Interior Design Minimalist

Keeping a kitchen practical during a rehab isn't always easy. With high end stainless appliances and granite counter tops being all the rage budgets can quickly go out the window. There are ways to bring the cost under control and end up with a design that is beautiful, highly functional and doesn't break the bank. My dear friend Suzette lives in Atlanta and is redoing her country kitchen. We used to be roommates in San Jose and had great experiences in our kitchen. Now she wants to bring her country kitchen a bit forward and I thought I'd post these shots to give her a few ideas since I can't be there. I'm doing as much as I can over the phone to walk her through it. Often small touches of detail add so much to a space with little cost...the right cabinet knobs, a few glass doors, under mount lighting, and a 4x4 tile backsplash!!....Enjoy Susie!!

image: Red River Interiors

Remember in January when I said one of my New Year goals is to recycle, and reuse?... Well, I bet you never had office furniture that looked like this.... me either. Here's a great way to give a second life to sturdy durable steel office furniture. Rescued from government office buildings, repaired and refurbished, these pieces by Twenty Gauge bring a vintage feel to any space. The color and fabric combinations are endless. Once rehabed, why limit these pieces just to an office? They've been liberated and now take on a fashionable and personal quality....to be used in any room anywhere.

images: Twenty Gauge

“My number one goal is to achieve a client’s vision. I am highly disciplined and extremely focused on my design work. I build around light and try to accentuate the natural source of light, and, if I have to, I alter the interior architecture to accomplish this. Furthermore, I will not compromise on lines of site within the structure. That is to assure that site lines are visually appealing across open spaces and not directly exposed to a bathroom or private area (bedroom), and I think my clients appreciate this.” Rob Sanders Custom Home Designer serves Central Texas and the Hill Country.

“My number one goal is to achieve a client’s vision. I am highly disciplined and extremely focused on my design work. I build around light and try to accentuate the natural source of light, and, if I have to, I alter the interior architecture to accomplish this. Furthermore, I will not compromise on lines of site within the structure. That is to assure that site lines are visually appealing across open spaces and not directly exposed to a bathroom or private area (bedroom), and I think my clients appreciate this.” Rob Sanders Custom Home Designer serves Central Texas and the Hill Country.

From my design files: I don't remember where I collected these photos but they've been tucked away on my hard drive for the right time to reveal themselves....now' s that time. Carpet has been the work horse of traditionally designed spaces but these designers decided to take it off the floor. A few years ago shag carpet made a comeback...nobody wanted to be reminded of shag from the 70's so they called it frieze.... sounds tre elegant....frieze, frieze. When used on a chair or bed in eye popping colors it adds a touch of whimsy!

Never underestimate the impact light has on a room or its ability to set the atmosphere. The pendent fixture (above) is a show stopper. One might say this glass and chrome fixture is a throw back, retro, classic or even old school. When grouped three in a row in a classic black and white kitchen...the kind of kitchen you see in old movies with the checked floors...I just say cool!!

image: Red River Interiors

image: Anna Spiro, Absolutely Beautiful Things

image: The Drawing Room

There's a sleeping arrangement for everyone with these beds. One can take a casual nap on these sheer covered white upholstered twin daybeds. The sheer window treatments add to the room's light and flowing feel...That's exactly how I would feel with the window raised, letting in a cool night breeze.

The faux fur at the foot of the bed adds a touch of sophistication and flair... Coupled with the rustic feel of the other items in the room rustic and refined coexist beautifully.

The use of Kente fabric was a sign of royalty in the former gold coast/Ghana...drape it across a wood or bamboo, bed for an organic touch.

Decorative painting can be used to enliven reclaimed architectural elements or to add age and a patina to new ones. During my "Richmond Walking Tour", in October I came across a cute store front studio on Boulevard Street. I got the impression it was only used as a working and storage space for the artist and not a retail store. Well, the work was simply beautiful and I couldn't help but take a few shots while standing on the sidewalk. From my vantage point the work was detailed and brought each piece to life. The paint color selections and the decorative effects used showed an artist with a discerning eye for detail. Large store front windows were displayed beautifully with natural elements such as granite and marble. There were area rugs, faux finished lamp shades and a host of projects. When I return to Richmond I hope to catch someone on the premises and glean insight on where and how they're using these pieces.....I was inspired...

images: Red River Interiors

If you watch a lot of movies and TV, you'll probably see Jamie Young Lamps featured everywhere. It's our favorite lamp line, because it's so soft and pretty and feminine and delicate. It's a perfect lamp if you like a pretty but modern look. What makes Jamie Young unique is their shade offerings. They make shades to be interchangeable with the lamps so you can change the look as often as you like. The shade fabrics are quite nice. You must make sure the shade is the right size and shape for the lamp though, as they are quite pricey. Jamie Young lamps range from $500 for a table lamp to $1000 for a floor lamp. Pricey, yes, but they are so worth it.

Here are a few of our favorites:

We love this one because the shade is so pretty and feminine. The base is made of solid brass and feels very solid.



This is a new one that just got introduced last year. We love the twisted branch base.



We like this one paired with a nice, comfortable linen couch. It's a great look for a beach house.


This one has a beautiful blue shade:


To see the complete Jamie Young Lamp collection , visit the lamp section at Inside Avenue.

Rob Sanders Designer believes it is most important to listen carefully to the clients, and to understand their lifestyle, as well as their likes and dislikes. In this way, he is able to gain a much clearer picture of what they want to have in their new home design

Rob Sanders Designer believes it is most important to listen carefully to the clients, and to understand their lifestyle, as well as their likes and dislikes. In this way, he is able to gain a much clearer picture of what they want to have in their new home design

What my Valentine's Day Party
looks like....

...treats too cute to eat....hold one on a desert plate
walk around and feel yummy!!... no calories gained that way

Romance and intimacy are planned into this event
Sheer drapes create mystery.... Red, the color of love



"I Love You Back"..... B.O. ....yes, I'm an Obama girl !!

What's the chicest way to add drama and color to an otherwise plain powder room?
....Wallpaper..... especially in new construction. It makes an impact on visitors entering your home for the first time. I recommend bold patterns that are singular in color....keep it simple in a small space. You won't break the bank if you use companies like Seabrook, Thibaut and Eisenhardt....oh!, don't forget to paper the ceiling and hang a pretty light fixture.

image: The Drawing Room

images: Red River Interiors