See how to use color, texture, smart tech in your home renovations at free designer showcase

Initiating a home renovation, whether it’s a minor kitchen update or a major overhaul, can be both thrilling and daunting. That’s why Harrell Design + Build is holding an experiential showcase at its Mountain View warehouse for anyone interested in getting a firsthand look at design materials, new finishes, tile patterns, smart home tech, outdoor decking and other design inspirations for their home improvement projects all in one place. 

Scheduled for 4-7 p.m., Thursday, March 28, Passport to Design will bring together industry leaders and Harrell design experts to answer your questions. The free event will feature pop-ups from a variety of companies, including Carmel Stone Imports, Haven and Wire, Kohler, Peninsula Building Materials, Toto, Emser Tile and Outdoor Elements.

For those who can’t make the event but are seeking  inspiration for their home improvement projects,  Harrell’s design experts have shared some tips on how to use color, texture and curves to make the most out of your space.  

Elevate your rooms with color 

Adding a little color to your home can have a big impact: Color can set the mood and make a space look larger, feel less formal or appear more sophisticated. Senior designer Brooke Nicholson said indigo is among her top choices for adding color to a room. It’s timeless, and its blueish-purple hue reflects the colors of the Pacific Ocean and the region’s vibrant landscape. Indigo’s deep, rich tone exudes sophistication and tranquility that is ideal for creating serene living environments, Nicholson said. It’s also versatile enough to complement various design styles, from modern to rustic. Nicholson has incorporated indigo into various rooms and outdoor spaces, but her favorite place to use indigo is in the primary bath. “It creates a relaxing, spa-like feel, while keeping the space bold and visually interesting,” she said.

Incorporate different textures 

Texture allows you to add depth and dimension to a space and can create visual interest to areas that appear monotonous. Wood, tile, wall treatments and fabrics are all materials that can be incorporated into a room to accent a specific area. Designer Margarita Panchenko said she likes to use neutral hues, natural wood and tactile textures to infuse a space with warmth and charm. It’s possible to change the entire look and feel of a room depending on the types of  materials and textures used.  If someone wants a room to reflect the California landscape, for example, Panchenko recommends using coastal-inspired textures that evoke “laid-back refinement.”  For a Mediterranean-inspired look, consider textured, wavy tiles, she said. Faux finishes that replicate the appearance of natural materials and textures also can be used. Luxury vinyl flooring made of stone-plastic composite is one way to get the look of natural wood, without the upkeep, she said. For a fun and innovative look, Emser Tile has introduced a new tile system that integrates porcelain tiles with LED lighting.

Add curves to your space 

To add a touch of soft elegance to your home, designer Barb Wingo recommends embracing the timeless elegance of curves, reminiscent of Spanish architecture found in many California homes. From curved mirrors to archways, these soft and fluid shapes can add visual interest and charm to any space, she said.  Incorporating curves – whether through subtle details like installing a curved bathroom mirror or grand gestures like creating a new archway – can break up the monotony of straight lines, creating a more natural and organic feel in a space. 

Caption: Designer Barb Wingo mimicked an original archway from this 1930s home by furring out the wall  to replicate the exact depth and curve. This archway is echoed by a new arched kitchen window and arched recesses in the living room.

Go retro

Embrace the resurgence of retro colors, drawing inspiration from the vibrant and earthy tones rooted in the early 1900s and popular in the 1970s. Designer Margarita Panchenko encourages homeowners interested in this resurgence to explore secondary hues like tangerine orange, teal blue and peach-pink to infuse your space with nostalgic charm. “There are many products and materials on the market now that are reviving these tones,” Pachenko said, “I’ve been obsessed with the recent Heritage Series from Kohler. Their free-standing bathtub in ‘Peachblow’  is a retro dream and pairs well with modern fixtures.”

Take it outdoors

Integrating indoor and outdoor areas is among the best ways to maximize your living space. While bi-fold, sliding or French doors are commonly used to connect these spaces, there are other ways to create indoor-outdoor living rooms. Outdoor living designer Lisa Parramore said luxury pergolas equipped with sensored louvers are another way homeowners can extend their living spaces. These innovative features allow you to control the sunlight and rain entering your space effortlessly, ensuring year-round comfort and enjoyment of your outdoor living area, she said.

Harrell Design + Build is a full-service residential remodeling company based in Mountain View. The company is a regular contributor of monthly design columns for Embarcadero Media.