DesignSpec, Inc.

04/02/2014

DesignSpec is up for two "Best of Chapel Hill" awards in Chapel Hill Magazine!

If you would like to vote for us (and/or other great companies in Chapel Hill) please take the survey.

Thanks,

http://www.chapelhillmagazine.com/blogs/chapel-hill-magazine-blog/best-of-ch-2014/

Our annual poll is back by popular demand. Cast your ballot now - voting closes April 18!

02/11/2014

Article about Matthew Szymanski and the international ReSpace Design Competition he helped found.

http://creative.clemson.edu/clemsonworld/2014/01/matthew-e-szymanski-01/

ReSpace Orange is a defining color for most Clemson Tigers. Matthew Szymanski, however, also identifies with green. Szymanski, a design major, left Clemson with a desire to actively make a difference in his community. At DesignSpec, an architecture firm based out of Chapel Hill, Szymanski works on p...

07/24/2013

The kitchen is the heart of the home....and it's moving outside!

Outdoor kitchens are a growing trend. Here is a link to several outdoor kitchens. If you need some ideas, check these out.

http://www.forresidentialpros.com/search/:71912/v

Filter and search the complete content archive of outdoor kitchens Content Listings on ForResidentialPros.com

04/29/2013

Southern Village

01/16/2013

We just about doubled the size of this Chapel Hill ranch-style home. The addition created a courtyard and screens the rear deck from the sounds of nearby traffic.

01/16/2013

If you think your kitchen is small, take a look at some of these...you might even get some inspiration for your own kitchen. (You probably have more space to work with than these home owners did.)

http://community.apartmenttherapy.com/contests/smallcoolkitchens/2012

From Bryce: We absolutely love our kitchen. It has been such a conversation piece throughout the whole renovation process and now when we cook, everything feels so "easy" and manageable. In our old kitchen, it was somewhat stressful, with the cramped space, poor lighting, lack of counterspace. It ju...

10/31/2012

DesignSpec 2013 Trends in Homes #6: Over-Sized Hardware

Richelieu and Hafele are rolling out over-sized pulls and k***s. These larger sizes help with the visual aesthetic of over-sized doors and bring back that 70's design appeal which many are looking for.

http://www.houzz.com/Oversized-Cabinet-Pulls

The largest collection of interior design and decorating ideas on the Internet, including kitchens and bathrooms. Over 700,000 inspiring photos and 90,000 idea books from top designers around the world. Remodeling and decorating ideas and inspiration for designing your kitchen, bath, patio and more....

10/09/2012

DesignSpec 2013 Trends in Homes #5:

Neutrals will make a major comeback during the next design cycle. The bright, shocking colors of the last couple seasons will give away to more soothing backdrops.

For now bold colored accessories will remain in favor, but soon we'll see the trend in neutrals continue into accessories, lighting and furniture.

Don't worry that neutrals will be boring, or colorless. The rising popularity of whites, browns, greys, and muted sophisticated colors will be paired with a resurgence in folded and sculptural shapes, intriguing textures, prints, and luminous finishes can all transcend the color.

Color Movements
• Lighter blues and navy increase in importance.
• Leathery brown becomes more important as a basic.
• Olive becomes stronger.
• Purple is still evident.
• Brights have a singular status for winter.
• Camel evolves into cappuccino and creamy hues.
• Yellows become softer and less sporty.
• Reds are becoming more orange.
• Traditional winter darks and berry colors will be more
mid-toned and less blackened.

http://www.casasugar.com/Pantone-Color-Design-Trends-2013-22202458

According to the PANTONE VIEW home + interiors 2013 book, there are nine color palettes predicted to dominate interior design and furniture trends in 2013. A mix of muted palettes serve as the new classics while rainbow-inspired colors provoke bolder

10/01/2012

DesignSpec 2013 Trends in Homes #4:

Larger outdoor living spaces are moving up people’s must-have lists. Screen porches, outdoor kitchens, and large decks for entertaining were once considered bonuses, but many now see them as essential.

09/24/2012

DesignSpec 2013 Tends in Homes #3:

Stainless is no longer king. Maybe you felt like stainless appliances were your only trendy choice? Not true anymore. White appliances are returning, and matte black faucets are emerging.

Jason Wu may have inspired this trend with a special line for Brizo, but Delta, Kohler, and even American Standard have all come out with matte black lines.

We saw white appliances with stainless updates trending earlier this year. It doesn't look like they are going anywhere.

http://news.consumerreports.org/appliances/2012/04/white-appliances-could-challenge-the-supremacy-of-stainless-steel.html

09/17/2012

DesignSpec 2013 Trends in Homes #2:

Compact "pocket offices" are in demand. Take a small area of the home and designate it as a home office, a children's homework space, or a bill paying station.

These "pocket offices" are usually located in a central location. People are moving away from "computer rooms" which were typically guest rooms (isolated in the back of the home / separated from all the action of the main living spaces).

09/10/2012

Want to see some amazing local homes? Go to the AIA Residential Tour Website to buy tickets or just to admire the photos.

http://aiatriangletour.com/residences/

Six award winning Triangle residences on public tour.