A well-known interior designer, Libby is the author of the popular book Small Space Solutions. Her design work has been featured in magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, and she also frequently appears on The Rachael Ray Show to share decorating tips and design trends.

At this year’s conference, I had the opportunity to see her interior decorating inspiration in person. I loved hearing her story of how she built her career as an interior designer. Plus, it was fun to meet her personally in our Decorating Den Interiors Design Market!

Libby’s furniture appeals to any homeowners who like transitional style. It offers clean lines for a look of casual elegance, and her pieces easily fit any living areas—even small spaces.

My favorite pieces in the collection are made with down-blend cushions and quality construction at an affordable price point. Also the entire collection is made in the United States, a trend I’d like to see continue in the future.

See a few of my favorite Libby Langdon pieces, all of which I am able to customize with fabrics and finishes to complement any of my clients’ décors.

Libby Langdon’s nail head trim sofa

Libby Langdon’s square ottoman

Libby Langdon’s barrel chair with exposed wood

Libby Langdon’s tufted-back sofa

Libby Langdon’s curved edge sofa

Would you like to see pieces from the Libby Langdon collection in your home? Then call Henderson interior decorator Christine Ringenbach at 702-914-3741 for these furniture pieces, customized with fabrics and finishes to fit your home’s decorating style.

Author: Christine Ringenbach (edited by Allyson Siwajian)  © 2013

See these outdoor looks for spring and summer. Then find which one best suits your personal style, and gather inspiration for your own outdoor decorating.

BRITISH COLONIAL

British Colonial

British colonial blends rich, dark neutrals with light, warm accent colors. For this style, use colors found in the natural realm—like golden yellows and sage greens. Then complement natural elements with distinctly European accents, like sculpted vases, bold floral centerpieces, pillar candles enclosed in glass, and a structured stone hearth.

CLASSIC COUNTRY

Classic Country

For a classic country look, start with wicker furniture or its more affordable counterpart, wicker-style resin (pictured here). Emphasize the rustic aspects of your design, like light neutral tones, floral-patterned accents, and homegrown plants. Keep this style’s design simple, and let The Great outdoors be your best backdrop.

ITALIAN VILLA

Italian Villa

For Tuscany inspiration, include a classic wrought iron dining table where friends and family can gather to eat and to enjoy each other’s company.  Beautiful tiles in symmetrical patterns add texture and visual intrigue. Then the basic black-and-taupe color scheme sets the stage for a floral centerpiece in almost any accent color.

ECO-FRIENDLY CONTEMPORARY

Eco-Friendly Contemporary

Create an eco-friendly outdoor space with furniture made from rattan, a renewable resource. Then continue forward-thinking with contemporary chair construction. Choose a comfortable design with curved lines. Then complete the look with ottomans and an end table that can host a plate or two of fresh fruit.

BOLD CONTEMPORARY

Bold Contemporary

To achieve a bold contemporary style, try wicker furniture in a dark neutral shade. Then create a stark contrast with light chair cushions—such as these taupe tones and canary accents. Add intrigue with an exotic pattern for several accent pillows, and deliver a punchy look with lime, lemon, and tangerine colors atop the table.

BEACHSIDE BLISS

Beachside Bliss

Create the perfect place to cuddle up outside with a resin wicker daybed.  For furniture, select a dark shade that will contrast with the light sand-colored cushions. Polish the look with light blue accent pillows and a few textured pillows. Lastly, add an end table with a table lamp or a trio of pillar candles.

SLEEK MINIMALIST

Sleek Minimalistic

Opt for sleek, clean lines for the minimalist look. Furniture should be sans frills to show its contemporary side. Then bring a little softness with a narrow accent pillow for each chair. Finish with an end table that boasts just enough space for a vibrant bouquet in a durable vase and poolside drinks.

DECORATE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Would you like to have a decorated outdoor space in your backyard? Then contact Henderson interior decorator Christine Ringenbach at 702-914-3741. As a Southern Nevada resident, she can decorate patios, poolside areas, or even garden retreats for a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors without ever needing to leave your backyard!

Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2013

For comfortable cushions that still look classy, try these tips from Henderson interior decorator Christine Ringenbach.

Cushions make outdoor furniture soft, comfortable and inviting. They also show your style!

Find Weather-Resistant Fabrics: For outdoor cushions, be sure to only select fabrics specifically designed for outdoor use. Then rain or shine, these waterproofed fabrics will maintain their colors and won’t rot from within. But while they’re waterproofed, that doesn’t mean they can’t be comfy. Christine offers cushions designed to last, but the best part? “These fabrics,” she says, “are soft to the touch.”

