

We are excited that you are considering us for a home project. Below is a brief outline of what you can expect our process to look like for a full service renovation. Once you fill out our intake form, more information will be sent to you via email. And of course, you can always reach out to us with any questions you have about how we work.

First things first… we need to get to know you! Every project starts with an in-home consultation. Our consultation pricing is $150.00 for one of our designers to visit your space for up to one hour. This fee covers our drive, in-home meeting, and the time required to write out a detailed proposal. During our in-home meeting we will discuss how we can help you moving forward and answer any questions about the design process.

PS: When you fill out our “contact us” form you will get a PDF packet with even more information. From there you will complete the questionnaire to move forward with a consultation.

Timelines may be extended for the foreseeable future pending on the supply chains for the rest of this year. Our contractors that we work with book about 9-12 months in advance. It’s typical that once you contact us, it will be approximately 12-18 months before your project starts if you are using a recommended contractor of ours.

For our consultations we come to your home to see the space to be renovated. At this meeting we talk through your wish lists for the project, align expectations, and answer any questions you might have about the design process. We do not measure at this meeting. Measuring is done at a secondary meeting at the home where we also speak more in depth about design and function.

Here is a sneak peak of some of the documents that you can except with each of our full service jobs. We create renderings, finish boards, and material layouts for each room. All inspiration and functionality goals are spoken about when we measure your space, so after you approve your 2D plans we are ready to get designing right away.

In 2020 we adapted to a new way of work. Using google meet we are able to share our screens and present to our clients. This is only used for the 2D section of the design process. We discuss ideas in 2D over google meet, and then make floor plan revisions and prepare for our in-person design meeting.

Material layouts for finish selections are done at our office at our second design meeting.

Our process is just as technical as it is creative. From construction documents, to ordering and coordinating, we handle all the steps from start to finish to ensure the best outcome. Technical documents are how we communicate with contractors, craftspeople, and sub-contractors. Documents range from details in millwork, electrical layouts, demo and build plans, and custom drawings for each specific project.

Once the construction starts, the West End team is on site for check-ins, and to help facilitate meetings with sub contractors and GCs. This ensures quality control throughout the process.

Meeting on site with architects and contractors is a critical part of the design phase. We need all three parties to be in sync to create a final plan to build from. Each job is different and will require specific professionals.

Orders ready for check-in!

On larger jobs like new builds, walkthroughs are needed almost on a weekly basis as the construction moves forward.

Quick on-site sketches are normal to convey ideas as they arise. These are usually between the designer and the contractor to help figure out details and problem solve.

Items are ordered and shipped to West End directly where we can check-in, label, and sort everything to be ready for delivery when the contractor needs it. Larger scale items like pallets of tile, tubs, etc. are shipped directly to the client and coordinated between West End and the contractor or client. WIth each project there are different items that need to be ordered. Some jobs may only require a few things, while others might have 100s of items being shipped in. Having us as a one-stop-shop eliminates the headache of the client having to coordinate and track everything.

Check-ins usually happen as cabinetry is being installed, prior to countertop template. This ensures that as the millwork goes in if there are any modifications needed or extra pieces, orders can be placed ASAP to not hold up the job. Pending on the size of the job, there would also be electrical walkthroughs, tile walkthroughs, and weekly check-ins.

On site visits ensure the small details aren’t overlooked. We check in with the client along the way on decisions that need input. Quick pictures like this can help confirm any on-site changes while meeting with subcontractors.

It is very important to us that each client is happy with the outcome of their project. WIth a large renovation, there are a few items that might linger a couple weeks after the contractor packs up. These small items usually do not hinder the use of the space, like window treatments or pieces of furniture with longer lead times. If anything was damaged during the install process, the replacements might have longer lead times as well. We strive for perfection on each job, but when working with so many variables there are always some things that need a little extra time and attention.

One of the final steps is staging the home to be photographed and published on our website. We are proud of our work and want to show it off! It’s so rewarding to see plans go from paper to real life, and get to know our clients along the way. There is nothing better than seeing a family use the space we designed together.

