Tag Archives: real estate

Embracing The Winter Light!

01 Thursday Jan 2026

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After a recent visit to Scandinavia and seeing how well they cope with short winter days, I learned about Hygge, the art of staying cozy, happy and positive during the winter months.  During this extra wet California season, we need this more than ever!

Capture as much light and sun as possible in these 5 easy ways:

1) Grab a Sunny Spot – Pull your favorite chair up to a window or glass door.  Not only can this be your personal refuge for reading or enjoying the change in seasons, the chair captures warmth from what sun there is and makes you feel comforted and safe. Just 30 minutes a day sitting there will give your body the amount of vitamin C it needs to keep your mind alive.

2) Let the Sun Shine In – Open up the window treatments.  Many of us grew up with the concept that to keep the cold out, close blinds and drapes.  This is not only unnecessary but makes our rooms darker and dismal.  If you have double paned windows, you don’t have to worry about heat loss and the morning sun is the best for starting your day off right.  In the winter, take down valances and cornices to expose as much of the window as possible.

3) Winter White – Scandinavians knew the secret to surviving winter darkness.  Living without sun for months on end made them experts.  Their secret was effective use of color.  White painted furniture and white washed walls made any room bright and cheerful, no matter how black the night (or day!).  Use light colors; add white, cream or linen colored pillows and throws around the room.  Ban dark and harsh colors from your home.

4) Grow a Winter Garden – You may not be able to plant outdoors, but this is the time for flowers and plants inside.  Succulents in a long wooden bowl in the kitchen window do great and add the green you crave. Start an herb garden! Bring home an orchid or bromeliad for the table and watch the smile it brings to your family’s face.

5) Get Motivated – Now might be the best time to plan ahead. Start thinking about changes and renovations you’ll be doing when it warms up. These gray days inside don’t have to be dismal – start that list, collect those links, talk to your designer, architect or landscaper – get them lined up and scheduled and on the calendar. It’s always nice to be ahead of things.. when spring comes, you’ll be ready!

Add your personal suggestions below.  Love to hear from you!

For all your interior design needs contact Steven Edward Wallace Design at 925 915 1005 or email at stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or on Instagram @stevenedwardwallacedesign.

Interior Design Trends for 2026

26 Wednesday Nov 2025

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As the new year approaches, we’re reviewing the latest in the world of interiors. Since we don’t change our homes yearly to follow trends, it’s interesting to note that comforting colors, understated designs and exploring your personal vision are always in style. These ideas are actually quite timeless, and here are some interior design ideas to explore for 2026:

One clear message is that blue will be the standout color for 2026. Blue has never really gone out of style, but darker blues are making a comeback. . Benjamin Moore is showcasing colors like Blue Danube, Palladian Blue and Ocean Air. We’re also seeing more teal shades from various paint brands. If you think this feels outdated, contact me for stylish ways to incorporate these colors.

Overall, interiors are becoming more understated. Instead of colorful and busy rooms, we’re noticing more neutral tones and simpler designs. Fabrics are less flashy, with a focus on softness and warmth through texture. This style is seen in the use of natural materials, plain upholstery in soft tones, modern furniture with clean lines, and selected antiques with unique shapes.

Texture plays a key role in creating a cozy interior. Simple, beautiful woven fabrics—both antique and modern—are being used in creative ways like wall hangings or cushions. Designers look to focus on combining hand-dyed linens with traditional pieces in their work. This movement also embraces small accessories with beautiful European inspired influences.

Many ideas for 2026 lean towards a modern look, moving away from traditional styles. There’s a growing interest in whimsical and surrealistic pieces that evoke the creativity of the early 20th century. I’ve noticed a lot of work influenced by Art Deco set design and artists such as Salvador Dali, showcasing fun designs like chairs shaped like people, bird-like lamps, and fish-shaped bottle openers.

For all your interior design needs contact Steven Edward Wallace Design at 925 915 1005 or stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com. Also visit my Instagram page!

Late Summer 2025 Tablescape Ideas!

28 Thursday Aug 2025

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For August tablescapes, embrace that end of summer feel with fresh fruit like lemons or peaches. Add vibrant citrus colors like yellow and orange. Other options include a coastal theme with blues and whites, or a tropical vibe using greenery and bold, bright colors. For a natural touch, use earthy tones with wooden elements and greenery like eucalyptus or palm leaves.
 

