Keeping Focused Sunday, Apr 28 2013

Sometimes I feel like half my job is keeping a client focused on the ultimate goal.  It’s so easy to get distracted by all of the beautiful things out there in the design world.  And there are so many aspects to design that you must consider.  Sometimes you just want to do the easy thing: It’s easy to become enamored by some shiny object.  It’s easy to get wrapped up in the functionality of something and loose sight of the beauty.  It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the cost of things.  It’s easy to desire whatever your BFF or neighbor has in her house.

Here is what I say to that:  State a goal at the beginning of the project.  For example, my favorite colors are red and green.  We do not live a formal lifestyle: therefore, the rooms need to feel cozy and livable.  I like Asian inspired pieces and big compfy furniture.  The hardware in my whole house is a dark brass. Decide whether you’re going to use white or cream (I’ll talk about this later). Come up with a budget.

Work with a friend or decorator.  Someone who can have an objective opinion.  Someone who will tell you the truth.  Someone who keeps on or ahead of trends.  And really your decorator should be a friend.  Someone you love working with and bouncing ideas off of.

You want your house to look and (key word: feel) cohesive.  It should flow nicely from one end to the other and from top to bottom. Your master bath shouldn’t be French country and your kitchen midcentury modern.  It’s confusing and unsettling.  The feel part of design is equally important as the practicality.  Every piece you put in that space should contribute to the overall look.  If one piece is out of sync, it throws everything off.  That piece stands out.  Basically, it can ruin all of your hard work.  No good!

Here are some rooms in which I think the designer did a great time incorporating functionality and staying on track with the design look and feel.  I’ll explain why as we go.  I love breaking things down!

Let’s look at this bedroom first.  It is neutral, but there’s so much more going on to make it feel three dimensional.  The cream curtains frame each window. They add softness and elegance.  The headboard is upholstered with a stripe, that adds softness and pattern.  There’s a chair in velvet that adds luxury.  The floral pattern rug breaks up the space in a whimsical way.  The metal furniture add shine and a hard quality that breaks up all of the softness in the room.  The light adds that contemporary touch to the room.  None of the pieces are a set.  This gives it that collected, expensive, designer look.

Let’s look at this kitchen.  They stuck to feel on this kitchen without sacrificing practicality.  This wood looks so rich with the white molding.  The tile creates a beautiful pattern. It has that hand created look that adds softness.  The tiles are not perfect.  Looks like maybe they did caesar stone or marble on the counter.  They did that because of all the pattern with the tile.  You can’t have pattern (like with a granite) on the countertop and pattern on the backsplash too. Everything from the pulls to the faucet to the beaded glass adds to this look.  Even what’s in the cabinets gives it a more modern but homey feel.  FEEL is so important!

Now let’s look at a mast bathroom. This is perfection in design.  She placed her pattern on the floor.  Therefore, the windows and walls had to be solid.  You really have to pick one or the other.  This light blends, but it also is the right color and size.  The art is just the right color and size for the space.  Every little detail makes this room feel peaceful and luxurious.

Let’s look at dining room.  I would say the two big things in a dining room are lighting and variation of furniture.  Both of these things add depth.  Lighting is HUGE to me.  It can change the feel of a room.  Look past the finishes in this room and look at each individual piece.  You might have thought: Red curtains?  Ugh.  Bookcases in the dining room?  Weird.  Frosty chandelier?  What.  Patterned floors and chairs?  Crazy.  But it works!  It’s so interesting.  Every detail makes a difference.

I  love breaking things down.  It helps me as a designer to go back and look at these things.  Gives me new passion to stay on track. It’s okay if your vision doesn’t come to live in a year or even two.  Keep focused, save your money.  Gradually buy those pieces that work in your home and are a reflection of your personality and how you want your home to feel.  Don’t buy anything just because you feel like time is of the essence.  Make sure it fits into the grand scheme and look of your entire house.

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Dream Office Thursday, Jan 3 2013

So I haven’t used my office the way I thought I would when we moved in our house.  It has literally become a closet for all of my art, craft, and design supplies.  I grab what I need out of the room and bring it back downstairs to the kitchen to work.  Mostly because I have a three year old and nine month old.  I’m usually watching them while I’m working on a project.  So with that being said I think we’re turning my office into a storage/gym.  Unusual combination, right?  My husband needs a place to put his exercise equipment, and I want the treadmill out of the play room.  I thought I would post a few of my favorite inspiration photos!

LOVE this wallpaper!  This is my dream!!!!

I’m not sure this attainable for me… But I will try!

So cute!

Darling!

Great color!

I’m thinking about buying several pieces from the Martha Stewart line at Home Decorators.  Has anyone bought any of her craft storage furniture?  It looks perfect.

 

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Merry Christmas! Monday, Dec 24 2012

We are thankful to be celebrating Jesus with so many friends and family this year.  Here is one last holiday pic that I can’t get out of my head.  This is our “dream house”.  My husband and I love everything about this stone house.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

source

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A Little Rustic Sunday, Dec 23 2012

I love where some designers are going with the rustic look these days.  Sometimes I think rustic can be kitschy and dark.  While I don’t mind an animal head mount every now and then (I have a few in my own home, thanks to the hubby), this look can look very manly and rough. But I feel there is a new wave of rustic. Many of the designs have beautiful exposed beams and lighter walls.  The neutral grays and tans are really lovely.  Here are some pictures that I find soften the look.  It looks more livable and bright than ever before.