Cheers!

Woodthrush Project

Transformation of the year… seriously!!

I was lucky enough to meet these clients on referal through Sullivan Finishing last summer. They were moving here for work and new to Buffalo! The home is in a beautiful area, but had been outfitted with standard builder finishes through out. I kind of joke that all homes in this area are coated top to bottom in the horrid yellow beige. That paint must have been on clearance all through the 90s. LOL!

We’ve worked out way through the majority of the home, refinished floors through out, new stair railing, master bath renovation, and completely refinished the basement. The master bathroom was the first completed room so I was anxious to get it photographed!

Here are some of the befores:

what is that ledge wall thing??!!!

that tub is a dance floor

I don’t think it gets more textbook builder than this! I was so happy to see it all ripped out.

For our material selections we went modern. These clients have a history of living on the coast and (along with a huge collection of sail boat art and models which I LOVED!!!) they really liked clean lines and modern finishes.

In order to tone down the masculine feel, we used a tile that was handmade and had a lot of variance in the color, and specced large built in mirrors to reflect a lot of the light. We also used chrome fixtures which are timeless. The lights themselves have a coastal nod to them with the use of rope and metal on the fixture.

Here is the outcome!

a fun detail, the countertop goes over the half wall into the shower to create a ledge for the glass to sit on. This allowed one continuous piece of counter to run the whole way.

lights with ropes

We used a 24x24” tile on the back wall to mock a full size slab look. It turned out beautiful and much less expensive! These tiles are only around $6/ft2

buh-bye oak hello walnut

Kohler Purist faucet against Fireclay tile, classic!

The shower was really big so we had the fun opportunity to do a his and hers side. We broke up the shower floor with a herringbone marble inlay.

We reconfigured the entrance to the bathroom . Prior there were about 4 doors in a 2 foot radius. We used barn doors on the outside entrance and eliminated all doors on the inside.

There used to be a built in linen closet recessed into the wall that looked really dated. Joel built a custom piece thats large enough to fit everything.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of this home take shape and sharing updates!

xo

Raelyn

Reform Fitness City

Reform Fitness… if you haven’t been to get your but kicked… you should go! I’ve gone to a ton of work out classes around the city including yoga, HIIT, dance, but none of them really work yo muscles like Reform. Brittany’s megaformer work outs focus on super slow movement to work all those little muscles that get lost in a quick fluid movement. By the end you are shaking and your core is on fire. Sounds fun right?

WELL, if you don’t go for the love of the workout, go to see the newly renovated space. It’s QUITE the transformation. I’ve worked with Brittany before on her Orchard Park location, but the transformation was nothing compared to this. I applaud Brittany for being able to see through the grossness to see what the space can become.

Here are some before pictures…

Oh yeah… it was bad.

even worse. makes me kind of scared to eat in a restaurant ever again haha…

Our goal with the space was to make it feel connected to the original space in Orchard Park, but give it a little more of an industrial and edgy vibe since it was in the city. We linked the two spaces together by the common use of corrugated steel and the pop color blue.

In order to make the studio seem a little less like a fishbowl (there are floor to ceiling windows on corner walls that face elmwood and hodge) we asked local artist Max Collins to create something for privacy. We started out talking about something solid, but landed on using old windows that could let light through. He did a beautiful job & I think it makes the space.

shower rooms were added for after classes

Hope you get a chance to check it out!

xo

raelyn

Directing Design With Wanderlust

We’re nearly halfway through January and while some people may be posting some last minutes photos onto their vision board or putting some resolution game plans into action, I’ve been allowing my wanderlust to take over and play an integral role in the new year planning here at West End Interiors.

You see, there is a huge benefit that travel provides when executed properly (Booking the ticket for Tulum, Mexico in February to escape the cold? Nailed it.) Travel is what helps to poke and prod our creativity, stirring it out of a slumber if we ever find ourselves in a rut (because it happens to the best of us). Whether it’s sleek minimalism found in Scandinavian homes, the warmth and richness living in Spanish style terracotta tiles, or the humble coziness captured by a shingled cottage tucked away on the New England coast - it all speaks to me and I have something new to learn each time.

