From pumpkin spice to buckets full of candy, fall makes our mouths water at The Black Goose Design. Of course, it’s the 2021 color trends that really have us saying YUM!

image credit: Wesley Hall

Hues are going deep with rust red, burnt orange, and rich shades of burgundy, blue, and green.

fabric by Highland House Furniture

image credit: Highland House Furniture

fabric by Highland House Furniture

These cozy colors pair perfectly with leather. Good news! We have some fabulous leather pieces on order that should be arriving just in time for the holidays.

image credit: Four Hands

image credit: Wesley Hall

image credit: Bradington Young

image credit: Highland House Furniture

Fall is all about layering. Like your favorite sweater, a decorative pillow can add just the right amount of warmth to your home. We have many new styles to choose from that definitely say "fall."

Sweater weather is here. Time to cozy up your home with some inviting autumn shades. Stop by The Black Goose Design and grab a few new pieces today. 

image credit: Wesley Hall

Welcome back to the fab Canyon Residence, one of our latest new-build home projects to reach completion at The Black Goose Design. This attractive transitional design blends modern lines and prints with more classic curves and traditional colors.

All images provided by Lindsay Salazar Photography.

In our previous post, we were inspired at the home’s seamless inside/outside living space, as well as the way its mountainous surroundings influenced the overall look and feel. Today, we’re taking in the details and more of the inviting interior.

The dining room is an ideal example of transitional design. The curve and style of the chairs paired with the contemporary fabric beautifully illustrates the blend of modern and traditional.

You’ll find another example of transitional chair styling in the living room. We love how modern complements traditional!

In this attractive arrangement, the traditional finish of the warm white oak seamlessly joins the modern upholstery on the bench and the more dramatic dark wall.

If this remarkable home teaches us anything, it’s that anything can work with design. You don’t have to fit a set mold or trend to create a home that feels current yet classic. Don’t ever shy away from your style. Instead, stop by The Black Goose Design and let’s explore it. Together, we’ll come up with fresh takes for the looks and pieces you love. It’s a process we enjoy so much, and we can’t wait to experience it with you soon!

See more of this stunning Canyons Home reveal here. 

Hello, and welcome to the latest project to be completed by The Black Goose Design, the magical Canyon Residence!

photo credit: All images provided by Lindsay Salazar Photography.

At last, our big reveal is here! After two years in the making (from lot selection to completion), we’re delighted to finally pull back the curtain and share this inspiring canyon home. This is a big home, so we’re splitting our tour into two parts. Today, we're looking at how the stunning mountain surroundings have influenced the architecture and flow of this inviting residence.

INSIDE, OUT

With the unreal mountain backdrop, a seamless living space seemed a must. Inspired by the GRAND mountains, we went large to accommodate that inside-out-vibe.

LARGE TILE

In a space this size that flows from the interior to the exterior, large floor tile works well. It’s durable yet sophisticated and connects the two areas of the home nicely.

LARGE WINDOWS

Such an impressive view deserves nothing less. Floor-to-ceiling windows create the feeling of being at one with your surroundings, and who wouldn’t want to be connected to this serene scene?

ANGLED EXCELLENCE

The mountainous terrain even inspired the architecture of the home. Check out the how the roof peaks and valleys mirror those of the surrounding landscape.  

Inside, the unique angles and lines continue. We worked with the architect to focus the views of the home on the mountains, which required veering from a traditional rectangular floorplan. This can, at first, seem overwhelming. It isn’t. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at The Black Goose Design with any questions you might have about maximizing space that doesn’t follow the standard mold. We love the challenge and have many tips for working with floorplans of all sizes and types.

TRANSITIONAL DESIGN

This home is a gorgeous example of transitional design. As the name suggests, this style transitions beautifully between modern and traditional, sampling elements from each aesthetic to an equally classic and fresh feel.

On the traditional side, we used stained white oak on the interior doors, while the custom-designed baseboards and door casings add a modern profile.

For seating, we paired classic menswear patterns on the upholstery with more traditional frames.

Working with this homeowner on this house has been an absolute treat. In fact, it’s the fourth project our designer, Randi Smith, has worked on with these particular homeowners, including our 2018 Parade of Homes residence. From the early days of visiting site lots with the owners to today’s big reveal, every step has been a memorable experience. We can’t wait to share part two with you soon!

Ready for everybody’s favorite class subject? It's Show & Tell! We just got back from the High Point Furniture Market and have a sneak peek at some of our favorite looks coming to The Black Goose Design. Take a look!  

SNEAK PEEK #1: Outdoor Furniture for 2021-22

Whether you’re planning for this season or next spring, it’s always a good time to think about outdoor living space updates. These days, outdoor space truly is an extension of the home’s living space, and this new dining space from Universal Furniture absolutely supports that fab philosophy. 

SNEAK PEEK #2: New Customizable Pieces

For many, “customizable” means upholstery, which is certainly the case... But not the only case. Did you know you can actually customize the finish on select wood pieces as well? This includes these beauties!

Of course, we always adore a look at what's coming in the world of customizable upholstery, too! Look at this show-stopping set-up from Wesley Hall!

This little cutie of theirs sure caught our eye!

As did this serene Wesley Hall space! Nap time, anyone?

For those who love leather, the options are impeccable! 

SNEAK PEEK #3: New Storage Pieces

The storage love continues with this look that’s actually TWO cabinets, positioned side by side, creating the illusion of one statement piece. You know what that means, right? You can also divide it into two separate pieces for smaller spaces and more versatility. Love!

SNEAK PEEK #4: Color to Come

It wouldn’t be a Market show & tell without some color conversation. Blues will remains a classic favorite, but the temps are certainly rising. We were enamored by the beautiful earth tones on display, including shades of red, orange, brown, and green. Here are a few favs from Wesley Hall:

This red sofa is so warm and inviting!

Of course, when you see this inviting design by Universal Furniture, it's easy to see why blue will forever hold our hearts. It's wonderful that whether you prefer warmer or cooler hues, there's something divine to look forward to. 

OKAY, LET’S TALK SHOP

Show & Tell is more fun, but we realize clients are also interested in order lead times, especially on upholstered pieces (sofas, chairs, sectionals, beds, etc.). Like much of the world right now, the furniture industry is currently experiencing longer-than-is-typical delays. Believe it or not, this has to do with the ice storms that hit Texas and Louisana. Remember that? The extended power outages that resulted shut the foam-producing plants down for days and made it slow for them to get back online. The outcome is a severe shortage in the foam used to pad seating. You can read more about this here. 

Our recent High Point Market visit included a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Wesley Hall factory, where we saw firsthand what this impact is having on furniture production. They had row after row of gorgeous, in-production pieces. Patterns have been cut and sewn, frames have been handcrafted and assembled… they’re just waiting for foam. Without that key element, production can’t be completed. Building materials are at a deficit across the board, it seems, explaining other building delays, but this one has the most significant impact on the work we do.

THE GOOD NEWS!

Foam is coming in. Beautiful upholstered pieces are being produced and shipped all the time. Unfortunately, it’s at a slower rate than we’re used to. Also, we have new pieces coming onto the showroom floor all the time. You can buy many of these directly from us, resulting in little to no delay. This includes some of the eye candy in this very post. Good things… errr, make that GREAT things are coming and we want you to have them. Huzzah!

OUR ADVICE

Order now! If you think you’ll want a fresh look at the beginning of the new year, stop by today. Get the process started. The sooner, the better.

MORE GOOD NEWS!

Our designers stay up to date on the latest in production times and availability. We're here to answer any questions or simply to discuss your options. Stop by, give us a call, or DM us on Instagram. We can't wait to discuss all things beautiful with you soon! 

You’re in for a rare treat! We’re taking you on a behind-the-scenes tour of one of our favorite furniture brands — Wesley Hall. Remain seated, please. Permanecer sentados, por favor.

Okay, so it isn’t THAT kind of ride, but you're in for a thrill if you appreciate hand-crafted quality and made-in-America tradition.

Members of our team at The Black Goose Design were lucky enough to visit the Wesley Hall factory in Hickory, NC, recently, and we’re sharing just a few of the MANY highlights.

Welcome to Wesley Hall!

If you know quality furniture, you know the name. Wesley Hall has been a family-owned business for generations (currently in their fifth generation making high-end upholstered products), crafting top-of-the-line sofas, ottomans, beds, bar/dining options, sectionals and chairs. They’re a locally-owned business that always makes quality the top priority!

MADE RESPONSIBLY

This made-in-the-US furniture keeps your wellbeing in the forefront of all it does. From springs made from recycled goods and coated with organic, lead-free materials to toxin-free, fire-retardant materials, you can expect the best! Of course, the way our Wesley Hall pieces sell, we already know you’re a fan. Here’s a client favorite, the Hartwell Chair.

And here’s what the same chair model looks like in the process of being hand crafted.

Step by Step 

So much goes into every Wesley Hall piece produced. From the rolls and rolls of fabric to the many patterns to numerous artisans, it really is an impressive process with many moving parts and contributors.

This "Our Story" quick flick describes the process best. In a nut shell…

• Attended
• Engineered
• Finished
• Hand Tied
• Cut
• Sewn
• Crafted
• Upholstered
• Detailed
• Perfected

“Generations of tradition. Classic made current. We are Wesley Hall.”

Eight-Way What, Now?

Clearly, attention to detail is in every step of the time-intensive process. Of course, a little elbow grease is also involved. Have you ever heard of an eight-way hand tie? Wesley Hall sofas and sectionals are actually suspended so the springs can be tied eight ways, giving you a universal sit, no matter where your fav spot happens to be. This added (and BIG!) step keeps your springs in place so you won’t find yourself with a pit or springs that move around on you. Who knew an eight-way tie finish could be the ideal outcome? (See it in action here.)

Why Wesley?

Okay, so this question is a bit redundant at this point, but these gorgeous chairs should seal the deal. (If nothing else, it will delight our fellow furniture nerds!) See the way the intricate pattern lines up from section to section? That's what hand-engineered, hand-cut, hand-sewn quality gets you. Pretty cool, right? 

The Tour Continues

We’ve done business with Wesley Hall for decades, but we still felt like kids in a candy store seeing where the magic behind some of our favorite furniture happens. We hope this back-stage look at your beloved pieces leaves you appreciating all that goes into them even more (if that’s possible). Now that you've seen the factory tour, take a virtual showroom tour here to see the latest and greatest from Wesley Hall. When you find your next obsession, give us a call and we'll see that it gets to you. Happy touring! 

Welcome back to The House That She Built, which is available to tour as a part of the Utah Valley Parade of Homes, now through June 19, 2021! 

In our last post, we shared the details behind this special home and a look at the bedrooms our team members at The Black Goose Design put together.

Today, the fun continues with a walk-through of the rest of the home. You’re in for an inspiring treat! The designers behind the main, upper, and lower living areas of the home went above and beyond.

NOTE: All images of The House That SHE Built featured in this post and our previous post were taken by Amanda Peterson.

MAIN LEVEL LIVING SPACE (designer: Allison Campbell)

DESIGN IDEA TO TRY: Slim Trim

Love the idea of a mantel but don’t want its footprint eating up limited space? Opt for a slim fireplace frame in an accent color. The color will make the statement without the need of a larger piece, and you’ll still have enough room for chic (and sleek!) décor!

SHE-influence: Cabinets for Miles

You’d be hard-pressed to find a woman alive who complains of too much storage space. No wonder a home engineered, constructed, and designed by women makes storage a priority!

UPPER LEVEL LOFT (designer: Kimberly Parker)

SHE-influence: Homework Happiness

One of the many neat things about this home being created completely by women is the way its design supports the demands of motherhood. No place is that more felt than this open study area. The ample use of natural light makes it a bright and inviting space for young scholars to focus on their studies. Having a designated study space makes the daily the homework routine easier to embrace and enforce.

LOWER LEVEL LIVING SPACE (designer: Kimberly Parker)

SHE-influence: Room to Move

This space takes the expression “my kids are climbing the walls” quite literally. Unlike days gone by, parents aren't as able to simply send their children outdoors to get their wiggles out. SHE to the rescue, with a room design focused on so much more than screen time. So cool!

TRENDS TO NOTE

One of our favorite things about any Parade of Homes is seeing the various design trends being showcased. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain ideas and inspiration, and this home certainly delivers. Here are just a few of the looks throughout this home that we’re loving right now:

TREND TO NOTE: Color Blocking

Welcome to the block party! You’ll notice several color-blocked elements (items with solid blocks of different tones) used throughout this home. A gorgeous example in the main living area can be found on the drapes.

Look closely at the decorative pillows in the entryway and bedrooms. They’re another inviting example of color blocking.

Even the Roman shades on the kitchen window, in their own way, reflect color blocking. However, in place of two colors, it’s a block of color paired with a block of glass. The two-tone outcome remains and is enhanced by the use of two-tone cabinets. 

Finally, you'll find big block appeal on the shower curtain in this bathroom designed by Chell Broadhead for Cambridge Home Company. 

TREND TO NOTE: Geometrics

We know, we know, it’s summer. The last thing anyone wants to do is discuss geometry, but we can’t help but adore the striking geometric shapes used throughout this home. It’s a way to add interest and pattern in a way that doesn’t feel busy. From the details on the front door to the overhead lighting, a linear look greets you as soon as you enter.

You'll take a step in the geometric direction on these VERY cool stairs.

If you look closely at the backs of these stools, another geometric pattern is at play.

THE HOUSE THAT SHE Built — It’s About Opportunity

A Parade tour through The House That SHE Built concludes in the garage, where the walls are lined with images of the incredible women who made this plan a stunning reality. It’s a scene that made a significant impact on Utah’s Lt. Governor, Deidre Henderson.

In a recent event honoring this project, Lt. Governor Henderson reflected on how she couldn’t help but relate the garage scene to the government buildings she’s served in throughout the years, where the portraits lining the walls are predominantly male. In fact, in Utah’s 125-year history, only 31 senate seats have been held by females. No wonder the garage scene had such an impact!

The House That SHE Built is about so much more than inspiring design choices. It’s about inspiring females everywhere and reminding them that they can be anything they put their keen, capable minds to! With your visit, we hope you’ll embrace the opportunity to have this conversation with your amazing girls AND boys. Let the experience empower change and continue to open doors of opportunity for all.

Thanks for taking this virtual tour with us today. We hope to see you at the Utah Valley Parade of Homes for the LIVE tour soon. You only have until June 19, 2021 to stop by. Get your tickets here. 

Hello! Come on in! Welcome to The House That SHE Built.

This is a project near and dear to our hearts, and we’re SO EXCITED to share the big reveal!

First, a few important things to note:

1. You can see this home in person now through June 19, 2021 at the Utah Valley Parade of Homes.

2. The House That SHE Built is just what its name suggests, a home engineered, built, and designed exclusively by women. Construction has always been a male-dominated field, and this home is opening doors in more ways than one! Read more about it here.

3. All of the beautiful photos featured in this post were taken by Amanda Peterson Photography.

4. This home is for sale! Interested? Check out the MLS listing. 

Okay, on with the reveal. Today, we’re going to focus on the areas of the home that two of our team members from The Black Goose Design, Denise Johnson and Randi Smith, furnished and decorated — the bedrooms! There are four bedrooms in this 3,200 sq. ft. home.

PRIMARY BEDROOM  

Showing SHE-support

The drapes used in the bedrooms of this home were provided by a woman-owned business we admire — Annie Selke.

DESIGN TIP: Interior Brick Work

Nope, that's not brick paneling. It's actual brick. Did you know you can get thin brick, which looks amazing as a feature wall inside the home! Don't let its thin finish fool you; brick laying is an undertaking! We recommend you hire a professional for the install. 

PRIMARY BATH

We know we said we were going to focus on the bedrooms, but this primary bedroom tour doesn't feel complete without a look at the amazing primary bath, designed by Chell Broadhead of Cambridge Homes. 

TREND TO TRY: Wet Room

Bathrooms are getting a major upgrade with these all-inclusive spaces, designed for a full shower AND a soaker tub. 

BEDROOM 1

DESIGN TIP: Focus Wall Wisdom 

The accent-wall game is changing. In place of bright paint, walls are being treated with texture and pattern. Consider millwork, wallpaper, etc. Believe it or not, homeowners are even adding woodgrain tile to their walls right now, which creates a cool effect in areas like bathrooms where moisture is a factor.

SHOWING SHE-support

For this room, we were delighted to use Ditsy Floral wallpaper, designed by one of our fomer collegues, Brooke Christen, who worked with us for 17 years before moving across the country and starting Nesting With Grace. We love that she was able to be here and collaborate on this project! Her wallpaper is the perfect feature-wall finish!

BEDROOM 2

DESIGN TIP: Tone-on-Tone Millwork 

A great way to accent a wall without overwhelming a smaller space is a tone-on-tone treatment. Here, we added thin millwork, which adds tremendous interest while maintaining an open feel. 

BEDROOM 3

DESIGN TIP: Stained Poplar

It’s no secret that lumber is hard to come by right now. If you love the look of oak but are having a hard time getting your hands on it, try using poplar. It will save you money and stains beautifully. That’s what we did to create the accent wall in this room. 

FROM OUR HEARTS 

We mean it when we say we LOVE every design project we have the pleasure of working on, but this one will forever hold a special spot in our hearts. Being a part of this movement and working alongside brilliant women in construction and design is empowering and important. Plus, money raised on this home is being put towards creating more opportunities for females through scholarships and other financial support. Join us next week as we see the rest of this life-changing home and celebrate more gifted women and showcase their talents! 

It’s no wonder window dressings are commonly referred to as “treatments.” If there’s an important player in a home that should be treated well, it’s the windows. That said, your treatment choices should accent your space and not act as focal points. Let’s remove the blind(s)fold and take a look at various treatment options and why they work well.

WHY WINDOW TREATMENTS?

Whether your window treatments are strictly decorative or serve a functioning purpose, they bring the benefits. Check out these window-treatment pros:  

• Add color
• Present pattern possibility
• Create texture
• Soften external noise
• Increase insulation
• Reduce internal noise (echo, vibration)
• Provide privacy
• Enhance or block light (depending on finish)

WINDOW TREATMENT PLACEMENT

As a general rule of thumb, it’s smart to place curtain rods close to the ceiling, as it makes the room appear larger. We also advise extending the length of your rod beyond your window so your panels can sit past the opening and not in front of it. This will make your window look better and maximize light flow. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, including these golden guidelines. It’s why we encourage you to consult one of our team members at The Black Goose Design when choosing window treatments and placing hardware.

Speaking of hardware, it’s not as simple has hanging a curtain from a rod. Your hardware options vary depending on the purpose and type of treatment you’re adding. Let’s take a closer look at one of our go-to rod options…  

TALKING TRAVERSE RODS

Traverse curtain rods use an internal track and slide system and clips or curtain pins to pull curtains/panels open and shut. They’re ideal for:

• Functioning window treatments that are opened and closed regularly
• High/tall windows
• Heavy panels/curtains

WHEN IN ROME…

…Do as the roman shades do. At The Black Goose Design, we’re big fans of this low-profile option. It’s ideal for spots with limited surrounding wall space, such as kitchen and bathroom windows, as well as windows that share real estate with surrounding furnishings (bed, sofa, table, etc.).

THINK BEYOND THE WINDOW

Why should walled windows have all the fun? Don't forget to dress those doors! Contact one of our designers to discuss your door design ideas.

WINDOW WISDOME

Let’s close the window on this conversation by reiterating our top treatment tip — draperies and dressings of all kinds should serve to enhance your overall space, not steal the show. Don’t be shy if you’re feeling stuck or unsure. We’re here to enhance your window wisdom and help you come up with the perfect treatment plan for your home. Stop by, call, or even reach out via DM on Instagram.

At The Black Goose Design, it's no secret we like talking trends. Part of being good at our jobs is knowing what styles are in, what’s coming our way, and what's cycling out. That said, we’d like to take this opportunity for a little PSA, if you will.

Always decorate to your tastes first. Trends come and go, but your unique likes reflect you and, therefore, serve as a source of joy.

Take this year’s Pantone colors — sunny yellow (Illuminating) and Ultimate Gray. While this is a classic combination, it isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay! Love blue? Decorate in blue! All about vibrant colors and strong prints? Embrace the bold!

After all, how boring would life be if we were all doing the same thing? In the spirit of such variety, let’s take a look at a few looks we love right now that aren’t necessarily on any expert’s hip list but remain gorgeous nonetheless!

NEUTRAL BASE WITH COLOR POP

Starting with a neutral foundation is a great way to incorporate color, because you can easily swap those colors out as your interests and seasons change.

USING BLUE AS A NEUTRAL

Blue seems to be the superhero of the color community, as it can pop as an accent color AND also step in as a neutral. Check out how it plays that neutral role beautifully here!

EMBRACE THE BOLD

Scrolling Pinterest and Instagram, it’s clear neutrals are having their day (which we fully support!), but it’s not a one-or-the-other game. As much as we appreciate classic neutrals, we still get excited to see clients using bold colors and prints. They can add such energy and delight to a space.

 image credit: Wesley Hall

Clearly, there’s plenty of room in the design sandbox for all styles. Stop worrying about the "shoulds" and "dont's" and simply embrace your own wonderful interests and tastes. It's key in creating a space you'll love for years to come! Perhaps you've started down this path but find yourself feeling a little stuck? That's what we're here for. We delight in getting to know you and, as part of that, understanding what speaks to you from a design point of view. Stop by so we can get the conversation started and help you put more YOU into your beautiful surroundings!

What happens when a group of driven, talented, smart women put their minds to something? Magic! The House That SHE Built is our proof!

What started out as an empty lot is transforming into a show-stopping home of one lucky family’s dreams in the Oakwood Homes Wander Community in Saratoga Springs, Utah. 

It’s a project bringing together talented female professionals to complete every stage of the home-building process, from the moment the first plans were drafted to the day the last landscaping touch is completed.

On this fab female team — our very own Randi Smith and Denise Johnson from The Black Goose Design!

“I have always loved construction and design,” Randi shared. “It’s in the fiber of who I am. I love being able to use my experience and talents to help others design their dream homes.”

“I’ve been in the field of design for over 20 years and have worked on every aspect of building a house,” Denise added. “But being a part of this particular project is extra special. I’m so proud of the work everyone is doing and the hearts behind that work!”

The House That SHE Built truly puts the heart in the art of homebuilding. The proceeds from the sale of this beautiful two-story home will continue to create opportunities for women, with support going to women-run businesses and charities, as well as a scholarship program.

“The scholarships will account for 60% of the total prof and will be awarded to women pursuing construction management related degrees and trade school programs.” –UtahPWB.com  

WHY SHE

Such skilled trades as excavation, plumbing, and engineering (to name just a few) are often thought of as “a man’s world.” Of course, we know this to be false. Women are key players in every aspect of home building, but they ARE underrepresented. The House That SHE Built hopes to change that by creating more opportunities for females and shining a brighter light on these in-demand careers.

Plus, women bring unique and valuable perspective to home design, simply based on the fact that they can often see a home’s functionality and needs differently than their male counterparts.

“The home design is centered on functionality for a family, from a woman’s unique perspective. The design does an excellent job of providing for the individual needs of the family by incorporating elements such as a children’s play area downstairs and a serene master retreat, while also including opportunities for the family to gather together and create memories.” –UtahPWB.com

SHE is skilled. SHE is capable. SHE deserves every opportunity to share her gifts with the world as SHE makes it a better place. Nothing against the talented, hardworking fellas out there. We need them! They, of course, bring much to the table, too. This project is just a shining reminder that there’s room and need for all kinds, backgrounds, experiences, and genders in this (and every!) field!

TAKE A TOUR

Save the date! The House That SHE Built will be in the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes. It’s your opportunity to see the grand unveiling and the stunning results of Randi and Denise’s labor of love. With the amount of time, effort, thought, determination, strength, and creativity we know went into every single stage of the home’s development, we know you’re in for an inspiring treat! In the meantime, you can learn more about this noteworthy endeavor on the Utah Professional Women in Building website.

YOU MAKE US PROUD

We’re so honored that The Black Goose Design was invited to be a part of this memorable experience. Our team beams with pride as we observe the work Denise and Randi are doing with the other brilliant minds on this project. And we aren’t the only ones recognizing their dedicated contributions. They were just featured on The House That SHE Built Instagram account (which is totally worth following, BTW!). See Denise’s spotlight here and click here to read what Randi had to say.

