70's Bedroom at Edmonton Design Week 2017

Edmonton Design Week: Design Through Time
1970s Bedroom Design Influence
 

Edmonton Design Week is almost here! Our upcoming installation, Design Through Time by Jostar Interiors, will debut at Enterprise Square on September 21. This is the last stop on our journey to the design world of today, and we’ve saved some of the best for last.

Groovy, baby. Welcome to the 1970s.

About the Era

It’s time to think back to funky music, giant bell-bottom jeans, and middle-part hairstyles. This is a time where, if you walk into an office, you won’t see any laptops, and disco music isn’t accompanied by #ThrowbackThursday.

Here are some major events to set the stage for the era we’re travelling to today:

• Floppy discs hit the market in 1971

• The first cell phone is invented in 1973

• People fall in love for the first time with Post-Its and the Rubik’s cube in 1974

• “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor comes out in 1978

Style and Trends

As you can see, we’ve come a long way since our journey through time started in the 1860s, but we’re still a ways away from the interior design trends of 2017. Some of the biggest styles from today originated in the 70s, and we want to take a moment to pay our respects to shag carpet, among other design influences. We’re taking a look into bedroom design specifically, exploring the colours, prints, and textures that brought this decade to life.

These were some of the biggest trends of the 70s:

1. Walls become canvas

Have you ever seen a painted stripe run all the way across a room? How about a kaleidoscope statement wall? Bedrooms of the 70s were defined by the psychedelic playfulness of wall décor. Geometric and colourful shapes popped up in large proportions and were often matched to textiles and linens, creating a funky design experience that was anything but boring.

2. Say yes to texture

On the walls, on the carpet, on the furniture! The 1970s are defined by texture experimentation, so adding shag carpet, wallpaper, and fabric to as many surfaces as possible was a must. Stripes, polka dots, and colourful patterns were everywhere and colour clashing was often employed for dramatic effect.

3. Bedroom sets, oh yes

The 70s were also a time in which a bedroom set made entirely of teak or pine was all the rage. There was so much going on all over the walls and floors that bedroom furniture often matched perfectly and looked like an identifiable set. Wicker furniture was a definable characteristic of the time, which added another layer of texture to an already textured space. Furniture layout also categorized the era, with bedroom furniture often placed along the same wall, in one big line up.

Design Week Inspiration

As the reveal of Design Through Time approaches, we’ve been inspired by the hippie movement that defined the decade of the 70s, and the groovy-flower-power-peace signs that we still channel whenever we consider using a funky print or a faux-fur accent.

Whether you’ve been following our journey through time over the past several weeks, or you’re just tuning in now, we hope you’ll join us for Edmonton Design Week on September 21! If you want some interior design inspiration right this minute, check out our Bathroom Renovation Quiz to start gathering a few ideas and channel your inspiration in the meantime.

Cover Image: Bloglovin'

Interested in interior design? Have questions? Book a complementary discovery call with us!

50's Living Room Design at Edmonton Design Week 2017

Edmonton Design Week: Design Through Time
1950s Living Room Design Influence

In just a few weeks, during Edmonton Design Week, we will debut the Design Through Time by Jostar Interiors installation at the Enterprise Square Gallery. On September 21, join us on a trip to the past and discover the eras that shaped the interior design styles of today.

In our last post, we explored kitchens of the 1920s, which leads us into the third week of our journey through time. Now, turn your attention to the 1950s! This was a time of soda pop, the rise of the suburbs, and some stellar interior design trends.

About the Era

Let’s think back to a time before the internet, microwaves, and cell phones. This is what was going on at the time:

• Credit Cards are invented in 1950

• The first Teflon pan is produced in 1954

• Planet earth meets hula hoops (1958) and Barbie (1959)

• Televisions become commonplace in living rooms across the country

Style and Trends

We’ve settled that life was very different in the 1950s, so let’s take a look at some of the biggest living room design trends that may not make this era feel so far away after all.