But design inspiration is not limited solely to the materials we see used at each destination. It’s inspired by the people and our interaction with their lifestyle and culture. So in order to fully understand, it’s our belief that you must go out and experience it first.

If you also share our strong and irresistible desire for travel, here are a few cities and places to stay that we’re drawing some inspiration from:

Phoenix, Arizona

For a city that’s located in what some would associate as a barren desert landscape, what it surprisingly doesn’t lack is a diverse style of homes. This area is a haven of mid century architecture, Spanish style homes and even is home to the historic Arizona Biltmore Hotel which was completed at the height of the art deco movement. This is proof that good design executed well can be timeless.

Copenhagen, Denmark

If you’re inspired by the current Marie Kondo craze, then a visit to Copenhagen might be something for you to consider. Their design is all about contemporary minimalism and keeping around only the basic necessities because quite honestly, their living quarters are much smaller. (On average 1475 sf compared USA's of 2300 sf!) However, Hotel SP34 and even this quaint AirBNB show that you keeping it simple is sometimes best.

Tulum, Mexico

I know first hand that the West End Interiors team couldn’t be more excited because Tulum is in fact one of our first big stops this year. We love the organic and bohemian feel of the beach houses you can find in Tulum. Warmth, texture and connection to nature?? We are counting down the dayssss. We love how Be Tulum uses natural materials throughout and and how the layout feels integrated with the landscape. The lesson learned here: sometimes design isn’t about trying to change or force something you want but rather, adapting to what the space commands or needs.

Tokyo, Japan

Time to get onto the Far East movement! Japanese design was heavily influenced by Buddhist and Shinto beliefs that promotes connectivity with nature. They accomplish this by incorporating verandas, low platform beds to promote groundedness, and an abundance of natural light (our favorite!) Aman Tokyo even blends tradition with modern design by incorporating an ofuru soaking bath in their design and I mean, how could this not stir up your wanderlust?

Are there places that you have traveled that have influenced design or another facet of your life? Tell us, we want to hear about it!

Fixing Fairlawn

Our Fixing Fairlawn project came to an end last week as ShopDog packed up their bags and we went in to take pictures of the completed space.

This Buffalo home started as a literal textbook 80s kitchen. Soffits and all. There was so much that needed to updated, the renovation kind of sprawled into the entire first floor. The clients were great to work with and had a good idea of their style and what they wanted from the beginning.

before kitchen

Soffits…. Soffits everywhere

the wall taken down between the two rooms

We started with taking the wall down in between the kitchen and dining room in order to be able to put an island in. For the breakfast nook, we ripped out the soffits and actually added about a foot to the existing wall in order to get a larger space for the stove wall.

Wood stain selections. So important!

The entry tile to the house. We used three different tiles and arranged them in a Buffalo check pattern

We picked clean and crisp finishes - like the bright white cabinets and chrome hardware, and paired them with softer elements - like the wallpaper and the hand-made tile, to balance out the overall look. 

We went back and forth a few times on brass and black finishes or black and chrome. We ultimately ended up with chrome in the kitchen, and I’m glad we did! In order to get a bit of brass in the renovation, we used it in the powder room.

The powder room is a lot more moody than the kitchen, but still feels cohesive in the space. I love that they were down for dark shiplap!

The transition from wood flooring to the powder room floor we used a brass 3/8” shluter.

Because this room will get so much use, we used an epoxy grout so that it will be way harder to stain, and won’t discolor over time vs if we went with a lighter grout.

The other updates through out the home included re-sanding and re-staining all the floors, we put up new doors and hardware (such a huge difference!), painted, and re-tiled the entryway. We also took out the front closet doors and replaced them with built-ins. This allowed a more functional mudroom space!

We are really happy with how this project turned out, and if you follow West End you probably have seen us tag @fixingfairlawn on Instagram! The client started the account to document the renovation and it was really fun to see it from her perspective. 

Cheers!

