JANUARY DESIGN TIP

Out With the Old, In With the New
Must Have Items for Decorating in 2009

Try a colored chandelier in just about any room in the house to add that little bit of Pizzazz. One of the newest trims is colored crystals, including black, red and blue, says Frank Fontana, host of HGTV’s Design on a Dime.

Bamboo is making quite an impact on the eco friendly design world. Once only seen in pots holding Bamboo Sticks, you now see it every where from flooring to wall coverings to linens and towels.

Free standing Bathtubs are in many new homes the focal point of the bathroom. Claw footed tubs are being replaced by new flat bottom sleek versions to give a contemporary feel.

Midlevel Vessel sinks will compliment your new freestanding tub in addition to giving your bath a spa like atmosphere.

Wallpaper is making a comeback. Textures such as grass cloth and flocked wallpapers
And patterns are popular among designers. While kitchens and baths use to be the popular spots to paper you will now see a lot of accent walls and niches papered.

With Condo living becoming popular there is a trend in multipurpose furniture designed for small spaces. Murphy Beds and Daybeds allow rooms to have multi functions. Coffee tables designed to convert into computer workstations along with Coffee tables that house additional seating underneath are a must have in a tiny space.

Kitchens take on a sleek new look with Espresso Cabinets. Over the counter cabinets are being replaced with open shelving giving the kitchen very contemporary European feel. This look however is not for everyone. If you are a clutter bug or own a conglomeration of mixed matched dishes you may want to stick to the old cabinets that hide a multitude of sins.

If remodeling is not in the budget but you desire a new look painting is your answer. Hot colors for the New Year include Charcoal Grey, Navy Blue and don’t count out Browns and Blues just yet. The 2009 version is Espresso and Peacock Blue and opposed to Chocolates and Teals.

Source: design.hgtv.com

DECEMBER DESIGN TIP

WINTER HOLIDAY DECOR

Do you want to achieve a festive mood around your home without going over budget or looking as though your grandmother lives there? Try warm, deep shades of burgundy, emerald, bronze or even navy blue to create a comforting rich atmosphere. The perfect way to transform your space into a current holiday look is by adding throw pillows, blankets, or accent lamps with beautiful shades accented with beads, trims or feathers in festive tones. Change your everyday candles with the deeper tones to fit your holiday colors. Use rich fabrics such as velvets, chenilles, brushed suedes and even nice faux furs. Fill a crystal or silver bowl with like colored Christmas baubles. It's easy to substitute these accent pieces out with your normal, chic decor when the holiday season is over. Relax, have a hot toddy and enjoy the season.

DINING ROOM DECORATING TIP: USE A MIRROR!

Mirrors are one of our favorite accessories to use when decorating a home, especially in the dining room. You will find that dining rooms almost always have one big wall with no windows. This is the perfect place to make a statement! A mirror is easier to choose than a piece of art and the reflective qualities offer great aesthetic benefits. Use a large mirror (the bigger the better) that fills up as much of the wall as possible and be amazed at how much the room will open up! For those of you that enjoy the mystic side of decorating, mirrors are considered to be very "auspicious" in the ancient art of Feng Shui, especially when placed in the dining area. Not only is it believed to bring good chi (positive energy flow) into the room, but it also visually doubles your food, which symbolically doubles your money. Who wouldn't love that in an economy like this? Just make sure whichever decorating purpose the mirror is being using for, that it is reflecting something attractive.

QUICK FIX FOR TIRED ROOMS

Local residents in search of an HGTV-style makeover need search no further. Touch of History offers one-day makeovers, also known as interior re-design. Remarkably, the firm’s interior transformations are usually accomplished without the purchase of many new items.

An increasingly popular style of decorating, interior redesign has seen tremendous growth in recent years. By using things a homeowner already owns, redesigned rooms are transformed through proper placement of furniture, art, lighting and accessories. More innovative than traditional interior design, redesigners often “shop” the rest of the home for pieces that will work best in the room of focus. While it is an economical choice, interior redesign is not just for the budget conscious.

Even in exclusive luxury homes with gorgeous furnishings, there may be a room or two that could use a little help in achieving the best feel and flow possible. At it’s heart, redesign is about achieving balance. That’s why it can work for everyone.

