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living room at Madrone Plan 1 in Pomona, California

We Took the Lucky 13 to this Year’s SoCal MAME Awards

To say 2020 and 2021 are years to remember is no understatement. This year had its own unique challenges, which is why we couldn’t be prouder of our dedicated and hardworking team for the level of creativity and innovation they bring to each and every client project. We’re absolutely thrilled to share that we had 13 finalists and 3 winners named in this year’s SoCal MAME Awards on October 8, 2021! This accomplishment is a true team effort in every way, and we are privileged to have collaborated with 5 incredible home builders across 7 different categories. The SoCal MAME Awards program recognizes and honors achievements in home building design, marketing, and sales in addition to individual professionals, projects, and spaces. Entries are evaluated and judged by industry experts at the top of their fields, which is another reason why we were honored to be part of this select group of finalists chosen from so many fantastic entries. We’re still shaking off the glitter and basking in the afterglow of all the love our projects received from the judges and our industry peers. Want to see what all the buzz is about? Check out our finalists and winning projects that made the cut!

 

Madrone Plan 1 by Van Daele Homes | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced Under $600,000

Pops of orange and blue, along with a lively Southwest-style rug, punch up the creamy neutrals in this open great room at Madrone.

living room at Madrone Plan 1 in Pomona, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Madrone Plan 3 by Van Daele Homes | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $600,000-$900,000

A pleasing blend of traditional and industrial elements, coupled with a cornflower blue accent wall, make this transitional kitchen and dining space sing.

kitchen and dining room at Madrone Plan 3 in Pomona, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Iridium Plan 3 by Far West Industries | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $600,000-$900,000

A deliberate mix of materials and textures take elevated neutrals to a whole new level in this open concept great room at Iridium.

kitchen and living room at Iridium Plan 3 in Rancho Mirage, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Flair at Miralon Plan 1 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $600,000-$900,000

Furnishings of stone, glass, metallics, and leather reimagine mid century modern for today’s Palm Springs revelers. Cocktail, anyone?

great room at Flair at Miralon Plan 1 in Palm Springs, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Flair at Miralon Plan 3 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $600,000-$900,000 – WINNER

Low-back furnishings are for a luxuriously laid-back desert lifestyle, and rich jewel-toned accents (hello, velvet chairs and barstools) create cozy comfort.

great room at Flair at Miralon Plan 3 in Palm Springs, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Flair at Miralon Plan 4 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced $900,001-$1.5 Million

A palette of rich chocolate, inky black, and soft gray ground and balance glass and wood in all the right places in this living room at Flair.

living room at Flair at Miralon Plan 4 in Palm Springs, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Loden Plan Seven by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of a Detached Home Priced over $1.5 Million – WINNER

Eclectic embellishments of wood and stone invite the eye to dance around this sophisticated yet casual family room of rich neutrals and pops of black.

living room at Loden Plan Seven in Encinitas, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Indigo Plan 2 by Brookfield Residential | Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000

A classic blue couch adds instant character to this townhome living room with textural boho touches.

living room at Indigo Plan 2 in Ontario, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

The QUE at Vibe Plan 2 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000

Feel the textural and organic details in this bright and open living room at The QUE, with mingling layers of white, cream, and beige.

living room at The QUE at Vibe Plan 2 in Palm Springs, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Lantana at Beach, Gardens Plan 1 by Brookfield Residential | Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000

Modern and masculine, this transitional living room at Gardens features touches of mod with clean lines.

living room at Lantana at Beach, Gardens Plan 1 in Stanton, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Lantana at Beach, Gardens Plan 3 by Brookfield Residential | Best Interior Merchandising of an Attached Home Priced Under $750,000

Boho accents in sunshine yellow fill this home office full of energy, while multi-purpose shelving maximizes every inch of the smaller room layout.

home office at Lantana at Beach, Gardens Plan 3 in Stanton, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

Flair at Miralon Plan 4 by Woodbridge Pacific Group | Home of the Year – WINNER

This sumptuous living room invites modern luxury and a relaxed vibe with its combination of rich neutrals, wood, leather, and glass.