2018... What a YEAR!

Wow guys.

When I set out on this journey 2019 seemed so far away, I thought that I’d never make it. I had lofty goals and set the bar high for myself for my first year in business, so I took a moment to reflect about this past year and look at some of the highs and lows.

West End is closing out 2018 with 54 client projects. (Holy S@*#!) When I set off I had a goal of 20 in order to make financial ends meet. I was sick to my stomach and so nervous that I wouldn’t make it. It’s been a ton of hard work, long hours, luck, and the people I’ve surrounded myself with that give me unlimited encouragement and collaboration. That last statement was an understatement but I can’t really put into words how much of a whirlwind it is until you do it.

My #1 and #2 supporter

We’ve grown out of our home office rather quickly, and set our sites on opening a studio downtown. I’m sure my husband will be ecstatic that there are no longer tile samples scattered through out the house. We also have 3 part time employees! One of the things I learned right away was trying to do everything myself was impossible. Brining on help was one of the best decisions I made this year.

I took this picture in the beginning of summer in the home office. Right now it’s overflowing into our second bedroom and dining room.

Along with all the good, there was also some bad. I’ve learned to call bad situations learning experiences, because they are just that. We aren’t going to make the same mistake twice - and as we are flailing through our first year of business it’s okay to make mistakes. All the experience in the world working for someone else wouldn’t have prepared me for owning a business. We’ve learned what works in terms of our contracts and payment, we’ve formed relationships with those business who are like minded in our philosophy, and left those behind who fell short. We’ve said no to projects that didn’t feel 100% the right fit, after learning that trying to make them work is not worth it.

Sullivan to the rescue

I was thinking one day while walking Milo on how to describe what opening a business felt like, and I came up with something along the lines of:

Its like jumping off a bridge and learning to fly and then hitting the water. Then learning how to swim and reaching land. Then you have to learn how to walk, but you realize you’re alone on a remote island LOL. Well, at-least sometimes it feels like that.

Our first magazine Cover!

On top of trying to master the business side of it, I’ve pushed myself and the team to think outside the box when it comes designing everyone’s spaces. I’ve consistently been sourcing new tiles, fixtures, lighting, and hardware in order to not source the same thing for different projects. We’ve been blessed with some clients who have given us the green light to some really unique ideas that have turned out fabulous.

Looking forward into 2019 we I’ve set some new goals into place. We are getting the studio in gear o open early in the year. I’m looking forward to finding the balance of being open to the public, but also having a space to spread out and work with all our materials in plain sight. I am messy by nature so that should be an interesting combination. Concentrating on not growing too fast and making sure our systems are in place to accept and successfully manage all the projects that come our way. Sometimes I like to say yes to everything thinking I am a super woman but in reality I can’t spread ourselves too thin. Finding that perfect balance will be something to master in 2019.

Fisher Price in the house (literally) filming a commercial!

We have our first trade show in 2019 and will be traveling to Vegas to attend KBIS. Hoping to bring back all sorts of goodies!

Personally, it’s been quite a year as well. I got married! Wooo! I’ve been lucky to travel almost every month working remotely. When I set off into business I defined my success as work-life balance and whenever I get too stressed I remind myself of that. Looking forward to a beautiful 2019, thanks for all who have been along on the journey.

California

Tulum!

Wedding!

ITALY! Honeymoon

Designing A Guest Room Glow Up

With all the work that goes into designing a house to make it feel like a home, the most rewarding part is when you can share it with all the individuals you love most. While the dining and living areas are the ones that get the most attention for entertainment purposes, I want to instead focus on how to create the perfect space for your out of town guests. So from a gal who loves to play host, (I mean obviously I have to encourage visitors so I can have an excuse to whip out my custom branded Jenga set) here are some of my tips on designing a room that is so warm and inviting that your guests will never want to leave.

Source @laurenwilliamsart

One of the ways to create interest in a space is by playing with textures, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. All that matters is that the textures and textiles you select all evoke the same message. For example, the use of velvet and the decorative cotton cord macrame in this room creates a warm feel that says “Hey traveler, come rest your weary feet and relax.” Yup, it’s true. As a designer the textiles just speak to me.