GET INVOLVED

The House That SHE Built is about more than building a home. It’s about building up women in the field of construction, where they’re currently severely underrepresented. Show your support through a financial contribution or submit a quick note on their website if you wish to be a part of it all

“We are always looking to add to our team and network of contributors for The House That SHE Built!” –UtahPWB.com  

Our hardhats are off to all who are involved with The House That SHE Built. We can’t wait to see the end product at the Utah Valley Parade of Home this May 2021. We hope to see you there! 

Ah ha! Like the flip of a switch, new lighting easily updates any home. After a year spent indoors, it’s only natural to desire a breath of fresh air. Unlike bigger cosmetic changes, such as paint and flooring, lighting changes can be completed quickly. Plus, we're having our popular Spring Sale event at The Black Goose Design, making now the bright time to make such updates!

Seven Lighting Tips to Update Your Home

BRIGHT IDEA #1: Set YOUR Tone

Both indoors and out, your main entry lighting is important. For its function, of course, but also because it communicates your style to your guests before they’ve even set foot inside.

TIP: Chandeliers are a common choice in this space, but it depends on the amount of room you have. Our team at The Black Goose Design can help you figure out the best size and style for your home.

BRIGHT IDEA #2: Light Attracts Light

Think about where your family gathers. How is the lighting in those areas? If you plan on updating your home’s lighting in stages, communal spots are a natural first choice.

TIP: For your dining space, select a fixture that complements your table. If you have a long table, consider a longer option. If your table is round, on the other hand, and the area surrounding it is limited, a more compact choice, such as a striking drum, makes sense.

BRIGHT IDEA #3: Mood Matters

From bulb tone (warm vs. cool) and intensity to the style of your fixture, lighting choices will vary from room to room and area to area of your home. The master bedroom is a wonderful example. Being where you go to unwind, warm light is a calming choice. For your fixture, opt for something that supports the overall look of your space. This chandelier, for example, is understated and romantic in its design, which goes beautifully with the neutral color scheme and soft florals.

TIP: Ceiling height plays a part, but please don’t feel as if you’re out of luck if your ceilings aren’t vaulted. The Black Goose Design has pieces for all floorplans.

TAKE NOTE: We love lights with a temperature of 2700-3000 Kelvin! 

BRIGHT IDEA #4: Add Wall Wow

Wall sconces are an on-trend choice that will immediately up the class and sophistication of your space. Of course, the added light they introduce is always nice! And being on the wall (or even the mirror!), they free up table and counter space -- another sconce score!

TIP: Consider your power source. If your sconce needs to be plugged in, there’s the chance you’ll have unsightly cords to contend with. Fortunately, with the help of an electrician, sconces can be hardwired, which means they don't have to be plugged in. If you don't want to cut your wall, however, you can can strategically hide your cords to keep your space looking sleek. 

BRIGHT IDEA #5: Enhance the Details

Shelf lighting brings in yet another light source without the need for any major electrical updates. At The Black Goose Design, we have numerous cabinets and display pieces available with built-in lighting, as well as options with lighting attached. This allows you to up the ambiance while giving your precious photos and keepsakes the spotlight they deserve.

TIP: You can also add lighting to existing furniture. Ask our designers how this simple trick is done.

BRIGHT IDEA #6: Consider Closets

While your closet might not be the first spot you consider when making lighting selections, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Besides furthering the overall style of your home, it also serves an important role. After all, this is where you go to glow. It's important to see your style choices in full brilliance. 

TIP: Even the closet is worthy of an overhead wow, but it’s the lights IN the cabinets that are the real show stoppers. Add these touches and your accessories will really sparkle!

BRIGHT IDEA #7: Play with Pattern

Why have one fixture when you can add three? Fill the space in larger rooms with smaller repeating fixtures, such as pendant lighting.

TIP: Hanging multiple pendant lights above a kitchen counter is common, but this patterned approach also looks great in entry ways, halls, game rooms, and even outdoor living areas. 

Yes, if you want your home’s design to really shine, lighting is an important factor. Stop by during our Spring Sale and discover how to give your home a brilliant update. Bring pics of your space, inspiration you love, and questions you have, and our team at The Black Goose Design will help you find your ideal illumination.   

Working with a designer at the design phase of a project? Seems like a no-brainer, right? Not always! Especially in the age of Pinterest and Insta, it’s common to take the “I’ve got this” approach. And more power to you if you do! The problem is, what can look like a fun and easy endeavor on Pinterest boards is actually a much bigger puzzle to piece where new builds and renovations are concerned. After all, it’s about creating a cohesive feel throughout. More importantly, it’s about creating a space that realistically meets your needs and serves your unique family flawlessly. That’s a tall order for even the savviest of screen scrollers. Hiring an interior designer can be the best investment in your project. It’s the wise move to make, and our team at The Black Goose Design is here to share seven reasons why.

WHY WORK WITH A DESIGNER: THE DESIGN PHASE

We’ve discussed the reasons why it’s smart to have a designer by your side during the construction stage of a new build or remodel. Now, let’s look at why it also makes sense at the fun decorating portion of the project.

1. IT’S A LOT

Simply put, this is a BIG undertaking. With years of combined schooling and experience, our team knows how to effectively scale such a task. More than that, we know how to prioritize and properly order the steps involved so we aren’t putting any carts before horses. We say nay to that kind of time waster! Having the ability to break the steps and decisions down might not seem like a big deal right now, but we assure you you’ll feel otherwise a few weeks into a solo project of this scale.

2. IT’S PERSONAL

Okay, so it might seem counterintuitive to advise hiring help to make your design process MORE personal. But knowing YOU and your needs are always our first priorities. We know the questions to ask and conversations to have to get us to your ideal outcome. In other words, we’ll take your most-loved Pins and translate them it into YOUR home, with your unique flair and fabulousness.

3. IT’S EDUCATED

We don’t make random purchases here and there. We KNOW product. We know what sofas stand up to children and pets. We know what coffee table shape fits best in a specific room footprint. We know what table will serve both as your everyday dining and a place to host Thanksgiving dinner. We begin by knowing you and your vision for your home (see #2), and we combine that with our extensive product knowledge to get you THE BEST selection of pieces for your day-to-day living.

4. IT’S FINISHED

Do you have those spots in your home that just don’t feel quite right and you can’t put your finger on why? Totally normal! This is another area where we come in to lend our know-how. Sooo… you’ve got the sofa table… now what? We can tell you, again based on ideas that are both practical and pretty. (Sorry, fancy vase, you simply aren’t two-year-old friendly. But here’s another awesome option that is! You know… as a ‘for instance.’)

Remember, design doesn’t stop at furniture. Accessorizing is all about striking balance. Comparing it to fashion, each decorative pillow and piece of wall art is like jewelry for your room. When done well, it creates the perfect finishing detail. Alas, when done poorly, it can detract from all of your hard work and become an eyesore.

5. IT’S PERSONAL (part 2)

Okay, so we already said this, but let’s take personalizing to the next level. Beyond function that works for you, we’re talking detail. The sentimental pieces, the photos, your children’s artwork… all of the amazing details that make a house a home. We know how to blend that love layer with new pieces to create a fresh, balanced outcome that is very much YOU.

6. IT’S A COST (and headache) SAVINGS

Rather than guess at pieces and go through the process of ordering online, only to have to then return, we can bring many of the samples to you. From color swatches to actual accessory samples, we can try accents on for size, so you can keep only what captures your heart. It takes shipping costs and return fiascos out of the picture. Plus, it allows you to compare selections in a real-life way, which makes a HUGE difference in finding your look.

7. IT’S COHESIVE

Going back to our jewelry analogy, creating a beautiful room is like putting together an outfit. You don’t want to wear all of your favorite things at once. They simply won’t go together. With home décor, we can help you select only the items that will work well together and create a stunning overall look. Suffering from decision fatigue? We get it! Often, it just takes a second set of eyes to make such decisions. On a larger scale, we’ll help you create a beautiful room that complements another beautiful room and another and… well, you get where we’re going with this. We’ll help you create a consistent tone and feel throughout your home. An entire experience, if you will, and an experience you and your lucky guests will LOVE!

There it is, friends — seven+ reasons why working with a designer at the design phase of a project is a GREAT idea. Of course, we hope that designer is a member of The Black Goose Design team. We delight in learning about you and turning your hopes and dreams into reality, whether you’re making over a room or creating from the blank canvas of a new home. Stop by or give us a call to discuss how we can come together and make your plans happen. 

It’s a common misconception that designers come into the building/remodeling phase when it’s time to pick furniture and add decorative touches. Truth is, it’s even more important to have dedicated design assistance at the construction stage. After all, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend all of the money and time on a new build or remodel, only to find they aren’t in love with the outcome. So sad! Our team at The Black Goose Design is trained to know YOU and your unique wants and needs. We’re able to see every detail, even before a space has actual walls to adorn. Let’s look at six reasons why working with a designer at the construction phase of the process is key.

WHY WORK WITH A DESIGNER: THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

1.  SAVE MONEY & SPEND WISELY

Enough said, right? Some feel it costs MORE money to hire a designer, when it can actually be a big cost savings. Having a designer involved as you select structural and cosmetic details will have you making confident decisions, so you can avoid buying the wrong things and/or those nasty change fees later on in the building process, as you realize something isn’t working. This is a very common (and understandable!) pitfall when building without a trained eye in your corner.

2. EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

As some would say, this isn’t our first rodeo. Giddy up! Where you’re not likely going to have much experience building and remodeling homes, we've spent years refining our technical skills through schooling and hands-on training. We know what questions to ask, what's trendy vs. timeless, what mistakes to avoid, and what must-have features to add.

3. ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS FOR Y-O-U

A BIG part of any designer’s process is getting to know you. What is YOUR vision? What do you want out of your home? As funny as this sounds, a good designer often knows more about what you’ll want than you do. At least initially. Because of that, we help ensure you’re adding details to your plans that will best serve you in the long run. Need a table that seats 12? We can make sure your dining area will accommodate. Want a sofa table with lamps? We know to incorporate floor outlets into your space and where to put them. Want natural lighting to hit just right? We’re all about window placement pointers! And the list goes on!

4. NARROW DOWN THE SEA OF CHOICES

People often want to choose paint first. Reality is, you should first identify any must-have elements that can't/shouldn't change. Perhaps there's only ONE rug you love, one tile that makes your heart sing, or one perfect sofa/chair fabric combination. These details should lead the way, with paint selections to follow. This allows you to choose shades that enhance your must-haves. With more than 900 shades of paint, it's far easier to adapt your paint to fit your finishing details. Of couse, this also brings up the fact that there are 900+ colors. Yowza! Don't worry, we know how to narrow that massive swatch book down to your perfect pairings. 

5. CATCH THE VISION

As designers, we have the tools needed to bring plans on a spreadsheet to life. By creating samples, pulling swatches, and designing room renderings, we can turn data and lines into a first look at your new home. And who doesn’t want to see what their space could look like BEFORE making big decisions?!

(Okay, we confess: Designers are part wizard.)

6. GOOOO… TEAM!

We work with many excellent custome home builders. Being on the building team in this way is a role we thrive in. It's our joy and pleasure to serve as a voice between the builder and you, the amazing homeowner, to achieve the best results for all involved. 

Ready to get to work? So are we! Call or stop by The Black Goose Design today to explore your options and get your design bestie by your side. Together, we’ll turn what's often an overwhelming process into an experience that’s fun and beyond rewarding! 

Sure, Valentine's Day is near, but it's spring design trends that have the hearts in our eyes. BEAUTIFUL new looks are coming to The Black Goose Design. From fresh trends and dreamy textiles to chic new furniture styles and design motifs, now’s a great time to breathe some new life into your space. All of the eye candy you’re about to see will be available at The Black Goose Design in the coming weeks, with some of it already in. Woot! Enjoy this look at styles we're crushing on right now.

ROLLING IN THE DEEP

Gone are the days of white on white on white. We're happy to see the pendulum swinging in the opposite direction, introducing striking contrast with dark statement pieces like these show stoppers from Gabby:

It's official, we're "leg" people. How can anyone not be with shapely gams like the ones on this chic console? 

Hmmm... Maybe we're leg AND feet people. After all, this cabinet's cute feet are impossible to resist.

While the previous pieces are arriving in the weeks ahead (something awesome to look forward to!), we just got this attractive coffee table in. Yay! It's a must-see. Stop by our showroom and pay it a visit. You'll be glad you did. 

Our friends at Noir are also embracing this divine design trend. The dark finish on this classic sideboard creates a vibe we certainly aren't mad at. ;)  

TREAT YOURSELF TO TEXTURE

Who says texture has to come exclusively from textiiles, flooring, and wall treatments? These pieces from Hooker Furniture give us all the feels. The modern design is taken to the next level by the linen finish. And the warm neutral color means these pieces will complement a number of colors and design preferences. 

TEXTILE TRENDS

Whether you’re selecting fabric for a new sofa or chair or you simply want the refreshing pop new pillows provide, these are some of the 2021 textile trends to note:

GEOMETRICS

Wesley Hall takes those straight lines for a curve with these unique geometric prints:

Lee Industries is also embracing geometric gold with these new prints: 

NATURE-INSPIRED

We're really feeling this spring fling now, thanks to these outdoor-inspired works of art by Wesley Hall. Which upholstery swatch is calling your name?

TAKE A SEAT

You’re going to want to sit down for this one. Just look at these NEW beauties by Welsey Hall! They make any excuse to sit impossible to resist. 

Meet the Milbrook (above) and his curvey counterpart, Tulip (below). They'll both be in our showroom very soon. 

Oh my… SO MANY good things to look forward to as the seasons change. Which looks are you loving? Flag your favorites and come see us at The Black Goose Design soon to start your spring refresh.

Cheers! 

Grab the welcome mat; we have a new team member. Madison Johnson is the latest designer to join The Black Goose Design. She recently moved to Utah from Michigan, where she worked as a designer for several years. Up until her move, much of her design focus was on the foundation-level details (paint, flooring, lighting, etc.). She now enjoys taking the process even further with the finishing details we offer.

“I’m excited to add the staging and furniture aspects of design to what I do,” Madison said. “Whether I help clients with just the finer details or we start from the ground and work our way up, it’s already proving to be very fun work.”  

Beyond her professional work in design, Madison has a personal attachment that adds to her background and know-how.

“As I child, I was that kid who was constantly rearranging my room,” Madison laughed. “I come from a family of designers, so my parents always supported my creativity. In fact, we now work together flipping homes. The start-to-finish process of turning a run-down house into a gorgeous home has taught me so much. I know the experience makes me better at my day job.”

Q&A WITH MADISON

We asked Madison a few questions to get to know her even better. Take a look!

Q. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM/AREA TO DESIGN AND WHY?

A. The entry of the home. Even though it’s the first room most guests see, it’s often overlooked or a design afterthought. I like putting the focus on this space. it’s where guests are first introduced to the personality of the home and those living in it, so you want it done right. Setting an intentional tone in the entry is important.  

Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL DESIGN STYLE?

A. It gravitates towards modern, but with soft accents thrown in. I like the way warm tones add a relaxed feel to a modern home. Of course, the beauty of being a designer is that you get to experience all sorts of styles and tastes. It keeps things interesting and makes the work that much more rewarding.

Q. WHAT DESIGN TREND(S) DO YOU SEE FOR 2021?

A. Softer tones and natural elements that complement modern design schemes are big. For example, champagne, which is a softer take on metallics/neutrals, will make its debut.

Q.  DO YOU HAVE A GO-TO TIP OR DESIGN STRATEGY?

A. As you begin a re-design, it helps to start with a central item. A piece of art or favorite pillow can help you make unified decisions throughout the home. Starting with a key piece makes it easier to make color choices, pull fabrics, and find the right furniture. It also helps your designer get to know your personality better.  

Q. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE STAGE IN THE DESIGN PROCESS?

A. Every stage has something wonderful to offer, but I’d have to say the reveal is the sugar on top. Seeing the client’s reaction when it all comes together is magical. It’s like all of the dots have finally been connected.

Q. WHAT CAN CLIENTS EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH YOU?

A. I always do a 3D rendering for my clients. The visual representation helps us picture various outcomes so clients can be confident in the decisions they’re making. I put a great deal of effort into communicating ideas to ensure we’re on the same page with things every step of the way.  

Something that’s been helpful lately is my ability to work with a client remotely. With enough input, I can do a great deal virtually, which clients have appreciated since COVID happened.

BEFORE & AFTER TRANSFORMATIONS

Before-and-afters are always fun to see. Check out these dramatic transformations from Madison's portfolio:

before: kitchen

after: kitchen

before: bath

after: bath

before: entry

after: entry

Whether you want to work with Madison from afar or come in to The Black Goose Design to get to know her better, she’d love to help you create a space you adore. 

Now that the New Year's Eve champagne cork has popped, it's time to celebrate color pop. Add a fresh feel to your home with a new coat of paint in any of the inviting 2021 on-trend shades. To get you inspired, our team at The Black Goose Design is here with our favorites. 

2021 HUE NEWS WITH DEL REANNE LUCAS: Welcome back, warmth!

So glad to see the really warm tones coming back for 2021! Muted golds, greens, and clay colors are the newest accents. Combining these with warm creams, tans, and grays will create some interesting moods. From totally renovating to just replacing accents with the new palette, it should be a fun endeavor! Try a bit of paint or some new accessories to get you started.

Even the temperature of the grays has gone up.

The trick is blending what you currently have with the fresh palette and make it look on purpose!  Our interior design team is ready to help you do just that!

2021 HUE NEWS WITH RANDI SMITH: Add Sparkle; Enhance Detail

I love a jewel box room at the front of the home. It could be a formal living room, music room, or office. We made a long room feel cozy at our Federal Heights Remodel by using Knoxville Gray by Benjamin Moore.

I love a pop of color on the mill work. It gives a room depth and character. In our Federal Heights remodel, we used Woodlawn Blue by Benjamin Moore.

With the tall ceilings and dramatic angles at our #MilesfromthePost home in Big Cottonwood Canyon, we decided to paint both the walls and celiings in the same color. We had a few wood accent walls. The rest of the walls and ceilings were painted in Colonnade Gray by Sherwin Williams.

2021 HUE NEWS WITH DENISE JOHNSON: Going Green; Embracing Monochrome

I’m loving the pops of green! I recently used Rosemary by Sherwin Williams for a client’s island and built-in breakfast nook. It creates a very inviting feel.

We also refreshed the client’s railing by painting her null posts in black (Caviar by Sherwin Williams) and white (Alabaster by Sherwin Williams). Black is ALWAYS a favorite neutral!

2021 HUE NEWS WITH MONICA WOODLAND: Bring On Blue

Color is back! One of my current favs is Wall Street by Sherwin Williams, which is a versatile blue-grey color that pairs beautifully with a warm white. For a moodier look, go all out and paint the trim work in this rich shade.

image credit: Sherwin Williams

2021 HUE NEWS WITH MADISON JOHNSON: Gaga for Green

I’m drawn to green kitchen accents. Give it a try on your cabinets or the island.

Some soft greens I adore are:

• Softened Green by Sherwin Williams
• Frosted Fern by Sherwin Williams
• At Ease Soldier by Sherwin Williams

Dark green cabinets with gold or champagne hardware are always a crowd favorite!  

For interior paint in larger, open spaces, I see the trend going toward softer neutrals. The gray phase is mellowing out, and I think off whites will be coming back.A couple to take note of are:

• Moderne White by Sherwin Williams
• Oat Milk by Sherwin Williams 

Swoon! Who’s excited to warm things up in 2021? Even if you’re not ready to commit to paint, you can take your first steps by adding warmer accents (decorative pillows, florals/containers, wall art, area rugs, etc.). Stop by The Black Goose Design any time (Mon.-Sat.) to chat trends and see what we have in store.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to another meet-and-greet. Today, we’re joined by Del Reanne Lucas Wilson. She brings 35+ years of professional design experience to The Black Goose Design, including two years as a senior designer at our sister store, Down to Earth at Gardner Village. Del Reanne is a creative who believes beautiful interiors have the power to transform daily life. With an eye for quality, a superior sense for style, and a client-centered approach to her work, she’s a strong addition to our team.

Del Reanne has two rules she always follows when working on projects: 1. Her clients must love the experience and outcome; and 2. Everyone involved must have fun!

We’re confident you’ll have fun getting to know more about this talented lady. Read on to see samples from her impressive portfolio and pick up some design tips along the way.

Quick Q&A With Del Reanne

Q. What is your favorite room to design?

A. My favorite space is any one I’m currently working on. Each has so much to offer, making every design experience special and memorable.

 

Q. What do you feel sets you apart as a designer?

Q. I’m really good at pinpointing a person’s style. More often than not, clients are unsure about what it is they like. Nurturing them through this part of the process is one of my favorite things to do. It’s how I connect to my client and also how I help my client connect to our theme and process.

 

Q. What is one go-to design tip you like to share with clients?

A. Don’t be afraid to branch out and explore possibilities before you make design decisions.

EXPLORING WITH DEL REANNE

Exploring possibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Del Reanne knows just what to do to ensure clients enjoy the experience and land on looks they’ll love.

“It’s my job to stretch each client so they know where they’re comfortable. If I show them all the same concepts within a single genre, it’s not stretching them. I would hate for them to see something after a project is complete and ask why I didn’t share it with them, so I ensure our options are all explored. It’s how I hone in and get clients extremely comfortable. After all, you can’t appreciate one style fully if you haven’t seen its counter. I believe in being thorough and exploring to the fullest to ensure every client is 100% confident in the choices they’ve made.”

PORTFOLIO PIECES

Let's take a closer look at some of Del Reanne's work.  

BEFORE & AFTER TRANSFORMATIONS

As these impressive transformations show, Del Reanne can take you from start to gorgeous finish, whether you’re building a new home or simply want to update your current place.

“Before we began this process, the homeowners were pretty sure they needed to buy a new home or build,” Del Reanne explained. “It’s amazing seeing what kind of transformation can happen within your existing space, no matter how dated.”

PHOENIX, AZ RESIDENCE

Isn’t this a show-stopper? Del Reanne worked on it in Phoenix several years ago, proving she’s ahead of the curve where trends are concerned.

PARADE OF HOMES

Del Reanne worked with the team at Down to Earth on a 2019 Parade of Homes residence, but her role extended beyond design. She acted as a liaison between the stylists and the builder. It’s a task her depth of experience prepared her for, as she’s worked with every facet of the design process over the years. While this was the first Parade for Down to Earth, it was the sixth for her, so she knew what to expect and helped guide her team to this striking and well-received outcome.

Of course, we’re honored to work alongside someone with such talent and experience, Del Reanne, but it's your personality and heart that really close the deal. You're a special part of our team, and we’re so glad you're here!

No project is too big or too small for Del Reanne or any of our team members at The Black Goose Design. Stop in and see how we can fit into your next design endeavor. 

Hello! Please join us in welcoming Monica Woodland to The Black Goose Design.

Monica has a long history with The Black Goose Design. She’s been a loyal customer for 20 years and in her 10+ years of design work with two different firms, she often came to us for furniture and decor to complete many of her clients' projects. 

“Even though I’ve only been an employee here since August, it already feels like home.” Monica said. “I think some of that comes from the many years I’ve spent shopping here, but it’s also about our team. They already feel like my extended family.”

The path leading Monica to our family is a special one, involving her own family. We’ll let her tell you about it:

“It started when my father passed away,” Monica said. “For as heartbreaking as that was, it also offered clarity. In April, I was furloughed due to the COVID pandemic shutdown, which gave me time to think about fulfilling my purpose. As much as I liked my previous employer, I knew I needed to seek a new job with a different firm. That's when I stumbled upon The Black Goose Design listing. The way things just sort of fell into place, I knew my dad was opening doors for me. Now I can continue doing the work I adore and know I am supposed to be doing. Losing a loved one was a poignant reminder that life is short and I needed to take a leap of faith and join The Black Goose Design team."

We love when life paths so perfectly align. Many who work for The Black Goose Design have known Monica for years as a valued client. To now have her on our team is such a gift!