Flair at Miralon Plan 4 in Palm Springs, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

 

TruDIY Video Series by Trumark Homes | Best Innovative Use of Technology

Our team had the privilege of collaborating with client Trumark Homes and Kovach Marketing on a fun and informative video series that inspired home buyers to bring great design into their new homes.

video series screenshot at Trumark Homes in San Bernardino, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

living room at Splash Plan Two at One Lake in Fairfield, California

Playful Sophistication in the Plan Two at Splash

Effortlessly chic and welcoming, the Plan Two model at Splash is thoroughly modern and full of personality. Its energy is only matched by its location at One Lake, a socially minded and outdoor-focused master-planned community in Fairfield, California. Complete with a lake clubhouse, boathouse for paddle boarding and easy access to wine country, this community is all about effervescent life. In Plan Two, a classically feminine palette gets reimagined with shades of rose blush, gray, and creamy neutrals. Understated elegance is found in the details, like curtains adorned with a delicate pattern, sofa pillows of various weaves and textures, and select matte black furnishings that anchor the eye as it travels throughout the open concept floor plan. Earthy and bohemian features, like a neutral jute rug and rattan seating, balance the spaces’ ethereal and dream-like quality, and highlight the unique wood and stone look of the tile floor. In the kitchen, soft gray shaker cabinets and warm gold hardware offer a pleasing contrast of cool and warm tones. The understated ethos continues throughout each room with shades of gray and rose, striking gold light fixtures, textured bedding, and lively patterned tilework. It’s all softness and light in this top-selling floorplan—a beautiful reflection of the community’s vibrant lifestyle that awaits lucky Northern California families!

set of two wall planters by Chameleon Design

Natural Wonder: Biophilic Design

If you’ve ever felt reinvigorated after a walk in the woods or a stroll through a park, you’re not alone. It’s well known that spending time in or being near nature is linked to health benefits and an increase in overall wellbeing. It’s no wonder we’re drawn to biophilic design—the integration of nature in the built environment.

Biophilic design is more than adding a few houseplants, though greenery is an important element. It’s about leveraging architecture and interior design to create healthier spaces that make us feel as we do when immersed in nature: connected, safe, curious, and refreshed.

So what exactly is biophilic design, and how can you incorporate it in your home? Some key elements include:

Natural light. This could involve a home’s orientation, window placement and size, and any design that helps blend the boundary between inside and outside.

Biomorphic design. There’s an emphasis on furnishings that imitate objects and forms found in nature, like curves, rounded shapes, waves, leaves, and rock. The use of natural materials – wood, rattan, stone, leather – reinforces the outdoor connection.

Color palette. Think shades of green and lots of plants as well as other hues that are commonly found in nature, like browns, creams, grays, and warm terracotta shades.

This design style is proven to make us happier, more productive, and even healthier, with its focus on better air quality and light to improve sleep-wake cycles. It soothes, calms, and revitalizes, and who couldn’t use more of that in their life!

blue abstract rug in living room by Chameleon Design

Rugs That Have Us Floored: Bold is Better

Staring at the floor will be your new favorite hobby once you set your sights on that gorgeous area rug in the room! Rugs are essential as they blend function and style in space. They provide a softer surface to walk on, offer noise insulation, and protect hard flooring from foot traffic and spills. But beyond that, they can be design superstars by adding dimension to a room through color, texture, print, or pattern. A well-placed area rug can define a space, create a sense of intimacy, and add character, especially in open floor plans. Transform a neutral living room into a calming oasis with a bright blue area rug or elevate your sectional with a bold patterned rug and complimentary throw pillows. Slide a rug under the bed in a bedroom for texture and softness underfoot. You can place one outdoors as well to define and add color to a deck or patio. When selecting a rug, consider how its size, material, and color work together in the room’s design. Pay attention to scale too. A rug that is too small can visibly shrink a room, so don’t be afraid to go up a size or two to ensure it fits beneath most furniture! Layer one on any floor for even more texture and dimension to break up the wall-to-wall look. Like art for your floors, rugs can be focal points, conversation starters, or finishing touches, and we love how they tie our clients’ rooms together in a way nothing else can.

Iridium Residence 3 Defines Desert Cool

This model home by Far West Industries is influenced by the desert way of life and all the comfort and style that comes with it. Placed in one of the most high-demand areas of Rancho Mirage, this model home has a color palette of greys and blacks to create a sleek, refreshing interior as a perfect juxtaposition to the desert heat outside. With the addition of the pale cream tones resembling the arid desert landscape, this luxurious residence is sure to impress.

Upon entry into Residence 3, you are instantly welcomed by the great room, and its desert modern interior with luxe amenities and cool neutral furnishings. We included a unique bar area with a wine refrigerator and plentiful accessories to add a standout entertainment factor to the space. Moving through, a sense of balance is created with the simple shagreen coffee table and the dark, sculptural light fixture above, as well as the sleek black bar stools distinctly placed against the Calcutta Classique quartz island and matching backsplash.

With geometric patterns, modern abstract artwork, and sculptural accessories throughout, there is no corner that does not radiate modern desert chic.

The residence not only has a beautiful interior, but a relaxing outdoor oasis as well, complete with a pool and spa as well as the perfect patio for entertaining or late evening relaxation. The playful, geometric design of the patio furnishings keeps guests captivated, and the outdoor dining area is the perfect place to take in those cool desert nights.