Fruitful & Citrus Themes

  • Lemon/Citrus Accents:. Scatter whole lemons or use them in a decorative arrangement with flowers and candles for an effortless, elegant look. 
  • Peach & Berry Tones:. Use shades of peach, and other berries, to create a warm and late-summer feel. 

Coastal & Tropical Vibes 

  • Coastal: Use a soothing color palette of soft blues, whites, and sandy neutrals, and add elements like seashells or starfish as accents.
  • Tropical: Incorporate lush greenery, vibrant tropical flowers like orchids, and textured elements like bamboo or rattan to create a paradise feel.

Earthy & Natural Elements

  • Greenery: Use fresh herbs, leafy plants, or palm leaves to add a natural, fresh touch. 
  • Wooden Accessories: Incorporate wooden elements for a rustic or earthy vibe. 
  • Natural Materials: Use simple white dishes and natural accents for a fresh, clean look. 

Color Palettes 

  • Warm & Bright: Combine sun-kissed yellows, oranges, and pops of pink for a cheerful and vibrant tablescape.
  • Cool & Refreshing: Use hues of blue, turquoise, and crisp white to evoke a refreshing summer feel.
  • Light & Airy Neutrals: Soothe and ground your table with earthy tones that complement vibrant summer colors.

For all your interior design needs contact Steven Edward Wallace Design – 925 915 1005 or stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or on Instagram @stevenedwardwallacedesign

Sit On It!

09 Wednesday Jul 2025

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There are so many fun and innovative ideas this year for seating that truly redefine our living spaces. The concept of matching chairs at a dining table or the traditional three-cushion sofa are being left behind. Designers are exploring new ways to look at how we sit and live in our homes. Modular seating arrangements adapt to various social settings. Unique materials blend comfort with artistic flair. These modern solutions emphasize both aesthetics and functionality. Multi-purpose furniture is also becoming more popular. This trend allows for flexible living arrangements. It caters to the demands of contemporary lifestyles. It also enhances the overall ambiance of your space.

Here are just a few seating ideas I’ve found recently that I love:

leatherwirediningchair

This wire and British Racing Green dining chair from Overgard & Dyrman is classic English style and luxury! The combination of leather with thin legs gives it a strong, masculine yet airy appearance.

Svensectional

The SVEN sectional, shown in Grass Green – what a combination of classic design and Mid Century Modern influence. Large enough to stretch out on but a space saving footprint. And you should see it in their blue and purple!  Wow!

Moroccanfloorpillows

Moroccan style floor pillows are back! Why be limited to sitting on the furniture when you can plop anywhere you like? Great for conversation and lounging with friends. Adding the burst of color and pattern will upgrade any room.

Aphrochichanging

Organic and boho style upholstered rope porch swing will make your summer an experience. Use outdoor spaces as another room and just fall asleep under the stars! From AphroChic.

Chunky, sexy and modern – this dining chair from By Design connects traditional design with a space age shape. Pair them with a glass dining table or enjoy just one in a library setting and settle in!

Steven Edward Wallace is a full service interior designer. He is ready to take a concept and design dreams from just an idea to reality. Contact us at 925 915 1005, at stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or Instagram @stevenedwardwallacedesign.

Design Trends For Summer 2025

10 Tuesday Jun 2025

Posted by in decor, design ideas, furniture, home, Home renovation, interior design, lifestyle, Lifestyle, outdoors, real estate, seasons, style, summer, trends, Uncategorized

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Summer 2025 interior design trends include natural materials. They also feature soft neutrals and organic shapes. There is a move towards more sustainable and recycled styles. Color palettes will feature earthy tones, verdant greens, azure blues, and unexpected accents like soft blues and chartreuse. Curves, arches, and organic shapes will be prominent, alongside statement lighting and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.

Colors and Palettes:

  • Soft Naturals and Sun-Kissed Neutrals: Warm, earthy tones like browns, tans, and creams will dominate.
  • Unexpected Accents: Azure blues and verdant greens will offer a grounding yet unexpected element.
  • Color Drenching: Embrace a single color across walls, floors, and furniture. Buttery yellows are a popular choice for a warm and luminous effect.
  • Nautical and Botanical Patterns: Botanical and nautical patterns will bring a summery feel to interiors.