In today’s struggling economy if purchasing new furnishings is not an option yet you find yourself yearning for a whole new look, give redesign a try. Whether it be one room or an entire house our expert team will transform your home in one afternoon and you can be ready to entertain that evening!

For more information email us here or call (480) 991-8898.

How does Touch Of History create great design?

We believe that Interior design is the process of shaping the experience of interior space; we accomplish this through the manipulation of spatial volume as well as surface treatment.

We analyze programmatic information, establish a conceptual direction, refine the design direction, and produce graphic communication and construction documents.

So, how does Touch Of History create great design? We let our knowledge and design principles guide us.

UNITY AND HARMONY:

We think of a project as a totality; a series of spaces linked together, having a common style and theme running throughout. This is not to say that all interior design elements should be the same but they should work together and complement each other to strengthen the whole composition.

Some methods to achieve a harmony are through the use of color, textures and light as well as through object placement and orientation relative to the space.

BALANCE:

This can be described as the equal distribution of visual weight in a room. Generally speaking, there are three styles of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. TOH believes balance is created not just through shape, but also through the knowledgeable use of color, pattern, and texture.

FOCAL POINT:

A well-designed space always has, depending on the size of it, one or more focal points. A focal point must be dominant to draw attention and interesting enough to encourage the viewer to look further. A fireplace or a flat TV is the first example that most people think of when we talk about a room focal point.

RHYTHM:

If we would speak about music we would describe rhythm as the beat or pulse of the music. In interior design, rhythm is all about the visual cues.

Using repetition, progression, transition, and contrast, we can syncopate rhythm visually in a space.

DETAILS:

We take infinite pains in our details. From the trimming on a lampshade, the color of the walls and ceilings, to the light switches and cupboard handles. These types of details all need attention. We feel details should not be obvious but they should be correct in enhancing the overall feel of a room.

NOV-DEC OPPORTUNITY PIECE

PATZCUARO BARGUENO

(30% OFF listed price)


Manufactured by Taracea
Dimensions: 37 ½ W x 15 D x 20 ½ H
Listed Price: $7869
Opportunity Price: $5508

For more info please call (480) 991-8898

THE BARGUENO

The 15th century Vargueno or Bargueno is probably the oldest known desk form which continues to be produced, if we exclude the early medieval Trestle desk. Some would not count the trestle desk because in early times it served as a dining table, a money-lender's counter, and just about anything else in addition to serving as a desk. On the other hand we also have proof that the Bargueno or Vargueno was sometimes used for sewing or as a jewel chest instead of solely for reading and writing and storing the necessary implements for these activities.

The Bargueno is above all a Portable desk which ressembles the top half of a Fall front desk. It is basically a chest with its lid on the side, and an interior equipped with a good quantity of small drawers and pigeon holes.

As a general rule the interior of a Bargueno is much more richly decorated than the exterior. Thus a Bargueno looking very plain from the exterior will have a reasonably rich and well sculpted interior while a Bargueno with impressive exterior decorations will have a truly ornate and extremely rich interior with ivory inlays and velvet decoration. It is one of the best examples of wood craftsmanship in Renaissance Spain.

There was usually a very sturdy iron handle on each side of the Bargueno, to make transport relatively easy for two strong servants. A Bargueno could be set down on any solid table but there were often ready made suports for it: The "Taquillon" was a chest of drawers decorated much like it while the "Pie de puente" was a small trestle table also in the same style and material.

Barguenos first appeared in the 15th and were popular all through the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. After a lull in the 19th century, they became again popular as antiques in the 20th.
The only other major antique combination of a large portable desk and a frame is the more delicate and humble Desk on a frame of the 18th century. It was popular in Colonial America.

Source: Wikipedia

FURNITURE IMAGE FUN

Just wanted to share some really cool images that appeared in a coffee table book we had created for our elite clients as a gift. We took some existing images and gave them a little tweek and the results were stunning and quite engaging. There is an example above, but if you want to view a slideshow of the entire set of images, please visit our Flickr page here.

THE BENEFITS OF HIRING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

Why do I need an Interior Designer?