Q&A with Monica

Q. What is your favorite aspect of design?

A. Color and textiles. A little pop of color goes a long way. Right now, I’m preparing a color scheme for a client that’s made up of blues. By adding just a hint of kiwi, it really brings it all together. I’ll even dress this way sometimes… like an all-black outfit but with pink shoes. Just the smallest amount of a second color can really add energy to a room, an outfit… anything.

Q. What is your favorite space to design and why?

A. I love working on kitchens and family rooms, because those are the areas where families create so many of their memories. It’s where holidays are spent and where people come together.

Q. What is your go-to design tip or advice?

A. Home should feel welcoming… a place where people can come in and relax. Creating that kind of feeling is always my goal.

Thank you, Monica. You already bring so much wisdom and warmth to The Black Goose Design. We’re so grateful our long history with you turned into having you on our in-house team.

With the holidays around the corner, now's a great time to add welcoming touches to your home. If you’d like to sit down with Monica or any of our team members to discuss your options and ideas, stop in or give us a call.

DESIGN BOARDS BY MONICA

We'll leave you with a few of Monica's latest design boards she's created for clients since joining us. As they show, this talented lady has a gift when it comes to getting the most out of a space and bringing a fresh feel to any project she works on. 

Who says a home can’t be sophisticated and cozy at the same time? This remarkable new residence (and recent The Black Goose Design project) in Riverton, Utah, is proof that you can have the best of both worlds — a place that’s as stunning as it is inviting. Come inside; we’ll take a look around!

Nothing says “inviting” quite like a roaring fire. Having this fab fireplace be the first thing to greet you upon entering sets a warm tone in more ways than one.

The warmth continues around the corner, with furniture and accents in rich, fall hues. 

“Fun” is another adjective to add to the long list of words describing this home. It’s hard to beat a large game set at the ready, welcoming players to sit for a bit and enjoy some screen-free entertainment.

DECORATING TIP: Make a statement with a large focal piece. This oversized chess board does more than add a great game option on rainy days. It adds decorative interest. Plus, because it’s all located on a single item (the game board), it’s easy to set out of the way when the ottoman is needed for kicking up those feet.

Rounding out the great room, the kitchen feels completely cohesive with its living room counterpart.

Look closely and you’ll see that this striking space is also loaded with decorating tips to apply in your home. Let’s discuss!

DECORATING TIP: Citrus often evokes feelings of summer sunshine, but citrus fruit is actually an excellent choice to use for pops of fall color. Pair them with more seasonally thought of items (gourds, mini pumpkins, etc.) for a fresh take on fall.

DECORATING TIP: Look beyond countertops. Adding interest to a kitchen doesn’t have to clutter those beautiful countertops. Think of other open space, such as the stovetop. Simply station your items on an easy-to-move surface, such as a tray or cutting board, and set the pretty display aside in one simple step when it comes time to cook.

DECORATING TIP: Lanterns often equal light, but don’t let that idea limit your creative potential. Fill lanterns with other items of interest, such as floral arrangements, fruit/veggies, seasonal décor, and more!

Ready for some major wow factor? This kitchen is keeping a little… errr… make that a BIG secret. Behind the far wall, a butler’s pantry is built in. Warning: Prepare yourself for some serious storage envy.

The rest of this remarkable residence is equally as stunning. Let’s go on a little room-by-room walk through, starting with the rest of the main floor.

MASTER SUITE

More like master sweet! You can’t help but feel a serious sense of calm as soon as you enter this space.

While the room is fairly neutral in color, it is alive in texture. The combination is on trend and beautiful!

The master bath follows the same lead, with various textures and an overall calm about it. Of course, can a soak in a freestanding tub like this leave you feeling any other way? So relaxing!

POWDER ROOM & LAUNDRY

Things to note in these essential spaces:

1. The stunning metallic wallpaper in the laundry room. When the light hits it just right, it really puts on a show.

2. The different flooring and how it works to add interest and movement to the space as a whole.

3. The cohesive vibe created using minimal accents, clean lines, and home-inspired décor items.

HOME OFFICE

Question: Would one really get any work done in this room, or would they be too distracted by its beauty and the view out those amazing, large windows to get anything done? What a sophisticated space to place those Zoom calls!

ENTRYWAY & STAIRS

Channeling The Dixie Chicks, we’re all about these wide-open spaces!

BASEMENT

Okay, let’s make our way downstairs, where this home continues to put on a show with its brilliant autumn ambiance, farmhouse charm, and overall warmth. 

BEHIND THE DESIGN

See that blur in this photo? That's Denise, the design mind behind this gorgeous home. She was far too engulfed in the process and every gorgeous detail to pause for pictures. (Plus, she’s a tad camera shy.)

Christy, Tyson, and their children call this stunner home. We sat down with Christy to discuss her experience working on a design of this scale.

“I know what I like, but I sometimes have a difficult time with size and scale,” Christy said. “Denise is amazing; she can simply look at an area and know sizes and how things will and should fit within a space. That isn’t an easy thing to do!”

“We worked with Denise on every aspect of our home,” Christy continued. “She helped me design all the cabinets, pick out the floors… even the stone for the outside of the home. Having someone by my side throughout the process who truly understood the look we wanted made all of the decision making easier.”  

We’re always curious about how our clients find us at The Black Goose Design, so we asked Christy that very question. This is what she had to say: “We went to a Parade of Homes before we started building. There was a home we loved and found out it was designed by The Black Goose. That’s how we knew exactly where we wanted to go.”

We worked with Denise from start to finish because we clicked right away.

QUICK Q&A WITH CHRISTY

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Farmhouse style, for sure. I don’t want it to be like I own horses and live on the pumpkin patch. I’d be a poser. So minimal shiplap, not all distressed – a more modern take.

Q: What advice do you have for someone just entering into the design phase of a project or new build?
A: Patience is everything. It all takes longer than you think it will. Keep the big picture in mind. Eventually, you’ll be living in the space and loving it.

A (part 2): Also, don’t take it too seriously. Have fun with it. Trust your gut.

“Denise was great about reminding me of this when I’d feel conflicted or stuck on a decision,” Christy recalled. “’If you love something, just get it and we’ll make it work,’ she’d say. ‘If it speaks to you, you have to buy it and find your spot for it. Trust your gut.’ And that’s what I did. Now that the project is complete, I can see how she was absolutely right. The pieces all fit together beautifully and bring us joy. I’m so glad we followed our instincts.”

Q: What’s next?
A: Honestly? I keep stringing Denise along, because I don’t want it end. This entire experience has been so much fun, and I just love spending time with Denise.

Q: Based on your lovely previous answer, we think we know the answer to this one, but we’ll go ahead and ask it anyway. Would you recommend The Black Goose Design to a friend or neighbor?
A: Absolutely! We just loved working with the company. Everyone there who helped out did a great job. Of course, that goes double for Denise. We’re super happy with the way everything turned out!

Thanks so much for the tour of your incredible home, Christy and Tyson. The team at The Black Goose Design has loved going on this journey with you and couldn’t be happier for you now. For anyone reading this who’s about to enter into a design project, whether it’s an entire build or simply an update of a space within your home or business, we invite you to stop by or give us a call. Collaborating is our favorite! We hope to see you soon.

Q. What do you get when you combine the scenic backdrop of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains with a style that epitomizes contemporary cool?

A.  Mountain Modern Design

And Mountain Modern style is exactly what this stunning Park City residence embodies!

“When it comes to a Mountain Modern design, striking the right balance is crucial,” says Ali Thomson, The Black Goose Design lead designer on this home project. “You go too modern, and it feels like an art gallery. Not modern enough, and it says cabin.”

DODGE THE LODGE

With any client collaboration, our goal is always to begin by capturing the client’s dream for the look and feel of the home. Just because this divine dwelling sits at 6,000 ft. in elevation doesn't mean it needs to feel the least bit rustic.

“The homeowners had a very clear vision for their home,” Ali explained. “This is their primary residence, not a lodge, so we intentionally avoided commonly used mountain-inspired motifs. No skis on the ceiling. No moose head or pictures of buffalo on the walls. No wool blankets. But we did want to weave more subtle outdoor inspiration throughout, balanced with a blend of contemporary.”

While you won't find a buffalo on the wall, that's not to say you won't find other interesting animal influence here and there. ;) 

NATURE NUTURES

Even in an amazingly modern home, it’s easy to bring the peace of the outdoors in. From plant placement and wood works to stone styling and metal marks, let’s check out a few of the many striking mountain-meets-modern touches found inside this home:

MOUNTAIN: Walnut stain

MODERN: Front door design

Before you’ve even set foot in this home, its style is made clear. The front door is a brilliant blend of mountain and modern.

“If this door were all black, it would have been way too cold and modern,” Ali noted. “By warming it up with a walnut stain, it creates the welcoming feel of home.”

MOUNTAIN: Wood trim

MODERN: Metal accents

Upon entering the home, the three lights above the entryway continue to bridge the mountain-to-modern gap. Find these and other wood/metal fixtures at The Black Goose Design.

MOUNTAIN: Stone mantel

MODERN: Linear beams

It doesn’t get much more mountain than rock. The eye-catching rock surrounding the fireplace meets its modern counterpart at the ceiling, where the clean lines of the beams intersect.

ROCK ON!

The fireplace stone is actually part of the home’s structure, both inside and out. In fact, this house was designed by Upwall Design Architects, with the stonework being a key element. The architectural design of this floorplan is as technical as it is incredible. And to see the flawless way the construction team at Kent Construction brought such involved blueprints to life is remarkable.  The Black Goose Design experts were thrilled to round out this design trio!

MOUNTAIN: Plants

MODERN: Planters

Whether you opt for real or artificial, potted plants are an on-trend way to bring the outdoors in. There isn’t a right or wrong in the number of plants you use. That has more to do with personal preference. But you do want to pay attention to your plant containers. To go modern, consider a concrete finish, hairpin legs, or other midcentury-inspired aesthetics.   

TIP: If you’d love to go green but find your thumb doesn’t always cooperate where real plants are concerned, check out the gorgeous artificial fig and olive trees available now at The Black Goose Design.

WHY MOUNTAIN MODERN?

There’s nothing cool about this home… errr, by that, we mean nothing cold or uninviting. From a design standpoint, it’s all sorts of cool. It can be easy to go too modern with design, creating a harshness that is anything but inviting. By working in the natural influences of the home’s mountain locale, it creates a welcoming warmth that’s undeniable. Even with all its cool sophistication, it feels like a home you can rest and relax in with the ones you love. Doesn’t get much better than that.

LET’S TALK TAKEAWAYS

Now that we’re rock solid on what Mountain Modern is all about, let’s look at several tips to note as you consider your next design project or home update.

TAKEAWAY TIP #1: Find your common denominator

The easiest way to design a home is to first select a key inspiration point to take the lead on all remaining choices. In the case of this casa, that element was the incredible stonework. Because it incorporates a plethora of amazing neutrals, it acted as a color coach for everything else.

“You should have seen us as carrying huge pieces of rock with as we shopped for every home detail,” Ali laughed. “We’d walk into fine showrooms and unearth this slab of stone from a big, beat-up bag, covered in debris, all to ensure we were selecting the perfect paint, carpet, and wood finishes.”  

TAKEAWAY TIP #2: Create something all your own

Did you know The Black Goose Design can order handcrafted, 100% custom furniture pieces for your home? This dining set, for example, was handmade by Amish crafters at Fusion Dining. No production line here. Everything from the stain, the wood used, the shape, and even the apron (beveled edge) were hand selected by the homeowners. Fabric was also selected and sent to Fusion Dining for the chairs. The rug that ties it all together is available at The Black Goose Design. What does the dining room of your dreams look like? We want to make it your reality!

TAKEAWAY TIP #3: Expand your seating

Up your seating with a thin console table behind your sofa. Besides added seats, you’ll find it’s a great place for kids and adults alike to craft, snack, play games, do homework, and so much more.

Sofa, console table, and bar stools: The Black Goose Design

TAKEAWAY TIP #4: Bring the backsplash to the bathroom

Why should the kitchen have all the fun? Tile the space surrounding a soaker tub to create a sleek bath backsplash (bathsplash?).

Bath and kitchen tile: Venetian Tile & Stone Gallery

Bench and accessories: The Black Goose Design

Of course, the kitchen tile isn't to be ignored. It's equally as elegant and also from Venetian Tile & Stone Gallery.

TAKEAWAY TIP #5: Keep things light

Free up valuable nightstand space with wall sconces or hanging pendants.

Pendant lights: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallary 

Speaking of lighting, take a look at these lights, which hang above the kitchen counter. They're definitely modern in design, while they almost have a mountain look to them with their fun shape and all. Cute! 

 Same is true with these darling bathroom pendants. 

TAKEAWAY TIP #6: Embrace subtle asymmetry

One of these things is not like the other. That’s right, there’s a lone black pillow on an otherwise light, neutral sofa. You might say the sleek black decorative pillow is the splash of modern mixed in with a mountain of nature-inspired neutrals. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your decorative pillows, including both asymmetrical placement and color selection.

Decorative pillows: The Black Goose Design

You'll notice an asymmetrical placement with the pillows on this bed. It's a subtle touch that adds interest.

A FEW MORE BEFORE WE GO

This guided hike through Mountain Modern at its best has yet to peak. Let’s take in a few final scenic shots of our sophisticated surroundings.

For help turning the home of your dreams into the home of your reality, whether it’s a new build or a update to an existing one, call or stop by The Black Goose Design today.

Just what is a Powderbird, anyway? No, it’s not some rare feathered species. It’s actually an unforgettable heli-skiing (helicopter skiing) experience offered right here in Utah. Skiers and snowboarders come from all over the world to be carried via helicopter to backcountry mountain peaks, where they’re then left to cruise down its slopes. Unfortunately, for as unusual and awesome as this experience is, it’s home-base facility didn’t have that same wow factor. Here’s a look at what the Powderbird lodge looked like before its remodel. 

With its green, rubber flooring, the acoustical ceiling, and stark, white walls, the words “school cafeteria” come to mind. Nothing about the space suggested “once in a lifetime skiing experience.” 

TIME FOR A REMODEL

The last time this space was updated was back in 1995. The Powderbird team wanted a fresh look — one that would accurately reflect the impressive experience they offer. Randi Smith, one of our expert designers at The Black Goose Design, was delighted to step in and help this bird soar into 2020 on a high note.

Jessika Long, who works for Powderbird and headed up this design project on their end, actually has a special connection to The Black Goose Design. 

“I worked for The Black Goose Design for a year before taking on my role at Powderbird,” Jessika said. “So when this project came up, I was super excited to go back to design, which I love, and work with my talented friends again!”  

Even with her design background, Jessika understood the importance of having a partner to work on this project with. 

“It was nice to have a hand to hold,” Jessika said. “Having Randi on the project as a consultant reinforced the decisions I was making. With her, I knew it was all coming together and was going to look good, even when we were far from finished.”

A good design experience is always about collaboration. For as much as Jessika appreciated Randi’s help, Randi loved being a part of the Powderbird team with Jessika and the many others who were involved with the remodel. 

“I loved working with Jessika and the team at GV Construction,” Randi said. “Jessika was my intern a few years ago and then a designer at The Black Goose Design. Some of our past projects include work together on the phase-one remodel of Archibald's Restaurant, designing for a 2018 Parade of Homes house, and the remodel of Jessika’s parents' home. The team at GV Construction and I have also done several commercial projects together. Previous experiences as a group is never a requirement when starting a project together, but it sure doesn’t hurt. Because we’ve worked together before, it was easy to pick up and begin working together to achieve a beautiful goal on this project.”

YOU ALWAYS HAVE OPTIONS 

Whether you’re looking for someone to lean on completely or you simply want a sounding board to offer advice in a consultation or two, The Black Goose Design team is ready to support you and your project.

“When I couldn’t find the last few pieces I needed to complete our remodel, Randi gave great recommendations and feedback,” Jessika said. “She also had smart suggestions for the stone used on the fireplace and backsplash. She even helped me measure the entire space to make sure things would fit properly before purchasing anything. Having Randi available throughout this process was such an asset. Whenever I found myself stuck, I could count on her to provide the missing piece. And from a budget perspective, it was wonderful to be able to pay for design consults here and there as needed vs. hiring a full-time designer.”

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP

At The Black Goose Design, we recognize the unique needs businesses have when it comes to furniture. Clients often want their pieces to have the comfort and sophistication of home but also be able to withstand business traffic. It’s why we carry top-grade manufacturers, known as much for their style as they are for their quality and craftsmanship. 

“We have clients coming in and out with big, bulky equipment,” Jessika said. “We knew we needed furniture pieces that could take a good beating and still look good. We found several furniture options that would withstand such use at The Black Goose Design. We ended going with Wesley Hall Furniture. We chose fabric from Sunbrella, which holds its pigment very well… perfect for sitting in our really big windows, where it gets plenty of sun. The fabric also protects against water damage, which is important. Of course, for as durable as it all is, it’s equally gorgeous!” 

Even if you don’t have a business to furnish, quality furniture that's made to last makes a difference. We carry pieces that stand up to children and grandchildren, house guests and renters, pets, and nearly any other challenge you might want to throw at it. The same is true for dining room pieces.

“At Powderbird, we serve our guests two meals a day,” Jessika added. “This means a lot of wear and tear on the dining furniture as well. I knew The Black Goose Design carried Hooker Furniture, which is really well known for its extremely high-quality wood pieces. With our guests eating in their ski boots, such durability was important to us, and we just love the sophisticated look these pieces add!” 

“Jessika had a very clear vision of how she wanted the space to function when the remodel was complete,” Randi recalled. “She wanted high-end luxury, but also somewhere where you could stomp about covered in snow. And that’s just what we were able to achieve.”

CUSTOM MADE TO MATCH YOUR NEEDS

Whether you’re updating your home or business, The Black Goose Design will help you add your signature style to everything you do.

“It was really fun selecting the fabric and finishing touches,” Jessika recalled. “With so many options to choose from, we were able to select textiles that complement the cabinetry, backsplash, granite, etc. It really allows you to pick pieces that fit your surroundings!” 

BUSINESS BENEFITS 

Sometimes it takes a business to help a business. Commercial spaces present their own unique challenges and requirements. Our team is well versed in what those needs are and how we can best help you meet them to ensure a successful outcome. 

“In designing this space, we had many regulations to follow,” Jessika recalled. “We had to meet specific ADA standards and codes.It’s a different realm of functionality than designing for a home. This is another reason I was glad to have a designer to collaborate with. Randi was a huge help in many different areas. She really does understand the importance of staying on schedule, working with contractors, and designing for a commercial space.” 

AT LAST, A TRUE REFLECTION

“The views at Powderbird, which face down Little Cottonwood Canyon, are phenomenal,” Jessika added. “I love that we now have a facility that matches those views in its beauty. And everything functions so much better now.”

“Jessika and I walked the space early on in the process, discussing the layout and how the space should function,” Randi added. “Since it would be used for breakfast during the day and a second meal after the heli-skiing adventure concluded, we knew we needed to make the most of the seating availability while also leaving enough open space for clients to freely and comfortably move about. The solution we came up with is the live-edge seating along the west wall of windows, which ended up being my favorite thing about this remodel. It gives guests room to dine comfortably while also experiencing the unbelievable view of Little Cottonwood Canyon down to the Salt Lake Valley. Talk about a room with a view!”

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

When we asked Jessika what her employer thought of the remodel, she had this to say: 

“They were thrilled! They said this update changes everything in the way we’re able to serve our guests. They’re so excited and pleased with the overall look. They love that we’ve created a space that our clients can really buy into and enjoy.”

GREAT DESIGN IMPROVES THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE 

Powderbird is certainly a unique business, but its needs aren’t all that unusual. Like any business, they want a space that reflects their brand and leaves their guests with favorable impressions. We can create that for you at The Black Goose Design, and the outcome will be one you can actually see reflected back to you in the way your customers feel when they’re with you. 

“With helicopter skiing being so weather dependent, clouds, high wind speeds, or heavy snowfall can mean delays,” Jessika said. “People spend a lot of money to come to Powderbird, often flying hundreds of miles to be here. They look forward to the day so much, so it’s easy to understand how weather delays can cause stress. However, since remodeling our space, we’ve seen a noticeable change in our clients when they have to wait. Where people used to get anxious, they seem at ease and comfortable. Having an inviting sofa, big, comfortable chairs, and a large TV over a warm fireplace will do that. It all creates such a calming effect and helps eliminate guest anxiety. It just goes to show how a well-designed space really can make a difference in the business you do.” 

AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Due to current Covid-19 concerns, The Black Goose Design is open for design services by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment via our website. Stay safe, dear friends! 

Welcome back to the Spendlove home. Our last look at this breathtaking dwelling took us through the kitchen/great room, the living room, and the entryway. Today, our tour of this impeccable remodel continues in the owner’s retreat. 

Before we take a deeper dive, let’s pause and see what this space looked like when Kari and Scott Spendlove moved in.

And today… 

Wow! What a difference nine months of hard work makes! Like the living room (seen here), the barrel ceiling in this room is thanks to the talents of Trent Colarusso and his team at Colarusso Construction. 

Once the room’s structure was so beautifully established, Ali Thomson, one of the extremely talented designers at The Black Goose Design, continued her work on the Spendlove home, creating a place here that's all about the R&R! 

MASTER BATH

There isn’t much to say about this calming corner of the Spendlove home except, “ahhhhhh!” 

Such a tub setting ought to come with fineprint: “Warning: High risk of pruned skin due to prolonged tub exposure; enter at your own risk.” 

Of course, the shower is not to be ignored. Looks like either option puts the “Oh!” in H2O.

DESIGN TIP: Don’t hesitate to ask for exactly what you want. This window treatment wasn’t found in any store, but Kari and Ali knew a window this grand needed the perfect finishing touch. The pros at The Black Goose Design can have custom designs created to complement your specific needs. The same is true for nearly every chair and sofa we carry. Don’t like the color/finish? Let’s swap it! Your wish is our command! 

HOME THEATER

This media room all started with a tile sample. Kari loved this flooring (and we don't blame her!), and Ali and Trent took it from there, creating a media room that rivals old Hollywood. 

BEFORE & AFTER

Ready for a major wow? This room once looked like this: 

Trent’s team rebuilt the entire space, adding the coolest custom door, stunning wall paneling and lights, creating a look straight out of the Golden Age. 

Ali added the comfort, with sectional seating, chic decorative pillows, and a center ottoman that serves as both a table and a padded place to kick up your feet! 

She even found a media cabinet that perfectly blends with the wood work in this incredible space. 

DESIGN TIP: Keep it personal. Wanting this room to reflect their family, Scott and Kari asked all of their children to share their favorite movies. They then selected and framed movie posters to represent their choices, with this particular poster representing a shared family favorite. 

No matter your media room style, you’ll find furnishings and decorative touches at The Black Goose Design to complete the look. Don’t hesitate to bring a photo of your room in to the store. Together, we'll find you just the pieces you’re looking for! 

GUEST BED & BATH

Kari wanted her mother to feel right at home at their house, so created this space specifically for her. 

DESIGN TIP: When gutting your kitchen in a remodel think of ways you can repurpose cabinets that still have some life left in them. These cabinets once lived in the Spendlove kitchen, and with a little elbow grease and updating, they look good as new in this guest bath. 

DESIGN TIP: Create unity within a space by adding cohesive patterns throughout. In this case, the delicate flower style of the floor tile also makes an appearance in the shelves of the shower. 

GUEST BED #2

Kari’s mom isn’t the only lucky lady on the Spendlove guest list. Grandchildren are also frequent occupants. Kari worked with Ali to create this sweet room just for them. 

MUD ROOM

Speaking of grandkids, what kiddo wouldn’t love access to their own water fountain?! This hallway addition is so charming! 

Down the same hall, it's all about the bomb lighting in the mud room! (Does it remind you of any tile we've seen?)

Of course, the unique stained-glass window isn't too bad either! In our last post, this window was a Texas find, adding another bit of the Spendlove’s roots to their home’s design. 

DESIGN TIP: Think of design elements that represent aspects unique to your past and story. Such touches are sure to make your house feel more like home.

LAUNDRY ROOM

It's just us to push the laundry off until last. Nah. We kid. This may be a work space, but that doesn't make it any less fun than the rest of this remarkable home. Laundry? Fun?! Welllll… maybe not. But it sure would be more enjoyable in a room like this. 