Materials and Textures:

  • Natural Materials: Wood, stone, linen, and other natural materials will continue to be popular for their grounding and comfortable feel.
  • Statement Stone: Statement pieces made of stone, like sculptural side tables or marble fireplaces, will add visual interest.
  • Sustainable and Recycled: There’s a growing emphasis on incorporating eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled metals.
  • Wavy and Scallop Shapes: Curves, arches, and soft, undulating shapes are found in furniture, decor, and lighting. These elements will add a touch of whimsy. These shapes also give visual interest.

Furniture and Decor:

  • Statement Lighting: Unique and eye-catching lighting fixtures will take center stage.
  • Indoor-Outdoor Living: Creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces will continue to be a popular trend.
  • Wellness Spaces: Dedicated spaces for relaxation and well-being, such as yoga studios or spa-like bathrooms, will become more common.
  • Furniture: Updated upholstered furniture, like headboards and velvet stools, will add a touch of luxury and softness.
  • Earthy-toned Maximalism: Mixing patterns, colors, and textures, often inspired by global influences, will continue to be a trend.

For all your design needs contact Steven Edward Wallace Design @stevenedwardwallacedesign, email @ stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or call 925.915.1005

Is Your Home Ready For Summer?

17 Monday Mar 2025

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Although for many on the East Coast and the Midwest, summer may still seem a long way off, here in California we are already experiencing warmer day and more sunshine. I know I’m ready to pull up the blinds and open the windows and let the light and fresh air in.

Your home may also feel that it’s tired of being closed up and wants to breath. Now is the time to look at ways to add freshness and vigor to your rooms and embrace the change of seasons.

Here are 5 great ideas that will chase away winter and get your home ready for summer!

Put away that old heavy comforter and invest in a brightly colored throw or coverlet for the bed. This season I’m seeing a whole new approach to prints and patterns. Stripes are always easy to mix and match with solid sheets and fun flower patterns reminiscent of the 1970’s are crazy fun and will add a smile to your face.

Open the windows. Heavy drapes collect dust and visually drag down the whole room. Now that we are seeing more sun, change them out for woven shades, billowy linen panels or just take them down and enjoy the view! Here color and texture work wonders, allowing the sunlight to shine in, enhancing a basic window – taking it from drab to fab.

Pull out glass containers, vases and bowls. For summer 2025, color is what’s happening. Don’t be afraid to experiment. In a garden window mix canary yellow, apple green and melon orange glass objects in different sizes. Don’t worry yet about adding flowers or fruit to the bowls and vases, let their color and shape alone be the interest factor.

Get Passionate for picture frames. So many of us put a photo from a holiday or vacation in a frame and there it sits, growing stale, for years and years. Take a good look at your frames, whether they are on a shelf or the piano. Discard dark colors and heavy woods and replace them with shell borders, glass on glass and brightly hued plastics. Not only will you see those photos in a new light, but the patterns and colors will brighten up the whole room.

Invest in one new furniture piece.  We can’t always afford to throw everything out and start new, but often just one fresh item can change the whole room. Modern wicker is making a big comeback – an organic side chair or an ottoman/pouf in a colorful pattern is a quick inexpensive way to make a tired room look refreshed and brighter.  Small “drink tables” are always easy to find in so many styles, from metallics to stone top to wood and fit just about anywhere.

It’s already March! If you close your eyes, you can feel the change in the air.  Spring is right around the corner. Are you ready?

For all your design needs contact Steven Edward Wallace Design – @stevenedwardwallacedesign, stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or 925 915 1005.

A Conversation with Steve Wallace of Steven Edward Wallace Design.

23 Thursday Jan 2025

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Tell us about yourself and your business. 

I grew up in a small town in Michigan, but always felt California was calling, and moved out west after college. After a few years of working for designers, manufacturers, showrooms and completing the UCLA design program, I started flipping houses with a business partner. After seeing the reaction to my renovations, it was time to open my own business. Since then, I’ve completed design projects all over California as well as Arizona, Florida and Las Vegas. Currently, I live in Palm Springs and Carlsbad – continuing to work with incredible clients and creating interiors that work with their lifestyle and giving them the home of their dreams.

Sample design from Steve Wallace, Palm Springs designer

What is your design philosophy?  