Hiring an Interior Designer for your project whether residential or commercial can make your space inviting, functional and aesthetically pleasing. Most people feel that they can, on their own, obtain this goal. However, what they don't consider is that both time and money can be saved by involving an Interior Designer at the earliest possible moment.

The difference between an Interior Designer and a Decorator is education. There are a lot of talented decorator's out there, but it is a risky choice unless you've seen previous projects that are similar to your particular needs. The wise choice is always an Interior Designer that has a college degree in the field or has attended an accredited Design School. All designers are not created equally. It is extremely important when selecting a designer that you feel that they listen to both your needs and concerns and can stay within your allotted budget.

Designers can solve space planning problems, and fine tune the functionality of a particular area by space planning and room layouts that are "to scale" with the room size. Have you ever been in some one's home that feels like the sofa has eaten the room? Or sat in a chair where your feet won't reach the ground? Or an area rug that only fits under a coffee table? All costly mistakes that can easily be avoided.

Designers can also make the most of what you already own, using existing pieces in others rooms or in different ways. By re-using some or all of your already owned pieces, this will afford you to purchase only the necessary items to give your room a completed look and again saving you money.

How many cans of paint are in your garage? A skilled Interior Designer can select and coordinate your color options. For instance, a client will like a certain color, lets say yellow, but when they've completed their painting project the room looks like a giant Easter egg. What a lot of people don't realize is the magnification and saturation of color in a room. Even though you want yellow, the color may actually need to be brought down in hue as to give the hint of the color instead of the full strength. This takes both experience and education.

Therefore, an Interior Designer may cost you money upfront, but what you gain is a flowing floor plan, properly scaled furniture/accessory selections, great color and fabric choices all reflecting your personal style and sensibilities....priceless.

Come in to our showroom for a complimentary consultation today!

THE ORBIT

image courtesy of JANUS et Cie

Touch of History is proud to be an exclusive dealer for JANUS et Cie. We are currently showcasing a fabulous line of outdoor furnishings from their DEDON collection. The DEDON fiber is developed and manufactured in Germany, and each piece is hand woven. The weather resistant fiber stand up to heat, sun, rain and cold – it also ensures an extraordinary stability of colors and structures, and is resistant to pool water as well as seawater. Our spotlight piece is The ORBIT – an outdoor circular sofa you will sink into for relaxation and ultimate comfort. The Orbit comes in three different color weaves – Natural, Bronze & Platinum. With a variety of Sunbrella fabrics to choose from for the cushions and pillows, we know you'll fall in love with this brilliantly designed piece.

See this great line of furniture in person at our showroom or visit their website here.

COLOR TRENDS

In color trends, you want to remember that no matter what colors may currently be popular, the most important thing to consider when using color in a room is your own personal preference and taste. You should always choose colors that bring you comfort and that you prefer. At Touch Of History, we believe the best way to make a decorating statement is to make it personal.

COLOR TRENDS 2009

From spicy color combinations to hues that warm the soul, the 2009 color trends contain palettes that work independently as a "statement color" or as a subtle backdrop where home furnishings and accessories take center stage.

Comfort Colors
Biscuit and wheat neutrals, cocoa brown, pumpkin orange and cinnamon apple pie, are just a few of the comfort colors that will wrap your room with warmth and promote a stress-free space. The comfort color palette is an especially good choice for kitchens and family rooms.

Back to Nature
Yellows and blues, leaf-like greens, along with organic browns combine to bring the outdoors in. Add translucency and a glass like quality by incorporating varying paint sheen levels. As a subtle accent color, add rust or copper-like metallics into the scheme. Bedrooms and bathrooms are perfect places to incorporate the back to nature hues or in rooms where an accent wall is employed.

Stark Contrast
From clean, clear reds and deep plums to the sophistication of black and white, this color group works both as an accent and as an elegant backdrop for many living spaces. Polished brass metallics complement this scheme. Dining, living rooms and especially powder rooms will benefit from this bold and spicy palette.

Source: Color Trends 2009 Home Hues that Comfort and Excite

NOVEMBER DESIGN TIP

KITCHEN DESIGN PITFALLS

The number one mistake you can make, once you've decided to have a new kitchen installed, is to have a new kitchen installed. Just kidding. But it is true that if you don't carefully and methodically think through every design decision, the ghosts of kitchens gone wrong could haunt you for many years to come. The more effort you put into the project, in planning terms, the more your chances for a happy ending. If you just leave it to others to tell you what you should want, disaster awaits. Here's how to avoid some of the major kitchen design pitfalls.