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Accent Chairs that Sit Pretty

You might need to take a seat after hearing all about why accent chairs are the standout style icons of 2021. Accent chairs are that perfect combination of function and form since they not only provide extra seating, but they also have the potential to define a room. Their smaller footprint creates an opportunity to go big and bold with design, from shape and color to material and texture. Modern, traditional, minimalist—there’s an accent chair for every style. When selecting accent seating, consider its purpose and location. Keep its height consistent with existing furniture for cohesion, but don’t be afraid to mix things up. Play with scale, texture, and style. Go sculptural to make a statement or modern with a metal-framed chair. A wingback chair can be dramatic and bright for an unexpected pop in a classic space, while a barrel chair softens a space with its curved design. For material, feel free to deviate from the sofa’s look and have fun with texture. Leather, suede, velvet, rattan, and faux fur are all great options. Don’t forget to use accent chairs to elevate your outdoor space, too, and create a stylish open-air oasis!

set of two blue accent chairs by Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

creamy beige accent chair in living room by Chameleon Design

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saddle leather and wood armchair in living room by Chameleon Design

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black leather and wood armchair in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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set of two cream accent chairs by Chameleon Design

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gray chaise lounge in office by Chameleon Design

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rattan accent chair in living room by Chameleon Design

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white reclining accent chair in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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nailhead and wood armchair in living room by Chameleon Design

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leather Eames style chair in loft by Chameleon Design

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gray leather and metal armchair in living room by Chameleon Design

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set of neutral armchairs in living room by Chameleon Design

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beige director’s chair in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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rattan and white lounge chairs on covered patio by Chameleon Design

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white accent chair in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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gray wingback accent chair in living room by Chameleon Design

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chartreuse accent chair in living room by Chameleon Design

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curved sofa in chic and modern lounge area by Chameleon Design

Well Rounded Design: Curved Elements

It’s no surprise we want our living spaces to be a calming oasis and soothing retreat from the outside world. We want our homes to wrap us up in a cozy blanket. Shape has a profound effect on how we experience our environment, and rounded edges in particular can create an alluring softness. Curved furnishings are everywhere right now because they create a feeling of serenity while adding drama and sophistication. When used in interiors, they relax, calm, and soothe, and offer a nice balance with more angular pieces. Like a wave or meandering stream, curves suggest movement and flow. They’re a wonderful choice for smaller spaces because they open them up while encouraging the eye to move around the room. A curved sofa makes a dramatic statement, but you don’t have to make a big investment to achieve the look. Curves and waves can be subtle, like a circular coffee table, barrel accent chair, or rounded dining chairs. Think beyond furniture and have fun with accents like wall art, rugs, and lighting. Don’t be afraid to play around with texture to create dimension—use fabric, wood, stone, and metals to accentuate the curved design and enhance the sensory experience.

curved sofa in chic and modern lounge area by Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

curved furniture in neutral living room by Chameleon Design

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curved dining chairs in dining room by Chameleon Design

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blue round coffee table in living room by Chameleon Design

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curved bar stools in kitchen by Chameleon Design

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round table and accents in living room by Chameleon Design

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curved furniture in living room by Chameleon Design

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curved furniture in open outdoor space by Chameleon Design

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curved desk in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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curved detail on entryway table by Chameleon Design

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curved white sofa in living room by Chameleon Design

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curved green armchairs by Chameleon Design

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curved chairs and round dining table by Chameleon Design

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round yellow jute rug in living room by Chameleon Design

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curved metal high chairs by Chameleon Design

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curved rattan dining chairs by Chameleon Design

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curved furniture in great room by Chameleon Design

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curved detail on entryway table by Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Community Center at Jordan Downs in Watts, California

Redevelopment for Good — Jordan Downs Community Center

A distressed 1950s-era housing development is getting its much-deserved second act as a fully revitalized mixed-income community. Jordan Downs is a joint venture master-planned redevelopment by Bridge Housing and The Michaels Organization, located in Watts, California. We couldn’t be happier to partner with both incredible teams to help realize the vision of the community that preserves its historical roots while enhancing residents’ quality of life. Our team’s goal was to breathe new life into the master plan’s shared amenities through uniquely designed spaces that inspire connection and community, for everyone of all ages. A bright and colorful palette uplifts and inspires, and various seating arrangements offer a comfortable place for after-school activities, Girl Scout meetings, and other neighborhood events. Phase 1 includes one of several of the development’s community centers that aim to be sustainable and more energy-efficient. Phase 2 construction is currently underway and will open in December 2021. We are so thrilled to be working on this next chapter of the development which will include even larger community spaces to further provide residents with support, stability, and a place for recreation.

