There is a debate in the design world.  Is using a reproduction of a designer piece an acceptable alternative? Take a look at where I stand in my Fox News Latino article:

To the average person a chair is a chair. Its function is purely utilitarian, to cushions ones bottom. To many others, it can also be an expression of art like the Herman Miller Eames .

The Eames chair was first introduced to the public in 1956.  It was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for The Herman Miller Furniture Company.

The Eames chair literally stands the test of time, it’s not a dated piece, and it’s very classic in its timeless design.

Those who love the charm and sexiness of this chair may not always be able to afford such a master piece. It usually starts at around $5,000 (price includes the ottoman). This is where the debate starts on whether to reproduce or not to reproduce. 

It gets really ugly depending on whom you discuss the subject with. Many have said that if you cannot afford one, you should just learn to admire one from afar until you are able to own the real thing. In reality, how fair is that, for those who do not have the means to dish out that kind of money, but still have the same admiration and love for such a classic piece? Why should they be excluded from having such a dream chair even if it’s not the real thing?

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Timeless Trends

As the saying goes, there’s no place like home. And these days people are looking for ways to make their existing home a more enjoyable living space.

With the housing market still weak, more and more Casa Latina familias continue to embrace what they already have. The idea of refreshing nuestra casa, even in the smallest ways, can have a restorative power and transform a house to a home.

Home furnishing experts say that it’s important to recognize that it’s the littlest things that matter when you’re making enhancements to your home. Simple touches of a new sofa or end table, rug or even a decorative lamp shade will create a different look and feel to a room or space. This is a small lifestyle change, and not an unobtainable luxury.  

Here are some timeless trends that will help you visualize and explore the possibilities for updating your home.

 Calm Yourself

Living with a neutral interior palette is like being enveloped by a cloud. Get the look by blanketing rooms in the softest neutral shades: cream, mocha and, most especially (and perhaps surprisingly), gray. A dash of a neutral metallic accent, such as silver, adds a welcome sparkle. It’s like sunlight peeking through the clouds.

Distressed to Impress

Modern Country is ageless and exudes a comforting charm that takes imperfection to new heights. Natural finishes, heavily distressed surfaces, reclaimed woods, rattan, wicker and other natural textures are livable finishes for busy families. And the look fits farmhouse style or urban loft with equal ease.   

Ethnic Inspiration

Far-reaching global influences are no longer far flung. Ethnic-inspired fabrics are turning up all over in American homes. The organic patterns, vibrant color palettes and handcrafted looks create an aura of sophisticated warmth. What to look for: motifs inspired by traditional African design; susani patterns from Central Asia; ikats and batiks from Indonesia; and handblocked woodprints from India. 

Power Play

Smaller footprint, lighter weight and better performance are important purchase considerations when buying a new laptop. The same things matter when buying home office furniture. Laptops are now the most popular home computing choice among consumers bringing writing tables and petite desks to the forefront of home office design. Unlike their executive suite predecessors, these modestly scaled workstations don’t take up an entire room. Instead, they slip easily into most interiors, providing needed workspace without taking up too much space – or too much money.  

Refreshing your nest doesn’t have to be out of reach. With a few simple changes it’s possible to fall in love with your home all over again.  

A lot of clients have asked Casa Latina design contributor, Maria Gabriela Brito, if saturated, colored walls are “in” or “out”. Her feeling is that color on walls, as accents, or an entire room, is always stylish. While the color palette of the moment might change, walls with color always create an interesting, warm or dramatic space. Rich tones–like red, dark brown or charcoal are her personal favorites.

And in New York, where space is at a premium, white is more often than not the rule, since white does make a space look larger and lighter. Not to mention, that the “minimalist” look that has been so beloved by many interior decor mavens for so long (but really beginning to get tired to all of us) pushes the white box approach and moves away from color to define spaces.