I believe a home should be your sanctuary from the stress of the world. Design is successful if it not only gives the client a great space, but also reflects their personality and gives them joy every time they step through the door. Working with the client’s budget, I strive for a balance between functionality and creativity. But, sometimes I push them to expand their mind and educate them on everything their home can be.

Who or what are some of the key influencers in your design approach? 

I really take the time to get to know my clients, how they live. For example, do they like to entertain in their home or need a quiet place to recharge? My first influences start with them. I am intrigued with mixing styles, international cultures and eras, not sticking specifically to one look. (Yes, I’m talking to you Mid Century Modern!) I’ve always been fascinated with architecture, classic design and the importance, especially in our climate, of the link between interiors and nature.

Do you have a favorite style of home that you like to design?  

One of the best things about being a designer is that no two jobs or projects are the same. It’s stimulating to explore new and exciting styles – learning and growing myself. Clean, minimal and modern is my personal aesthetic. Asian influences reflect a clean and classic, timeless style with the use of natural, eco-friendly materials. A low maintenance life is my mantra. But, I never push my own likes and agenda on a client. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to design in many styles over the years and always have found it has improved my design eye and opened up my own mind.

Sample design from Steve Wallace, Palm Springs designer

What are some of the current design trends in the desert? 

Obviously, in Palm Springs, the Mid Century Modern look is still going strong. Sadly, it seems to have become a bit of a cliché and, for me, losing touch with what it really was. It is becoming a bit generic. I like that we are seeing people begin to break out of that box and explore all the architectural styles Palm Springs has to offer. But in the desert, I think open floor plans, modern architecture, and indoor/outdoor living will never go out of style. The use of tactile, textural elements like wood, stone and metal has always been strong here and always will.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?   

When you hire Steven Edward Wallace Design, you get a designer with over 30 years of experience in the trade – someone who will listen to your needs, your ideas and work with your budget. I help to make the process as easy and low stress for you as possible. A big compliment to me is when my clients say to me five or more years after we finish “I still love my house!”

For more information contact Steve at stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or 9259151005. Follow on Instagram @stevenedwardwallacedesign.

The Livin’ Is Easy!

03 Thursday Aug 2023

Posted by in home, Home renovation, interior design, lifestyle, Lifestyle, outdoors, real estate, seasons, summer

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Remember this song? “Summer time … and the livin’ is easy.” I always loved the slow swaying movement of that song. It fit the weather – hot, humid and heavy with the smells of summer: BBQ, tanning lotion, bug spray and campfires.

Growing up in the Midwest, summer was brief and we had to make the most of it. Boating on the lake, camping on the beach, laying out under the stars, hoping to catch a tan before school started up. It was a happier time, not because it was the “good old days” but because when you are young without much worry or stress, life is just simpler.

And that’s what’s so awesome about this time of year. We get outside, we enjoy the sunshine, the friendship, the laughs. We roast s’mores. We jump off docks into freezing lakes. We rock on the front porch. Our stress levels drop and for a brief time our life is simple again.

Here are just a few design ideas to incorporate into your home this season.. Take time to make your livin’ easy and embrace life outdoors!

summertimeadirondacks

Adirondack chairs are an American classic and fit into any outdoor decor. I love these green painted ones. They are inviting down a flagstone walkway to the fire pit. Place them in the middle of the  garden or the end of the dock or just simply out on the lawn.

summertimeopenwindow

Make your outdoor dining fun and easy. Poolside … this inventive swing up window is great for a walk up bar. By day, it’s ice cream and lemonade, at night, it’s cocktails and finger food. 

summertimestringlights

Modern, simple and elegant – a glass of wine, string lights and a hot August night. What more could you want? Candles set the mood for romance or just star-gazing. As the evenings cool, grab a blanket and stay out til dawn!

summertimepots

Have a boring patio or porch? Colorful container pots let you make your own statement. Group assorted sizes for a real designer look. Great for small spaces, apartment living or celebrating a summer holiday.

How To Update A Small Bathroom!

25 Tuesday Apr 2023

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Recently I was asked by a client to help with a bathroom remodel they badly needed. We were unable to enlarge the space due to adjoining rooms, but she wanted to know – “How can I make a small space look bigger than it is?”