Community Center at Jordan Downs in Watts, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Media area in Community Center at Jordan Downs in Watts, California

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Dining and meeting area in Community Center at Jordan Downs in Watts, California

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Study area in Community Center at Jordan Downs in Watts, California

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Community Center exterior at Jordan Downs in Watts, California

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

rattan and wood dining set on patio by Chameleon Design

Let’s Take This Outside – Why a Cozy Patio is Essential

It’s time for an escape. . . to your soon-to-be amazing outdoor oasis. You may have used your patio during this past year as a makeshift office, Zoom background, or a place to take a break from the kids for a few blissful minutes (no shame in that game!). Necessity is the mother of invention, but now’s the time to level up your outdoor space. Open-air and sunshine are proven to make us happier and increase our sense of wellbeing, so harness that with a patio that is soon to become your new favorite hangout spot. To kick off your new open-air retreat, start with some lounge-worthy furniture that is just as comfy as your living room sofa. Invest in a sectional with thick cushions and be sure to layer on the pillows. For all those cool evenings outdoors, don’t forget to keep a blanket or two nearby to keep warm! You can also add a market umbrella or another sun-blocking feature for those sunny summer days, as well as a dark outdoor rug to define the space and add texture. If you really want to set the mood, add a Wi-Fi extender so you’re always ready with some ambient music. Ready to entertain? A bar cart keeps you outdoors with the margaritas flowing, surrounded by all your favorite people. Cornhole, croquet, and other lawn games are always a good idea if you really want to up the entertainment factor. To fully take in the evenings, add in a fire pit that you can lounge next to while stargazing. Summers are meant to be enjoyed slowly, and there’s no better place to do so than your own stylish backyard.

rattan and wood dining set on patio by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

wood rocking chair and yellow stool on patio by Chameleon Design

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water feature in backyard by Chameleon Design

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concrete bench and aqua accents on porch by Chameleon Design

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outdoor chairs and table on porch by Chameleon Design

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woven chairs and metal dining table on patio by Chameleon Design

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teak bar cart on patio by Chameleon Design

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outdoor dining set and water feature on covered patio by Chameleon Design

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woven outdoor chairs and concrete table on patio by Chameleon Design

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outdoor sofa with colorful cushions on porch by Chameleon Design

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pool and lounge seating in backyard by Chameleon Design

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woven chairs, table, and bar cart on deck by Chameleon Design

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outdoor sectional sofa and garden stools on patio by Chameleon Design

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teak hammock in backyard by Chameleon Design

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kelly green chairs and white table on patio by Chameleon Design

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dining set, sofa, and pergola on patio by Chameleon Design

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outdoor sofa and rustic table on deck by Chameleon Design

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pool table and deck/outdoor patio area by Chameleon Design

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outdoor wicker chairs and wood table on patio by Chameleon Design

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outdoor sofa, wicker chair, and tables on patio by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

woven chair, wood slice table, and bar cart on deck by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

black tongue and groove paneling in bedroom by Chameleon Design

Wonder Walls – Picture Perfect Paneling

Looking for a way to quickly add character to your home (and make it instantly Instagrammable)? Just add wall paneling! You can’t scroll through Instagram or Pinterest without seeing paneling showcased amongst all the home design hashtags and influencers. Interior trends come and go, but this one’s here for the long haul. It’s easy to see why, it’s a no-fail way to turn a wall from blah to awe. We’re not talking about the laminate wood paneling in your grandparents’ house circa the 1960s or 70s. Today’s iteration is the real deal with genuine wood and modern spins that look amazing with many popular home styles. Paneling accentuates the shape of a room while adding interest, a foundation for layering, and even insulation. Go traditional and charming with board and batten, shiplap, or picture frame paneling. For a modern vibe, opt for v-grooved, reclaimed wood planks, or colorful painted slats that elevate an accent wall. Light and bright paneling opens up a space and makes it look larger, while darker tones create depth and moodier texture. With wall paneling, you’re only limited by your imagination, and we love adding to our clients’ projects to appeal to today’s design-obsessed homebuyers!

black tongue and groove paneling in bedroom by Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

wood plank paneling in sales center by Chameleon Design

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wood plank paneling in family room by Chameleon Design

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wood plank paneling in alcove by Chameleon Design

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picture frame paneling in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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white board and batten in entryway by Chameleon Design

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wood plank paneling in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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gray square paneling in living room by Chameleon Design

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wood plank paneling in dining room by Chameleon Design

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vertical tongue and groove paneling in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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vertical tongue and groove gray paneling in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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yellow rectangular paneling in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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vertical wood tongue and groove paneling in dining room by Chameleon Design

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white shiplap in entryway by Chameleon Design

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wood board paneling in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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white shiplap in entryway by Chameleon Design

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white rectangular paneling in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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white shiplap in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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blue board and batten paneling in bedroom by Chameleon Design

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white shiplap in home office by Chameleon Design

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