The entire decade is defined by something we now refer to as Mid-Century Modern design. This movement is influenced by a Scandinavian aesthetic, but also infused with a culture of embracing the new, the modern and the advanced. Even if a tulip chair doesn’t raise too many eyebrows these days, the 1950s marked a time in Canada in which homes became canvases. These were some of the biggest trends of the 50s:

1. Colour everywhere

Ever seen a robin egg blue sink? How about pink flooring? This all-over colour trend was huge in the 50s – from bold couches to intense patterns on textiles, bright and beautiful colours were all over the living room. Pastel colours were also building popularity, way before millennial pink was in centre stage.

2. More than a place to sit

One of the key areas in which 1950s living room design came to life is furniture. Categorized by experimentation with new shapes, clean lines, and potentially questionable fabric choices, no one can deny that furniture in the 50s had style. Vinyl covered chairs were all the rage, and living rooms began to see home bars change house parties forever.

3. Décor galore

This was also a time when televisions and record players became standard in most living rooms, but beyond that, we started to see the rise of decorating as we know it today. It was no longer enough for a lamp to just light the room; the shades and shapes of the bases became stylized and eye catching. Formica tables were a must-have, and even clocks took on a quirky, playful motif.

Cover Photo Credit: Bygone Theatre

Interested in interior design? Have questions? Book a complementary discovery call with us!

1920s Kitchen Design at Edmonton Design We

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 1920s.

About the Era

Let’s think back almost 100 years. The hairstyles are short, and the gloves are long. Here’s some trivia of important events in the 1920s to help set the stage and let you visualize the period we’re talking about:

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is published in 1925

• Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to cross the Atlantic

• A refrigerator in the kitchen is a luxury item

• Kool-Aid is invented in 1927 under the name Fruit Smack
   

Style and Trends

Once you’re done imagining what daily life must have looked like back then, turn your attention to the beautiful kitchen developments of the 1920s. Here are a few stand outs:
 

Hexagon/Geometric Tile

Geometric tile is making a huge statement. From kitchen floors and backsplashes, to countertops, people are embracing easy to clean surfaces that infuse both practicality and style in the home.

Under the influence of Art Deco architecture, chevrons, sunbursts, and symmetrical designs were popular in the 1920s, and they’re back in a big way today.
 

Streamlined layouts

Kitchens of the 1920s were also categorized by a streamlined aesthetic, not too different from the minimalist trends of today. Clean white lines and layouts focused on functionality defined the spaces then, and paved the way for the crisp porcelain sinks you might spot in your neighbour’s kitchen now.
 

Hoosier Cabinets

This is one of the first iterations of a modern storage unit. Kitchens in the 1920s were the hub of the home, and innovations of the time (such as an early waffle iron) meant that families needed more storage and organization options. The resulting Hoosier cabinets had slide out shelves, many drawers, and multi sized compartments with doors, paving the way for the cabinets and islands of present day kitchens.

Interested in interior design? Have questions? Book a complementary discovery call with us!

An Interview With Interior Design Consultant Laura Of Jostar

When it comes to renovations, it’s best to talk to a pro. Even if you don’t have your own interior designer on speed dial (yet), once you start planning a renovation, it’s easy to see how a little professional advice can go a long way.  Luckily, Jostar has you covered with sound advice as you plan your next Edmonton renovation project. Read on for an in-depth interview with Laura, one of our design experts.

What’s the first thing you plan when you start a new renovation project?

We put together an ideal schedule and establish deadlines that will help us get the project completed on time. We also have to plan appointments with the clients where we finalize the materials, selections, and fixtures. Sometimes certain items take longer to come in than others, so we need to ensure we select and order everything in time to keep things moving. There are often unforeseen circumstances that delay the project, but having a schedule from the very beginning helps us, as well as the trades and the clients, know how to plan and what to expect.

What are some of your sources of inspiration?

A big source of inspiration for me is seeing what other designers in different countries or cities are doing. Designs and ideas are often so diverse, and it is fun to see what others around the world are up to. Certain places are more “advanced” in design than others, in that they start the trends as opposed to following them, so it is always interesting to see how other designers think outside the box. As cliché as it sounds, Pinterest and Houzz are also great sources of inspiration! I’ve been known to call Pinterest my design bible - it really helps to get out of any sort of “design rut.”

