NEW WEBSITE!

Touch Of History has a new website! Please visit www.TouchOfHistory.com and enjoy the new and improved design. For the future we will be posting exclusively on our new website so please check it out for the most current news and design tips from ToH!

Thank You.

HABITAT EXPO 2009

ToH Studio will have a booth at this great event so stop by and say hello.





Habitat Expo 2009

JUNE 10th - 13th
WORLD TRADE CENTER, CD, DE MEXICO


Habitat Expo offers an up to date conference program that is designed to stimulate and strengthen the interior design industry in Mexico. It provides a space for the professionals to interact, to share ideas on a global scale and for the consumer market to learn more about the latest tendencies and the many different aspects of interior décor.

Event Website:
www.habitatexpo.com

NEW SUMMER SHOWROOM HOURS

SHOWROOM HOURS

Monday - Saturday 10:am to 6:pm
and by appointment

Closed Sundays

MAY DESIGN TIP

ANIMAL PRINTS

Ancient/Modern, Cool/Distinctive, Formal/Fun, and the list continues.

These great fabrics are always in fashion, truly timeless and always create a unique look for any décor. Articulate your look with whimsy or opulence and add the infamous animal print.

In a project for a baby girl's nursery, we incorporate a great giraffe print into the room with a whimsical rug, added crib bumpers with large giraffe print bows and patterned cushions on a antique rocker. This mixed in with hot pinks and cool greens became visually fun and delighted the client.

So whether you are searching for a Louis IV gilded chair or a contemporary chaise, consider the “always in vogue” animal print.

THE 'NEW' TRADITIONAL SEATING

Summer is now here, so why not update your patio with something new and unique. This month we are featuring the Yin Yang lounge chairs from the Dedon collection. This unique chair rotates 360 degrees and comes in two different color weaves – platinum and bronze.

Free of all convention, Yin Yang has its origins in the harmony of forms. Yin Yang unites the dynamic opposites of ancient Chinese philosophy into a harmonious interplay of color and form, the bronze- and platinum – colored fibers reflect this harmony in alternating convex and concave surfaces.

Designer Nicolas Thomkins got the idea for the Yin Yang chair on the Island of Cebu’s beach of Olango. He sketched out the first draft of the design in the sand with a stick. A piece of furniture made up of two elements that appear as if they were formed by nature – like stones worn down by water or sand dunes shaped by the wind.

Source: www.janusetcie.com

See this great line of furniture in person at our showroom.

TOUCH OF TV

We recently were featured on a local design show, enjoy!

APRIL DESIGN TIP

"As a small child growing up on the beaches of Southern California, I was enchanted by collecting small smooth colorful pieces of sea glass. I loved the feel of the smooth edges worn down by years of high and low tides, pounding waves and sandy beaches."

Vikki Covey - TOH Designer



SUMMER LOVE, SUMMER DESIGN

Most of us have memories of summers passed, and the smells, colors, and textures of those memories can be a great inspiration for design.

This summer season, light aqua blues, silvery sage greens, deep grass greens, and warm topaz hued browns are all very popular. These colors could have been inspired by pieces of glass found strewn about a beach or maybe they were the colors of the flowers in your grandmother's summer garden. Currently, these beautiful colors are apparent in fabrics, towels, areas rugs, accessories as well as paint found in current design trends.

These colors can be used as the perfect pairing for a monochromatic room and they can lighten up a heavier earth-toned color scheme and bring a breezy feel to any area. Bring these tones outdoors for an instant color update around the pool or patio space.

Accent with an area rug or pillows, try a capiz shell chandelier in a bath area, a simple picture frame or piece of artwork. Accessorizing with these colors can help you achieve that summer mood in any space.



Using these airy colors is a great way to remind one the days of combing the sandy beach for pretty colored glass, running into oncoming waves, or whatever your summer love memory might be.

TELLURIDE

Turnkey Furniture Package

We just finished an installation of a furniture package in Telluride, Colorado. Complete turnkey, including furniture, home wares, art and accessories.

Here are some shots from the install:



MARCH DESIGN TIP

SPANISH COLONIAL STYLE


Decorating with Wall Art

Influenced by the 16th century Italian Renaissance and regarded as the Golden Age of Spanish culture, painting flourished in 17th century Spain. Seville and Madrid were active artistic centers, attracting famous colonial Spanish painters such as El Greco, Velasquez and Ribera.

Consider old world style art when decorating a Spanish colonial style home.

Bold in imagery and antiqued for rustic, old world appeal, our vintage prints and photography collection is framed artwork created for the Spanish colonial style home. Add wrought iron panels for textures and impact.

Source: Accents Solado

THE POWER OF COLOR

Color can dramatically alter any space within a home. The possibilities made available to us by modern paints are almost limitless, and traditional and modern homes alike can be transformed through the clever use of color. Color not only affects mood it can also play with perspective and the scale of a room. Make a small space seem larger by using soft pale grays, ivory and whites can instantly refresh a tired room, giving a clean look and creating a bright, spacious atmosphere. To make that large space a little cozier – bring in rich colors, such as deep burgundy or emerald green will have an intense effect, creating a more intimate feeling. Paint the trim or ceiling for a luminous effect.

If you are painting two or more spaces that open from one to another use the same color or slightly lighter or darker shade of the same color. Otherwise, the overall area may look disconnected.

Source: The color Scheme Bible

OUTDOOR SPACE

Go Ahead, Step Outside!

It’s that time of year again. Holidays are over, a new year has begun, and it is beautiful outside here in Arizona. The weather is so unpredictable and can go in a 40 degree swing between the morning and afternoon. We layer our clothing so we're prepared to remove a sweater or coat if needed. We believe your home should be the same way. You should be able to use your outdoor space as an extension of your overall living space during the cold of winter or in the the heat of summer. To accomplish this you just add or remove layers.