While we can all enjoy the calmness provided by a room that features whites or neutral colors, it is not much fun or much of a design challenge. Take a bit of a risk! Wall color works exceptionally well and for full effect in a foyer or entryway (see the picture below with Yves Klein Blue and a dash of red, what a bold statement!) or in a living room where only one wall has been given a deep shade of Peridot Green (one of her favorite colors by Benjamin Moore).

If you are lucky enough to have a spacious or open kitchen, how about a citrus palette, shown in one Jonathan Adler’s creations? It looks really amazing, different and fresh. So, if you’re tired of the same old thing in your environment, and have a limited budget, paint is an excellent way to give your rooms a makeover with color and a punch of energy for 2010.

Less than a year ago my brother purchased his first home.  At least once a week he calls asking me what mason, contractor, plumber or gardener he should hire. I tell him that he has to be as picky about selecting a contractor as he would be about selecting a babysitter for his niece or nephew.  This is especially true with contractors. 

How do I chose the right contractor for my needs?  This is a question I am frequently asked. So I did a little online research to find a website that could help people like my brother.  The one that intrigued me the most was FaceYourKitchen.com.  Out of all the sites, it is the most informative and people friendly. They answer your question without beating around the bush.  They understand that finding a dependable contractor is not an easy task and they guide you from beginning to end on the do’s and don’ts on hiring the best contract for your project. 

There are steps you can take to avoid becoming the victim of a deadbeat contractor. As interior designer Patricia Davis Brown explains, finding a dependable contractor takes work. The key to a smooth kitchen remodel is being educated, making design decisions ahead of time, and communicating effectively with your contractor. 

 Know What You Want

Consult FaceYourKitchen.com’s kitchen ideas, a design professional or magazines to figure out what layout and styles you want for your kitchen.  Ask the contractor to provide feedback.  This will reduce costly change orders and associated delays. 

Get Educated

Get multiple quotes to understand the time and money involved.  Check your contractor’s references and do online license checks. 

Agree On A Game Plan and Finalize All Details 

You should have everything in writing, including materials, costs, schedule, necessary permits, inspections, trash hauling and liability clauses. Don’t leave anything to chance. 

The truth is there is no hassle free renovation.  Discussing specifics and doing extra research on a contractor may seem time consuming but it will pay off in the long run. 

For more information about home design, kitchen renovations and upgrades, follow @FaceYourKitchen on Twitter or Facebook.

Black has always been the safest color in the fashion industry. Why? Because people feel they look thinner, more elegant and smarter in it.  It’s a ‘take me seriously’ color.  But every year a new ‘it’ color emerges.  A few years ago I remember brown being the ‘it’ colors. The UPS drivers felt very fashionable that year I’m sure. 

This year the fashionistas are going green, not just one shade of green but the whole palette. Shades of emerald, jade, olive and lime can all be worn at the same time.  Pantone, a worldwide authority on color trends, has also named green as a top tone for Fall/Winter. While not everyone is comfortable wearing the color, green is often used in decorating for its calming effects, and is thought to relieve stress and help heal.

If you’re somewhat afraid of going green at home, start small by incorporating 4 or 5 pillows in different shades and place them in the most neutral colored room in your home.  Live with them for a few days and you’ll come to the realization that you are not as afraid of the color as you thought you were. 

I’ll bet that once you are comfortable with them you will start adding other green accents in your home and come to love this color as much as I do.

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Casa Latina is proud to introduce the addition of Luxury Lifestyle Consultant Maria Brito as a guest contributor!  With an insider’s knowledge and access to fashion, interior décor, wine and art, Maria Gabriela Brito has made it her mission to help create a lifestyle for her clients that is more luxurious, but simpler, easier, and most of all, attainable.   Here Maria offers Casa Latina fans useful, practical decorating tips for those who want to create a fresh new look in their home without breaking the bank:

UPDATING YOUR DÉCOR FOR 2010: FUN TIPS AND IDEAS

It’s not always about redecorating your space, which can be so much work and so much money, but about shifting things around, putting away accessories that are over for you (for the moment), but are worth saving for the next redo! In my own home, for example, I have learned that I don’t need to display everything that I have (thank God for storage space!) and that buying a few new pieces and changing some pillows or adding a throw in a different color can create a fun and energetic vibe. That’s also why I like accessories and small side tables, because they are easy to move around and can add extra warmth plus added surface for a drink. Or a few coffee table books that cost so little (if you don’t already have them) and become an interesting conversation piece or focal point. I have a couple of quick ideas that I’d like to share. If you take action and use one or two of the tips that I mention below, you’ll get a refreshed space in no time!