Choose Quality Foam: Fabric isn’t the only feature to consider for outdoor cushions. Also know your foam. “Good-quality furniture uses high density outdoor foam, which will hold its shape for years outside,” Christine explains. “Cheap foam will feel spongy, absorb rain water, and bottom-out.”

Don’t Let Colors Fade: Cushions reveal your color scheme and personal style. So don’t let that work go to waste. Lower-quality cushions usually last for about 500 hours in the sun before their colors fade and fabrics rot. But high-quality outdoor furniture fabrics are much more durable. “The fabric my supplier uses is so fade-resistant that your style will change before the colors do,” Christine shares. “Even bleach poured on them won’t change the color.”

With quality cushions in custom colors and patterns, you’ve created the perfect pairing for your outdoor furniture. Then all you have to do is enjoy your new outdoor area!

Enjoy your outdoor area with quality furniture that fits your design preferences.

Would you like Christine Ringenbach to supply you with quality cushions and help design your ideal outdoor space? Then contact her at 702-914-3741 for an updated outdoor area that reflects your style.

Next Week: See several styles for outdoor furniture, and be inspired to create a conversation space in your backyard.

Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2013

For any homeowners who want more than disposable outdoor furniture, I offer a line of outdoor furniture with high quality and plenty of styles. While admittedly for a higher price, this outdoor furniture is built to last and it offers a customized look that’s perfect for any outdoor space.

Top Three Furniture Frames:

Cast aluminum furniture

What Is It: This popular, durable material looks like wrought iron furniture and is available in many styles. Pair this furniture with a custom cushion to show personal style and to add comfort (a must for cast aluminum). For backyards in windy areas, chair designs can be more intricate and still have sturdy frames.

How It’s Made: To produce exceptionally detailed pieces, good-quality cast aluminum is hand-poured into molds.  Then it’s hand polished. Lastly, it’s finished with a baked-on powder coating, which weatherproofs the furniture, no matter the elements.

Woven outdoor furniture

What Is It: Woven furniture gives the look of wicker furniture without the high-maintenance upkeep of wicker. It’s cozy, comfortable, and best complimented with cushions—either in a neutral tone or favorite accent color.

How It’s Made: For its woven look, resins coat an extruded aluminum frame.  Good-quality resin is UV-resistant, and it’s hand-woven over heavy gauge aluminum frames. With the better quality resin finish, furniture won’t experience significant changes in color, even in the summer sun.

Teak furniture

What Is It: Teak furniture gives the nature-based look of wood furniture. But unlike many woods, teak can survive almost any weather—rain or shine. Thanks to its neutral tones, this light-colored material also coordinates well with almost any backyard design.

How It’s Made: Teak is often one of the most eco-friendly options. For the best quality and style, look for marine-grade teak made with mortise and tenon construction.

With such a stylish base, now it’s time to complement your affordable outdoor furniture with weatherproof cushions and conversation area accents. Check back next week to learn shopping tips for quality outdoor cushions!

To order custom outdoor furniture and receive a complimentary design consulation, contact Henderson interior decorator Christine Ringenbach at 702-914-3741.

If you have a patio, landscaped garden or other backyard area, make the most of it by creating a stylish outdoor space. Then you’ll have a perfect place outside, no matter your needs. You can entertain guests, spend time with family, or even enjoy the outdoors alone with a cup of coffee and a good book.   

Decorate a large patio space with a comfortable conversation area, a dining area, and custom weatherproofed accents.

Want to know how you can create your own outdoor space? Henderson interior decorator Christine Ringenbach shares seven tips as the starting point to designing a place that will work well for you.

1.       Choose Wisely: Give the same consideration to buying outdoor furniture as you would give to the purchase of indoor furniture. Then you’ll best showcase your style.

2.      Quality Control: Look for quality pieces. In Southern Nevada, aim for versatile outdoor furniture that will last long, withstand heat, and be sturdy enough to survive the desert’s spring windstorms. (Check back next Monday for options for affordable, quality outdoor furniture.)           

3.      Know What You Want: Think about how you will use the area most often. Do you want a place to dine outside, to lounge poolside in the sun, or to have a backyard conversation area to entertain?  Then consider how many people you need to accommodate.

For homeowners who love to eat outside, choose a sturdy table and chairs for many meals enjoyed on the back patio.

4.      Traffic Patterns Matter: The same principles of traffic flow apply even outdoors. When you place your furniture, leave enough space to walk through and around the patio.

5.      Pick the Right Fit: Measure your outdoor space before you buy. Then you’ll be sure to find furniture that actually fits. Even better, you’ll fit the scale of the furniture to the scale of the space.

6.      Color Continuity: Use the same style and color scheme outdoors that you’ve included indoors. This extension creates a beautiful flow from inside to outside. (Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts on specific styles for outdoor décor.)