How do you balance client ideas with your professional expertise?

One of the biggest challenges can be giving the client exactly what they’re looking for, but also providing them with the most functional and beautiful design for their space. I try to give them ideas they may not have thought about before, while always keeping in mind their style and what they need from the space. If they have an idea I know just will not work at all, I try to explain why. Usually they are very understanding and open to other options. One of my favourite parts of the renovation process is collaborating with clients and seeing their excitement begin as all of the details begin to take shape, and the vision becomes more and more of a reality.

What’s the hardest part of designing a kitchen renovation?

The great thing about a renovation is that you can work within an existing space to create a totally new environment that is sometimes unrecognizable. Ironically, this is also the hardest part! Working with the existing walls, plumbing, windows, electrical, etc. is typically the biggest challenge when tackling a new project. Us designers like to dream up these great kitchens, and I can tell you that not once will the trades look at the plan and say, “sure- no problem!”. There is always something that needs to be reworked, whether it is simply redirecting a cold air return into a toe kick, or the bigger jobs like replacing supporting walls with beams or moving plumbing to accommodate for a new dishwasher location. We try to make note of these things while designing the kitchen of course, but it is usually not until the demo is completed that we find out the full story of what it is we have to work with, and work around.

Describe the biggest transformation you’ve ever been a part of completing.

Without a doubt the largest transformation was a house located on an acreage just east of the city. It had an attached double garage, two bedrooms, one small bathroom, and a really unique addition space with large windows and a vaulted ceiling that was being used as a second living room. The space had a ton of potential to become what the owners wanted, which was a three bedroom, two bathroom home with an open space main living area featuring a large kitchen, dining area, and living room. By converting the garage into a part of the living space, we were able to add in two bedrooms, a three-piece bathroom, and a laundry/mudroom to the old garage alone. The homeowners had the wonderful idea to move their master bedroom to the room with the vaulted ceiling, and we were able to find space for a spacious ensuite, walk in closet, and even a walk-in pantry with easy access to their new kitchen. As you can imagine, this was a massive undertaking. New plumbing had to be run, all new electrical installed, almost all new drywall with updated insulation, new ceiling - it really was almost an entirely new house! And that was just the interior. The exterior received a new roof, siding with cultured stone detail, concrete patio, and a new fence. From the planning stages to completion, this project took just about a year. Stay tuned to our social media to see the unbelievable before and afters of this massive transformation!

What are the 3 most common wish list items your clients have for kitchen design?

Clients are always hoping for more countertop space, more storage, and large island for workspace. Sometimes accommodating all of these can be tricky if it is a small space, and an island is not always workable. But no matter the area we have to work with, we always work hard to come up with creative ideas so the clients space gets as close to their dream kitchen as possible.

What are some of the worst designs (bathroom or kitchen) you’ve ever encountered? How did you fix them?

It is not that is was a horrible design, but there is one en-suite we are currently working on that I feel had a lot of wasted space. It was actually a very large for a bathroom, but lacked any sort of functional storage, had a large corner tub that took up a lot of the space, and had a tiny shower. We have since redesigned it to straighten out the awkward angled walls to accommodate for a more functional vanity and tall storage, a free-standing tub, and a larger shower. This also increased the size of the walk in closet, so it is a win-win! The “after” will actually be the same square footage as the original, which goes to show how the right layout can make a world of difference.

Before: 

After: 

Tell us about your favourite bathroom design project.

Going off of the last question, this same bathroom happens to be one of my favourites as well. The client has picked a gorgeous free-standing tub and very sleek plumbing and lighting fixtures. A lovely almost-black tile will be laid out in a herringbone pattern, which will be a beautiful contrast against the high gloss vanity and white quartz countertops. Stay tuned for the after photos!

What are some of the execution challenges of designing a new bathroom?

