Blog | MJN and Associates Interiors

Artist Profile: Barbara Gernat

February 6, 2017 by Michelle

The best art evokes emotion, whether it’s nostalgia, a sense of peace, or a thrill encouraging you to try something new. Art selection is one of the many interior design services we offer at MJN & Associates Interiors, and we’re always searching for local artists that capture our attention. But in the end, choosing art for your home is an intimate choice. We can steer you towards harmonious color schemes, bold designs, and evocative subject matter, but what matters is the way the artwork makes you feel.

For Homarama’s “Chesapeake’s Treasure Chest” we used the work of painter Barbara Gernat to channel the beauty and calm of Virginia’s Tidewater region.

The combination of cool hue, warm accents, and compelling texture make the classic subject-matter of a local Great Blue Heron a lovely accent, welcoming guests into the foyer and drawing them further into the home. The frame evokes details from the door trim, and the unique paint texture catches the eye, compelling visitors to give the painting a second (and third, and fourth) look.

The soft, idyllic pathway portrayed in this painting accentuates the textured wood of the media room. Masculine cabinets and heavy candlesticks contrast with the hazy lightness of the painting, drawing the eye to a work that’s harmonious and peaceful.

The painting that graces the bedroom blends seamlessly into the soft, warm neutrals of the room. It plays a shade bolder and brighter, subtly drawing the eye to an artfully textured scene that ultimately evokes feelings of peace and contemplation. It’s calming and perfectly understated—ideal for artwork hanging in a personal space.

To see more of Barbara Gernat’s richly textured paintings, visit her online gallery, and be sure to give us a call if you need assistance finding the perfect pieces of artwork to complete your home.

Best of Houzz 2017

January 30, 2017 by Michelle

At MJN & Associates Interiors, we believe that homeowners are the key to gorgeous designs. Your home should reflect your personal style in a way that’s chic, welcoming, and accommodating to your lifestyle. That’s why customer service is a cornerstone of our business. Before we design the first drapery, we want to get a sense of who you are, what you love, and which unique elements of your home deserve to stand out.

Best of Houzz 2017

We’re honored to have received the Best of Houzz award for the second year running. What makes this award so special isn’t that we received it from a respected remodeling authority, but that it was awarded based on the relationships we build with our clients. MJN & Associates has received the Client Satisfaction award in 2016 and 2017 for the highest level of client satisfaction, both in the online community and in our real world community in Virginia Beach.

Houzz Testimonials for MJN & Associates Interiors

Michelle’s help not only was professional, but was a comfort to me. She is so down-to-earth with her approach to decorating. I highly recommend her as your decorator. — Anne Agnew, December 2016

Michelle designed multiple rooms in my home back in 2008 when we first moved into our home. I enlisted her assistance again this year when I wanted to update 4 additional rooms. I am beyond thrilled with the results. Michelle listened to my ideas and was able to interpret them into beautiful furnishings, custom rugs and window treatments. She also stayed within the budget that I had set for each room. Michelle is a joy to work with and I had a great time collaborating with her on my new spaces. — Rebecca Brown, October 2016

We’re honored to have received the Best of Houzz 2017 Service award. Thank you to each of you who helped make it happen!

Inside Homearama 2016: Chesapeake’s Treasure Chest

January 23, 2017 by Michelle

Each year the Tidewater Builders Association hosts Homearama, a showcase of custom built homes in the Hampton Roads area, and we could not have been more delighted to participate in the 2016 edition of this annual event! If you missed it (or just want to revisit your favorite rooms for inspiration), don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with a virtual tour and the inside scoop from principal interior designer Michelle Nettles.

The 2016 Homearama tour featured five custom homes in Chesapeake’s Edinburgh community fully decorated for the holidays and showing off the latest luxury home design trends. Our Virginia Beach interior design company provided the interior design for the Thanksgiving Home, “Chesapeake’s Treasure Chest.” Check out the virtual tour here for a room-by-room exploration of the home.

The inspiration for this home was the city of Chesapeake, with a theme of casual elegance. We even included a blue heron (the symbol of Chesapeake) in the decor; a painting by Barbara Gernat that can be seen in the foyer (above). A gourmet kitchen, keeping room, custom butler’s pantry, and organized mud room entry were designed to appeal to today’s more casual lifestyle and the needs of modern families, while a downstairs master suite provides accessibility for aging in place and sophisticated features to create a relaxing retreat.

It was a pleasure to work with Sam Cohen of Joey Corp. (builder) as well as the Closet Factory of Hampton Roads (custom organization) and the other talented folks who made this project a success!

Stay tuned for our next post because we’ll be dishing up the details, from paint colors to fine art and accessories.

Clever Design Ideas to Help You Get Organized in 2017

January 16, 2017 by Michelle

With a new year on the calendar comes a fresh start, the chance to make changes from the previous year and improve any aspects of our lives that we wish were different. When it comes to our homes, there’s one area where almost everyone feels they could use some improvement–organization!

At MJN & Associates Interiors, we believe that your home should not only look beautiful, but should also function beautifully, making your day-to-day routine easier. One way we can help you achieve that balance between form and function is with custom organizational systems from Closet Factory.