SEE THE REST

Don’t miss the rest of the impressive Spendlove home. It’s glorious great room, luxurious living room and enchanting entry will leave you inspired, whether you’re looking to update or simply love a little eye candy! 

The Spendlove home tour continues here.

YOUR TURN

Did we wet your whistle? Ready to start your own home remodel?

Maybe you have your eye on a particular item from this post? The Black Goose Design offers both residential and commercial design services, and we carry the latest looks in furniture, wall art, area rugs, bedding, lighting and more for your home. Helping our clients bring their visions to life fills us with gratitude and delight. We can't wait to chat with you!

“You should have seen where we started.” Scott Spendlove laughed as he gave our photographer the tour of his newly-remodeled home in Mapleton, Utah. “We’ve come a long way from that little one-bedroom apartment in Provo where we lived when we were first married.” 

Indeed! It’s easy to see why Scott’s beaming. After nearly a year of hard work, the home he shares with his lovely wife Kari is finally remodeled. From floor to ceiling, every detail looks magazine-amazing! 

Being the warm people they are, the Spendloves have graciously invited us inside to tour their newly- finished re-design. Let’s go!   

A DREAM REALIZED

“We live here!” Kari said several times throughout our visit, almost to herself, as if she were trying to pinch herself awake from a dream. Yes, Kari, this is YOUR breathtaking home. YOUR stunning vision. YOUR happily ever after. Here’s to a job well done. The Black Goose Design, and designer Ali Thomson specifically, LOVED being a part of this memorable transformation!

ENTRYWAY

The clean sophistication of the home hits you as soon as you enter. It’s a feeling that’s as calming as it is inviting.

LIVING ROOM

Just inside the entry, the living room takes center stage with its impressive barrel ceiling and detailed wood work on the walls.

These custom touches are the genius of Trent Colarusso and his team at Colarusso Construction (pictured with Ali and Kari below).

The connection Kari, Scott, Trent, and Ali share is clear from the moment they get in a room together. The design/remodeling experience, with the right personality fits, is a very connective experience for those involved. 

“It’s so important for the designer/client relationship to click,” Ali said. “That’s absolutely what happened at the Spendlove home. The four of us quickly became close and caught a shared vision, which made the process smooth and FUN!” 

A remodel? Fun? Yes, it can happen, and The Black Goose Design will see that it does!

GREAT ROOM

The main living area of the home reflects both the Spendlove family’s history and where it’s going, with pieces representing their past combined beautifully with new fixtures and designs. 

“We had this wide-open wall space to fill,” Ali recalls. “I mentioned it to Kari and gave her a few possible ideas. From there, she found the perfect touch — these doors from Texas, the state they called home for many years.” 

KITCHEN

Of course, it's the kitchen that puts the added GREAT in this great room. It's the stuff chef dreams are made of!

BEFORE & AFTER 

When the Spendloves moved in, their kitchen looked like this. What a difference design updates make! 

TRUST IS EVERYTHING

With any design project, trust is paramount. The Black Goose Design prides itself on prioritizing the client/designer relationship. This promotes confidence and trust, which, in the end, leads to a space reflective of the client’s visions and then some. We never want the process of designing a space to feel overwhelming or unattainable. 

“As we started this process, I was unsure of everything,” Scott recalled. “But as the work started to expand and I could see the direction we were headed in, it gave me great confidence in Ali, Trent and their teams. I knew they were doing this project right. Everything my wife had envisioned came together just as we hoped it would.” 

“I feel so grateful Scott trusted me to do what I wanted in our home,” Kari added. “I just love the way it all came together!”

We love it too, Kari! You and Scott have impeccable taste. We’re honored you looked to The Black Goose Design to turn your dreams into such a special reality. We know you’re going to make a lifetime of amazing memories with your darling family in this heartfelt space. 

JOIN US FOR PART 2

Loving the Spendlove home? We are too! Join us again on March 19, 2020, for the second half of this gorgeous walkthrough. We’ll check out: 

• The bedrooms: From the magnificent master to special spots created for family, you’re sure to be inspired!


• The laundry room: It’s pretty difficult to make the task of laundry look appealing, but this space manages to do just that!


• The home theater: Hello, old Hollywood! This space is close-up ready. You won’t believe the before-and-after. 

YOUR TURN — LET’S BRING YOUR DREAMS TO LIFE

Like something you see in the post? Odds are, it's available for purchase at The Black Goose Design. We carry everything from area rungs and wallpaper to furniture and light fixtures to decorative pillows and on-trend finishing touches.

Ready to start your own design process? Our designers live for this stuff and want to help you bring your dreams to life. Stop by or call The Black Goose Design today so we can start putting your plans into motion. 

Utah might be up to its knees in snow at the moment, but spring is very much on our minds at The Black Goose Design. Our buyers recently attended the Las Vegas Market, where the trade show floor was alive with florals, color, clean lines, warm lighting, and more! Here’s a little sneak peek at some of the sweet things coming your way soon! 

SOFT FLORALS & COLOR

While we appreciate clean lines and the minimalist approach to design, we can’t help but swoon when a good floral crosses our paths. You bet we’ll carry these beauties in the coming months. 

The world of textiles was a vibrant mix of color and patterns, opening up many creative doors for your home! 

TREND TIP: Expect to see more color and bold blooms as the temps rise. 

CLEAN LINES & MONOCHROME

In design, every yin has its yang. In contrast to the color and blooms, we saw many clean and simple, yet eye-catching and unique accessories.

Along with the geometric element, the monochrome contrast of black and white was well represented.

DESIGN TIP: Design is never all-or-nothing. Soft florals and pops of color can blend beautifully with geometric shapes and a primarily monochromatic approach. The trick is placement and ratios. If you’re a fan of both styles but aren’t quite sure how to proceed, let us know. We’ll happily help you find your sweet spot.

LIGHTING

Nothing says “inviting” quite like the right lighting.

Plus, a new light fixture is an easy and relatively affordable way to breathe new life into a room. If lighting is on your list, you’re going to love the looks debuting at market.

LIGHTING TIP: We recommend the lighting be consistent throughout your home. A go-to bulb choice is soft white at a temperature of 2700-3000k. 

IT’S A SPRING THING

Ready to welcome the fresh feel of spring in your home? Visit our store in the coming weeks and be the first to get the latest and greatest market releases. 

You’re going to want to sit down for this one. Literally. This chair share is going to have you longing for a lounge. Go ahead, sit back. Relax. Kick up those tired feet. This is your time to simply enjoy a little eye candy and our list of must-have chairs for 2020!

The Scout by Wesley Hall

Why We Love It: The outline! It’s sleek and stylish and we just can’t get enough. 

Features to Fancy: Its height. This is a great chair for a room with taller ceilings. 

Customization Qualities: The Scout is an extra fun option, because the customization options are endless. In this version, one fabric is on the body, another is on the seat, and leather has been used for the welt and buttons. What a chic combination! 

Placement Pointer: The Scout is perfectly placed when it's in an open space (not up against a wall) where it can be seen from every angle, as it has qualities to show off from all sides. 

The Hartwell by Wesley Hall

Why We Love It: The sit! It’s so good! This is, hands down, one of the most comfortable chairs we carry at The Black Goose Design.

Features to Fancy: The darling English arm and its nailhead detailing! 

Customization Qualities: You can choose from a number of different fabrics to find your perfect Hartwell finish. Plus, the casters on the front legs are optional. You can always order without them. 

Purchase Pointer: Its accommodating height. This chair is an ideal option for a family, because it’s comfortable for the tall and the small.

The Foremost by Peter Jacob for Wesley Hall

image credit: Wesley Hall

Why We Love It: It's tall, dark (when you want it to be), and handsome. What's not to love? Of course, this is one book you can judge by more than just its attractive cover. It's also incredibly comfortable! 

Customization Qualities: From sleek leather to fashionable fabric, there are numerous ways to customize this king.

Features to Fancy: Its height makes it the star of any room it graces, and the buttons along the lower back (front side) are cute as a... well, you know where we're going with this. 

Placement Pointer: Place this handsome devil in a bedroom, a living area, or even at the head of your dining table. It plays nice with any spot it calls home. 

’Tis the Seating Season

Who wouldn’t adore a new statement piece of furniture? Whether you’re looking for one standout choice or a chair pair for a sitting area, you’ll find these three fab frames and many more stylish choices at The Black Goose Design. Stop by for a test sit today. 

image credit: Benjamin Moore

 image credit: Dash & Albert

image credit: Benjamin Moore 

 image credit: Wesley Hall

 

Learn more about Benjamin Moore color forecasting here. 

The fire burning in this gorgeous fireplace isn't the only source of warmth in this beautiful home. The entire house has that favorite-blanket vibe. You can't help but feel wrapped up in it and immediately put at ease as soon as you set foot in the door. 

Welcome to Michelle & Mike's home, designed by Denise Johnson at The Black Goose Design!

“As a professional electrician, I see new builds all the time,” Mike said. “There is definitely a trend towards bright and white right now. I like the open, airy feeling such a look creates but didn’t want to sacrifice the inviting feel warmer tones add. From a building point of view, it's why we paired large windows and glass doors, which keep our space feeling bright, with darker cabinets that add a richness. From there, it was up to a designer to put the finishing touches in place. Michelle and I have worked with The Black Goose Design on past projects, and they were a natural choice here."

A modern, bright environment that’s also warm and rich isn't an impossible goal. It's a beautiful aesthetic and choice to make. Denise Johnson was excited to work on this project and find decorative touches that would continue to add the warmth.

 “Denise directed us down the right path right away,” Michelle said with a smile. “With her help, we were able to pick just what we wanted from options she provided." 

Michelle has learned from past design experiences that having the right fit with your designer is crucial. 

 “You HAVE to match your designer” Michelle said with certainty. “You have to be able to say ‘I don’t like that’ and feel free to have an open, honest conversation with them. We have that kind of trust with Denise and it has made such a difference."

"Admittedly, I wasn't too eager to enter into the designing phase of our home," Michelle continued. "Even knowing I adore Denise, it seemed like a giant chore. But Denise turned those hard feelings around quickly. I warmed up to the idea almost immediately, because I felt such a wonderful connection to Denise. She made things fun!”

“There’s a lot of trust involved,” Denise added. “That trust and an open dialogue are what give you the big picture and put you on the right track."

"With any space, I begin with a conversation," Denise said. "My goal is to get to the heart of what our client wants. I want to know the function of the house. Do those living in it have lots of kids? Do they like to entertain? Etc. With initial conversations such as these, I better understand the client’s style and needs.”

“With Mike and Michelle, for example, I know that a big part of their world is their dogs,” Denise added. “They’re done with mashed cushions and sofas that won’t hold up to their pups. This meant a sofa with a tight back.”

“The sofa material was also important,” Michelle added. “Because of our big windows, we knew we needed a high-performance fabric that would withstand sunlight and not fade with time.”

“With such specific sofa needs, I was worried our style options would be too limited,” Mike said. “But The Black Goose Design offers more options than I realized. Plus, we were able to customize. We ended up with a sofa we love. What they did for us throughout our home not only met, but far exceeded my expectations!” 

“Denise was so good about getting me into the process,” Michelle added. “She’s really quick to know what I like and don’t like.” 

One of Michelle’s likes: cooking. It’s a love of hers, actually. This meant the kitchen needed to have a welcoming feel. 

FUN TIDBIT: Mike actually installed lighting in their countertops! What a cool effect!

“We wanted a big kitchen, because it’s the heart of our home,” Michelle said. “I wasn’t sure how we’d make such a large space feel warm and cozy, but Denise had perfect ideas and suggestions.”

From the living room and kitchen, Michelle, Mike, and Denise went on to design the master bath, the entryway, and other areas of the home. Working with a single designer/design firm, makes it easier to create a cohesive look throughout.

“We’ve actually worked with Denise on different projects over the years,” Michelle said. “She truly gets us. When I find that in a designer, I hang onto it. It makes everything easier and the outcome better!”

We couldn’t agree more, Michelle. The client/designer relationship is everything. Knowing that you and Mike are happy with your outcome means we’ve done our jobs well, and that’s everything to us! 

“Denise just made this whole experience feel good,” Michelle said. “We love how everything turned out, and, best of all, our kids just gravitate to this house. Now, I can’t wait for Thanksgiving!”

Mike and Michelle are such a special couple and family. We’ve loved helping this chapter of their beautiful story take flight. Are you ready to embark on a new chapter of your own? If so, give us a call at 801.562.1933. We’d love to help you turn your ideas into your dream home. 

“It’s a wonderful building! I drove by it nearly every day, and each time I’d pass, it would catch my eye. Then, one day, it came up for sale! I said to my husband, ‘We’ve got to buy it!’ He asked what for and I told him we’d think of something…” 

And think of something, she did! This is how Nancy Long, The Black Goose Design and Gardner Village founder, describes her introduction to what is now our gorgeous home, furniture showroom and interior design business. 

It’s a building rich with Utah history and loads of unique personality. Join us on this behind-the-scenes tour. We’ll go through areas not typically open to the public and discover the rich history behind our showroom home.  

THE BUILDING HISTORY

Let’s kick this trip back in time off with a look at this building’s story:  

• This gorgeous space was built in the early 1900s.
• Nancy Long purchased it in 1985.
• Before The Black Goose Design called it home, this building was the Sharon Steel Smelter mine office building, a rec center, a doctor’s office, and a seamstress shop/drapery workroom.

THEY DON’T MAKE ‘EM LIKE THIS ANYMORE

Step foot inside The Black Goose Design, and you know you’ve arrived at a special place. At your feet, you’ll likely see original hardwood flooring, as well as a peek at its rec center past. 

Along the walls, you can’t help but notice the antique radiators, which are still used to heat the building.

Around nearly every turn, you’ll see signs of the antique architecture: 

• gorgeous windows overhead

• a stylish stairwell running up the building’s center

• lightswitch plates that stand out from today’s flat crowd

• layers of personality peeking through in a spot where the wallpaper has fallen off the wall

• thick brick walls… 

… and the list goes on! It really is a treat to experience. 

AN UNSUAL FEATURE & A COLORFUL PAST

Of course, a feature that often catches the most attention are the large walk-in safes on both the main and upper levels.

Today, they house fabric swatches and clearance items, but they served a much more intense purpose when this building was the Sharon Steel Smelter office building. They held large sums of money for the mining company, including solid gold used in payroll. 

At that point in history, a train ran directly behind the building and would stop to make high-dollar cash deliveries. This was before the days of armored cars, so armed guards would sit in these very upstairs windows, machine guns in hand, guarding the deliveries against theft. Crazy stuff to imagine today! 

BEHIND THE SCENES

The Black Goose Design recently got a new front door. As the entryway was being remodeled, those who've worked here came by and signed their name on the wall around the door frame before the new casing went up. It's like our way of adding a piece of history to this already-interesting building's story! 

If you look closely, you might see "Joe Long" written across the top of the door before the gorgeous new frame (pictured below) went in. Others followed suit, adding their names all around the door. Very cool! 

TREES, PLEASE

Have you ever looked around Midvale and noticed a lack of trees? Well, maybe not a lack of trees, per se, but a lack of TALL trees. There’s a reason for this. 

“Some 20-25 years ago, Midvale did a cleanup, saying the ground was contaminated and needed to be removed,” Angie Gerdes, Nancy Long’s daughter and Gardner Village co-owner, recalls. “Much of Midvale was given the choice to either have their trees removed at no cost or keep their trees, knowing that if they were to die, the expense of the removal would fall to the property owner. Nearly everyone allowed the city to remove the trees, but Mom opted to keep our trees. It paid off. The trees lived. Today, they stand beautifully above The Black Goose Deisgn, adding to the building’s unique beauty.”

The exterior is also known for its ivy abundance.

Between the towering trees and the green coating its brick walls, The Black Goose Design looks a bit like a cottage tucked away in the woods. Well… except for the fact that it sits right on the west end of Midvale, but you get the fairytale vision we like to see.  

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

The building may look like the stuff of fairytales, but The Black Goose Design's story sure doesn't have a fairytale beginning. Let’s pick up where Nancy Long left off in 1985. She and her husband had just purchased the building. Though, her husband still wasn’t entirely convinced of the decision. 

“As we worked on renovating the space, my husband kept asking me what we were going to do with the building. ‘Make it a store,’ I’d tell him. ‘You already have a store,’ he’d reply. But I saw this store serving a different purpose than Country Furniture [now CF Home at Gardner Village]. It would be a higher-end furniture store.”

Nancy went ahead with her dream, attending a furniture market and buying as much as she could with her less-than-impressive credit rating at the time and a net-30 payback arrangement.

“The pressure was on. I had just one month to sell this furniture in order to make the payment, so I called my daughter Stacy in Wyoming and put her to work in the store. We filled the building with what we little we were able to purchase at market. I even brought in some of my own furniture to make it look less bare. To advertise our grand opening, we opted for a mailer, using our Country Furniture mailing list. On grand opening day, we had two furniture reps and our small staff ready to welcome our new customers... only they never came. Turns out the post office had failed to mail our flyers. I was so mad that I couldn't even get mad at that point. I just knew we HAD TO move this furniture, so I made a quick flyer and had the employees at Country Furniture put it in all the bags. I told them they had to get the word out. And that’s just what they did. We did $50,000 in business that first month and have been a success ever since.”

Talk about a stressful foot to start on. We admire Nancy Long and her vision. She knew she was on to something as soon as she saw the sale sign in front of this remarkable space, and she followed that gut instinct through, even though the deck seemed stacked against her. How happy we are she did, too. This space with all its character and its layers of history is the ideal backdrop for The Black Goose Design. Stop by anytime to take a look around for yourself. We'd love to meet you. Every customer who visits and client we serve adds to the rich tapestry that makes us who we are today!

25 years! Talk about a milestone! It’s how long Denise Johnson has been with the Gardner Mill Company stores. It’s also what makes Denise the employee who has been with our company the longest. That can only mean one thing—time for a party! 

Friends from The Black Goose Design and Gardner Village gathered together to celebrate Denise. 

Denise with Gardner Village co-owner, Angie Gerdes.

Little tributes to Denise were woven throughout, including plenty of cheese (her fav food!) and a blue/coastal decor vibe, because this girl LOVES the water. 

Denise’s Gardner Mill story began when she was just 16 when she was hired by Gardner Village founder, Nancy Long. 

“At that time, there was no Village,” Denise recalls. “It was just one store, Country Furniture. And the idea of working there sure beat delivering pizzas, so I left my Pizza Hut job and started this incredible journey!”

THE JOURNEY

Country Furniture wasn’t Denise’s only place of employment before joining us at The Black Goose Design. In fact, she’s worked at a total of 15 different stores in Gardner Mill Company stores over the years. In 2011, she started her full-time design position with us here at The Black Goose Design. 

“I was on the store-front side of things for many years, where I did the merchandising and displays and customer service and management and buying, but my vision has always been more big picture. I’m grateful for all of the experiences I’ve had that have helped get me where I am now.  I know each thing I've done and learned have helped prepare me for what I do now. I have a broader perspective and it all relates to how well I’m able to do my job.”

A LOOK AT DENISE’S INTERIOR DESIGN WORK

And what a fine job Denise does! Here are just a few of her recent projects:

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Working with the same company for a quarter century is no small thing. No wonder Denise feels extremely close to her coworkers. 

“All of the relationships I’ve cultivated over the years… These are my people! When you spend this much time with others, they become your family.” 

CONGRATULATIONS!

25 years with this fine woman? No wonder a celebration was in order. We have much to be grateful for. Not only is Denise amazing at what she does, she’s also a wonderful human being. Having her in our family is a gift. Congratulations on your milestone, Denise! Thanks so much for all you've done over the years!

Want to work with Denise on your next project? Call the store to schedule an appointment. 801.562.1933

The Black Goose Design is known for home interior design, but did you know we also specialize in transforming commercial spaces? Whether it's taking an office from blah to ahhh or helping you decorate a brand new build from the ground up, we love helping business owners identify and create their ideal spaces. 

One of our recent ground-up projects — The Wheel Room at Gardner Village! 

Believe it or not, this gorgeous events space was once a dark and crowded furniture store basement. Today it serves as an in-demand spot to host weddings and receptions, corporate gatherings, reunions, holiday parties, and more. Phew! Designing a space that serves so many purposes? That's a tall order! But we were up for the challenge. Take a look at what our talented designer, Randi, did with this space. 

MAKING A LIST

Like any project we approach, Randi first had to identify the client's wish list, as well as any unique requirements for the space. In this cool commercial area, that list included (but wasn't limited to) the following: 

* creating a cohesive design that works with the other events spaces already located in the historic Gardner Mill

* embracing the established industrial look of the mill and allowing its cool factor to shine, while also incorporating softer touches that complement such an asthetic

* designing a space that works for a variety of purposes, including corporate gatherings, weddings/receptions, reunions, and more

TASK 1: CREATING COHESION

Just as you want the overall feel of your home to be cohesive from one room to the next, a business should maintain a unifying feel throughout. Fortunately for us, we were actually involved in the designing phase of the Archibald's Restuarant (also located in the Gardner Mill at Gardner Village) re-model a few years ago, as well as the design work in the various events spaces on site, so it was easy to pick up where we left off with this newest addition.

Of course, this isn't to say we can't come in and enhance a project we haven't already had a hand in. We absolutely can. We love picking up where someone else has left off to create the finished look you desire.  

TASK 2: ADDING WARMTH 

It's not every day you get to offer design expertise for a building that was made before Lincoln was president. Talk about an exciting challenge! Our goal was to add touches of warmth that would let this one-of-a-kind building still come shining through as the star. Greens were a natural choice. They're a bright addition that will add life to any space (yes, even if those greens aren't, themselves, alive -- artificial works!).  

Linens increase the inviting aspect of a room. This is true in a home and can also be true in a commercial space. When appropriate, look for an area where you can add a bench or a few decorative pillows to a seating area. It can make all the difference in how your customers feel.

If throws and pillows don't make sense for your business, consider windor treatments and other opportunities to introduce fabric finishes.

When it comes to friendly details, inspiring words are a no-brainer. 

Finally, we worked warm and neutral shades in, like the reds woven into this divine table runner and the warm furnishings.

TASK 3: EMBRACING THE INDUSTRIAL

An old flour mill that functioned in Utah's pioneer days? Talk about a designer's dream today. Industrial is in! To enhance such a magnifcent canvas, we opted for classic simplicity. Clean lines and geometric shapes made sense and support the wheels and gears and such of days gone by.

The sleek contrast of black and white was another go-to choice. While very much on trend right now, black and white are also a classic choice that will stand the test of time. That's an imporatant aspect to consider when designing a commercial space. You don't want it to feel dated one, two, or five years from now.   

TASK 4: MAKING A MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACE 

As mentioned, Gardner Village created this space to meet their many clients' needs. From high school reunions and wedding receptions to business meetings and corporate celebrations, it's a room for all. The room even has a smaller meeting space on site, which can be used as a bridal suite or a smaller business meeting space. 

To go from corporate-cooperative to happily-ever-after in a single room? It can be done! The trick is sublety. For example, romantic touches that don't scream lovey-dovey but still offer sweet touches in the background of those wedding shots.  

We also selected decorative touches that wouldn't be too distracting. The last thing you want is a room full of business women and men who are more caught up in the decor than they are the task at hand. 

We recognize that not all businesses serve a one-size-fits all purpose, and we have the tricks up our sleeves to ensure your space can effectively transition from one need to the next. 

FROM BLEAK BASEMENT TO BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL

It’s hard to imagine this bright, beautiful, open area was once the dark, crowded basement of a furniture store. To see it transformed in this way has been such a neat experience.

 

Learn more about The Wheel Room at Gardner Village here.

YOUR NEXT COMMERCIAL PROJECT

Being involved in your business is a highlight of ours! Whether you already have an idea for the direction you want to take your commercial space in or you’re starting with a blank slate, the team at The Black Goose is here for you. Give us a call to set up an appointment with one of our talented designers today.

Today we will be giving you some gorgeous designer inspiration on how to dress up and refresh your walls with amazing artwork! Artwork has the tremendous ability to transform a space and infuse it with a pop-of-personality! Those beautiful pictures we hang on our walls add stylish finesse within our homes and are a crucial detail to completing a well-designed room.  

