There is one room accent we don’t hear enough about. Crystal and glass pieces establish a beauty and aesthetic like none other. They can create a space without taking over when placed properly. Most decor pieces require moderation but the beauty of crystal really shines in the minimalist approach.  A perfect example is a bold room with clean lines that is brightened by a decorative crystal vase. Your eye is drawn to the sparkle but you aren’t distracted by it. It doesn’t dominate the space but it compliments it and completes the picture. Going for a more modern look? Geometric si ..read more

We’ve already pointed out how blush is the color of year. We’ve shown you examples from the High Point and how it has popped up in our own clients decor. What we haven’t discussed is what the color of the year means and how to apply it to your interior design.  Design is so much more than a color but color can drive design. When the color of the year pops up we focus on three things: color, pattern, and texture. Often this occurs in a custom sofa, occasional chair, and decorative pillows.  Paint is simple quick fix to update your space. Get out of the grey and beyond boring neutrals ..read more

Nestled in the rolling hills of the SW Portland neighborhood of Dunthorpe, this 1915 cottage by the river is packed with charming original features. An eclectic mix of antiques, offset with bold colors and high contrast round out the design and provide an inside look into Allison’s personal design style ..read more

It’s no secret that 2019’s color of the year is blush. Here are a few highlights from the 2019 Spring Furniture Market at High Point: This trend has already seeped into our local PDX residential remodels in the form of custom, oversized occasional chairs, sweet accent vases, and a dramatic geometric patterned chaise lounge. Here’s a better look at the fabric from the chaise lounge. Dreamy, right?! Stay tuned for our color trend predictions for 2020…..we’re thinking ochre. Happy Decorating! -Allison Contact Us The post Color of the Year 2019: Blush appeared first on A ..read more

Trends in the last few years have all pointed to black, white, gray, and neutral.  However, the pendulum is swinging!  We are finally starting to see pops of unique color sneaking into some of our residential remodels.  This year saw the rise of blushes for furniture and accent pieces. Next year is moving towards a warmer spectrum. We’re seeing darker finished cabinets, big bold wooden furniture, and inviting spaces. Grey isn’t going to be passé anytime soon but if everything you own is grey,  your space is going to look dated and will need accenting. You’ll want to warm up that cool neu ..read more

Interior decorating and interior designing are NOT the same thing.  If this confuses you, we’ve got you covered!  Although the two are closely related, you’ll soon come to find that they can be vastly different… Decorating Decorating is simple. You decorate for holidays. You decorate for a new look. Decorators rely on using your current space with only minor modifications. They move around your furniture and arrange your artwork.  They accomplish a refreshed look by building on what you already own and possibly adding a few accessories, small furniture pieces, and/or artwork. Designing Moving ..read more

Our clients approach us for a myriad of reasons but consistently we see three main themes arise. Lack of Function – Our lifestyles change over time and with those changes we expect our environments to adapt. If you find that your kitchen suited the single life but is cramped accommodating a family of four, then you need an interior designer.  If you have a  laundry room filled with pipes that resemble a plate of spaghetti, an interior designer can remodel that space to create not only a better laundry room, but add in a bathroom as well.  Interior designers can remodel your home and create ..read more

This sunny sanctuary located in Scottsdale, Arizona, recently completed in October 2018, was designed with the intention of being a getaway from the client’s original home in the Pacific Northwest during the rainy winter season.  Allison Smith Design took this home and transformed it to create a timeless expression of modern artisan design.  Right off the bat, Allison and our client both agreed that the beautiful Arizona desert surroundings should be implemented into the design of this home.  A newly opened kitchen and the install of large sliding glass doors supply an abundance of nat ..read more

Completed in December 2018, this modern saloon in Beijing, China is situated on the 26th floor of a rippling tower designed by Giorgio Armani’s Armani/Casa.  Rodeo Connection features sweeping city views, a bucking mechanical bull made from an authentic American cattle hide, a retail space selling unique American-made items, and antique accessories that bring the historical American West culture to life.The story of how this space came together includes a collaboration between Portland, OR based team, Allison Smith Design, and Beijing based developer, Andy Fan.  Beyond the design of the space ..read more

How many of us have fallen into the trap of purchasing a bad sofa?  We’ve been there and we know how much it negatively effects the functionality of your home.  Where do you want to crash after a long day? What furniture does your family use the most?  See what we’re getting at here? Your family sofa should be treated with as much care as people use with picking out a new mattress. Read on to learn why investing in a custom, trade sofa is the best option for your home, family, and wallet!Airbnb in Portland, OR furnished by Allison Smith Design–Made to withstand the many occupants this home w ..read more