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TIMELESS DESIGN

Over 37 years as a designer I have typically used a backdrop of neutrals and added color and pattern in smaller portions. I think the neutrals allow you to change color accents without a huge expense. You also can choose to change colors with the seasons if you have a neutral setting. Adding pillows or artwork with color is a much easier transition to a fresh new look if you want to update in a few years. I also feel that a lighter backdrop is a calm serene feeling. There are lots of designers that have become known for their patterns and bright colors on main pieces but over 37 years that is not who I am. The neutral backdrops have deemed timeless over the years of my design business and is my trademark. I have been in dark dreary homes and strongly feel that they have an effect on the clients and the well being of their mental state. The light and cheery homes definitely create a happier environment and much easier to live in. We recently remodeled a home that had dark brown stained concrete flooring and dark gold walls. We painted the walls white and redid the floors to a light wood color. The family walked back in after vacation and the twins immediately said “We can see in our house and it is so bright and cheery” Color can definitely have an effect on the entire family. No matter what budget you have, painting the walls lighter can truly bring a home to life.

I have never been influenced by trends. My success over the 37 years has been greatly attributed to timeless design. I am more influenced by art, fashion, and architecture. I love adding interesting elements that attract the eye. I like an eclectic mix of elements and certain pieces truly make you appreciate the room design and make it special. Whether it is a little architecturally interesting end table to a beautifully custom designed piece. The goal should be to have pieces in each room that make you feel good and that are special. When your clients let you know years later that they are still in love with their home that is the best compliment you can get as an interior designer.

 

 

 

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Furniture & Lighting

Furniture & Lighting

Luxury-Designer can create your vision in Furniture and Lighting

You have an interior design vision you want to bring to life. And whether you’re redesigning your current space or moving into a new home, you know exactly what you need—furniture pieces that are quintessionally you. Instead of searching endlessly for that perfect piece, why not design your own custom furniture, built exactly to suit your style, space and lifestyle needs?

To do this, Luxury Designer examines your personal style and determines how best to express that style. Then we can decide on the exact shapes, colors, textures and details you need to bring your custom sofa, sectional chair, dining table or a console to life. Here’s how we get started and what to expect during the custom furniture design process. Donna Johnson has created custom furniture pieces and lighting for several of her private clients. I have designed many custom pieces including dining room tables, consoles, cocktail tables custom upholstery and some amazing lighting.

Here’s how we get started and what to expect during the custom furniture design process.

Now it’s time to focus on feel 

When choosing custom upholstery, focus on fabric, color and pattern. Consider where the furniture will live and who will use it. Does your sofa need to be family- or pet-friendly? Synthetic fabrics repel pet hair and are more scratch-resistant than natural fibers such as wool. Will the dining table be home to children or grandchildren. Marble tabletops are easy to wipe clean. If you want wood, there is an option for DuraShield that will resist scratches and stains.

Luxury Designer had a client that wanted a versatile dining room, therefore, Donna Johnson designed cocktail tables that raise up to dining height. This accomplished an informal additional seating in the great room and when they entertain the tables could be pushed together, raised up and form a dining table with chairs.

Luxury Designer had a client that wanted a versatile dining room, therefore, Donna Johnson designed cocktail tables that raise up to dining height. This accomplished an informal additional seating in the great room and when they entertain the tables could be pushed together, raised up and form a dining table with chairs.

Narrow down your color and pattern options by looking to the future—can you live with that bold hue or pattern for 10 years or longer? Neutral shades age well but have a more subtle effect overall. Leather, typically available in natural shades, is great for family rooms because of its durability. The material itself gets even softer and more comfortable over time. The color of leather-upholstered furniture will also transform over the years, often developing a rich patina, making it equally suitable for upscale sitting rooms. Oftentimes, the standard cocktail tables are not the correct scale in order to fit the needs of the clients or the layout of the furniture. Console tables are oftentimes the focal point of the entry and a simple console behind the sofa to create ambiance. Details are extremely important to custom pieces. We designed this end table with stainless steel inserts. The console was in an amazing entry of this home and I ended a furniture piece that was like a stainless-steel sculpture.

Custom furniture pieces can become a piece of art in the room. You always want some pieces in the room that you can say “You have to see this piece” or “This piece was designed especially for my home”. There is something to be said when you have some special pieces in your home that you can’t go out and buy at your local furniture store. Sometimes you find the perfect dining chair but the table must be equally as impressive to create a perfect dining room ensemble.

Perhaps, a pool table needs to have that extra charm with a custom round stainless steel base.

Now that you’ve decided on size, shape and upholstery, it’s time to focus on details.

Custom furniture is inherently unique in nature, but your personal style really shines through the particulars. When designing a sofa, don’t overlook the make and finish of the legs, which unify the piece with adjacent furniture. For example, consider sofa legs in a stainless steel or brass finish or wood to match the rest of the decor. Beyond the furniture itself, consider the home accents needed once it’s in your space. Pillows and throws finish the look of your sofa or armchair, while chandeliers, pendant lights and sconces will illuminate a custom dining table. When in doubt, the right area rug can pull together any room.

Donna Johnson, Luxury Designer, has designed many amazing furniture pieces as well some incredible light fixtures. The beauty of a custom designed piece is that it is unique to your home especially for you.

With a firm understanding of your needs, careful consideration of design and just a little bit of extra time, Luxury Designer can create custom furniture built perfectly to fit your life—and your look. ‘Design the Life You Love”