1. Financial Shock: The biggest potential bugaboo is financial. Very few people who embark on a new kitchen don't suffer from the initial sticker shock of having the project quoted. There are a plethora of kitchen options and price points available to today's homeowner. If you don't know what you want, you're already in trouble: The road to financial disaster is paved with ignorance.

How do you close your knowledge gap in a hurry? The main difference between you and a kitchen designer is experience with the product. The solution: immerse yourself in the wonderful world of kitchen design. The most efficient way to be sure your pocket is not being picked is, naturally, to shop and compare prices. And don't forget books, periodicals, kitchen stores and home centers, friends who've survived a kitchen project, websites like this one — they're all great sources of information.

But here's the key: You must be a participant in the design, not an onlooker. Once you have a working knowledge of this multi-bazillion dollar business, and a sense of the vocabulary that is used, your anxiety will lessen and you'll be better equipped with the design and financial smarts to take the plunge.

2. Style Setbacks: Here's a cautionary tale. Imagine walking through a beautiful 18th-Century Georgian- furnished home, dark mahogany finishes abounding, then turning the corner and waltzing into a light and airy Tuscan kitchen. Well, it probably sounded like a good idea; after all, we all know Tuscany is all the rage these days. But from a style point of view: Whoops!

Don't forget that the kitchen is indeed a part, a very large part, of the interior design of the home. To avoid a complete disconnect, it's wise to marry your kitchen design in terms of style and coloration to the rest of the home. At times, the kitchen is the first consideration; the rest of the home follows, as in new construction. At other times, the challenge is matching the style of a remodeled kitchen with an already completed interior. If you have a New England style cottage, the kitchen should reflect both the architecture and attempts should be made to in include the home's coloration, "flow" it into the kitchen, as it were, as well.

3. Function for All: As the kitchen is primarily thought of as a purely functional space for the cook, sometimes the impact of the flow of the room on others is forgotten. As you pore over where to put your dishwasher drawers and the pot filler, try to consider the people coming and going (as they always do in a kitchen, as that is where the food is at; people don't visit the attic often: no food).

Consider the overall traffic flow of the space as a part of the kitchen's function, not just the cook's traffic flow. During this phase of the design you need to think like an industrial engineer (IE), who designs large manufacturing plants and measures out the exact paces an employee must take from place to place. The good IE will determine the most facile way to move parts and people from one end of the plant to another, saving time and money for the employer. Surprise: YOU are now the IE in your own home. The kitchen designer does not live there, you do.

As you plan the kitchen, it's important to figure out how much wasted space or wasted effort/walking there is, and to rework the room's design to eliminate as much as of this as possible. For example, check how far you have to walk with groceries from the garage to the pantry. You may discover that the pantry is on the wrong side of the kitchen. Over the years having things with important functions in the wrong place could end up wasting days of your life. And, of course, the time is much better spent eating the food you schlepped into the house rather than taking frozen lasagna for long walks.

So now, go forth armed with info and design that kitchen of your dreams. By avoiding these financial, stylistic and functional pitfalls, you'll make sure that your kitchen isn't haunted by the ghosts of past (bad) decisions.

Source: design.hgtv.com

Check back every month for new design tips

OCTOBER DESIGN TIP

BATHROOMS

You probably have a general idea of the difference between, say, classic and country designs, but a really pulled-together look depends on how you handle the details. Use the guide below for tips on what makes your favorite style unique.

Classic bathroom: Formal, with architectural detail. The masculine bathroom favors stone and fine woods like mahogany while in the feminine bathroom woods are light and tiles small-scale. Fixtures are always decorative.

• In classic style, balance is the key. When in doubt, buy a pair.
• Furniture is formal, not fancy, with tight backs and small, rolled arms.
• Keep wood furnishings dark and remember longevity of furniture matters more than following the trends.
• Make use of classic shapes — urns, columns and pineapples
• If you are at odds over choosing a style, decorate to match the architectural style of the room.
• Color can be bold or basic, but patterns take a backseat. Classic style leans towards monochromatic or duo-chromatic color schemes.
• To conceal scratches on mahogany, walnut or oak furniture, paint over them with a small amount of iodine.