We recently had the opportunity to work with Closet Factory on Chesapeake’s Treasure Chest, a show home in the Tidewater Builders Association’s Homearama 2016. As you can see in the master bedroom closet above, these custom organizational systems can help you maximize storage while also adding a polished look to your “workhorse” spaces like closets. But don’t let the Closet Factory name fool you; their solutions for storage and organization in your home are by no means limited to the closet!

Below are three more examples from the same home showing how you can add storage and get organized without sacrificing style.

This masculine office gives a nod to tradition but with an updated edge, combining a stylish neutral color palette with rich wood tones. The entire back wall is dedicated to storage and display, creating a built-in look. A library-style rolling ladder adds character and function.

Designer organization from the Closet Factory can also be used to create a focal point or define a space, as we did above in the upstairs landing. Landings can be challenging from an interior design standpoint; people just don’t know what to do with these often-awkward spaces. We chose to surround a small sectional sofa with shelving and cabinetry to provide display and storage options while also unifying the seating area into a distinct, cohesive space.

Creating a more organized, efficient home isn’t just about adding storage; there are a myriad of possibilities when you get creative and start to really think about how you need and want your home to function. One excellent example of this approach to design is the wall bed, which has come a long way from the “Murphy beds” you may remember from bygone days. With countless options in finish and style, you don’t have to compromise on appearance in order to maximize the use of your spare bedroom/home office/yoga studio/etc.

Ready to make your home work for you this year? Contact MJN & Associates Interiors today for interior design and custom organization in Hampton Roads!

3 Ways to Use Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year

December 16, 2016 by Michelle

Each year Pantone Color Institute predicts which color will be popular for the coming year. For 2017, the company has chosen Greenery – Pantone 15-0343. Its fresh yellow-green shade brings visions of spring when nature awakens and begins anew. Greenery is a life-affirming shade that works to remind you to take time to take a deep breath, reconnect and appreciate the beauty of nature. Here are three ways your Virginia Beach interior designer can help you incorporate this trending and versatile color into your home.

Accessorize, Accessorize

You don’t need to paint your walls to add Greenery to a room. Instead, bring the color into your room with a tray, vase or a small piece of art in that color. An interior designer can help you choose interesting accessories to complement your space.

Custom Throw Pillows

A great way to brighten up a space is to add a pop of color with throw pillows. Because Greenery goes so well with so many different color palettes, it’s easy to introduce it as an accent color with your existing decor. Throw pillows will make your space cozier during the cold winter months. MJN & Associates can create custom throw pillows for you.

Add Some Real Greenery

You can add visual interest to both your indoor and outdoor spaces by incorporating Greenery via actual greenery. Choose plants that are within the Greenery color family such as:

Chartreuse sweet potato vine
Ogon sedum
Pineapple or Electric Lime varieties of coleus
Asparagus fern
Bird’s Nest fern
Moss
Baby’s Tears
Spider Plant
Pothos
Succulents

Contact MJN & Associates to speak with a Virginia Beach interior designer who can assist you with any interior design projects that have for the upcoming year. Whether you are seeking custom throw pillows, draperies, art procurement, or choosing a color scheme, we are ready to help.

Fall 2016 High Point Market Trends: Still Got the Blues

November 8, 2016 by Michelle

You’ll never guess what the biggest color trend was at this year’s High Point Market… Unless you’ve been following our blog for years, that is. Surprise–blue still reigns as one of the most popular colors for residential interior design by a long shot. And honestly, it’s easy to see why. Blue is such a calming, relaxing color, and who doesn’t want their home to invoke those feelings?

The latest trend in using blues for interior design is dramatic, glamorous, and gorgeous: deep navy and gold. Inky navy blue contrasts beautifully with gold and brass, which just so happens to be the metal of the moment.

Of course, all blues pair well with white, a classic mainstay of coastal design that works equally well in contemporary and traditional interiors. We’re also loving navy with magenta… And you’ll want to check back in with us, because we’ll be sharing a stunning project featuring these two bold hues soon!

The warmer blue above is a nice change of pace and pairs beautifully with the creams and browns of the furnishings, rug, and lamps. While navy is definitely the “it” blue for now, there are so many gorgeous shades to choose from, and we can help you find the perfect one to fit your style. Color selection is just one of the interior design services we offer, so if you’re ready for a change, we can help! Give us a call at 757-306-6000 to discuss your Virginia Beach interior design project, whether you would like assistance finding that one finishing touch for a particular room, or you need help managing an extensive home renovation.

Fall 2016 High Point Market Trends: Neutrals and Gold

October 30, 2016 by Michelle

Attending the High Point Market is a biannual tradition here at MJN & Associates Interiors, and we have lots of beautiful eye candy to share with you from the fall market! As the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, this North Carolina event provides an indispensable glimpse into the current and upcoming trends in interior design.

One of the most prominent trends we noticed this time was a real embrace of contrast, especially in the mixing of wood and metal elements. Both the popular glam and industrial design styles provide ample opportunity to showcase this contrast of materials, juxtaposing shiny gold and brass with neutral wood tones like gray, taupe, and espresso. In general, wood tones continue to move away from the strong red, gold, and orange undertones of the past and into cool/neutral territory and more natural, subtle shades.