Source @theprincipalhotel

As you may recall, lighting really makes an impact in a space in terms of design and the guest room is no exception. Create more depth by layering the lighting - wall sconces, recessed lighting, floor lamps, a reading light. By providing options it allows your guest to be able to control their environment to reach the ultimate level of comfort. This goes for natural lighting as well. If it is a very bright room, be sure to invest in some solid blackout curtains or shades to allow your guests some reprieve from a sunrise wake up call.

Source @parachutehome

Nothing can make your guests feel more pampered than having stellar bed linens. Quite honestly, it’s just science that high-quality sheets equals a restful night of sleep. I mean just look at this sublime layering of linens from Parachute. Sign me up for an afternoon siesta please and thank you!

Source @arrowsandbow

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to add a little bit of flair or character that is inherently you. The room should be a tangible extension of your own hospitality so whether you’re someone who loves to make sure their guests are always fed with a mini snack bar stocked with their favorite treats, or you’re someone who loves books so you have a shelf filled with classic or hottest new reads. Do something that really rings true to you and your guests are sure to feel the ultimate sense of welcome.

What are some ways that you’ve made your guest room the ultimate oasis? We love to hear how you’ve found a way to personalize your space!

Unwrapping Our Favorite Places to Source Wallpaper

It’s the most wonderful time of the year- you know where the mall parking lots turns into the hunger games, the Hallmark channel releases a movie with the same storyline that’s brand new, and the only forgiving thing about the guy that keeps wearing the same red suit as last season (and the season before that) is that he brings us nicely wrapped gifts. I mean truly, have you ever received a gift that is so nicely wrapped that you’d be just as happy if you decided not to open it? Well, I believe I might have a solution for you.

West End Interiors Mid Century Meets Cali Project / West End Interiors Pittsburgh Project

Instead of decking your halls with tinsel or holly, why not wrap them in some of the most beautiful wallpaper you have ever seen? Hallways, the kitchen, a bathroom, even the ceiling; the limit does not exist to where it can be used people!!! Essentially, West End Interiors is here to make your home the gift that just keeps on giving. So go ahead and tear through that gift that your Aunt Karen probably spent 20 mins meticulously wrapping, because I am sharing four of our favorite places to source wallpaper for our designs.

Source @chasingpaper / @chasingpaper

I’m about to go out on a limb here to shatter an interior design illusion: you don’t have to break the bank to infuse design into a space. *gasp* Chasing Paper is proof of that with their beautiful high-quality, affordable and most notably removable wallpaper. That’s right commitment phobes, feel free to avoid cuffing season all together this year with these stylish designs. Their selection has a modern and youthful feel that can add character to any space.

Source @hyggeandwest / @hyggeandwest

There is something that can feel cozy and nostalgic about wallpaper which is exactly what the creators of Hygge & West fell in love with and have infused into the brand. All their wallpapers are handmade and screen printed in the U.S. which heck yes, support local artisans! While their beginnings started with traditional wallpaper, they too have a line of removable wallpaper.

Source @cole_and_son_wallpapers / @cole_and_son_wallpapers

If you seek to work with those that are truly an expert of their craft, look no further than north London’s Cole & Son. Since 1875 they have produced designs that have graced the halls of Buckingham Palace and Parliament, but don’t be fooled by their age. They’ve managed to not only excel at creating traditional wallpapers that withstand the test of time but they also keep up better than the Kardashians with advancing trends by supplying vibrant and modern selections.

Source @scandwallpaper / @uglyduckcoffee

Oh Scandinavia, how you strum our heartstrings! If minimalism is your middle name (don’t worry, we’re not judging. Okay we are just a tad…) then Scandinavian Wallpaper is sure to resonate with you. Simplicity and luxe are two things they are exceedingly good at. You can get an up close and personal glimpse of their geometric work at Ugly Duck Coffee in our neighboring city of Rochester, NY!