As fun as it is designing a new bathroom, they certainly come with their own challenges. Much like the kitchen, you have to consider the existing plumbing and walls. You don’t want to break the client’s entire budget just by moving the toilet from one end of the room to the other. You also have to get fairly creative with bathroom storage, but incorporating a built in shower niche, and tall vanities with adjustable shelving can make a huge difference. Execution wise, don’t forget that someone will actually have to get these products into the bathroom itself. Unlike with new construction, in renovations we typically do not have the luxury of being able to bring up the tub in a crane while things are still being framed. We often have to go with a three or four piece tub/shower combination as opposed to a one piece, as those can sometimes be impossible to get upstairs or through doorways.

How to you make designs feel personal?

Every client we work with is different, so accordingly every design we create is custom made for that person. We always discuss how they intend to use the space, as well as how they want to the space to make them feel, and use that as direction for the duration of the design process. I always keep in mind that this is where the client will be spending large amounts of time, whether they will be hosting special celebrations, or simply making their daily morning coffee. Whether it is an extra pull out pantry for the avid cook, or the refinished kitchen stools that used to belong to somebody’s grandmother, we try to incorporate special details so the space is unique to them, and really feels like home.

The right designer is the difference between a renovation you’re happy with and a renovation you love. From home décor to interior design ideas, designers help make your renovation the best it can be, and even a seemingly simple project can take a lot of effort, money, and time without the right advice. For more planning resources or start your renovation, reach out to an expert like Laura at Jostar today.

Dining Areas: What Seating Arrangement Is Right For You?

If you’re planning to start your Edmonton kitchen renovations this spring, it will be crucial for you to decide on a dining area seating arrangement that is right for your lifestyle. There are many styles and options available, each corresponding to a particular set of dining needs based on the daily activities that occur both inside and outside of your home.

The best kitchens balance great design with functional form, so you can use the following guide for kitchen inspiration to help you select a seating arrangement that is the right fit for your lifestyle.
 

Counter Height Table

The Lifestyle: Compact homes that don’t require lots of seating.

High tables tend to be elegant and sophisticated. They are great for small homes and condos with more compact layouts because they take advantage of vertical space rather than horizontal space. A high-top table arrangement is best for young professionals and couples who don’t require lots of seating and want to create an upscale feel without adding large, cumbersome furniture to their design.
 

Bonus Booth

The Lifestyle: Busy homes that contain multiple seating areas.

A bonus booth is a great addition to kitchens and homes with multiple eating areas. Adding a booth to your kitchen design is also a great way to take advantage of an unused nook or alcove. Booths are an ideal fit for large families, and they can allow for two separate dining areas, so there can be a pizza study session at the bonus booth, and a cozy dinner party at the primary dining area.
 

Classic Table

The Lifestyle: Traditional family dining.

Sometimes you just can’t beat the classics. A classic height kitchen table with traditional dining chairs is well suited for small families, or young couples creating a kitchen to grow into. Edmonton interior design is all about infusing personality and personalized needs, so classic doesn’t have to mean boring when it comes to your dining seating. Jazz up your home decor with unique centerpieces, or even consider trying out mismatched dining chairs for a completely unique look.
 

Bar or Island

The Lifestyle: On-the-go diners who only need smaller in-home seating options.

You may not need a typical kitchen table at all to create the perfect dining area for your lifestyle. Singles or busy young professionals that don’t often host or eat at home may benefit from simpler interior design ideas for dining such as a cozy bar or dining area, which can then free up extra living space.
 

Large Dining Benches

The Lifestyle: Social homes that often host large crowds requiring group seating options.

Do you often have large crowds at your dining table? Have you ever hosted an entire little league team? If so, you may way to consider a kitchen table with bench seating. Benches are ideal for busy families that are growing or households that do a lot of hosting because it’s easy to cozy up or spread out without having to count chairs. Benches can seat a lot of kids comfortably, and a natural wood or statement colour bench seating solution can liven up your kitchen renovation too!

The right seating arrangement depends entirely on you and your unique dining needs. When you need help choosing an arrangement, Jostar is always just a phone call away.