7.      Focus on Focal Points: Just like decorating for inside your home, you need a focal point outdoors as well.  This focal point could be a fountain, fire pit, potted plant, or just about anything that draws the eye.

This furniture’s grouping creates a warm, inviting conversation area that’s easy to install.

With these tips, you’re on your way to creating a custom, comfortable outdoor space that’s all your own.

Would you like to create an outdoor space that fits your style and your needs? Contact Christine Ringenbach at 702-914-3741 for patio décor, outside conversation space design, weatherproof furniture, and more options in the Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, areas.

Coming Next Monday: See Christine Ringenbach’s tips for first-time outdoor furniture buyers.

Author: Allyson Siwajian with inspiration by Christine Ringenbach © 2013

Before:

BEFORE: This wooded area didn’t serve as an inviting place for the homeowners or their guests.

After:

AFTER: With this transformation, the backyard became the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and good conversation at the end of every day.

“I love this outdoor area done by good friends of mine from Georgia,” Christine says. “Here in the desert, we don’t have the same kind of wooded terrain. But everyone has an area in their yard that could be seriously transformed into an inviting sitting area.”

With Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada’s warm spring weather, take advantage of your backyard space—no matter the size—to create a welcoming place for friends and family to enjoy outside.

Want to gather some ideas for your home’s backyard transformation?

Look closely at these photographs, and find at least one idea to recreate in your own yard.

This backyard’s gazebo was hand-built from fallen trees and vines on the homeowners’ property. While the bench and chairs are the area’s only new purchases, even the cocktail table has been repurposed. Its concrete cylinder originally topped an old well on the property. Now this structure serves as a table in summer and a fire pit in winter.

This couple invites wildlife with their vintage birdhouses, quirky animal statue, fresh flowers and home-grown plants in their garden. For a natural look, they then lined the garden path with recycled broken concrete painted to look like stone. Lastly, with upholstered furniture made to match the flowers, this area’s color scheme stays peaceful as it blends into the natural environment.

Homeowners, would you like to create an outdoor conversation area  and transform your backyard? Then contact Henderson interior decorator Christine Ringenbach at 702-914-3741 for a complimentary consultation for your Southern Nevada home’s yard!

Author: Allyson Siwajian with inspiration by Christine Ringenbach © 2013

The chaise lounge is also a creative way to decorate empty space in a large master bedroom or its adjoining retreat area. It’s easy to let a set armchairs and an ottoman do the trick. But to fill this space, why not try a furniture piece with more intrigue? “A chaise lounge is easy to decorate around,” interior decorator Christine Ringenbach says, “and it’s usually the focal point of an area or room because of its unique design.”

A chaise lounge adds luxury, comfort and visual interest to any master bedroom.

Would you like to know how to decorate with a chaise lounge? Try these design tips for this creative furniture piece.

Measure the area: Think of it like buying a sofa. Measure the area, find the right fit and don’t overcrowd the room with a chaise that’s too large.

Create a focal point: Since the chaise is such a unique furniture piece, make it a focal point. Consider placing it beside a bay window or in a corner of your master bedroom.

Add an area rug: Frame your focal point area, starting with the floor beneath the chaise. To do this, select an area rug that will draw attention to such attractive furniture.

Decorate an accent table: Bring personality and practicality to your lounge area. Include a table lamp for light reading, and add custom accessories, like candles or a potted plant.

Include a throw: Place a throw at the foot of the chaise to make it more inviting. Then with this perfect place to relax in your home, invite yourself to indulge and enjoy it!

Chaise lounges are available for all interior design styles, from romantic traditional to cutting-edge modern.

Be inspired, and discover which chaise lounge style you like best:

Would you like to include a chaise lounge in your master bedroom interior design? Then contact interior decorator Christine Ringenbach at 702-914-3741 for a complimentary design consultation in Henderson or Las Vegas, Nevada.

Author: Allyson Siwajian with Christine Ringenbach  © 2013

This time, think beyond decorating your sink countertop. Choose to exchange the sink itself and even further customize. Try this trick in powder rooms, which will cost less than a master bathroom remodel and impress any guest. From every angle, “powder rooms are a good choice for a good return on your investment of time and money,” Henderson interior decorator Christine Ringenbach says.

Want to learn how a remodel can benefit any small bathroom? Take a look at these before-and-after photos for a powder room makeover. Then read Christine Ringenbach’s top three tips to bring a professional, personable design to your home’s bathrooms.

Before:

BEFORE: This bathroom aimed for Asian inspiration, but the theme was lost amid the standard issue bathroom look.