So which styles call to you? Whichever they may be, come 2019 the West End Interiors showroom will be carrying a selection of wallpapers that are sure to appeal to all varieties of tastes!

Materialism & Interior Design

If were all being honest with ourselves, we have the urge to buy, buy, buy. Luckily for me, I’m constantly buying things for my clients and am able to curve my own spending because I spend so much of my time sourcing and researching items for my projects. By the end of the day, I don’t want to make any more decisions and that is a blessing and a curse.

(Blessing :I don’t spend money

Curse : I can’t even pick what I want for dinner)

I want to explain my thought process when it comes to material items for your home. This borders the line of what an interior designer and what an interior decorator does. Interior Designers (like us) focus more on construction projects, but when that project does come to an end most times we are styling with furniture and merchandise for those open shelves in the kitchen, curios, fireplace mantles, ect. But how much stuff is too much stuff? When do “things” start to lose meaning and functionality and just become clutter? There is a fine line. In the past few years I’ve really struggled with the mindset of the (dare I say) average American consumer. 

How much stuff is too much stuff?

Minimal Decor

My personal approach is to ask myself before suggesting anything to a client is:

“Is this functional?”

“Does it have meaning behind it?”

“Does it add to the space in a way that helps make the room feel complete, but not cluttered?”

“Is this going to make me happy on a daily basis?”

This is personally a little too much “stuff” for me

I’ve always leaned more towards the side of minimal “decorations” I don’t want to buy stuff to shove on a shelf for the sake of it looking pretty. Yes - sometimes we do that for photoshoots, but for every day living I find keeping it minimal is a lot more enjoyable. It’s less to buy, less to dust, and less stuff you can get sick of. Ever get that feeling that there is too much stuff creeping in and you just want to throw it all out and start new? Yeah - we are trying to avoid that!

As an avid cook & baker this functional set up sings to my soul. Functional Decor = Win.

Now, do I love beautiful things? Absolutely. I’m not saying you shouldn’t splurge for a piece that you really love. Makers and crafters put their hearts and souls into their work and projects, and when you see something - like a beautiful hand painted bowl - and you know that every time you walk by if it’s going to make you happy, then I’m all for it. If you’re going to home goods to fill your house with stuff just for the sake of it - I would say hold off and re-evaluate.

I love when clients have collected things over the years that I can find a fun way to display. Whether it’s mugs, or photographs, little figurines (within reason, lol), stamps, postcards, coins - whatever. I’m happy to use those as part of the decor. It has meaning and also gives you a chance to keep collecting these items now have a special place to display them.

For example, I have a collection of coffee mugs. Every time I travel to a new place and see one that I like, I allow myself to purchase it as a souvenir. They sit pretty in my glass front kitchen cabinets where I can see them, and every morning when I have my coffee I pick which one I want to use and theres a happy memory attached it to.

A cute, colorful, curated collection. These types of display have to be taken into consideration during a renovation because of the specific sizes of the items.

using all white creates a textural impact.

How about filling in space with plants instead of decor?

Plants are a great way to add height to a room.

Everyone has different opinions on decor and their idea of what the perfect amount of “stuff” is. These tips are just a rule of thumb that I like to follow when wrapping up a project.

XO
Raelyn

Look Out Al Roker: West End Interiors 2019 Design Forecast

We’ve officially made it through the first of the major holiday trifecta, and before you know it *blink* the new year will have arrived. While I will be grieving the fact that I’ve only recently nailed down dating things with 2018 (literally… every. damn. year.) I will also be looking forward to hitting the refresh button on design trends. And when I say refresh, I’m talking beyond Pantone’s Color of the Year.