Modern bathroom: Sleek and clutter-free, with liberal use of materials such as glass, chrome and Corian.

• Modern style means clean lines and simple, geometric shapes.
• Modern, mid-century furniture is the way to go.
• Choose sleek materials such as stainless steel, glass and plastic.
• Keep wood pieces detail-free.
• Color schemes are simple and textures have a starring role.
• The number one style trait of Modernists is that they hate clutter.
• Modernism owes its sleek, mass-produced look to advances in manufacturing techniques.
• Another color choice is red, which increases the heart rate, appetite, passion and energy.

Country bathroom: Casual and cozy, with such features as a wood floor, beadboard paneling or pedestal sink. Accent pieces are painted or distressed.

• Country style furnishings are casual and comfortable — pieces have high, cushioned backs and large, rolled arms.
• Woods are light and grainy, painted or distressed.
• Fabrics are plaid, floral or striped.
• Personal touches bring a country home to life.
• For a country kitchen look, take anything that comes in a bag or a box and place it in a glass jar.
• Tarnished metal is a result of exposure to a source of sulfur in the air.
• In the 18th and 19th centuries, pinewood was considered low quality, which is why it was often painted.
• Shop for vintage accessories and country-style furniture like a pro — bring a Polaroid camera, a pad and a pen and the most crucial item, a tape measure.

Eclectic bathroom: Uses colors and materials that let the imagination run free

• Mix different styles and periods.
• Design by instinct: If you love it, it will work.
• Shop at flea markets and specialty stores.
• Create cohesion with color and reputation.
• Don't forget the details. Accessories like wall sconces, glassware and linens make a big difference in a room's design.
• Whether you choose solids, stripes or prints, make sure to employ a unifying color.
• Try cutting soft pastel colors with furniture that is very dark.

Source: design.hgtv.com

Check back every month for new design tips

RE-DESIGN SERVICES

RE-DESIGN SERVICES, WHAT IS THAT?

Lets say you really like the furniture you've purchased but aren't sure where or how to place it, you want a change of environment but can't afford new furniture and accessories, or maybe the color of your walls need to be changed but you don't know what color to choose. We believe that you don't always have to purchase new furniture or materials to get a fresh new look. At Touch of History we can come to your home or office and perform a re-design for you at very little cost. We use your existing furniture and accessories to give a room, home or office a completely new look.

For more information email us here or call (480) 991-8898.

DEVELOPER CONSULTATION

I DIDN'T KNOW YOU DID THAT!

Touch of History provides consultation and design for large scale developers both here in the United States as well as in Mexico. From architectural direction to interior design, we help developers achieve their goals regardless of the size of the project. With multiple, international, large scale projects on our resumé, we are confident in our abilities to provide developers a creative and professional service unparalleled in our industry.
For more information email us here or call (480) 991-8898.

TURNKEY FURNITURE PACKAGES

Touch Of History strives to be the best supplier of turnkey furniture packages by providing unparalleled customer service, while actively developing lasting client relationships and delivering our services in a high quality, consistent and professional manner.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Touch Of History has had the privilege of working with some of the best Developers, Property Managers, Interior Designers, Architects, Investment Companies, Commercial Real Estate Firms, Resort Support Departments, and Construction Companies in the business. We provide whatever is needed: research, support, marketing, design, materials, warehousing, and freight consolidation allowing them to realize their visions. We believe there is no project too big or too small for our team, and we can accommodate any budget.

Touch Of History has been assisting our clients both domestically and internationally with turnkey furnishings for the past 8 years. Our experience extends internationally into Canada and specializes in Mexico where we have provided our services in Alcapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cuernavaca, Loreto Bay and Puerto Peñasco to name just a few. Domestically we have provided our services throughout the Southwest United States.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

We have worked very hard and diligently to fill our libraries with furniture and accessories that provide a wide variety of styles and designs from well known, respected manufacturers and suppliers. Whether you want to furnish a hotel, a condominium complex, a rental property project or a private vacation home community, we will customize our services to accommodate you. We develop our packages to meet our client’s specifications with the goal of exceeding their expectations in quality, durability, price and service. Our experienced, professional staff of over forty dedicated individuals, is available to help, whether you are working domestically or internationally. Our team can be the key to your projects' success.