Lifestyling by Maria Gabriele Brito offers personalized attention for men and women, helping New Yorkers and visitors to the city alike, live a richer, more luxurious life.  In the areas of wine, fashion, interior décor and art, Maria can help you find what you need, plan an event, take you shopping and gallery-hopping, or arrange a wine tasting.  If you don’t have time, not sure where to look, or just need some advice from an expert, Maria Gabriela Brito is you perfect source.  For more information visit www.mariabrito.com.

Just because summer is officially over, you don’t have to forego a light airy feel in your home. Thom Filicia, host of the new Style Network show, Tacky House has put together quick, chic and eco-thoughtful ways to lighten up your living space.  Going “green” for a lighter look has never been easier:

Refinish, Repurpose or Recycle

• One of the easiest, quickest and most economical ways of brightening up your space for the summer is to refinish, repurpose or recycle an old piece of furniture.  A fresh coat of VOC-free paint can immediately bring an older piece back to life and a bright, white shade, in particular, can fit almost anywhere…including your porch or backyard.

“Lighten” the mood around your home

• Light can and should be more than functional…it can create ambiance or spotlight choice décor.   Be as energy efficient as possible by taking advantage of eco-friendly light bulbs – many people assume CFLs are the only energy-efficient option choice, but there are other options out there, such as halogens.
• The SYLVANIA halogen SUPERSAVER A-line light bulb is perfect for those resistant to give up incandescent lighting, but looking to make environmental improvements to their home.  
• Switch things up by replacing a current shade with one made of linen or grass cloth – it’s a beautiful way to bring an organic look and feel to your light source.

Bring the Outdoors In

• Dried branches, drift wood and interesting stones found on vacation are great decorative pieces as well reminders of the fun places you have been.   Use these instead of flowers to fill vases and place around the home.   
• Repurpose an old wooden box for a plant, such as mint, for a country chic look. Mint not only looks and smells great, but is also the perfect finishing touch to toss into salads or cocktails.

Is there a standard height for headboard?  If so, what is it?  This may seem like a simple issue but it takes on added importance when you start thinking of redoing your bedroom.  At Casa Latina we like to offer our friends a wide variety of information and resources to help make your home-related projects a little easier and look a whole lot better. 

This week, Open House is launching B.Y.O.D–Bring Your Own Design, a new online-only feature that will offer practical design advice on specific challenges.  Take a look at this webisode and you will never have to wonder if there is a standard height for a headboard again!

View more videos at: http://nbcnewyork.com.

When it comes to stowing your stuff, we tend to fall into one of two camps: the outies, who keep their things out and within easy reach, and the innies, who hide everything in a closet or inside a drawer. The trick to finding tools and systems that will keep your house in order depends on knowing your personal style. The March 2010 issue of ShopSmart features the ultimate organizing guide, with advice on the four biggest trouble spots and how to determine if you’re an innie or an outie.

“Before you jump to conclusions, outies aren’t necessarily slobs and innies aren’t necessarily neat freaks,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. “No matter what your personal storage style, you can get it     together by checking out our easy clutter control tips.”

OUTIE: If you’re an outie, you worry that you’ll forget something if it’s not in plain sight. You work best with organizing tools that provide an instant view of what’s inside. Here are some of ShopSmart’s tips for outies:

Desk: Your ideas flow best when you see what you have around you. But to keep piles and sprawl down:

• Hang a shelf. It’s a great use of space, and it helps avoid piles when you run out of desktop real estate.
• Organize up. Vertical storage helps you group similar items and keeps the desk clutter-free.