After:

AFTER: With its custom features, this bathroom fully features its Asian inspiration. Note the bamboo-style doors on the sink chest, leaf-pattern wallpaper, custom mirror, new lighting and bamboo arrangement on the toilet top.

Tip #1: Replace the standard sink.

Start your bathroom remodel at the sink. Remove the pedestal sink found in many tract homes. Then add a sink chest to benefit the design with its furniture-like appeal and optimum storage space.

Tip #2: Remember any reconstruction.

To bring a new look to your bathroom, you may need to consider a couple construction changes. For example, if you exchange the pedestal sink for a sink chest, you may need to retile the floor as the new sink chest exposes the floor beneath it.

Tip #3: Emphasize the theme.           

Infuse the room’s inspiration into every element, from permanent features to accent pieces, to bring the bathroom’s “wow factor.” Customize the wall mirror. Add new vanity lighting. Warm the room with printed wallpaper, and include a coordinating floral arrangement.

With these three tips, you’ll find the ideal updated look for your home’s bathroom interior design. Want to see more styles for your bathroom makeover? See these images for more sink chest styles.

Click to view slideshow.

Would you like to customize your home’s powder room? Call interior decorator Christine Ringenbach at 702-914-3741 for a complimentary design consultation in Henderson or Las Vegas, Nevada.

Author: Allyson Siwajian with inspiration by Christine Ringenbach © 2013

This season, contemporary styles offer just as much luxe, complete with the clean lines, metallic accents and minimalistic prints well-known to contemporary design. Now homeowners can keep a lavish look and also enjoy an updated design in their dining room décor.

This contemporary dining room offers all the design elements of contemporary style with a luxurious twist.

Want to learn what makes this room work so well? Take a look at today’s interior design tips from interior decorator Christine Ringenbach.

WALLS

For the best neutral look, contrast the paint colors. From top to bottom, this dining room’s gray-green walls contrast perfectly with the crisp white of the crown molding detail and upsized baseboards.

AREA RUG

To define the dining area, add an area rug. This dining room’s area rug also warms the stone floor space with its softness, and its pattern adds visual interest.

LIGHTING

Give guests plenty of light with a contemporary chandelier. In addition to this lighting fixture, this dining room also includes two wall sconces for ambience lighting.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Draw the line of sight up the wall with vertical side panels. This room’s window treatments also add detail with the contrast fabric banding on the panels’ leading edges.

COLOR SCHEME

Tie together each design element with a common accent color. In this display, the same shade of gray is included in the area rug, the side panel drapery and the wallpapered wall niche.

ARTWORK

Polish the room with a piece of eye-catching artwork. While framed art works well, this room accentuates its contemporary flair with a circular wall mirror.

ACCESSORIES

Skip usual dining room accessories, such as the traditional dish-filled hutch. Instead this contemporary style opts for a dining buffet, complete with metallic accent pieces.

With these features, the contemporary dining room exudes a sense of luxury and a complete design that’s ready for just about anyone’s dining style.

To include these design elements in your home, contact Christine Ringenbach at 702-914-3741 and schedule a complimentary design consultation.

Author: Allyson Siwajian, with inspiration by Christine Ringenbach

Before:

BEFORE: This home includes a builder’s recessed wall niche on the dining room’s far left wall.

Fortunately, interior decorators are up to the challenge, and they’ve discovered creative ways to make this wall space pop with color and dimension!

After:

AFTER: With an interior decorator’s expertise, this wall niche became the dining room’s focal point with textured wallpaper squares, metallic accents and rich hues of color.

For contemporary dining room design, skip the traditional hutch to fill this space and forego building in a unit you can’t take with you when you move. Instead start your contemporary niche décor with a sleek buffet.

“Choose a buffet that fits nicely into the space,” interior decorator Christine Ringenbach suggests. Keep the buffet’s design sleek and simple, and opt for a rich wood that will complement the dining room table.

Next, select the best way to draw attention to this space: Create an accent wall. While paint certainly is an option, this dining room design (see above) favors wallpaper. “It is not the usual wallpaper, but one that is more textured and that comes in squares,” Christine says of this design. “Look closely, and you can see the blocks of paper where the texture is running one way on one block and the other on the next block.”

With this eye-catching feature, it’s time to accentuate that texture with further accent pieces. Try cool metallics, add aesthetic wall art, and group decorative pieces in threes. Now, homeowners, you’ve transformed that awkward recessed wall into a dynamic piece of your contemporary dining room interior design!

Want to learn more about what makes this room’s décor work so well? Check back next week for the complete room makeover with dining room decorating tips!

For a dining room makeover in your home, contact interior decorator Christine Ringenbach of Decorating Den Interiors at 702-914-3741.