Be innovative when displaying your beloved art work. Art does not always necessarily have to be hung on a wall. Layering gorgeous art atop a mantel, a shelf or a piece of furniture always contributes unexpected interest. Displaying artwork in a unique way is always visually stunning and adds a "surprise" element in a room.

The walls of your home tell a story about the people who live in it, so make it as personal as you can. We adore the idea of mixing and matching your favorite pieces of art in a collage-style display. This type of display feels effortless and eclectic, and it also allows flexibility to add even more pieces to your personal art collection in time. Grouping art together is visually expressive and powerful. 

Eye-catching wall prints, above this amazing console piece, create a stunning focal point. We love the bits of blue and grey tones throughout this room. Utilizing these subdued colors in the entire room, especially within the artwork, give such a tranquil feeling.

Artwork can capture the essence of your personal design style. A large amount of wall space within the home is dedicated to displaying visual images that you adore, so make the best use of that prime real estate. Graphic prints and  pen and ink drawings always peek a visual interest with chic style. Muted coloring with simple shapes also can add great interest not only in the subject matter but in the amazing quality of the art piece itself!

Clustering unique sketches and paintings together can visually make a large impact within a space. We feel selecting artwork for your home is a very personal process. Choosing art pieces that you truly adore on your walls is important so display something you love! These sketched and watercolor art pieces are so elegant grouped together. Layering artwork also gives great depth and dimension. Every unique personal piece of art gives this room a refined and collected feel. 

As designers, we often are asked how to fill large wall spaces within the home. Well, there is no better way to make a dramatic design statement than with a substantial art piece. Showcasing one visually impactful piece on a large wall or area in your home will add designer flair with sophisticated simplicity. 

Large art pieces contribute generous proportion bringing scale and balance to spacious rooms. Expansive spaces call for a heavier visual weight when it comes to artwork so select art pieces that are adequate sizes. Creating balance is key for making a room feel complete and grounded. 

Grouping these simplistic art pieces together can make a large impact in a room. These elegant prints flow perfectly in this space and complement the beautiful bedding. Muted coloring will give a stylish and sleek presence when combining multiple art pieces together.

Art is more than just hanging a picture on a wall. It is a way of expressing your design style and surrounding yourself in an atmosphere that you love to be in. Our designer showroom located in Midvale, Utah is filled with gorgeous unique artwork that is sure to suit any style. Our interior designers are always delighted to suggest art pieces that will complement your space perfectly. 

The Black Goose Design is ecstatic to welcome our new store manager, Georgia Kendall! We are absolutely thrilled to have Georgia be a part of our talented interior design team. 

Georgia is a very familiar face to Gardner Mill Company. For five years, she did an outstanding job managing Layers Bedding, one of our charming sister stores that specializes in beautiful bedding and located at Gardner Village. Gardner Mill Company holds a special place in Georgia's heart as she has close ties with this amazing company located in West Jordan Utah. Her grandmother, Nancy Long, is the founder of Gardner Village, and Georgia is the third generation of her family to be working at Gardner Mill Company. She feels fortunate to be able to work side by side with her her uncle, Joe Long, and aunt, Angie Gerdes, who own Gardner Mill Company and Gardner Village, along with her mama Chris Fawson, who manages CF Home. 

Georgia is delighted to be able to share her expertise and design talents with The Black Goose Design! 

Georgia's years of experience working at Gardner Mill Company give her essential knowledge on the many high-quality companies that we carry. Ensuring every client has a wonderful design experience complete with supreme customer service that results in total project success is her top priority. Georgia's focus is to create beautiful spaces for her clients to enjoy, but most importantly a functional space that fits her clients' individual design needs. She enjoys collaborating timeless pieces with fresh, new design elements, creating a unique look specific to her clients' personalities.

Georgia has assisted in home renovations, and has enjoyed the process of seeing a space come together beautifully. Georgia truly embraces collaborating all the principles and elements of design together to create excellence. She specializes in space planning, material selection and remodeling.

Georgia is currently renovating her 1975 brick rambler and it's well underway to becoming a beautiful space! Georgia was gracious enough to share the tremendous before and after results of one of the powder baths in her home. 

As you can see, Georgia has such amazing talent! We absolutely adore this gorgeous refreshed bathroom. Stunning crisp, white shiplap gives a completely different look to this space. Can you believe the difference? The handsome touches of industrial lighting add an eye-catching contrast and this renewed bathroom is now a lovely tranquil space. We are looking forward to seeing more of her renovation projects, and we are positive they will be captivating.

Georgia is an absolute expert when it comes to beautiful, cozy bedding. One of her passions is creating inviting, restful bedroom retreats complete with luxurious bedding.

She loves introducing and educating her clients on high-quality fine linens, and allowing each client to experience the gift of a good night's rest in spectacular bedding. We can all relate to that!

Georgia loves what she does; and with her skill set, we are so excited to see her thrive at The Black Goose Design.

 Georgia's passion, knowledge and expertise in design make her a well-rounded designer and will be a tremendous asset to The Black Goose Design. Georgia has such an enthusiasm for interior design and embraces the entire process. Welcome Georgia to The Black Goose Design!

Get ready for part two of the stunning Smalls Manor, a historic home built in 1899 and located in the Avenues of Salt Lake City, Utah. This glorious home has recently been through a two-year design renovation completed by our own interior designer, Randi Smith. We are absolutely thrilled to give you an exclusive look inside of Randi's charming home. We had previously featured her lovely home on our blog during renovations, and if you missed it, be sure to check out the incredible before and after photos here. 

Randi felt the renovations that needed to take place should look fresh and modern, yet still capture the charm of a historical home. Classic and timeless materials were used to keep true to this home's historic roots. A fully-updated kitchen, complete with luxurious appliances, are definitely a highlight at Smalls Manor. We adore this bright, white kitchen with its accents of gold hardware and vintage pendant lighting. A large island was constructed in the center of the kitchen along with a counter bar to provide functional use and additional seating.

We admire the sharp contrast of black and white features within the kitchen. They are oh-so-handsome! Classic coloring and sleek custom cabinetry were combined to create a timeless and seamless look. Here is a quick reminder of what this kitchen looked like before renovations took place.

Randi also paid close attention to the architectural features of the home, such as crown molding and interior doors. She had a clear vision of how the interior details should be showcased and went to work on designing fashionable doors. These custom doors were made specifically for Smalls Manor, and the rich detailing of each door is amazing! We love the curvature and elegant lines of every unique interior door. They finish off the home perfectly.

Smalls Manor houses some incredible lighting fixtures. Everywhere you look there is a different visually stunning source of light. These kitchen pendant lights are a strong feature and visually echo a vintage look, which is ideal for this home.

The kitchen and living space give an open and airy feel. This space is ideal for lounging in total comfort with friends and family.

As interior designers, we are always ecstatic when we have the opportunity to create a spectacular space for our clients. If you are thinking about starting your own renovation, building a new home or simply are needing a refreshed look within your home, we would be happy to be your partner and assist you in your design projects. Having an experienced interior designer by your side through the design process can save you valuable time and expense. We have the expertise and knowledge to bring your interior design vision together with ease!

This open living space is so welcoming and warm! The rich color palette is sophisticated yet casual. A custom sectional paired with a rich leather ottoman are ideal for this space. The Black Goose Design carries the highest quality upholstery companies, and can be completely customized to fit your personal design style!

Before this casual living space felt heavy and dark. A lighter bright paint and new window treatments completely transformed this room, The difference is amazing!

So many gorgeous details fill this room, and we love the idea of incorporating additional seating wherever you can. These sleek stools are tucked away perfectly but can be pulled out with ease if extra seating is needed!

These custom roman shades give a pop-of-pattern without overwhelming the space. Window treatments can add fantastic texture to a room and will also visually help "frame-in" your windows. We especially like how these Roman shades complement the gorgeous original stained-glass window in the center of the room.

Custom, cozy chairs are abundant at Smalls Manor. This particular chair style is one of our favorites! We adore the high-back and the plush luxurious seat on these custom accent chairs. The exposed wood also highlights the chic lines of the chair frame and gives definition to both chairs.

Off the kitchen is an endearing hallway filled with beautiful artwork (many art pieces are originals) that hold special meaning and are close to Randi's heart. Many of the art pieces are varied in scale and size making this hallway visually interesting. These fun art pieces have been arranged in a gallery-type styling which allows for flexibility to keep adding to her beautiful art collection with ease.

At the end of the charming hallway, a darling door opens up into a quaint powder bath. This magnificent bathroom is complete with black and white hexagon tiling, an ideal selection for keeping true to this home's original style. 

As we journey upstairs, a lovely vignette is arranged at the top of the stairs which leads into the marvelous master bedroom. 

A serene scene of tranquil bedding and plush pillows make this master bedroom heavenly! Natural textures, combined with light coloring, give a peaceful ambiance throughout this room. When it comes to bedding, it is a good idea to select versatile main bedding pieces. By keeping your main bedding pieces neutral, this will allow for flexibility to mix in a variety of accent throw pillows or playful prints. This is especially helpful when you may be itching to switch up your bedding seasonally. 

A delightful seating area, complete with a lush velvet chaise lounge, adorns this master bedroom. Randi visualized a small seating area in the bedroom where she could relax in total comfort at the end of the day. Natural elements are carried throughout this gorgeous seating area, and the large textured rug brings in an organic feel to this space and creates a cohesive look. Grand french doors are dressed with the most spectacular pleated draperies and are the perfect finishing touch to this master suite.

Master bedroom before

The many renovations that took place in Smalls Manor have been completed with absolute design perfection! It has been our pleasure to share this incredible design journey of an extraordinary project and transformation. 

Our interior design team is always eager to partner with you in all of your design needs. We offer professional interior design services that will ease the design process. Whether you are building a new home, starting a renovation project or are considering refreshing your space, we would love to assist you through it all! Investing in an interior designer and having a design expert by your side will assure you that you are making the very best choice in your design selections. Our latest major interior design project Banbury Manor, was a property featured in the 2018 Salt Lake Parade of Homes. This stunning home had a beautiful master plan and vibrant vision. Each of our talented designers made this home a stunning design dream and tremendous success. 

Each interior designer at The Black Goose Design is extremely knowledgeable, professional and will give you the expertise and guidance you desire throughout you design project. We would love to meet with you, to set up a design appointment click here.

We want to be your interior design partner in all of your projects, there is no better time then now to meet with one of our expert designers to start making your design dreams become a reality. Working with an interior designer will put you on the path to design success. Our knowledge in many aspects of design will give you peace of mind that your design project is properly managed and will deliver the gorgeous results you had envisioned.

The Black Goose Design is so delighted to present a very special designer home tour. This beautiful home located in the historic Salt Lake City Avenues belongs to one of our designers, Randi Smith. Randi has been on a two-year journey renovating this incredible home that was built in 1899. We previously featured her lovely home on our blog while she renovated. You can check out the amazing before and after photos here.

We are ecstatic to finally reveal many stunning designer details throughout this home and give you an up close and personal sneak peek inside! Welcome to Smalls Manor, a charming home that showcases gorgeous interior design. 

As you are welcomed into this quaint entryway, a handsome vignette greets you. We absolutely adore the stunning floor, and the tilework is a work of art! The entryway sets a classic feel and style for the entire home. Randi felt it was important to keep many of the home's features timeless, as if these fabulous details had always been part of the home. 

Below is a friendly reminder of what this space looked like before renovations took place. Amazing isn't it?! Look for the "before" photos so that you can see the stunning transformation of this extraordinary home! You will not believe your eyes!

Entryway before

Many striking lighting fixtures are displayed throughout Smalls Manor, giving such a unique and visual presence. We love how this round light casts gorgeous shadowing as you enter the home.

One of our favorite upholstered furniture pieces is this custom-made bench. The textured fabric and tufted backing is simply stunning! Incorporating an upholstered piece into your entryway is a great way to create an inviting look to the space that welcomes friends and family.

The sleek lines of this bench gives a transitional and modern feel, and the nailhead trim combined with contrasting fabrics are delightfully picturesque.

Living room before

When starting a renovation, (or any design project) having a professional designer by your side can be a tremendous help and is a great investment. As expert interior designers, we have the ability to help you see the potential of your space and create a master design plan to suit your design style and needs. 

We absolutely admire all of the soft textures within this space. The hair-on-hide pouf ottomans display soft curves and are such a pretty detail to finish off this sitting room.

A simple yet stunning mantel display lends a touch of gold glam. Layered artwork, which incorporates the color palette of this space, fits the room perfectly. We love the crackled vintage presence this art piece brings to the room.

Crisp, white walls paired with deep jewel-toned accents create a sharp and handsome contrast. Adding rich color within your space will contribute depth and dimension for a visually impressive room.

Every single design detail was flawlessly brought together to create phenomenal interior design! Randi has incredible design talent and her expertise in every aspect of this home made the renovation a complete success (and it shows)!  

Dining room before

The dining room is the ideal space to share a delicious meal and make memorable moments surrounded in style. Randi enjoys hosting dinner parties and social get-togethers so a large, functional dining area was a must! Cozy upholstered dining chairs paired with a warm-toned dining table sets the mood for a lovely soiree. 

A chic black sideboard visually anchors this room, and how can you overlook the breathtaking floral artwork? These large art pieces add such a delicate touch and echos the beautiful blooms on display.

Every angle in this room is a total interior design dream!

We simply cannot get enough of all of the phenomenal lighting fixtures throughout this home. This particular light gives a soft, warm glow making it the perfect fixture for hosting cozy dinner parties. The exposed bulbs and chic design of this chandelier fits the room and style of the home magnificently.

The home features many beautiful and grand windows. Custom draperies are not only essential for controlling light exposure and privacy, they also aid in framing in those wonderful windows. Adding draperies to your home will give you the ultimate finished and refined look to any space. We are always happy to customize window treatments for your home.

Mixing in amazing accessories completes a room with perfection! A hint of gold with some organic elements atop this stunning sideboard gives life to the space and also draws attention to the striking artwork.

Layering accessories within a room will bring color and key textures that are essential for a well-designed room. Allow us to manage all of your home accessory needs, creating ambiance and designer presence in a room is our specialty. Our designers can install beautiful and unique accessories in your home with a designer's touch. The best part is you will not even have to worry about placing a single item!

 Glorious natural lighting fills this stairway giving a bright and fresh ambiance. 

Magnificent original stained glass windows are present throughout this historic home. Each window is a complete artistic masterpiece and contributes so much character.

Stairway before

Updating a home is always a good idea and will increase the value of the home so you cannot go wrong with remodeling. The added bonus of comfort and ease of livability will make a huge improvement in your lifestyle making a remodel a win-win.

We are so thrilled to give you, our wonderful readers, an exclusive look at the completion of this amazing historic home. Our talented designers would love to assist you in any and all of your design projects. We are always eager to create a custom master design plan that is tailored to your design needs. It would be our absolute pleasure to partner with you on your next design project, large or small! Next week we will be showing many more striking details of Smalls Manor, and you won't want to miss it!

Hip, hip, hooray, summertime is finally here! With warmer days ahead, we find ourselves spending a little more time outside, making this the ideal time to refresh your outdoor living space. The Black Goose Design is ecstatic to introduce our brand new outdoor furniture line, Summer Classics. As designers, we love creating gorgeous outdoor spaces just as much as interior spaces! Summer Classics has the very finest in high-end outdoor furniture that will perform and stand up to the test of mother nature! Every furniture piece in this new line has charming designer details and breaks the mold of the typical "outdoor furniture" look.  

Cozy custom chairs, sectionals, dining sets, chaise lounges and table accents were all designed to be visually pleasing, functional and comfortable. These stylish pieces are constructed with durable materials and excellent craftsmanship that will give you the longevity you are looking for when investing in your outdoor furniture.

As designers, we always encourage utilizing the entire space of your home, both inside and out! Outdoor spaces often get overlooked, however, they should be viewed as an important extension of your home and property. Who could say no to relaxing in your very own private retreat? Creating a serene space that surrounds you in nature's beauty is a wonderful bonus, especially when you get to relax in the most comfortable outdoor furniture. 

Summer Classic's entire line of outdoor furniture is timeless and designer chic. The very best in materials is used on each product to ensure quality and durability. Powder coated framing, UV resistant fabrics, and high-quality teak wood are just a few features that makes this furniture line the pinnacle of technology with beautiful craftsmanship. 

Guests will most certainly feel right at home and want to linger a little longer in your new outdoor escape. Custom upholstery pieces can be created to your personal design style. Hundreds of fade resistant fabrics with design-savvy style can be customized on cozy cushions and throw pillows to make a vignette that is as unique as you.

All of the plush, deep cushioning will surround you in total comfort. Distinct designer details like this striking brass hardware on the back of these heavenly chairs are stunning! Relish the outdoors in complete luxury with furniture from Summer Classics this summer. A welcoming outdoor space can be as simple as putting a few chairs together to create a great conversation area.

Gather your dearest family and friends and create a memorable outdoor evening filled with designer details, delicious food and a beautiful space. 

Our expert designers are eager to create an outdoor oasis tailored to your personal design needs. We are happy to design the ultimate outdoor entertaining space that you will adore for years to come! So grab a glass of refreshing lemonade and allow us to help you enjoy your new space in the great outdoors! Cheers to summertime! 

Are you ready to enhance and bring some design drama into your space? Today The Black Goose Design is spotlighting a simple way to dress up those walls by adding color, pattern and texture in your home. Wallpaper is delightfully on trend throughout the design industry and with good reason! 

Today's wallpaper is most definitely not your grandmother's wallpaper. This modern wall treatment brings beautiful prints, gorgeous textures and eye-catching color with high designer style into a space. Wallpaper also adds incredible depth and dimension to your home that plain paint just cannot. Many wallpapers today are extremely durable, stain-resistant, washable and eco-friendly. Incorporating wallpaper into your home is a simple way to add a unique and chic design style.

Going from painted walls to wallpaper can be a big step, and knowing where to start can be a challenge. That is where our expert designers come in! We are here to get you excited about creating a distinct space with wallpaper, a place that defines your design personality.

Wallpaper is a wonderful work of art for walls, the wallpapers that are featured today are from one of our adored wallpaper companies that we proudly carry, Thibaut. This company has endless stunning styles, colors and textured wallpapers to select from. Thibaut has the very best in fine wallpapering treatments and we love to utilize them for our clients. Styling a room with wallpaper will instantly transform the entire look of any space with ease. Wallpaper is powerful, visually stunning and sets the mood, tone and ambiance for your home.

If you are not up to committing to an entire room of wallpaper, try applying paper to single wall or a small powder bath. This can be a helpful way to gently introduce pattern on your walls.

Smaller prints like geometrics will make a large impact with a clean and modern feel. Visual interest is key to a well-designed room, and printed patterns are a fantastic way to add specific interest with out overpowering a room.

Striking pattern, combined with sharp coloring, is an impressive way to display design style. This gorgeous geometric wallpaper is flocked, which also adds a deep dimensional element of texture as well.

Many modern wallpaper designs are simple but still pack a huge punch of designer personality! Anyone can incorporate this charming wall treatment into many spaces within the home.

Luxurious printed wallpaper defines sophistication that can give a touch of glam! There are many styles that have beautiful sheens and metallic textures to highlight your walls.

Floral wallpaper has always been a classic print, and these modern floral prints have been refined for a look of simplicity. A floral pattern can be applied in many spaces within your home. We are seeing a huge rise in floral wallpaper in bedrooms, bathrooms and even laundry rooms! Be brave and bold with the application of wallpaper. It makes an impactful, stylish statement!

As interior designers, we all agree adding texture to a room is so important. A grasscloth woven wallpaper will deliver appealing texture and depth. A natural organic-like texture provides a dimensional quality that will instantly warm-up any space.

Wallpaper is all about creating shape and movement that embraces fresh design. 

Wallpaper is not only for walls, ceilings are an excellent way to showcase a beautiful print and it will add an unexpected element to a room. Also, try lining the backing of bookcases with a fun wallpaper print, even with a small amount of wallpapering, you will be surprised how big of an impact it will have in your space.

Create a space within your home that is truly unique with wallpaper! Now is the time to revisit wall coverings. Wallpaper offers so many delightful options, and there are sure to be styles just for you. Allow our expert interior designers to assist you in selecting the perfect wall covering for your home! Visit our showroom located in Midvale, Utah where our design team will show you the latest in designer wallpaper.

You are in for a interior design treat today! Lee Industries, a high-quality upholstery company that we absolutely adore and carry, has given us an exclusive look at their brand new fabric and furniture design trends for this year! You will be the first to see this incredible line of amazing fabrics and latest in upholstery trends here on our blog.

The Black Goose Design carries the finest in furniture, especially when it comes to upholstery. Lee Industries produces extremely high-quality pieces made with precision craftsmanship. Every upholstered piece is proudly constructed in the USA, specifically in North Carolina! Each piece of furniture is crafted by skilled associates all by hand, ensuring a high standard of quality. Did you know 98% of Lee's components that go into their products are supplied domestically? Being eco-friendly is extremely important to Lee.  By sourcing materials from local suppliers, this results in reduced transportation costs, which is all around better for the environment. Lee Industries had a fantastic spring furniture market, and we are thrilled to be showing these fresh new textiles.

We feel honored to have had a visit from the very talented Jan Whitson. She is the lead fabric designer and buyer for Lee Industries. Jan has been in the design industry for over 25 years. With a degree in textiles, her knowledge and expertise about creating new textile designs is astonishing. 

Jan created original fabric designs specially for Lee Industries, and they are nothing short of stunning! Her vision for a few fabrics came from organic, nature-inspired elements. She focused on fluidity and movement within the textiles, and her final products are proudly welcomed into Lee's new spring line. Her inspirations started from agate rock, ash trees, an african mud cloth and tantalizing textures. The fabrication of these fabulous fabrics all came together wonderfully!

This gorgeous print was actually inspired from a lily pad. Bold larger-scaled prints always look stellar on upholstered accent chairs. Utilizing a large-sized print such as this one delivers a punch of personality and visual interest.

This extraordinary textile mimics the look of aspen trees and is an unbelievable work of art!

This faux paux (meaning "fake bark") pattern resembles the natural beauty of a tree trunk. Organic elements influenced a large part of this year's market at Lee. Every print turned out phenomenal.

The movement in this fabric is breathtaking. Dramatic patterns are a must for a well-designed room, and this particular fabric truly brought a "wow" factor to the 2019 spring line!

An eye-grabbing geometric with a subtle texture was inspired from an African mud cloth design. We adore the primitive simplicity of this remarkable fabric.

Delicate watercolor floral prints are always a designer favorite! These prints are soft, feminine and are a great take on a modern, chic floral look.

Lee has incredible fabrics that are also super durable. These types of fabrics are a perfect match for busy homes that take a lot of wear and tear! Crypton fabrics are serious performance fabrics that will not only look beautiful but will give you longevity for your upholstery. These fabrics have an impressive soft hand or "feel" and are extremely comfortable. We featured an entire blog post specifically on crypton fabric, and be sure to revisit that post here to learn more!

Lee has also created mind-boggling indoor and outdoor endurance fabrics that can resist any spill. The unique moisture barrier allows spills to bead up on top of the fabric which helps to avoid seepage into your upholstery. A simple blot and wipe will have your sofa or chair looking brand new in no time! Lee has state-of-the-art textiles that can withstand the true test of "life!" Combining multiple fibers such as linen, wool and soft cotton produce exceptional fabrics that encompass both beauty and durability.

The Black Goose Design is ecstatic to have had a wonderful business partnership with Lee Industries for many years. The high-quality and craftsmanship that goes into every custom upholstered piece is amazing! As designers, it is our goal to always educate and share the very best in furniture that the design industry has to offer to our clients. Partner with one of our talented designers to customize any high-quality upholstered piece from Lee Industries today. With hundreds of extraordinary, beautiful fabrics to select from, our expert interior designers are happy to help guide you in creating an ideal living space that suits your personal style.

Welcome back to part two of our favorite top dark paint picks from our expert designers. We are excited to be sharing more gorgeous rich paint colors that we love and that you can utilize in your own space! As interior designers, we always say new paint will deliver the biggest bang for your buck. A fresh coat of paint will instantly change the entire look and feel of your room with minimal investment. 

Rich, dark colors are predominantly on trend in the design industry. Be bold and capture that design drama in your home with some of these intense and beautiful paint colors.