Metals of all varieties were to be found, but brass and gold were especially prominent, ranging from bright and polished to more subtle, antiqued versions. Bronze, silver, and copper also showed up, but gold is expected to hold strong in 2017, pairing beautifully with the jewel tones that will be all the rage in the new year.

Next up we’ll take a look at some color trends from the fall High Point Market! If you’re interested in incorporating any of these looks into your home, contact us! We can help you find the perfect furnishings and accessories to fit your home–just one of our many interior design services for clients in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and throughout the Tidewater area.

Add Flavor to Your Decor with Throw Pillows

August 24, 2016 by Michelle

Throw pillows are like jewelry for a room- they add a little bit of flash, excitement, and style. Also like jewelry, they allow you to change up your look (of your outfit or room) with just a simple substitution!

If you want to add some personality to your space, shake up the usual, and even add a little bit of glamour, throw pillows are a great choice. Check out some of our tips for using throw pillows in your home decor below, and get in touch with us to learn more about our Hampton Roads interior design services.

Add a splash of color

Whether you want to warm up your color scheme for fall or just add an accent color that makes you smile, throw pillows are the perfect solution. We can help you achieve the look you want with custom pillows made to fit your space, as well as procuring to-the-trade pillows from high end home furnishing and accessories companies.

Indulge in an expensive fabric

Sometimes you just fall in love with a luxurious fabric, but you know upholstering a whole sofa, chair, or headboard in it just doesn’t fit your budget. Even if you can’t deck out your room in floor to ceiling draperies featuring that fabric, you can still bring it into your decor through custom throw pillows! Go ahead, indulge. Sometimes that fabric you love will even have more impact in small doses, catching the eye just like a great pair of earrings.

Fit any style

With custom soft goods, we can help you get the look you want, no matter how specific your style may be. From bold patterns and trims to unique sizes and shapes, it’s all on the table when you opt for custom.

Window Treatment Trends: Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades

August 16, 2016 by Michelle

Window treatments are an important part of the foundation of any interior design, affecting not only the way a room looks, but also the privacy, temperature, and light levels in the space. Because they serve such an important double duty when it comes to both aesthetics and practicality, choosing the right draperies and blinds is a crucial step in the interior design process.

At our Virginia Beach interior design firm, MJN & Associates Interiors, we love helping our clients improve the look and function of their homes with custom window treatments for any room in the house. If it’s time for you to upgrade or update your window treatments, we think you’ll love this product: top-down/bottom-up shades. Read on to learn why we swear by these versatile shades, and give us a call at 757-306-6000 for more information!

What are top-down/bottom-up shades?

We favor top-down/bottom-up shades in our interior design projects because they are the most versatile option for those wanting to control light and privacy. Available in a range of styles, these window blinds allow you to open them from both the top and the bottom.

Why choose this type of blinds?

There are many reasons to choose top-down/bottom-up shades for your home, including:

They are an updated alternative to wood blinds and can fit well in a wide range of decor styles.
These shades have a very small “stack back”(the amount of space the blinds take up when they are fully pulled up and “stacked” on top of each other) compared to wood blinds, allowing more light to enter and obscuring less of the window. If you want the ability to allow maximum natural light in a room, these are a great choice.
They’re available in translucent or blackout material, so you can get the perfect amount of light control, especially in important areas like bedrooms.
Top-down/bottom-up shades allow you to let some light in without sacrificing privacy, making them perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.

A Bayside Bedroom Inspired by Sea and Sand

August 8, 2016 by Michelle

For this Norfolk bedroom remodel, our client wanted to draw inspiration from the beach environment without falling into kitsch or cliche. Coastal or “beachy” interior design often gets a bad rap, but there’s no reason this design style can’t be stylish and sophisticated. The key is not to take anything too literally, using restraint and subtlety to create elegant and relaxing beach-inspired spaces.

The color scheme for this room draws inspiration from the landscape (or rather, seascape) outside, incorporating grays drawn from the ocean waves and grasscloth the color of the sandy beach. The simple, limited color palette keeps the focus on the gorgeous view while also allowing the materials used in the space to stand out.

Using natural fibers is one of the hallmarks of coastal interior design, so we selected a beautiful grasscloth wall covering to add richness and texture to one wall of the bedroom. This wall covering grounds the bed and provides a warm, natural element to contrast with the cool grays in the room.

A custom rug incorporating steely blue grays, taupes, and ivory unites the colors used throughout the room, while custom bedding completes the space with subtle tone-on-tone pattern and contrast. The custom color blocked bedding keeps the look simple but not boring, while custom pillows add texture and pattern.

The end result is a bedroom designed for relaxation, channeling the inspiration of the beach without taking away from the amazing view outside.

If you are interested in updating your home decor, contact MJN & Associates Interiors to set up a consultation. Our Virginia Beach interior design firm provides a range of home improvement services throughout Hampton Roads, from custom soft goods to full home remodeling.