Closet: Using hooks and shelves can help you assess frequently worn clothes fast. Here are some other ways to help you save time and prioritize your stuff:

• Let it all hang out. Hang handbags, scarves and belts on a decorative coat rack.
• Use cubbies. An open-cube storage system is great for letting you see items at a glance.

Jewelry: Even with jewelry, you want visibility at a glance. Here’s how to keep it looking neat, not cluttered:

• Hang it on the wall. Hang a fabric-covered cushion board and drape the jewelry over nails or pins.
• Drape it. A specifically designed jewelry tree or even a small sculpture with branching arms looks nice on a dresser and provides the perfect perch for loop earrings and necklaces.

Junk Drawer: If it’s out of sight, it might end up out of mind. Put junk-drawer stuff on display:

• Think transparent. Small, see-through glass jars can house change, push pins, rubber bands and more.
• Be smart about hooks. Pull items out of the drawer and hang them.

INNIE: If you’re an innie, your priority is having a calm and serene visual slate, so select closed containers in a single hue or pattern for a spare and tidy look. Here are some of ShopSmart’s tips for innies:

Desk: You derive a sense of serenity from a clean, spare work surface. Clutter is distracting. To keep it serene:

• Limit the color palette. Keep desk accessories within a limited color range to maintain calm.
• Separate your stuff. Use drawer organizers or modular drawer inserts for supplies and papers.

Closet: You need systems that you can trust and that are instinctive and obvious. Grouping like things together is one tried-and-true tactic. Here are some others:

• Keep hangers the same. It eliminates visual clutter.
• Group clothing by length. It’s an easy way to find stuffy and frees up more floor space.

Jewelry: You like to put things in compartments and behind closed doors, so invest in a nice jewelry box. Or try these other options:

• Use two boxes. Keep a small box for the pieces you wear frequently and a larger one to tame and conceal the items you use less often.
• Outfit a drawer. Velvet-lined jewelry trays or inserts that fit inside a draw can accommodate everything.

Junk Drawer: By nature, you’re a stasher but you also like things tidy and serene. Here’s how to keep the junk drawer from becoming a jumble:

• Divide and conquer. Try using modular drawer organizers that fit their contents precisely.
• Make it uniform. Simple organizers with similar shapes will keep the look consistent.

As America’s economy strengthens, remodeling and home renovations are on the rise. For homeowners seeking inspiration for their bathroom renovation, here are the top trends to know:

Doubled Vanity

With separate sinks and vanities, homeowners get the individualized spaces and storage they desire in their bathrooms. 

Radiant Heat

Some companies install heating mats controlled by a thermostat under tile, stone, laminate and engineered-wood floors.

Recycled Flooring

With the increased focus on sustainable materials, tiles made from recycled ceramic, glass and metal are in.

 

Recycled Glass Tiles

Seeing Green

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) reported that 24 percent of their designers used a green color palette in their clients’ kitchens last year.  KraftMaid, a leader in semi-custom cabinetry, offers cabinetry with color finishes – such as Sage – that can add a burst of color to bathroom walls. 

Walk-In Showers

Large glass doors and earth-tone tiles are being combined with luxury showerheads and water jets for a spa-like feel. 

Added Storage Space

For the homeowner with dozens of bottles, jars and accessories, KraftMaid’s vanity filler pullout creates storage while saving space with its slim vertical design.

 Satin Nickel Faucets

From 2009 to the end of 2010, the percent of NKBA designers who specified a satin nickel faucet in the bathroom rose from 45 percent to 57 percent.

Fine Furniture

Standard bathroom cabinets are being replaced by cabinetry with rich finishes and detailing.

A Hint of Nature

Wood and stone are in-demand materials for bathroom design.

 Quartz Countertops

The low-maintenance mineral boasts a higher durability against cracks and dents than marble.