By extending your living space outdoors, you immediately add square footage to your life. Why not enjoy that footage as you would inside your home. It is easy, enjoyable and outdoor space can be extremely relaxing. Just by adding a few portable heaters or a portable fire pit you can enjoy your new space during all weather conditions.

First, make a plan. How do you want to expand your space? Do you want a living area, outdoor kitchen, bar area or perhaps a fire pit with comfortable chairs? You decide.

Consider your view or focal point then maximize that area. If you have an eye sore in the backyard, take a couple of days and clean it up, make space for that fire pit or a horseshoe field to enjoy. It can be that simple.

There are great selections of outdoor furniture available and great fabrics to further customize the look you're after, so get rid of the plastic chairs you once bought in isle 2 of your neighborhood market and upgrade a little. You can even recover extra pieces you have in your home currently by upholstering or slip covering them in a cheery outdoor fabric. Painting any useful tables or benches is an easy project. You can paint a wall or two as a beautiful backdrop for a piece of art or wall fountain. Adding some potted plants or flowers is another way to create a beautiful spot to enjoy. Create several seating areas that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Teenagers prefer sectional, open space areas for themselves and their friends to congregate.

Don’t forget the lighting! Lights add drama and excitement to any space, including outdoors. Simple string lights from a tree or patio overhang can provide a wonderful source of lighting. Hang paper lanterns on a tree in the distance. Now more than ever before you can find great floor lamps for outdoor use at very affordable prices. Caution, make certain your lighting is UL approved for outdoors! Candles either on tables or staked in the ground are always an enjoyable source for light. Have your landscaper add lights to your trees and cacti, talk about drama!

If you have a patio overhang, don’t forget you can actually hang outdoor draperies. You can tie them back most of the time but can use them to block out a forbidden afternoon sun. This automatically comforts your soul, adds an instant softness to the hardscape and can have huge dramatic impact. Make certain to use outdoor fabric for both function and durability.

If you want to add hardscape with built in kitchens or fireplaces, consult a designer for the best possible layout and materials to use. Otherwise, it takes just a bit of imagination and elbow grease to make the most of your great outdoor area. So go ahead, step outside and enjoy your outdoor space.

FEBRUARY DESIGN TIP

Ten Decorating Mistakes Not To Make According To Some Leading Designers

“The misuse or heavy-handed application of decorative painting. I saw a show house last weekend and it reminded me that you have to know when to stop. Brilliant painting is elegant and polished, but too far and you end up with vulgarity when quality was the goal.”
Mary Douglas Drysdale

“There’s nothing worse than bright overhead lights that make you feel like you’re onstage. Lighting shouldn’t wash down on you: It’s harsh and unflattering. I use dimmers in every part of a house, including bathrooms. And soft white bulbs in lamps. The best light comes at you from shaded lamps.
Barkley Butera

“Lamps that are completely disproportionate sizes on either ends of a sofa-that makes me crazy. Also when people hang a collection of pictures in sort of idiosyncratic ways and it’s just a mess. Don’t try to get to creative. Keep it simple”
David Kleinberg

“Candlesticks side by side. Candlelight, like open fires, has a certain allure-one of warmth and romance. To me, it’s most alluring when the light is spread around the room. In other words, separate the candlesticks! It’s also a more balanced aesthetic.”
Albert Hadley

“To many ideas- even good ones-in one place can add up to a big mess. Just pick one and go with it.”
Alessandra Branca

“Regardless of how beautiful a room is, it’s compromised by glaring or gloomy lightening. Don’t rely on only one kind of light source. Mix a variety of overhead
and floor or table lamps. And keep in mind that you’re not obliged to illuminate every corner evenly. Warm ‘pools’ of light draw people in and create intimacy.”
Alan Tanksley

“I hate seeing seating and furniture pushed up to the wall like you’re at a dance. I guess people are trying to make their rooms seem bigger, but if everything is too broad, too spread out, and too high, it’s impossible to feel cozy. It’s much more pleasant to break up space into smaller areas and give things a bit of air. Even in a narrow room, the sofa doesn’t have to be slammed up against the wall. Pull it out six inches.”
Jackie Terrell

“Decorating that doesn’t match the personality and lifestyle of the people living in it. You wouldn’t wear the same clothes as your mother, and you shouldn’t decorate your home the way your mother would.”
Heidi Bonesteel

“Karate-chopped pillows. That look would never occur in ‘pillow nature.’ Prominently placed family portraits. Best avoided if you’re not royal or papal. TVs that are disguised. They have been around for decades, so just embrace your TV. Would you buy an armoire for your stove?”
Steven Sclaroff

TURNKEY FURNITURE PACKAGE SUCCESS STORY

Turnkey Furniture Packages



We just installed some of our furniture packages in some Scottsdale condos developed by Starpointe. Here is what they had to say:

"It has been our good fortune to have had Touch of History involved in the interior design of our “Try Before You Buy” homes, and to be able to offer their turnkey furniture packages to our buyers.

The Touch of History team is a pleasure to work with, and exhibits up-to-date knowledge of design trends, modern furniture and accessories, and extra touches that make our homes stand above the rest. They bring this knowledge to Starpointe and balance it with a keen eye for buyer demographics. The result always invokes “oohs” and “aahs” from our prospects.

Touch of History is a well run business, and Starpointe appreciates that the team gives equal attention to budget concerns, timelines for installation, and practicality, that they do to the design aspects. We value our continued working relationship with Touch of History. They are a respected partner of Starpointe Communities."

Starpointe Communities

We shot some images, you can check them out here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/touchofhistory/sets/72157611254080607

LATIN AMERICAN ART ALLIANCE EVENT!

PLEASE JOIN US THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH @ 5:30pm

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.