So let’s hit that button, and here’s the challenge I’d like to present to you: instead of investing in a brand new gym membership (it’s always so crowded in January anyways) why not make a resolution this coming year to improve our homes? Trust me, if there’s one thing we know it’s that your home is also trying to be the best version of itself. Here are some upcoming trends I’ve mentally catalogued over the last few months that we are sure to see in 2019.

also note just because we are calling these “trends” does not mean they do not have staying power for years to come ;)

Colorful Statements in Cabinets and Tile

Image Sources: West End Interiors Argonne Renovation

Ah, color. Life is too short to simply be living the beige sort of life! I’m always trying to find unique ways to incorporate it into my designs. With the Argonne Renovation we used this beautiful shade of green shade from Benjamin Moore on the cabinets to bring some dimension into the kitchen space. Another unique way that color is popping up is in tile, which is why I’m making it a focal point for West End Interior’s first showroom on Main Street in Buffalo, NY (another key thing to look forward to in 2019!) But I’d like to encourage clients to go even bolder with colors, I mean do you see this marigold yellow?? Because quite frankly, I’M HERE FOR IT!

First image is using Fireclay, a brand that will be carried in our showroom!

Image Sources: Apartment Therapy / Pinterest

Image Sources: Curbed NY / Pinterest

Uniquely Shaped Tiles

Image Sources: West End Interiors Buffalo Loft Project / @slabshapers

Okay, time to think outside of the box (or hexagon for that matter.) There’s a whole world of differently shaped tiles out there and I want people to take more notice. I used this beautiful fish scale tile in a recent remodel for transitional flooring and I truly cannot get enough of it. But also, check out this inspiring oblong crystal shaped tile backsplash I discovered. I’m telling you, there’s more out there than squares, rectangles and hexagons.

Modern Traditional Style

Image Sources: @suzannahstanley / @palmandprep

Now some of you may be wondering, “modern traditional?” Yes, it’s as simple as it sounds. Taking cues from traditional style and updating its look a bit. Great design happens when you can find a way to successfully marry different styles.

The traditional side tends to focus more on a neutral but heavily contrasted color scheme, ornate & larger trim details, and brining in accents that have an old world vibe to them - such as an oil painting with a detailed frame, light fixtures, or furniture. With that comes a sense of warmth and familiarity. Then, by incorporating just a few modern elements you add in the feeling of a fresh and new look. We usually mix in modern elements with lighting & clean-lined cabinetry. Nailing this style relies heavily on the lighting and furniture that is picked for the space, and the trim, cabinetry & paint help balance it out.

When the two styles are mixed together you get a really sophisticated & welcoming interior.

Best of both worlds, right?

Image Sources: Sabbe Interior / Alice Lane

Image Source: Sabbe Interior

Terrazzo

Image Sources: Bovary / Dressing the Room

Coming back in a big way! Look for a more modern version of it popping up in 2019. Larger aggregates in the mix make the material feel updated vs. thinking you’re walking down a school hallway. And not only will it be showing up in flooring, but in furniture as well. We welcome it with open arms, so much so that we’ll also have samples of Terrazzo at the West End Interiors showroom!

Image Source: Season is in Colour

Samples you can expect to see at the West End Interiors Showroom

Cabinets with No Hardware

Image Sources: Behance / Contemporist

Do you enjoy a sleek and minimal look? Then cabinetry with no hardware is definitely something you should consider. The thing I love about this is the thought and craftsmanship that goes into making these one of a kind pieces. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the shape of your “hardware”

Image Sources: Contemporist / Minford

Dark Colored Moldings & Doors

Image Sources: @ohfarmhouse / @leahmdesign

We’re tired of white trim, right...? Or is it just me. With 2019 comes a revival of contrast and color to pull us out of this all white everything trend. While this look is not always a look for every room or style of home, a dark trim can really draw attention and become an unifying design element throughout a space. We’ve been drawn to medium and dark tone paint colors for our door and trims in the past few projects. We’ve even got an entire room of yellow trim planned for the new year (YEAH, YELLOW!)

Marble Slabs Stealing the Show

Image Source: Pinterest

Marble is a timeless material and is used in a ton of West End projects. We predict that the material will start to get a little more use in larger formats and patterns will be embraced. We have seen it as backsplash before in a kitchen - but shelves, showers, and fireplaces are bound to make a strong debut in 2019.

Image Source: @pocodesigns

Image Sources: @studiolifestyle_ / @cortneybishopdesign