Bathrooms can be tricky because there is rarely much continuous, uninterrupted space. Mirrors, shower doors, tub surrounds can all make the room seem cut up. If you don’t need a bathtub, remove the shower/tub combo and create a big walk in shower.

Square tiles are currently a trending look. Use large format tiles, 18″ or more, if possible. Keep the grout lines to a minimum and match your grout to your tile for a more cohesive look. Laying subway style horizontally elongates a room, while installing vertically gives you a visual of volume. . Be careful with mixing patterns. If you like a marble look quartz counter top, use a simpler floor tile.

I’ve never been a fan of the vessel sink, the ones that sit on top of the vanity. They add another dimension that is just not needed and waste counter space. For a classic, clean look use simple, wide porcelain under mount sinks.  Wall mounted cabinets expose more floor space – their minimal footprint modernizes any space!

Color is important… gaudy colors are not helpful when you first wake up in the morning! Paint your bath a soothing color like ochre, cream or anything organic in base. Strive for that spa, Zen like feeling. If you need color, bring it in with your towels and counter accessories.

Lighting is also key, not only in how it can affect the look of the space, but how it reflects YOU. Install a few ceiling can lights, but also add sconces to the left and right of the mirror. This lighting is very flattering and makes putting on makeup or shaving easier by lighting the whole face, and not leaving shadows on the lower half.

Store anything and everything you can away. Cut out niches in the walls make use of even the littlest available space. Stow toiletries away when not in use.  Open shelving lets light through. Remember, clutter is the enemy here. Towels rolled in a basket keep them fresh and tidy. Always use frameless shower doors – another easy and effective change, it will open up your room like nothing else.

For more tips and design ideas, contact Steven Edward Wallace Design!

My Personal Design Inspirations!

14 Friday Oct 2022

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As we head toward the last months of 2022, I want  to share a few of my favorite design elements and inspirations.  Enjoy!

Favorite individual piece –The 54” Braziliance Commode is a two drawer cabinet designed by Dorothy Draper, one of the most iconic interior designers of the 20th century. Originally created in 1939 for the Quitandinha Resort in Sao Paulo,Brazil, the styling captures the South American craze that swept the USA in the 30’s and 40’s. With classic oversized acanthus leaves, carved serpentine moldings and a shell carving in the center, it exudes class and sophistication. Approximately $7000 through your design professional.

Braziliance Commode

Favorite color – No doubt about it, there is nothing that can beat basic black. This one color goes with every design style and brings out the best in any fabric or finish. Use it in high gloss for the dining room with a funky crystal chandelier, in a soft gray tinted black for that sexy, sophisticated bedroom or an upholstered slick mid-century chair in plush black velvet. This is the hottest in color for an all around perfect accent in your home.

Favorite new trend – After more than a  few years of gray and beige, I’m seeing the re-emergence of stripes and florals in vivid colors – and not a moment too soon. Mixing a bright, fun palette in unusual combinations, these patterns are bringing life and excitement back to interior design. Whether it’s a sign of our improved emotional state after the last couple of tough years, or just imagination gone wild, it’s great to see their return. Use these colorful, fresh fabrics everywhere, from dining room chairs, to throw pillows or even wallpaper your powder room for that wow factor.

 Favorite design era – The 1930’s have always fascinated me. It was a time of incredible wealth as well as a time of belt-tightening. Simple living was balanced with opulent design. People gravitated to the movies to escape, and the movie sets were over the top.  You cannot watch a Busby Berkeley musical without being amazed at the creativity and fantasy. The extensive use of metallics, glass and mirrors into the home brought a new brilliance into design. Throw into the mix the most creative time of Frank Lloyd Wright, Corbusier and The Bauhaus. What more could you ask for?

Favorite place for inspiration –PARIS! What more can you say? Not only does the City of Lights spark romance, it’s also the catalyst for design inspiration. The history, the architecture, the furniture shops and the famous flea markets all add up to the best place in the world to feel creative. Only the French can make design look so effortless. Whether you purchase a trinket or bring home a container of French antiques, anyone can feel special with a bit of Paris in their homes. There are numerous, beautiful coffee table books on French style. Check them out.

Parisian Style

Embrace the things that are your personal favorites. Make your home fun, the place you love to come home to and most of all your inspiration. Take the time to explore and learn new concepts, ideas and trends. You’ll be glad you did.