Anne Cummins Interior Design Blog
Welcome to our interior design blog where we discuss topics such as colors, fabrics, architecture and design, travel, and a lot more! We hope you enjoy it and encourage you to sign up for our newsletter if interested in receiving periodic blog updates. We'd love to hear any feedback that you may have.
Boston Design Market/Boston Design Center
Fun and interesting events and seminars are coming up at Boston Design Market at the Boston Design Center, October 2 and 3. Market programs will be offered for consumers and designers to explore current and future design topics and trends. And, as always, it’s fun to...
Custom Home Design and Construction
Over the past several months (and years) I’ve worked on some lovely home construction projects with Seaver Construction, based in Woburn, MA. We’ve worked together for over 15 years on multi-unit condominium buildings, town homes, large custom spec homes, and...
A Wonderful Boston Staycation
Recently, my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful “staycation” in Boston, including taking in a couple of Red Sox games at Fenway Park, a day at the Museum of Fine Arts, a whale watch that took us up to Gloucester to see humpback whales, viewing the July 4 fireworks from...
Tips for Choosing, Framing and Hanging Art
Are you one of the many who procrastinate when it comes to hanging art? Maybe you’re not sure about where it should be positioned on the wall. Perhaps you don’t have confidence that a particular framed painting or photograph will look right in the space that you have...
Smart First Step for an Interior Design Project
When I’m contacted by a potential client, I mention and offer a complimentary initial consultation as a first step. It’s a great way for the client and me to meet, get to know each other a little bit, discuss the project that the client has in mind, and talk about...
Great Tips for Perfectly Sized Area Rugs
Area rugs are wonderful things – they can be simple and basic, classic and formal, or quirky and fun. I often advise clients on area rug selection and sizing. Although it seems fairly straightforward, getting an area rug’s size right is really important, especially in...
Boston Design Week 2019
I’m looking forward to several events and programs at Boston Design Week 2019, scheduled for March 27 – April 7. There are many, many great looking events, and some that stand out include those that pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus Movement, such as...
Interior Design Multi-Tasking
Designers are decision makers for clients and builders. One of my jobs as an interior designer is to assist in picking out the best possible materials for projects. Multi-tasking, organization and creativity are key. Here’s a list of design related items I’ve helped...
Happy New Year In Color
Happy New Year – it’s time to talk about various “Color of the Year” trends. Pantone has named “Living Coral” as its Color of the Year, and this coral is a very happy color! It leads me to think of beaches, sunshine and tropical settings, but it's a great color for...
Braided Rugs
I have a fondness for braided rugs. Growing up in a traditional, rural home with lots of country accents, my parents had several braided rugs in various rooms and I felt like they were the obvious choice for area rugs. My brother and sister and I used to play right on...
Read more“Form follows function – that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.”
– Frank Lloyd Wright, 1908
Frank Lloyd Wright Quote
To me, I've always interpreted the phrase "form follows function" as meaning that the shape of something should come from its intended purpose and utility, usually as it relates to architecture, interior design, industrial design and the like. According to what I've...
I Love Pendant Lighting!
Pendant lights add a great finishing touch to kitchen islands, peninsulas, dining areas, bar areas, reception areas and retail counters or displays. They take a lighting plan to the next level by adding lots of interest and pop, and they add a little whimsy or...
Natural Woven Shades
I often use woven wood or natural woven shades for living rooms, family rooms, offices, dining rooms or bedrooms, when flexibility for light filtering and privacy is desired. These shades come in a wide array of natural tones, fibers and textures that complement many...
Dark Sky Compliant Lighting
Although I’m an interior designer, I frequently select exterior items for clients including roofing, siding, doors, decking and exterior lighting. An important category for exterior lighting, especially in areas that are home to wildlife such as sea turtles, is “dark...
Small Bath Solutions
I recently worked on a renovation project at a home in a beautiful coastal setting on Cape Cod. The overall space was open, airy and contemporary, with a large family room and dining room, but with small and compact bedrooms and bathrooms. The bathroom sizes and...
Exterior Color Design
As part of the design team on multiple building and construction projects, I’m often called upon to select exterior colors and materials. I work on a lot of new construction and renovation projects with builders, developers and home buyers. For residential projects, I...
Read more“Color is the finishing touch on everything.”
– Marc Jacobs
Color Your World
No matter which project I'm working on, color is a finishing touch. But, it's also part of a conversation and initial concept with clients, and a common thread from start to finish. I help clients discover which colors they're drawn to, and coordinate colors and...
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
I specify flooring for just about every project that I work on, focusing on the right product or type of material that will look great and prove to be a smart choice. Luxury vinyl flooring has become really popular, and is proving to be a great solution for different...