Danielle

• Sherwin Williams - Shamrock -  "In one of my design projects I used this paint color in a master bedroom with an Aspen tree mural. It truly felt like an escape, the color is calming, rich and welcoming."

Deep coloring does not always have to be black or navy. This intense green is saturated with gorgeous pigmentation and will deliver spectacular ambiance in a room. 

*photo from Apartment Therapy

Ali

• Benjamin Moore - Cheating Heart -  "Whenever I use this paint color, my clients cannot get enough of it! Typically, they absolutely love the look and richness of its deep coloring and will use it in a few areas in their home."

Think of creative and unique ways to incorporate rich color into your home. Paint does not always have to be applied to walls, interior doors, ceilings and cabinetry are all splendid ways to add big personality with designer flair.

*photo from Remodelaholic

The Black Goose Design Staff Favorite

• Sherwin Williams - Roycroft Pewter  We all agree as a design team that this stunning paint color has incredible depth to it. With intense pigmentation and just a hint of blue, it is extremely versatile! This paint color also mimics a very popular wood finish from Redford House Furniture, a high-quality and unique furniture company that we proudly carry. We adore incorporating stunning dark-painted wood furniture pieces into design plans for our clients.

Painted architectural elements within your home will create a huge visual interest and design statement. Darker colors on your walls produce a fabulous backdrop that will allow you to play up your upholstery and other accents in the space.  

*photo from Houzz

We also all absolutely admire Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams! When renovations recently took place at historic Gardner Village, CF Home received a fresh new look to the exterior of their storefront. This appealing color was used on the beams outlining this charming store. Iron Ore gives a sharp and handsome contrast against the bright white wood and textured stone exterior.

Another captivating dark paint color is Greenblack by Sherwin Williams. This deep and dramatic color was used by Randi, our store manager and buyer, in her own home! A bold stripe of Greenblack was painted in a cozy corner that is an eye-catching feature within this room. Painting a pattern on an accent wall like this classic stripe will add an interesting visual element to your space.

Go ahead and embrace the dark side with these designer approved paints! Painting a room a new color is the easiest way to totally transform your space. Be on top of the latest design trend and incorporate rich, moody color within your home. Our expert designers are always eager to assist you in all of your interior design needs. We would love to pick the perfect paint color for your home and create a space that you truly love!

Our expert designers are spilling their favorite dark and dramatic colored paint picks! We are seeing beautiful, bold paint colors popping up within the design industry, especially in wall color! Incorporating deep rich paint colors in your home will instantly and effortlessly add serious design drama to any space! Our talented designers are thrilled to share their favorite dark paints they use in their design plans with you today!

Randi

• Benjamin Moore - Gentlemen's Grey - "I first saw this paint color on my neighbor's door, a red brick tudor home. I loved how it incorporated grey, blue and green hues, so fresh and classic. I chose the same color for the new door at The Black Goose Design!"

Be bold with a dark paint on the exterior of your home, the front door is an excellent way to display rich color! A colorful door always adds charm and major curb appeal.

Denise

• Sherwin Williams - Urban Bronze " This rich color is so stunning, I gasped when I saw it on custom cabinetry at the St. George, Utah Parade of Homes. It has been a favorite paint of mine ever since!"

A lavishly colored wall with a crisp white trim will give you a handsome contrast and enhance your space highlighting mouldings.

*photo from Ballard Designs

Jenny

• Benjamin Moore's - Hale Navy "This paint color truly is the perfect navy blue. You can dress this gorgeous color up or down. It also looks so chic with brass hardware and accessories."

This striking navy color blends beautifully with many other accent colors. This favorite paint pick is so versatile and is flattering in any room! 

*photo from Houzz photo credit City Homes, LLC

 Kelly

• Benjamin Moore - Chrome Green "This paint color is a true green, there are no yellow or blue hues to it. This is a truly unifying color because it reads as an organic color. This paint flows with neutrals, warm or cool colors. It presents itself as fresh, clean and crisp."

A deep green paint color is so simple to intermix within your home. Green pairs easily with both neutral coloring and vivid hues.

*photo by House Beautiful

Our entire design team agrees on one very special (and favorite) paint color, Soot by Benjamin Moore. We used this gorgeous color in our Parade of Homes, Banbury Manor on some of the cabinetry. This rich coloring perfectly complemented the home with a classic, yet fresh style.

We adore incorporating noteworthy paint colors in many spaces and encourage you to be bold with your paint color. Whether you want to make a statement in a room or create an eye-catching exterior accent, a deep paint color will always deliver the designer look you crave. Including rich paint colors in your home has always been an excellent way to pack a huge punch of design drama that gives life to any area of your space!

It is always our pleasure to assist all of our wonderful clients with any and every design need. We love sharing  helpful interior design information and ideas with you, our loyal readers! Our blog is the perfect way to stay up on the latest in designer trends and obtain exclusive designer tips from The Black Goose Design! 

*Due to individual device monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect  Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin More  paint colors. To confirm your color choices, visit with one of our interior design professionals.

Get ready for an exclusive inside peek at the latest in gorgeous designer fabrics and a showroom tour from upholstery company Wesley Hall! Wesley Hall is a high-quality upholstery line that is proudly manufactured in the USA with supreme craftsmanship. The Black Goose Design proudly carries Wesley Hall and is delighted to work with them to bring you the very latest in interior design textiles and upholstery. This spring market was a sensational success with stunning new fabrics and chic upholstery styles galore! 

Zack Taylor, the president of Wesley Hall, has given us an exclusive showing of stunning new fabrics that have been introduced for this year. Mr. Taylor is an expert on furniture and fabric construction creating the perfect combination of experience to grow with the Wesley Hall brand. Previous to being at Wesley Hall he worked for Valdese Weavers, a fabric product manufacture. Valdese Weavers makes a very large portion of Wesley Hall's fabrics. Quality textiles are a tremendous part of upholstery, and the distinct blending of colors, patterns and textures found in fabric makes each upholstered piece unique. As designers, it is our goal to educate our clients about the textiles they are investing in for their furniture. Exceptional fabrics of the highest quality are made exclusively for Wesley Hall. Each custom upholstered piece is made to detailed specifications, making Wesley Hall a supreme upholstery company that delivers excellence in design.

Wesley Hall is a family owned company that is currently employing their fifth generation in the business! All of their fabulous furniture pieces are made right here in the USA, specifically in North Carolina, the furniture capital of the world. These splendid photos are from their latest spring design market which displayed remarkable fabrics and new upholstered pieces that were added to their line. We absolutely adore this quilted leather chair! Leather is always a winner for incorporating rich texture within a room, Wesley Hall provides the very finest in leathers and hair-on-hides.

Wesley Hall is extremely detail-oriented from start to finish, they make sure that every upholstered piece is completed with perfection. They hand cut all of their quality fabrics with absolute precision, this guarantees the fabric pattern will match-up with exactness and produces very little waste of the fabric. This high-quality upholstery company also uses the "8-way" hand-tied system, meaning each spring inside the frame is tied together eight times which establishes even wear. They use this system for all of their seating including stools and chairs.

Every textile and fabric is a true work of art within Wesley Hall's gorgeous line! This stunning scene has light airy fabrics paired with a deep jewel-toned tufted leather sofa, a designer match made in heaven! Patterned fabrics are eye-catching and can showcase personality, Wesley Hall has hundreds of impeccable patterns to choose from to adorn your personal space.  

Wesley Hall puts an enormous amount of time in making sure each custom upholstered piece is completed to a high standard. Their large selection of frame styles will always remain classic pieces with enduring style. Wesley Hall's tagline is, "Classic made Current", taking classic design and approaching it with fresh styling.  

Rich color, pattern and texture are ample within Wesley Hall's gorgeous fabric selection. Their brilliant combination of styling and high-quality craftsmanship makes Wesley Hall furniture the very best in the design industry! The Black Goose Design was ecstatic to have a visit with Peter Jacobs, an expert designer and stylist who is the genius behind some of these wonderful collections specially made for Wesley Hall. 

Wesley Hall has just celebrated a tremendously successful 30 years within the furniture business! The Black Goose Design is proud to say we have shared a strong business relationship with them for many years. We firmly believe in partnering with the best in the design industry and creating long-term business relationships that are cherished. 

Our design team is always delighted to indulge our clients with the finest textiles and assist in creating a custom upholstered piece that is ideal for their design style. We have full access to the most sought-after designer fabrics within the industry allowing for us to create gorgeous one-of-a-kind handmade furniture. The Black Goose Design has a stunning showroom located in Midvale, Utah filled with phenomenal, comfortable upholstery that will knock your socks off! 

We are ecstatic to bring an exclusive inside sneak peek at the latest designer trends in the design industry! Today we will be taking you inside High Point Furniture Market, located in North Carolina. This is where the very best in furniture, rugs, and home accents come together in one spectacular space!

Randi, our talented manager and buyer at The Black Goose Design, recently attended High Point Market. She is thrilled to give you a behind-the-scenes look at all of the latest design-savvy trends that will be gracing our showroom at The Black Goose Design here in Utah. 

Within the past year or so, the design industry has seen bolder colors present within upholstery and home accents. This year, the trend has moved to deeper jeweled toned coloring. Rich greens, moody blues, and beautiful burgundy tones made a gorgeous debut at the Wesley Hall showroom. Wesley Hall is an upholstery company that we have proudly carried for many years and is made with the highest-quality in materials and craftsmanship. Their stunning showrooms at High Point Market are always top-notch and filled with the latest trends.

Lavish texture was very apparent throughout Hight Point Market and was showcased beautifully on this sleek accent chair. Paisley and muted damask patterns have always been timeless and classic prints in design. These prints were a perfect companion for all of the rich jewel-toned colors displayed at High Point. This stunning damask type pattern displays a soft, vintage look that we absolutely adore!

Plush, velvety textiles were combined with varied fabrics that created a sophisticated and transitional style. The posh look of velvet combined with this streamlined wood exposed chair gives a chic and modern vibe. This year is all about incorporating lush textures and indulging in classy fabrics. Velvet seemed to be one of the most sought-after textiles and with good reason. With its luscious soft hand, who wouldn't want to cozy up in a velvet chair?

You may be wondering, what about all the light and brighter neutrals? Not to worry, with all the rich color palettes we are seeing in the design industry, neutrals remain very present! Neutrals are still a large part of the design market, and we are seeing the rich pops of color paired with neutral upholstered pieces! This light and cheery showroom is a perfect example of pairing the two worlds. A crisp white sofa with natural wood elements combined with an eye-catching art piece that include intense indigos tied togther the light and dark colors perfectly. The deep colors gave this showroom depth and dimension while still keeping the "feel" of the room light and airy.

Traditional looks were showcased with an edgy and urban feel. Metalic finishes were mixed with classic patterns and geometric prints that gave an inviting look.

Warm and natural wood tones with streamlined features in this dainty desk gave an organic presence. Incorporating wood tones within home decor brings character and essential versatility in a space. 

One of our favorite upholstery companies, Lee Industries has introduced an appealing line! Beautiful fabrics that are shown here are part of a laundered line that have a super "soft to the touch" presence and bring a relaxed yet refined feel to upholstery. There was such a naturalness and simplicity to the line. These wonderful textiles with fabulous prints will be a popular choice for upholstery this coming year.  

Lee Industries also has an incredible line of durable, outdoor furniture that we absolutely adore! Lee has a distinct style of making outdoor furniture look ultra chic and comfortable. This long-lasting furniture has easy-to-clean performance fabrics that will astonish you with its beautiful high-designer style and resilience. 

Heirloom-type area rugs are always a favorite find at Market! Just look at those rich, ravishing colors! We are thrilled to bring the latest artwork for your floor back to our showroom. Fabulous new rugs will be arriving from Joanna Gaines within her new Magnolia line. Also, one of our most popular rug lines, Loloi Rugs, has brought on stunning new additions into their line. We cannot wait to incorporate some of these amazing area rugs into design plans.  

As designers, we cannot stress enough the importance of including a rug in your space! It is absolutely key for pulling together your room with ease! Area rugs always make an impactful impression with color, texture and pattern, and these gorgeous new rugs will not disapoint. Be sure to stop by our showroom located in Midvale, Utah to see all of these ravishing rugs ready to adorn your home.

Interior design is our greatest passion, and were delighted to share with you the industry's latest design and fresh new market trends! This year's market was another tremendous success, and we are enthusiastic about filling our showroom floor with exclusive pieces and beautiful accents for you! We are looking forward to a fabulous year full of gorgeous, on-trend interior design!

When it comes to interior design, most of us desire to create the biggest visual impact we can achieve with minimal cost. Our focus today is interior lighting, and we will be showing you some simple ways to acquire a high-design look for less!

Lighting is one of the most important and powerful elements of interior design, and it is key for a well-designed home. The lighting used in your space will strongly affect the overall feel and ambiance of your space. These wonderful ideas will help you illuminate your home with layers of beautiful, inviting lighting.

If you are thinking of switching up some lighting within your home, the entryway is an ideal area to showcase a new lighting feature. The entry is one of the first places your guests will see in your home, so make a visual impact with a beautiful lighting fixture. Select a striking chandelier, one that will set the tone and style for your home. A dramatic lighting piece will also draw special attention to any architectual details you may have in your entryway.

Suspend a light and airy lighting fixture above a staircase! Keeping with a simplistic yet notable stylish feature will enhance the entire area with soft luminous light.

Selecting new lighting for your home should be exciting and fun! You do not have to spend a fortune to upgrade your space with a gorgeous accent light. A smart (and inexpensive) way to contribute additional light is to intermix varied table and floor lamps, they will make a huge difference within your space. Additional lamps scatter light throughout your room that will add height, fullness and create a cozy atmosphere. 

An often overlooked area for lighting fixtures are in hallways. This is a great place to add a bit of sparkling dazzle with distinct lighting features. A lit hallway brings beautiful brilliance to an otherwise dreary space. Be mindful of fixtures that will create a soft glow and that will suit the height of the hallway without overwhelming it.

Add in a few recessed lights to your room to create highlight and ambiance. Recessed lights are visually sleek and give fantastic light coverage when installed correctly. It is also a great idea to incorporate a dimmer switch, this gives you the flexibility to adjust the brightness of illumination in your room.

When lighting fixtures are used correctly, it can accentuate particular elements in your space creating an inviting atmosphere. Consider adding a mini chandelier over your tub, this will cast beautiful shadows in the evening and will give charm to your home.

Statement lighting features, such as an oversized chandelier, make a dramatic focal point in any space. Our gorgeous showroom located in Midvale, Utah is always brimming with new, unique lighting features! These unique and impressive lighting pieces always give such lovely lighting inspiration, and it is such a pleasure to share them with our wonderful clients and you.

A stylish way to add a distinct lighting element is to ditch the over-the-mirror vanity lighting fixture for an extraordinary pendant light. Adding a "non-traditional" lighting feature instantly creates a custom look to your bathroom.

Do not shy away from illuminating your space with many different lighting applications. Adding in layers of light will always emphasize and highlight areas of your home. Use under cabinet lighting to contribute warm, subtle lighting. This soft lighting gives off such a radiant feeling. With so many options of cabinet lighting, there is sure to be a choice that will fit any budget. 

Our talented designers are always eager to assist you in your lighting needs. Whether you are thinking of selecting a new lighting piece for your entryway, or creating a lighting plan for your home, we have the lighting expertise and product you are searching for! The Black Goose Design also offers expert interior design services to help you achieve your home design goals. Allow our skilled designers to execute a master design plan to give you a solid foundation to accomplish any design project. 

Today we are excited to share with you four fabulous looks to spruce up your sofa! The season of spring is upon us and there is no better time to refresh your space (or sofa) with gorgeous throw pillows! Changing the look of your entire room can easily be achieved by simply switching out your throw pillows. Incorporating a pop-of-pattern, vibrant color and rich texture are essential elements for a well-balanced room, and you can include all of these elements within your throw pillows! Revamp your sofa with a few new plush pillows to create a chic designer look with ease.

By using varied throw pillows a sofa can take on many different looks, especially when starting with a versatile base. Starting with a neutral sofa allows for flexibility when you want to change up pattern and coloring in your home. As designers, we adore switching out and refreshing pillows, especially seasonally! The slightest change within coloring can create an entirely different ambiance within a room. Our suggestion for spring and summer months is to use lighter, brighter colors which feel rejuvenating, and keep richer color tones displayed for those cozy winter months. We are thrilled to show you some gorgeous designer looks that will inspire you to play around with patterned pillows.

Fabulous Florals

There is nothing better than a fabulous fresh floral print showcased on a sofa! Floral prints are a classic way to add color and a punch of pattern to your room. 

If you find it challenging to pair other pillows with a floral print, allow us to share a design secret! Use the varied coloring within the floral print itself to define your color palette within your room. Pulling out specific coloring in a main print is a great way to simplify selecting colors for other throw pillows and color accents in your room.

Noteable Neutrals

Neutrals are always a gorgeous way to display a relaxed and organic feel atop your sofa. Keeping with lighter subtle tones is a great way to pull a room together without having color being too invasive.

When we hear the word neutral, often times think  "boring beige," and boring is not the case at all! Neutrals do not always have to be a solid beige color as nifty neutral patterns can create a beautiful vignette for your sofa. We love this light textured pillow that reminds us of a playful animal print. Luxurious leather throw pillows can also be an option when utilizing a neutral color palette. Leather is a timeless texture and always gives a presence of rich refinement.

Pretty Plaid

Handsome plaids have made a huge presence within the design industry. A modern plaid is an enduring print that when combined with other playful patterns becomes an instant classic!

Pair sophisticated palids with a bold, larger-scaled print for a design savvy look. We adore this whimsical fabric with its moody blues and crisp refreshing presence.

Tantalizing Textures

Incorporating texture within your space is key to attain a welcoming and cozy look. Textured thow pillows will introduce plenty of visual interest without overwhelming your room.  

Thick, chunky weaved pillows are so inviting and add tactile contrast! They give depth and dimension to your sofa, and we adore any added trimmings, tassels and fringe detailing on plush pillows. Oversized tassles and nubby textures are always a fun element to incorporate on your sofa! 

Keep in mind to use varied sizes of throw pillows when dressing your sofa. This will help to achieve correct balance and scale within your room. We suggest using larger pillows such as a 24" pillow at the ends of your sofa. From there, you can mix in 22", 20" and 18" pillows for eye-pleasing proportions.

Placing an unexpected lumbar pillow with designer detailing can add a punch of personality. Throw pillows can also be a form of art, so be bold in your pillow selections!

As designers, we gently remind our clients to remember that the inside of a pillow is just as important as what is on the outside! At The Black Goose Design, our throw pillows are made from the highest-quality fabrics and are always filled with a goose down insert. Using a down fill insert will give you that plush, plump yummy designer look that a regular polyester fill just cannot. A down fill insert will remain fluffed, full and look fabulous on your sofa!

The talented interior designers at The Black Goose Design are happy to assist you in finding your perfect pillow combination for your personal style. Our stunning showroom located in Midvale, Utah is filled with gorgeous throw pillows ready to complement your sofa! We have extraordinary throw pillows and rich textured pieces that will grace your home with incredible designer flare that you will be sure to love for years to come. 

The Black Goose Design and Gardner Village are humbled and honored to participate in our annual Feed My Starving Children food pack program. 

If you could, imagine just for a moment that you have to put your precious little ones down for the night, starving, crying and feeling helpless to comfort them. It seems unlikely anyone reading this can fully understand what that may be like. Thankfully! But there are many in the world who can. This is why Gardner Village and The Black Goose Design co-owner, Angie Gerdes, is so passionate about Feed My Starving Children. 

This program puts food in the mouths of the hungry… Actually, “hungry” isn’t even enough. It’s called Feed My STARVING Children, because these babes are severely malnourished. 

The statistics are startling. According to UNICEF, at least 6,200 kids die from hunger-related causes EVERY DAY. “We just don’t understand poverty like that,” Angie said. 

Helpful volunteers are coming together at The Gathering Place at Gardner Village located in West Jordan, Utah to pack meals. Gardner Village and The Black Goose Design owners, Angie Gerdes and Joe Long, have donated the event space to make this effort possible. Representatives from the Feed My Starving Children organization will be on site to coordinate the effort, which includes packing food and praying over each meal packed. 

The packed food is then sent out to missionaries throughout the world, who get the meals into the hands of those who so desperately need them.

Feed My Starving Children works with professional nutritionists to create the food mixtures. They make certain the nourishment is there to turn severely malnourished children into healthy, happy children. The lasting benefits are vast. Malnourished children often suffer permanent developmental/mental complications, making it difficult for them to change their circumstances as adults (if they survive to adulthood). By helping these children, it helps the entire community better their situation. Healthy adults come out of this cycle, which is so very important. 

DONATE MONEY

Financial donations are greatly appreciated and will help those children in extreme need. Just 25-cents will feed a child for a day! That means a single dollar will feed four children for a day, and just $80 will feed a child for an entire YEAR! Please reach out and touch the lives of those who need it the most.  

If you would like to donate to The Gardner Village/The Black Goose Design fund, you can do so here.   

The Gardner Village shops, along with The Black Goose Design store, located in Midvale, Utah will also be accepting generous donations to feed malnourished children now through April 27, 2019.

“We’re a business. We should give back to our community and the world. By partnering with Feed My Starving Children, it feels like we can make a dent in this massive problem and see the impact we’re making. It just feels nice and is something we can all get behind as a company and a community.”

It would make a great impact if the community would get behind this and take a minute to share this post online. Together, we can do tremendous things to help those who have so little.

Thank you for donating and opening your heart to support this wonderful worthy cause. We always appreciate your generous support!

Welcome to our final post on Randi Smith's historic home renovation. Randi is an extremely talented designer and also manages The Black Goose Design. The last few weeks on the blog Randi has given an exclusive inside look on her design renovation journey with helpful design tips on remodeling a home. Today she is sharing some updates she has made to her master bedroom. Each of Randi's home renovation projects has had different timelines, budgets and expectations. Randi and her partner, Dave, knew they wanted to tackle the majority of the home right away and quickly prioritized each project. New paint, flooring, kitchen, roof and HVAC were all a must and these major projects were well underway in a relatively short amount of time. However, there was one space that Randi and Dave were not quite ready to tackle, the master suite.

This spacious room consists of a bedroom, sitting room, two tiny closets and a very large bathroom. Renovations can be costly and extensive and with major projects already in the works prioritizing projects became essential. Randi and Dave came to the conclusion rather than using a portion of their budget to pay for housing outside of the project, they chose to live in their project. They needed a space that was somewhat construction free and could offer a place they could sleep, eat, bath and store additional belongings. This master suite was very large and seemed to satisfy those needs. The master bedroom was often referred by both Randi and Dave as "the apartment" because it is almost the same size as their first apartment, making for an ideal living space while construction downstairs could begin.

The master suite holds ample room for many design options to be considered. Dave likes the idea having a sitting room and thought it would be a great idea for both of them. But, Randi knows the two tiny closets will never be able to house her shoe collection. Brainstorming through exactly how you will use a space can be a helpful tool when trying to make the best use of space. Randi and Dave are still contemplating on final decisions that will be the most beneficial use of space to both of them. Renovations are a constant work-in-progress, Randi suggests to  carefully consider all design options that will best suit your lifestyle before making any final renovation decision.

The master bathroom is considerably large and consists of a giant shower and two smaller pedestal sinks. The overall distribution of space is not ideal for Randi and Dave. The decision was made to hold off on diving into remodeling this area of the home which was a good choice for them. Randi feels it is best to evaluate exactly how her and Dave wanted to live and utilize the space before renovations take place.

This charming home was built in 1899, and it is important to Randi to keep a classic and timeless style within the home.  Keeping true to the historic nature of the home, Randi knew some things would remain in this space which included the French doors that open up to a beautiful patio overlook. These doors would remain in the same place so an investment in custom draperies were in order. The existing bedroom and bathroom colors did not work for their design vision so the entire space was painted the same bright white that was selected for rest of the home. 

The lighting features were also updated including ceiling fans with additional recessed can lights that were dispersed throughout the space giving adequate lighting for the large room. Randi selected lighting fixtures that were affordable and classic so that they could still be used in the future-remodeled suite.