WE ARE A FULL SERVICE OPERATION

We believe that “One stop does it all”. So in turn, we can supply all types of furniture, soft goods, case goods, appliances, kitchen packages, linen packages, design accessories, window treatments, and construction materials at competitive price points. We purchase, warehouse and consolidate. Internationally, we ship anywhere in the world. Locally, we have white glove delivery and setup, you won't have to lift a finger.

TYPES OF PACKAGES AVAILABLE

hospitality furniture packages | We have done our research and found a variety of products that can accommodate any budget and design requirements. We work with developers to create furniture packages that enhance their project and give the spaces the personality that the developer has envisioned. We design according to our clients specifications and our goal is to make the packages easy to sell, easy to install and maintain.

residential furniture packages | As with our hospitality packages, our residential packages also have a variety of products that can accommodate any budget and design requirements. We work with our clients to create a furniture package that will enhance their residence and give the property the personality and style that the owner wants. ToH Studio designs according to your specifications with the goal to create a package that is both easy to install and maintain and one that of course, is loved by the client!

home ware packages | At Touch Of History we know that purchasing house wares for a project can be an extremely cumbersome process. We have taken all the hard work out for you by creating a complete selection of quality products in all of our packages for all facets of your property.

audio/visual packages | Sights and sounds are an integral part of any property’s success. We provide complete audio/visual packages that meet our clients' specific needs at any budget

For more information email here or call (480) 991-8898.

ARCHITECTURE

We are a full service architectural design firm. From conception to completion, Touch Of History can be the key member of any team, helping ensure the project's success. We can implement quality tenant improvements and design unique architectural elements such as fireplaces, elegant columns, and door and window surrounds.

All of our architectural elements are available in hand-carved stone, alabaster, and cantera. Our skilled craftsmen also provide hand-forged wrought iron of the finest quality for balconies, windows, balustrades, and decoration. With our sterling reputation gained from exceptionally tailored services, ToH Studio also provides comprehensive interior/exterior design consultations. Highly skilled designers can assist you with any project to define and elevate your living lifestyle.

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ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

Elements

Wrought Iron

Stonework

Woods

Structural Solutions

Design Consultation

INTERIOR DESIGN

Touch Of History is a full service design firm. With a staff of over 30 dedicated individuals including designers and architects in four cities and two countries. We can undertake any design or supply challenge and deliver unique, quality furnishings and design with unmatched creativity with the ability to adhere to any budget. We can be as hands on or laid back as you would like us to be, how you want to work with us is up to you. We are here to help you achieve the home of your dreams and appreciate your feedback and input throughout the entire creative design process.

We design with the highest standards in mind while giving special attention to detail. Designing rooms and space planning with an elegant sense of style and history. Indoor and outdoor alike, we have the skills and resources needed to bring your project to completion in style.

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INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES

Space Planning

Rendering

CAD Drawing

Custom Furniture

Custom Fabrics

Window & Door Treatments

Paint Finishes

Model Staging

Design Consultation

FINE FURNISHINGS

Touch Of History offers exclusive furnishings and accessories. From traditional to contemporary styles we have something for everyone. Visit our gallery today and revel in the hand-crafted fine furnishings and accessories and then marvel at the seemingly endless custom fabric selections you have to choose from. We offer a complimentary interior design consultation with one of our design professionals to all first-time clients, so feel free to bounce some ideas off of us anytime. Our design professionals offer many services including but not limited to: Custom Bedding, Fabric Selections, Flooring & Tile Selections, Hardware Selections, Space Planning, Furniture Selections, Decorative Lighting, Accessorizing, Color & Paint Finishes and Custom Drapery.

Check out some of our fine furnishings here!

ABOUT TOUCH OF HISTORY

Touch Of History is a full service Architectural/Design Studio and Fine Furnishings Gallery that provides professional services for large-scale resort developments as well as individual custom home projects. We specialize in beautiful turnkey vacation home packages, quality tenant improvements and in-depth developer consultation.