The new hardwood floors that were installed throughout the rest of the home were stopped at the master bedroom threshold. Why? Randi and Dave's plan is to move walls and perhaps even the entrance to the master bedroom. Randi mentioned, "I did not want to invest in new flooring knowing the layout could eventually change. I specifically had selected white oak floors in a classic Jacobean stain so that they would be easy to match when the time comes." 

Randi is also contemplating a herringbone pattern for her new wood floors. Installing the wood floors in such a pattern will aid in easing the room transition so that minor differences in the flooring and wood stain would not be obvious.

Randi and Dave would have liked to finished their master suite along with the rest of the home, but the reality was they had to be flexible and wise in where they needed to put their funds first. Budgeting and planning are essential to making home renovation a success.

The updates that were made to this space were great long-term design decisions. The lighting, paint and draperies will all be kept as they continue to reinvent and renovate the entire space. 

A fresh coat of paint really gives the biggest bang for your buck! As you can see, updating this space with a new crisp white paint gave the entire room a rejuvenated feel.

With just a few minor updates less than $1,000 was spent, yet these updates bought Randi and Dave additional time to come up with the best design plan for this space. Living in and evaluating how they have lived in the master suite allowed for Randi and Dave to more fully develop a functional design plan that is absolutely ideal for them. This refreshing new space is a continuous project and has excellent direction of where it is going. Randi and Dave feel this space is renewed and suits their design style for now; however, they cannot wait to continue their renovations in this space.

As designers we are always delighted to assist you in creating a solid master design plan for any project, whether that project may be a new build, remodel or updating and refreshing your home. Thank you Randi for sharing your personal renovation journey. We are looking forward to sharing the total completion of this historical home project in the near future. 

Today we are thrilled to present part three on this amazing historical home transformation located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our wonderful manager at The Black Goose Design, Randi, has given us a rare opportunity and exclusive look inside her personal home renovation. This stunning home was originally built in 1899 and still displays remarkable charm today. Renovations can be extensive and rather stressful at times. There are so many critical choices and elements that go into renovating a home and in the end, you want to feel assured that you made the best decision possible. As interior designers, we completely understand and are eager to assist you in taking on a remodeling project.

Partnering with expert professionals during a design project will allow you to feel at ease knowing you made the best choices possible for your home. Randi is sharing her helpful design tips on home remodeling to put you on a path for renovation success!

Living Arrangements

With 75% of Randi's home renovated, she has lived through an extensive project. Trying to tidy up a construction zone and eating off silverware with construction dust, was not ideal. Randi knew what she was going to be dealing with, yet it was still a challenge. If renovations are intense, it may be beneficial to find alternate housing during construction. Be sure to include your alternate temporary living space in your budget. 

Planning for Furnishings and Window Treatments

Window treatments and home furnishings are also a large part of renovation; however, these items are overlooked and are not in an overall budget. Considerable planning goes into overall design, flooring, lighting and landscaping, but you need to consider where will you enjoy your dinner at the end of the day. Investing in a home renovation takes time, money and enery getting your home to a designer dream state. Planning ahead with proper budgeting for furnishings and window treatments will help you transition into your newly-renovated home with ease.

As interior designers, we will not only assist you in lighting selection, flooring and paint, but we will create a master plan and vision for how exactly you will furnish your home. Custom furniture can have extensive lead times. As designers, we can plan when your perfect furniture pieces will arrive and the timing of your design project. Planning and partnering with a designer from the begining will ensure all of the designer details will come together with the functionality you desire.  

Designer details will always add character and charm to a space. Randi planned for timeless detailing throughout her home. The style of a classic black and white hexagon tile pattern fit this home perfectly. Randi kept all of the renovation details as true to its historic roots as possible. These unique details feel as if they have always been a part of the home.

With absolute certainty, Randi wanted glossy basket weave tile in her pantry and laundry room. When she priced the tile product it was three times the cost of a matte finish, and she quickly changed her mind to matte. However, no one could talk her out of the stunning marble tile in her entryway. The price did not matter. She felt flexible in certain product choices which allowed her to install what she truly loved and will love forever. Being flexible throughout a renovation will lessen the stress and ease some of the process. 

Crisp white hexagon tiles, paired with a sharp black border, added an enduring and elegant look to this space. White subway tile was also installed on the walls for a beautiful finished look. Using varied tiled material in a home always displays a chic and design savvy look within a space. 

Sleek subway tile was carried throughout Randi's gorgeous white kitchen! We adore the subtle pattern combined with the richly detailed mouldings on the windows.

The grand staircase is a stunning feature in her historic Salt Lake City home. Randi adored all of the original hard carving in the newel posts and the magnificent design statement these gorgeous stairs displayed. 

Breathtaking stained glass windows complement this historic home and add so much charm to the landing of the grand staircase. 

Randi and Dave tried to strip the stain but after three fairly unsuccessful attempts, they decided to have a local artisan restain the entire railing.

They also removed the wooden balusters as several were cracked or broken. The landings were replaced with oak and a new stain was applied to the pine stairs to match the rest of the new wood flooring. 

This stunning staircase was finally completed with charismatic beauty welcoming guests into this captivating home. 

This photo is of Dave sitting on the landing if the stairs, as they climbed down inside. There was a seven foot drop. Prior to the addition of the grand staircase, Randi and Dave assumed this was a sort of formal living room. There is a fireplace and a large window that is now filled in with brick, so many wonderful and interesting discoveries have been revealed throughout this renovation.

This interesting space had a decorative pattern found on the wall which was thought to be vintage wallpaper. This decorative paper was actually a wall coating that was used not only for protecting the wall but added a unique embellishment.

Beneath the stairs they had found the original color guide for the wall coating with prices ranging from 19 cents to 39 cents, depending on the color intensity. 

Peeling back the design layers and history have been an absolute delight for both Randi and Dave. It is not often we get to be a part of uncovering such design treasures.

The completed grand staircase which was added in 1912 is an absolutely striking space within this historical home. The richly-stained wood, against the crisp white walls, creates an impressive ambience and sets the tone for the entire home.

As the manager of The Black Goose Design, Randi felt lucky to have an entire team of designers behind her as she renovated her own home. She was able to get expert advice when it was diffucult for her to make small yet impactful decisions such as, different hardware knobs or door styles. As designers, we always joke that your own home can be the most difficult to make final decisions on, and Randi feels this is 100% true! Randi had the ability to design The Black Goose Design's beloved Parade of Homes property faster than she did her own home.

The team at The Black Goose Design has years of expertise and hundreds of homes worth of experience. We would love to be a part of your designer dream project and assist you in creating a master design plan that you will adore for many years to come! Stay tuned for next week as we will be featuring our last post on Randi's renovation featuring her master bedroom.

Welcome back to part two of Randi Smith's historic home renovation! Randi is an extremely talented designer and also manages our gorgeous interior design store, The Black Goose Design located in Midvale, Utah. She has been on a home renovation journey since October of 2017 and all of the details are coming together beautifully! Today we are continuing to share more helpful tips from Randi and giving you an exclusive peek at her construction experience. 

Seek Trustworthy Professionals

Seeking out industry professionals that you trust is key to a sucessful renovation. We encourage everyone to include an interior design professional at the earliest stages of design projects. As designers, we are eager to share our knowledge and expertise with you when starting any design project. Partnering with a design professional allows us to show you fresh design ideas and give you complete vision of your project. 

Another key professional to be a part of your renovation is your general contractor. Randi mentions, " I have worked with several general contractors, builders and other home professionals in a 24-year career with Gardner Mill Company Stores and The Black Goose Design. Your designer and contractor will see you at your best and worst. They will hold your hand when you find out something is not going according to plan, and help you determine those critical choices for your home. You need a relationship that involves excellent communication with a clear vision of acheiving your ideal end result." 

As a design professional herself, Randi knew she needed a reliable contractor to keep them on schedule and have well-established connections in many trades. Randi was lucky enough to have her father, who also happened to be a general contractor to head her project. Seek referrals from trusted family members, friends and neighbors. A dependable choice can make all the difference for a successful renovation. Experience the feeling of being confident that your investment will be taken care of and managed properly, allowing the result to be completed just as you had envisioned.

Budgeting and Research

This is a step where you need professional advice. You may think your budget is realistic, but you may be in for a surprise. Don't let the "whoops" factor happen to your new project. Small mistakes can end up costing you big, both financially and in time. Randi felt it was a great idea to get estimates for each project she wanted to tackle before renovation took place. Listed below are helpful tips for budgeting a project.

• Maintain and hold to a reasonable budget
• Get bids and make sure the numbers work for you
• Have a healthy contingency fund 

An overlooked factor when renovating is the evaluation of other homes in the neighborhood. You are making a huge investment so be sure your changes will hold their value. Think about how long you plan on being in the home, is it five years or is this your forever home? Knowing your time frame will help you to make decisions that will best suit your family.

The kitchen was a major part of this renovation so budgeting for this was essential. Randi and Dave wanted a large gathering area and plenty of space to cook. The previous layout had two islands which cut off the adjoining family room. Knowing they wanted to open up the space, plans were made to install one large island allowing for ease of traffic flow and a functional kitchen workspace.

As the tile floor was removed, Randi also peeled up several layers of old linolium uncovering the original kitchen floor.

Adjacent to the kitchen was a tiny laundry room and a 10' x 13' foot bathroom. As a designer, Randi knew there was no need for a bathroom that large off of the kitchen especially with no bedrooms on this floor. The design plan was to include a tidier powder bath and a laundry/mud room with a spacious pantry maximizing every inch of this space.

The exsisting laundry and bathroom space was dysfunctional. After their first walk through of the home, Randi and Dave had drafted plans to create a useful and unique space. The final drafted plan was not far from what they originally envisioned. They redistributed the space to have a gracious butler's pantry.

A hallway was also added to lead to an appropriately-sized bathroom and a large laundry/mud room on the right-hand side.

What a tremendous difference and excellent use of space this turned out to be. One of our favorite details of this space is the custom doors that were designed by the talented Randi herself, with some help from  FJP Supply Company! These doors were one of Randi's orignial ideas and she was thrilled when they became a reality!

Expect the Unexpected

It is inevitable with renovations not all will go smooth. Randi had a few issues herself including a flooded basement which was a bit overwhelming but they pushed through it. This is all part of the renovation process. Choose to be flexible with time, material selection and your current living situation while in a remodel as it will all pay off in the end. Randi and Dave found they had to be flexible when it came to their flooring choice. They wanted to save the original floors, but with new HVAC ducts and reviewing the floors' conditions, they just were not worth saving. 

They installed new oak wood flooring and debated on stain color ranging from a lighter natural stain or a rich deep wood tone. It was the dark Jacobean finish that felt timeless and fit the house perfectly. 

It was most important to Randi and Dave to restore this home with classic details as if they had always been there. New crown mouldings with a timeless presence were added which blended perfectly with the 120-year-old walls. The ceilings of the home were also dropped allowing for all new electrical to be installed and to also repair the condition of the original ceilings. 

There is still more to come of this amazing home renovation next week on the blog. It is such a pleasure to share special design projects like this one with you. By partnering with one of our expert designers at The Black Goose Design, your home investment will be effectively maximized. A master design plan and layout for your home is essential for all the design pieces to come together with ease and style. We can create an entire vision for your space from start to finish with a plan and a purpose that will fit your personal lifestyle for you to enjoy for many years to come!  

"We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us." - Winston Churchill. 

At The Black Goose Design, we believe our homes are a part of our identity. Home is a place where we escape, celebrate and find solace. We believe each home should reflect the unique inhabitants within its walls. We are delighted to show the remarkable renovation of this historic home. Built in 1899, it is located in the charming Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City, Utah.  It is a pleasure to share extraordinary design projects, especially one as unique as this home. We are also ecstatic to announce this home belongs to our wonderful manager and buyer, Randi Smith, at The Black Goose Design.

We are thrilled to share some of Randi's personal expert tips to help you plan for any design project. Randi's renovation project that has been a work in progress since October 2017. Over the next few blog posts, we will share insight of the design process and photos of the journey. We hope that it will be a helpful and encouraging guide to your personal design projects. 

Deciding to Renovate

Making the decision to renovate and restore a home can be a daunting task. Questions like, Where to begin? What do I want to invest? What do I want to accomplish with this project?, are all valid. Having lived through this process, Randi is excited to give some helpful designer advice. Randi explains, "We started looking casually at homes in 2016. We knew we loved our current home and neighborhood, but there were some things that were missing. We love to entertain and needed a bigger kitchen and dining space. We also longed for a space where our clothes did not have to be in every closet in the house." 

Ask Questions and Evaluate

One of the first steps to a remodel is to ask, "Could our current home ever become what we need?" In Randi's exisiting home, she hired a structural engineer to see if adding a second story to the home would be an option. It wasn't. To increase the size of her home, it would have to be torn down and rebuilt, a task that she did not want to undertake. So began the journey of finding a home that had the space she needed. If you are deciding whether to remodel or to build a new home, the following questions could be helpful to you when making this choice. 

• What is the amount of living space I desire? Do I need to scale up or down?
• Is my existing structure sound?
• Does the layout of my home work for my present lifestyle and for the future?
• Is the styling of your home what you would like it to be? 

With starting a renovation in this home, there were many design issues that needed to be addressed. One of the biggest differences made in the home was the paint color! Dark, worn walls were refreshed with a light and bright fresh coat of a creamy white, custom-mixed paint. 

Be Specific

Searching for the ideal home can be time consuming but is worth the wait when you finally find the perfect home with potential. Randi felt a bit like Goldilocks in this phase. It was an adventure walking through dozens of homes that needed minimal work to complete overhauls. This took a while but in the end, she found her perfect home and started her design journey. 

Updating a home is always a good idea and will increase the value of the home so you cannot go wrong with remodeling. The added bonus of comfort and ease of livability will make a huge improvement in your lifestyle making a remodel a win-win.

Define your Style

Throughout the process of looking for a new home, several people had suggested to build a new home. Both Randi, and her partner Dave, prefer old, established neighborhoods and a brand new home just was not for them. Being firm in your design style and knowing exactly what you want, will help with the type of home you will be happy with in the future.

Writing down a list of changes you need in your home, or collecting images of interior styles that you like can be helpful. Visual photographs with functional design goals are key to help kickstart a plan into action. Design done well will give you the pleasure of being surrounded in a beautifully-designed home that is tailored to how you actually live in it.

Envision Potential

Both Randi and Dave felt like they had won the lottery when the home they purchased came on the market! It had the exact space and details they were hoping for. A 120-year-old home, original mouldings and fireplaces, 10-ft. ceilings and a large porch. The character of the home was exactly their design style and had the potential to become the home they were imagining. 

When starting a renovation, having a professional designer by your side can be a tremendous help and is a great investment. As expert interior designers, we have the ability to help you see the potential of spaces and will create a master design plan to suit your design style and needs.  

As interior designers, our experience of assisting with many homes over the years has given us elite experience and ensures that what we create with our clients remain true and timeless to their design preference and lifestyle. Randi adored this home and every detail in it. Throughout her renovation, she included modern features while still keeping true to this home's historic Avenue roots. 

Be sure to check out the original blog post here when Randi and Dave first purchased this charming home. With a creative design plan in mind, this gorgeous Salt Lake City Avenues home has been an incredible (and continues) to be a memorable one. Next week we will take a closer look at the specific projects throughout the home in detail, with more exclusive photos and design tips from Randi as she shares her personal design story.

Spring is just around the corner and we are oh so delighted! This spry season is a favorite at The Black Goose Design. Season changes are all about rejuvenation and refreshing your home in many ways! Today we are giving you and exclusive sneak peek at our top home accessory picks to brighten up your space. Our stunning showroom located in Midvale, Utah and is always stocked with the latest in "must have" designer accessories that are ready to grace your home!

1.Gorgeous Greenery 

When it comes to home accesories, one of our favorite items to incorporate within a space is varied types of greenery and lucious stems. These gorgeous natural looking stems are used to create height, fullness and texture. We adore this method of filling the home with essential texture, simple greenery can make a big design impact and bring instant energy to the home! 

Be sure to mix up your stems and greenery with some added color and assorted shapes, this adds interest and diversity to a room.

Incorporating organic texture is always highly recommended by our designers to bring life and vitality into a space!

2. Amazing Artwork Groupings

Switching up artwork around your home gives a refreshing change of atmosphere and feel to your surroundings. The Black Goose Design has the most spectacular and stunning artwork ready to grace your home and suit your personal design style.

If you have a large wall space to fill, a helpful designer solution is to tightly group assorted art pieces. Grouping smaller prints together will help to fill large wall spaces that can often be a challenge. Varied artwork can create a visually effective and professional designer look in your room. Soft, subtle artwork adds just the right amount of color and pop of pattern for a striking focal point. 

Be sure to include a common theme throughout your grouping. Matting, framing, coloring and subject matter should all flow creating a harmonious look.

We also love the idea of allowing personal creativity to shine when using wall accessories other than artwork in your space. Clustering these darling wire baskets are a great way to help with organization in your space while presenting design-savvy style. Pair with adorable artwork or place greenery inside the basket to bring life to your wall. These baskets are light, airy and can be easily placed anywhere in your home to add an extra design detail.

3. Marvelous Mirrors

It is key to incorporate dramatic design details by layering unique and unexpected accessories into your home. A gorgeous round mirror is the perfect way to soften any space and add delicate curves giving visual interest.

Using mirrors in a space gives a splash of designer glam and sparkle. As an added bonus, mirrors have the ability to reflect natural light which allows your space to feel a bit brighter and gives the illusion of making any space look larger!

Round mirrors also are aesthetically balancing to the many strong rectangular lines that define our spaces. We strongly recommend intergrating a ravishing round mirror within your home!

4. Lovely Ladders

Layering a ladder into your home is a classic accent and chic accessory. Ladders add a wonderful architectural element to any space and are also great storage for those extra, cozy blankets.

This rack-style ladder with clean lines makes for a lasting elegant display piece for towels. This eye catching accesory effortlessly leans against your wall or can be hung for additional height in a bathroom.

5. Fabulous Florals

Fill your home with vibrant energetic touches of color that are echoed in these amazing floral and succulent arrangements. Capture elegance within your home with just a few crisp floral details. These wonderful bright colors will change the entire feel of your space making every corner of your home seem radiant. 

Beautiful blooms can be gracefully placed within a unique decorative container for visual intrigue or additional pattern in your room. 

Another little accessory we are obsessing over as of lately is succulents! These charming little green plants showcase such personality and charm. A delightful array of succulents are a simple way to contribute an artistic, transitional accent to your home.

The Black Goose Design has so many ideal accessory pieces for making your home feel renewed. Iincorporate any of these enduring, stylish pieces to complement your home! Classic and timeless accent accessories will always have everlasting style. Our talented designers are thrilled to share spectacular designer trends and accent pieces to complete your home with high designer style. 

It is with great delight we're sharing some designer secrets today on how to layer your bed like an expert! Last week on the blog we gave some insight on the importance of creating a tranquil and serene space in the master bedroom. With these helpful designer tips, you will be well on your way to completing your restful master retreat with the perfect bedding! 

1. Foundation

Start off with the correct foundation for your bedding, invest in an excellent mattress. We spend a fair amount of time in our beds so why not be kind and rejuvenate your body with a great night's rest on a high-quality mattress! Our expert designers agree that bedding can be beautiful, but overall it must be functional. Heather suggests to select the best fills and inserts for your pillows and duvet. This will make a tremendous difference on the overall appearance, we always suggest goose down fills! We promise you will not regret it, a down fill will add the perfect plumpness to your bedding look!

2. Selecting a "Base"

The first layer is key as this will determine a "base" color for your bedding. A good idea is to keep your main pieces in the bedding neutral. This allows for flexiblity to add color in other areas. Color or pattern can be applied within your throw pillows or an additional duvet at the foot of your bed. Selecting a neutral base will also prevent the overall presentation of the bedding from looking too busy. Heather also adds if your sheets have a pattern, place your top sheet upside down, so that when you fold back the sheet the pattern is showing!

3. Add in Plush Pillows

Now let’s talk pillow configurations, you want to create height and fullness throughout bed because it is essential for keeping visual appeal. This can be attained by using larger sham pillows as a starting point. Keep in mind the scale of the bed. If you happen to have a large bed, it is best to use a larger-scaled pillow or sham to set as your background. This will keep the balance throughout your bedding grouping.

We love to layer in oversized pillows, which we call Dutch Euros. They are bigger than a typical Euro and only two are needed on a king bed. Below is a fantastic example of a Dutch Euro from Amity Home, a company that we proudly carry. Just look at those beautiful ivory knit pillows, what a dream!

To give you a size reference, throw pillows can be approximately 23"x23" or 21"x21". Size and scale are always important in overall design, and we recommend sticking with these larger sizes and trying to avoid going any smaller than these suggestions. 

Blending all of those lovely throw pillows together can be a breeze! Bedding comes to life when varied patterns and color are mixed together, so do not shy away from practicing this expert method. When collaborating your throw pillows, remember to balance larger patterns with some smaller prints and solids. This an excellent designer guideline to follow. Vary sizes of your pillows as this keeps visual interest and will create a cohesive look to your bedding.

4. Layer Unique Details

There is one final touch to make your bedding look elegant and finished with designer flair. Be sure to include a unique and eye-catching detail atop the bed. Be bold and display a fun throw pillow or two. Mingling in a dramatic textured throw can also add a stunning element that defines a designer look. A few extra details are a welcome invitation to cuddle up in all of those glorious bedding layers. We love putting a bolster or lumbar pillow up front so that the pillows gradually decrease in size and because they are oh so pretty! 

If extra "fluff" is what you desire, incorporate a feather insert into your duvet, sometimes two! This simple trick will make a world of difference in achieving the results you want! A feather bed will contribute depth, dimension and drama. These three elements are important factors when creating perfectly put-together bedding.

Tailored, short bedskirts are a trend of the past. A fresh new alternative to explore is a waterfall drop bedspread. This stunning new trend in bedding covers from Pine Cone Hill and is a great solution as it enlongates the bed and visually adds fullness. 

We proudly work with Pine Cone Hill and Amity Home. These companies are at the top in the bedding industry. Beautiful bedding with all of the extra details can be special ordered to your personal design style. Selecting your perfect bedding is important and should be as unique as you are! Heather, as well as our entire design team, are eager to assist you in creating your ideal bedding collection with chic style.

These few simple tips will allow your bed to look incredibly inviting and make your room a dream come true! At The Black Goose Design, we have a gorgeous selection of beautiful bedding to suit your design style. We are happy to assist you in putting together the ultimate bedding ensemble to ensure sweet dreams! 

Today we are addressing one of the most personal spaces within the home, the master bedroom. This intimate space should be the one space you always look forward coming home to. We are so excited to be sharing some helpful designer tips to make your bedroom into a restful retreat. The bedroom is a frequently overlooked space, and the last to be completed but we are here to inspire you to change that. When it comes to master design planning, the bedroom should be one of your top priorities. Why? With so much of our valuable time being spent within this space, it is important to create a place where the soul feels completely comfortable and relaxed in every way possible. 

To create a calm and serene space, it is important to keep in mind the color palette of the overall space. Be sure to use soothing colors that will evoke a feeling of relaxation for you. Neutrals and softer colored hues are usually a great place to start when selecting your color choices. Softer, smooth colors blend effortlessly together and are key to encompassing a "zen" like feeling.

Every master bedroom needs a comfy spot where you are able to sit and enjoy the ambiance of a private space away from the rest of the busy home. A small chair or even a petite bench at the foot of the bed can be the perfect solution to create an inviting haven just for you.

Selecting the perfect bed can be a tough choice with so many options to select from. Not to worry, our talented designers are happy to assist you in finding a bed that is your dream come true! Keep in mind what style will work best for you, your space and lifestyle. Master bedroom planning is not only about serene beauty but functionality as well. One of our favorite bed choices is an upholstered headboard. The soft, cushioned back of the upholstery will give you comfortable support while leaning back or reading in bed! Your bed should envelop you in total "cloud 9" comfort!

Bedding is also a large part of making your master retreat complete. Layered detailed bedding will make a substantial difference in how your bed not only looks but feels! Luxurious and subduded bedding atop this amazing upholstered bed gives a sophisticated yet welcoming look. Textured throw pillows paired wtih a simple striped quilt are a match made in designer heaven! Adding texture within your bedroom is vital. The texture may be within wall treatments, accent pillows or an area rug, it is vital to create visual substance and interest within the room.

Use a combination of light sources in your bedroom to promote gorgeous illumination from every angle. The master bedroom lighting is all about creating a delicate mood where you can unwind with a soft glow about your space. A large chandelier can be a decorative focal point that produces overall ambient lighting. Bedside lamps or pendants are also a great way to include accent lighting around the room. Layering many types of light is essential for cozy atmosphere. 

Another helpful tip is to install a dimmer switch. This allows you to be in control of how much light is generated within the room. 

Detailed furniture pieces will contribute character and charm to your serene space. It is always a great idea to incorporate larger scaled pieces if your space can accomodate it. This gives a dramatic effect to your room and an added bonus of storage space! Unique nightstands or small bedside chests are also an exceptional way to add a touch of elegance and show personal style.

Let's face it, we all work extremely hard, you deserve a place of ultimate beauty to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Make your master bedroom a refreshing space that is blissful to you. Allow our talented interior designers to assist you in making your designer dream home or master suite a reality! 

Welcome back to our final designer spotlight highlighting interior design trends in 2019. Today we are ecstatic to be hearing from the talented Kelly Winn. Her top trend focus for this year is all about incorporating vivid color throughout the home especially within artwork. We are seeing a large rise in rich and vibrant color incorporated throughout the home. Kelly is enthusiastic about the varied mediums of artwork and vibrant coloring being introduced to neutral palettes. These absolutely gorgeous art pieces Kelly is sharing on our blog today are from a wonderful art company with enjoy working with, the Soicher Marin Gallery. This stunning artwork is on display at our beautiful showroom floor located in Midvale, Utah and also can be special ordered.

Artwork can showcase your true designer style and personality. A large amount of wall space within the home is dedicated to displaying visual images that you adore, so make the best use of that prime real estate. Graphic prints, pen and ink drawings always peek a visual interest with chic style. Black and white coloring with simple shapes add great interest not only in the subject matter but in the amazing quality of the calligraphy itself!

Grouping these simplistic art pieces together can make a large impact in a room. These elegant prints flow perfectly in this space and complement the beautiful bedding. Muted coloring will give sophisticated and sleek presence when combining multiple art pieces together.

Larger scaled art prints can really brighten up a room and give a fresh perspective to a space. Switching up your artwork is a wonderful way to add a splash of color and give an entirely new appearance to your room.

Another trend Kelly is seeing is the introduction of photography in a unique and unexpected subject matter. Photography is such a classic accent to use in a home, and we are excited to be seeing a fresh "untraditional" take on artwork for 2019. Interesting photographs are art pieces that make fantastic conversation pieces to grace your home. These captivating photos will intrigue your guests and will add great visual interest to your space.

Finally, Kelly adores that watercolors are back! This exquisite method has been missing from interiors for years but this medium is largely on trend and making a beautiful impression in many forms. One of the best features of watercolor is the variety of shades and color tones that can be displayed. Many magnificent colors can be present in a single painting, and these various colors will allow you to easily complement your furniture, area rugs and home accents that you may have in the room.

Artwork with both vibrant and ombre coloring that flows effortlessly together will be forever an eye catching focal point in any space. Play off of the many colors that are found in watercolor paintings within the accents you have in your home. Incorporating small doses of color throughout your space will create consistency with seamless design.

This stunning medium is not only for artwork displayed on a wall, but it is largely being used within accents of the home as well. Phenomenal textiles are also included in this artistic manner. These incredible chairs showcase a large watercolor print that enriches and gives zest to this fabulous space.

Watercolor paintings and prints are visually impressive and expressive. The many colors, that flow cohesively together within a watercolor piece, create fluidity and bring a lightness into the room. 

Lastly, another unique way color is being introduced in art is through reproductions of fabulous textiles and ornate wallpapers. The everlasting beauty of a classic cruel needlework is now being framed as art and we completely are smitten with this idea. Gorgeous creations of hand-stitched art should be cherished and admired. Framing and displaying extraordinary textiles will add depth and dimension to your walls.

Wall art in many forms is a key element that will pull together a space and make it feel complete. It is important to select art pieces that speak to you and will make your heart happy everytime you see them. Selecting your perfect artwork should be an enjoyable process and admiring your choice pieces will give you joy for many years to come! 

Balancing your home with many types of artwork is vital to acheive superior design. Using a variety of mediums with artwork in your home will spark visual interest and complete your overall interior design. Adorn your walls with captivating artwork that will bring you delight with each new day. Our skilled designers are eager to assist you in selecting magnificent artwork to grace your home for years to come. 

We are back today and are thrilled to hear from one of our expert designers, Sam Atkinson. Sam is dishing her top interior design trend of 2019 which is going bold within your interior! Bold color and pattern is back in a big way, and we are delighted to show you some amazing ways you can bring bold back into your home with a few inspirational ideas.

Make a design statement with bolder elements of color on walls and in the kitchen. Sam mentions homeowners are craving a little bit of "pop" in their kitchens to make a gorgeous presentation within their spaces. A wonderful way to incorporate vivid pattern and color is bolder backsplashes of tilework paired with deep colored cabinetry in the kitchen. There are so many intriguing patterns, and we are delighted to share some beautiful examples from a few industry professionals who we admire.

*photo from HomeKemiri 

A popular interior design trend we are seeing is more fabulous geometric patterns with richly colored subway and hex tiles. The industry is abundant with unique patterned tile, and there are so many gorgeous options to suit the personal design taste within your home. 

*photo from Home Kemiri

Over the last several years, we have seen a large rise in white and neutral coloring. Although still popular, bold color and distinct patterned tile is on the rise. Backsplashes can expand from the countertop all the way up to the ceiling, and the bolder the better!

*photo from Home Kemiri

This same principal of going bold with patterned tile could also be applied to a fireplace surround. Not only will this create a stunning focal point, it is beautiful bold artwork built right into your space.

*photo from Veneer Design 

*photo from Cement Tile Shop

*photo from Cement Tile Shop

Particular tiles can even be adjusted and installed to a pattern that suits you best simply by flipping the direction it runs. Playful pattern is always a visual delight and instantly brings a backdrop of art into your space.

*photo from Chateau Kitchens

Another helpful designer tip Sam suggests is go for bolder color with deeply-hued cabinetry. Color palettes are transitioning from bright white to sharp blacks! Whether you choose the lower cabinets or both upper and lower to have a bold and appealing look, this is a great way to stay on trend with a bit of modern flare.

*photo from Flora Soames

A great paint suggestion would be Black Berry by Benjamin Moore. This color is deeply saturated and will deliver that urban and edgy classy feel to your space.

The key to achieving a sharp and crisp bolder presence within a room is to create contrast! Keep your walls light and neutral as this allows for those bolder colors to be showcased with designer finesse.

*photo from Apartment Therapy photo credit Emily Johnston

Black is the ultimate bold, but if you are feeling it may be too much for your space, try a deeper forest green or an intense navy blue. Proufound color will give you the same dramatic effect without sacrificing style.

*photo from Studio Surface

A fresh new idea this year is to ditch the traditional bold accent wall. Instead, Sam has a great tip to paint every wall in the room with a bolder "on trend" color such  as Benjamin Moore's Newburg Green! This gorgeous color will give you all the design drama you crave and will complement your space perfectly. Try rich coloring in a hallway or powder bath. Experimenting with smaller spaces first will lead to an easier transition when applying color to other areas of your home.

*photo from Kristina Crestin Design

Trim and crown moulding can also be included with beautiful bold colors. Expanding the paint color to your mouldings will make an impressive showing that is sure to have your guests intrigued!

This year allow your creativity to flow within your home and do it with accents of bright, bold and beautiful color. Incorporate large scaled pattern and showcase a refreshing new designer look by selecting colors that spark delight!

As we journey into 2019 with so many stunning interior design trends, we would love to partner with you to create a bright, bold and beautiful space you dream of living in! Our talented designers are always on top of the latest designer trends and are eager to share them with you. Thank you Sam for the helpful designer tips to create a bolder more vibrant space! The Black Goose Design is delighted to bring on the bold this coming year within interior spaces!

We all know the moment your heart skips a beat when you see a perfectly designed space with all the stunning finishwork and details. In that dreamy moment we think, "Wow, how can I recreate this designer look?" The Black Goose Design is sharing some expert designer tips on how to create a custom look in your home with detailed millwork!

Millwork

First off, what exactly is millwork? Millwork is all of those dramatic designer details that gives a spectacular custom look and complements the overall architectural design of a home. Millwork can include crown moulding, finished trimwork, interior doors, shiplap, board and batten and wainscoting. Basically any type of woodwork that is made from raw lumber and that is cut or trimmed in a saw mill defines the term, millwork.

Trimwork

Ceiling details are always a unique and unexpected way to showcase beautiful millwork. Incorporating wood planking or a stunning coffered design detail can impact a room and create a beautiful design element.

We adore the contrast of the crisp white mouldings with the inlay of this warm natural wood planking. Ceiling detailing can add a subtle accent to your space and will create a distinct and unanticipated custom look to your room. 

Wood Beams

Exposed wood beams are visually stunning and can be a tremendous feature within a room. Wood beams add so much character and charm to a home. There are many ways to style wood beams that will cohesively and effortlessly blend with your design style. A vertical or horizontal pattern can elongate and suit your space perfectly. Another option is to match the pitch of your ceilings with the beams. This will give a glorious outline with architectural detail. Natural wood color brings a warm, rustic texture. However, if sleek transitional design is what you desire, painting the wood beams will still give you a beautiful custom feature that is bright and airy.

Shiplap

The crisp and uniform look of shiplap, nickleboard and wood paneling can be seen everywhere throughout the design industry and for good reason! This sleek wall treatment can intermix with any design style giving an eye-catching custom look to any wall. Installing shiplap horizontally will give an expansive feel to the room. This beautiful board also gives a lustrous texture that plain or painted dry wall just cannot. 

This millwork treatment is an ideal way to create a custom look in your home. Adding millwork to your home may seem overwhelming or a large project, but it is relatively simple and can make a huge difference in the overall look of a space. A helpful suggestion is to start in an entryway, bedroom or hallway. Keep in mind key areas and focal points within your home. These particular areas may be the perfect place to apply this distinct treatment without overwhelming a space.

Shiplap is so versatile when it comes to design styling. A deep and moody paint color can instantly bring a modern and transitional look. Mix up paint colors with millwork on an accent wall to create depth and add a distinct design feature. Another helpful tip is to ensure you are selecting the correct width of the planks you are using for your space. When it comes to sizing, generally speaking a five to six inch board is used. Do not shy away from using a variety of mixed-width boards both in flooring and on your walls. Remember they do not need to be the same size. 

Wood Paneling 

Wood paneling in many applications gives a room a sophisticated and special detailing that is always impressive. A variety of panel styles can be used to complete the overall fashion and design of your home. Wood paneling, board and batten and wainscoting are all exceptional and custom treatments you can easily incorporate.

A flat recessed panel will give you a clean, smooth transitional feel while raised panels with decorative moulding tend to be a bit more formal and traditional in style. Wainscoting gives your home that classic, "high-end" appeal and will allow you to admire those custom details for years to come.

Wood paneling can visually break up larger wall expanses while still adding a decorative element. We adore this intricate pattern and design on the ceiling. This is a great way to tie a room together nicely.

Crown Moulding

Decorative mouldings and crown mouldings also give an impactful presence to any room. This delightful trim is simple, yet adds so much elegance and appeal to this master suite. 

Essentially, incorporating any type of beautiful millwork into your space will instantly bring in a key tonal texture within the walls (or ceilings) of your home. As designers, we always suggested selecting specific millwork you really love! Millwork will be a part of your home forever so selecting a style that makes you feel the happiest will, in the end, be the very best choice for you and aesthetically for your home. We offer the very best professional interior design services in Utah to assist you in your design needs. Our talented designers are always eager to create a personalized design plan you will adore! 

*Disclaimer some photos from MadebyMood, Houzz, Elizabethstreet post, Lowes and Emily Henderson Design

As the cheerful holiday decorations are back into storage, we start to feel a little blue and our homes begin to look a bit sparse. Our talented designers are here to help you to keep those wintery blues from starting to settle in. The Black Goose Design is excited today to share some helpful designer tips to keep your home looking refreshed and renewed for the upcoming year! We are delighted to spill some useful designer advice on how to breathe life back into your space and keep your home looking beautiful.

1. Incorporate Organic Elements

We all adore the gorgeous boughs of the Christmas tree, garlands and holiday greenery but as they are tucked away our homes are feeling a little scant. An excellent way to invigorate your space is to add some organic elements and greenery back into your room. Allow pops of greenery and organic texture to flow thoughout your home. A fiddle leaf fig tree is a perfect solution to add an adundance of height and fullness into your room. Fill in with smaller to medium sized plants and greenery sprays within your accessory groupings. Greenery accents are so versatile and will instantly bring vitality to any room.

2. Refresh Throw Pillows and Home Decor 

Brighten up your surroundings with fresh new throw pillows! An easy way to refresh your decor is simply by switching up your pillows with some energetic color and textiles. This small change will completely change the entire look and feel of your space and spruce up that sofa! Try introducing a new bold color scheme, pattern or playful texture within your decor to add visual interest and dimension.

Another helpful tip is to take this opportunity to eliminate clutter and rearrange your home accessories. With the holiday decorations clear, it is the perfect opportunity to "regroup" your home decor and switch some things around. Layer in some pretty pottery or large statement pieces into your room to create an eye-catching vignette. We always suggest grouping accessories together atop a large tray. This is a great way to keep things looking simplified and organized with design-savvy style.

 3. Layer your Home with Warm Lighting

Accent lighting is always so inviting and brings a feeling a comfort, especially when the holiday lights were all aglow. Bring back that warm ambiance within your home by layering with key lighting pieces. Lighting is a powerful and vital element of interior design and it can elevate, highlight and set the tone for your entire space. Treat your home to a new lighting feature such as a stunning chandelier or gorgeous accent lamps. When lighting is used correctly, it can enhance and accent your space.

5. Create a Focal Point with Key Pieces

Starting with a fresh space will give you the option to create a stunning focal point within your room. A mantel tends to be a natural focal point so why not layer it with some fabulous accessories? Showcase a large sparkling mirror or two! A mirror reflects beautiful light and gives the appearance of a brighter, lighter space! Incorporating dramatic designer accessories with varied sizes will assist in creating a harmonious balance. 

Treat yourself and your space this new year to a fabulous furniture piece! A small splurge on a stunning piece such as a large sideboard or even some smaller accent ottomans is a great way to make a design statement. Unique furntiure pieces will visually give you change you crave and can impact your room in an exciting new way. 

Perk up those walls and add some new artwork! Artwork is a wonderful way to easily expand coloring and interest in a room without overwhelming it. Layering in art pieces will allow for visual balance and flow throughout the room.

Now is the perfect time to embrace the feeling of an open and refreshed space during 2019! Allow our talented designers to assist you in renewing your home for the new year! We are always eager to assist you to acheive your interior design goals. We are ecstatic to share wonderful design inspiration and ideas to refresh your home. It is always a pleasure to share with our readers exclusive designer tips! Cheers to the new year!

As we reflect back on this past year, The Black Goose Design was honored to be part of so many stunning design projects, and we are delighted to share them with you today. Every interior design project brings us so much joy, and we adore building lasting friendships with each one of our clients. It is always our goal to make the design process an enjoyable journey. Being able to share beautiful design inspiration with our readers throughout the year has been such a delight. Our talented interior designers have created so many gorgeous spaces throughout this past year. You won't want to miss this exclusive inside peek at all of the many amazing completed projects of 2018.

A Heavenly Home Tour Pt.1  & Pt.2

Get ready for a little slice of interior design heaven! It is always our great pleasure to give you an exclusive look inside some of our beloved clients' gorgeous homes. One of our expert designers, Denise, has collaborated with one of her clients to create their spectacular dream home!

An Exclusive Client Home Tour Pt.1 & Pt.2

An Exclusive Introduction to our Parade of Homes Project Banbury Manor

The Black Goose Design is thrilled announce we will be partnering with  Bradshaw Homes and Property to design their 2018 Salt Lake Parade of Homes  home, Banbury Manor! We are absolutely delighted to be giving you and exclusive sneak peek at the construction that is currently underway for this magnificent property. This exquisite home is nestled in the foothills of Draper, Utah and has phenonmenal views of the Wasatch Mountains. 

The Parade of Homes Banbury Park Manor Pt.1 , Pt.2 & Pt.3

The Black Goose Design is thrilled to bring you an exlusive look inside The Parade of Homes, Banbury Park Manor! The Black Goose Design and Bradshaw Homes and Property  have partnered together to bring you this incredible home. Banbury Park Manor defines design perfection in every way. From its charming exterior by Elite Custom Exteriors and lush landscaping, to a most inviting and exemplary interior. Every element of this home is harmoniously combined to create a design masterpiece!

We are eagerly looking forward to 2019 and all of the many gorgeous design projects The Black Goose Design will be presenting to you this coming year. We adore each and every one of our clients and thoroughly find joy in making design dreams come true! Stay tuned for part two of our best design projects next week on the blog you will not want to miss these gorgeous spaces and more beautiful design inspiration!  

The Black Goose Design would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Welcome back to part two of our best interior design projects of 2018! We are thrilled to share more inspirational interior spaces with you today. It is always a great pleasure to be able to work with the most amazing clients and we feel so honored to be a part of their design journey. Get ready for an exclusive look into some spectacular spaces. If you did not catch these beautiful homes throughout this past year, you will not want to miss the chance to see them today!

Client Home Tour Happiness Pt.1, Pt.2 & Pt.3 

It is always such a delight when we can give our readers an exclusive peek inside our clients' homes! We love to bring you beautiful interior design and stunning inspiration. One of our talented designers, Heather, has showcased true designer beauty inside of her client's handsome home located in Bountiful, Utah! Join us as we give you a peek at this lovely home.

Lovely Living Room Design Inspiration: A Client Home Tour Pt.1 & Pt.2 

Today we have the pleasure of giving you an exclusive peek inside one client's living room space. This stunning home is located in Cottonwood Heights, Utah and is surrounded with gorgeous Wasatch Mountain views. One of our talented interior designers, Ali Thompson, has captured her client's design savvy style in this beautiful room with absolute perfection! Welcome to a splendid and sophisticated space! This room is oh-so-inviting, classic and comfortable. The entire space defines timeless design and enduring style. The rich color palette with touches of soothing blue flow nicely through the entire room giving a harmonious feel. Accents of deep crimson coloring add eye-catching vibrancy to the space. 

A Charming Client Home Tour Pt.1 & Pt.2

This charming home located in Draper, Utah is filled with many unique design pieces and has such design-savvy presence. One of our talented designers, Kelly Winn, has encompassed her client's exquisite design style and has created a space full of beauty. Many of the classic pieces throughout this home are amazing antiques and grace it with a timeless presence.

A Dramatic Designer Client Home Tour Pt.1 & Pt.2

The Black Goose Design is ecstatic to present to you a refreshing and cheery client home tour! This home is bursting with eye-catching color and stunning sophistication! One of our talented designers, Kelly Winn, has transformed this home into a work of art that delivers incredible interior design inspiration! We are bringing you an exclusive sneak peek inside this home located in Mesa, Arizona.

Kelly had orginally created a master plan for this home 15 years ago. The overall look of the home was styled with European French country influences. Deep reds, yellows and a warm toned color palette was initially displayed throughout the home. Since then, her client's design style has evolved and Kelly was eager to assist her in updating her home with a fresh, modern European look. 

As we welcome 2019, we are enthusiastic to start new design projects. Interior design is a love that our talented designers are eager to share with you. Whether you live Utah or not, our design team delights in every aspect of creating beautiful and functional home design. We invite you to share in our design excitement throughout this coming year. You will not want to miss a single post on our inspiring Instagram feed or our blog! We wish you all a very bright and Happy New Year! 

As designers, we always want to inspire and give the best tips when it comes to interior design. Today we are sharing one of the most powerful pieces that can impact your overall space, an area rug! Placing this one simple piece within your space will instantly bring all the elements of your room together.

Area rugs make a huge design statement and are vital to a well-designed room. Reviving your space with a rug assists in "grounding" all the furniture and prevents the feeling as if your furniture was "floating." When it comes to ensuring a space will come together perfectly, is critical that you have a solid grounding feature within the room such as an area rug.

Rugs are a vibrant visual focal point and will aid in defining your space. A fun way to think of an area rug is a stunning piece of artwork for your floor! It can add playful pattern, a burst of color and neccessary texture, enriching your room with designer style.

Well-designed rooms always have a definite conversation or seating area. An area rug will naturally allow your furniture pieces to come together creating a cohesive feel.  

Area rugs always will also add a layer of warmth, texture and give a welcoming feeling to a space. These are all choice elements that we strive for when putting together a room. Pretty pattern and detaling within an area rug will give vitality to your room! 

An rug is the foundation to your living area so remember to select the correct scale suitable for your room. Choosing the right size of rug is critical to a well-balanced space. A helpful tip is to make sure the key furniture pieces in the room are all touching the area rug.

As mentioned before, rugs can also speak as art and not all art belongs on a wall! This specific and unique artwork for your floor adds warmth, depth and definition to home design.

The Black Goose Design carries the highest quality and selection of area rugs. With an extensive selection of pattern, style and durability our interior designers would love to find the perfect rug to suit your space. Revive and refresh your home with the ideal area rug. You can be assured it will make all the difference within your home!

At The Black Goose Design we are passionate about designing interior spaces. There are so many benefits that come from partnering with an interior designer when taking on a home project, remodel or even selecting a paint color. Taking on a design project may seem a bit overwhelming, there are so many critical choices and elements that go into designing surrounding spaces. We all want to feel assured that the best possible decisions were made when designing any space within your own home. 

You may have given some thought about hiring an interior designer, and we are here today to give you some helpful reasons why you should hire an experienced designer. There is tremendous value in partnering with an interior designer when starting a home design project. With a skilled designer by your side, you can feel at ease knowing you will save time and avoid costly mistakes. Most importantly, you will be investing in your overall lifestyle!

Our designers understand your time is valuable. By collaborating with an expert designer, we can assist you in your project and ease the decision-making process. Having an experienced designer by your side throughout the entire design process will give you reassurance that every detail of your project will come together perfectly. Starting with a master design plan that a professional interior design will create for you puts you on a path for design planning success!

Interior designers have trained eyes and are professionals in every aspect of design. We love creating and sharing the overall vision of home design. Having a clear master design plan will ensure that every detail of a room will cohesively flow with ease.

Our elite design knowledge ensures that what we create with our clients will remain true and timeless to their design preference and lifestyle. Design done well gives you the pleasure of being surrounded in a beautifully-designed home that is tailored to how you actually live in it.

Hiring a designer will help you experience the feeling of being confident. Your investment in your home is important and knowing it will be taken care of and managed properly can give you great peace of mind.  You also will be certain the end result will be completed just as you had envisioned.

As designers, we thoroughly enjoy the entire design process and are eager to assist you from consultation to finishing the last designer detail! A planned layout for your home is essential for all the design pieces to come together with proficiency and style. Our goal is to create an entire vision for your space from start to finish with a plan and a purpose. Take the first step toward achieving your design dreams by collaborating with an expert interior designer at The Black Goose Design.

We would love to help you with all of your interior design needs. A simple consultation eases the stress of the design process, and we are delighted to talk through your design goals and expectations. We offer the very best in interior design services in the Salt Lake City area. Contact one of our talented designers here, and start your design journey today.  

The Black Goose Design would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Our hearts are full of gratitude for each and everyone of you, our wonderful clients and friends! Interior design is a tremendous passion for us and we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your continued interior design inspiration.

Assisting all of our many clients everyday and helping you achieve your design dreams fills our souls with such delight. We are sincerely grateful for all of you, you are our family!

It is an honor to work with the most amazing clients. We adore building relationships and creating lasting friendships that are deeply treasured. Connecting with you through interior design is beyond fulfilling and brings us great joy.

Creating beautiful functional design and bringing a design plan to life within the walls of your home is a great privilege. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your interior design appreciation.

On behalf of all the interior designers here at The Black Goose Design, we thank you for your loyalty and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season!