The cream walls make this space so much brighter.  The light floors help as well.

The light wood makes it so warm despite all of the rock.

Designed By: Linda McDougald Design/ Postcard From Paris

Photographer: Rachael Boling Photography

The grays in this mountain kitchen give it that modern feeling.

Wow!  So much to talk about here!  Color, texture, shine…  The white cabinetry and backsplash keep this room from looking heavy and dark.  Beautiful!

Same with this open kitchen and living area.  If these cabinets had been stained, it would be way to brown.

I love the color of these beams.  The creamy walls brighten up the space.  It feels light and airy despite the heavy beams.

Of course, I love this Mediterranean, rustic look.  The stucco walls make this room so soft.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

 

 

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Different Dining Rooms Saturday, Sep 8 2012

I’m sorry I haven’t posted in a while.  It’s been so busy with kids and work, not to mention I’m having some health issues.  Hopefully, that can be resolved soon!

Anyway, there hasn’t been much that has caught my eye lately as I’ve been looking through pictures, except for several dining rooms.  They are all different, and I really like each one.  Which is your favorite?

Design by Dee Dee Taylor Eustace.  Check out the entire house HERE.  It is awesome!

I love this room. I just wish all the chairs were green.  So pretty.  It’s like a tropical drink. SOURCE 

More blue!  I love everything about this room as it is seen in this picture. I’m not crazy about the curtains that you can’t see.  It looks so colorful and sophisticated here.  It’s by designer Fawn Galli.  SOURCE

Such an extraordinary mix of color, pattern and texture!  Beautiful!  Designed by Ashley Whitaker.

Ashley Whitaker again.  Beautiful design.  There are so many details that make this space custom and luxurious.

Hope you have a good weekend!  I can hear the baby talking upstairs, so I better run!

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Feminine and Formal Monday, Aug 6 2012

I saw this Stroheim advertisement a couple of months ago, and it really is the best thing I’ve seen a long time.  I love everything about this room:  gold, grey walls, curtain fabric, pillows, and ottoman.  I like to study pillow arrangements. And this is a great assortment they put together.  Yes, it’s feminine.  Yes, it’s formal.  But I think that’s why I like it so much!

Enjoy!

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Hiring a Decorator Monday, Jul 16 2012

There are so many shows TV now telling folks to DO IT YOURSELF.  Today I want to talk about why hiring a decorator might be a better option than taking on huge projects on your own.

1. They can visualize the end result.  This is half of the challenge, in my opinion.  You need someone who can see in their head exactly what the end result will be.  Part of being able to visualize the end result, is the ability to give you the feel of the home you want.  There are so many subtle things that go into a room.  A decorator should talk with you about your lifestyle and your dreams.  He or she should understand how you want to feel in your room/home.

Feeling is a big part of design.  That’s the reason you’re spending the money, right?  Everyone’s different, but you want your space to give off a certain air.  Maybe you want to feel energized or relaxed.  Maybe you want to feel like you’re in Provence on your honeymoon.  Maybe certain colors or textures are appealing or beautiful to you.  A good decorator should also be a perceptive one.  They should be able to listen and comply with the way you want your home to feel.  That being said, every decorator has a certain look that is particular to their own aesthetic  in the final product.

Get a feel for how your decorator decorates!  Look at the decorator’s blog, website or portfolio.  Visit their home.  Visit the homes they’ve decorated.  Start looking at Pinterest, blogs and magazines if you have the time.  Are your decorator’s projects looking like every other house in your neighborhood?  Are they going to provide you something cutting edge and special?

2. Understanding color and texture.  In order for your room to have balance and look rich, it needs the right combination of colors and/or textures.  This can be created in many ways: fabric, wall coverings, paint, tile, wood, etc.  Someone experienced in working with these resources on a regular basis will be able to provide you with that perfect combination.

This is a good example of what I’m describing:

What feeling do you get when you look at this room?  Vintage? Country? European? Soft? Cozy? I feel all of these things.  Even though there’s not a lot of color in this room, there are many textures, patterns and finishes.  It has depth.  Not everything is the same.

3.  They know where to go.  It has literally taken me years to form a good list of vendors, workrooms, and resources.  It has been a long, difficult process.  I’ve been through so many bad experiences.  I’ve learned who I can rely on and trust.  In my mind, this is half the reason to hire a decorator.  You don’t have the time to spend hours on the computer or running around all over your town trying to find what’s best for your home.  Your decorator should know or be able to find many different options for you.

If you are building or renovating a house, I want to say that your builder is not a decorator.  They might know where to find certain builder-grade materials, but they will not know where to find custom, cutting-edge resources.  I know this from experience.  Typically, builders want to get things done quickly.  They want to do whatever they’ve done before.  Actually, most of the time, they appreciate the work of the decorator.  Finally, they have someone who will make decisions.  It can be completely overwhelming to the homeowners to make so many detailed decisions all at once.

I cannot say it enough,  HIRE A DECORATOR BEFORE YOU EVEN POUR THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR HOME.  The finishes and looks need to be decided before anything is done in your home.  It all needs to be cohesive.  A decorator will keep you focused.  He or she will keep things moving along and flowing.  It will keep your house from looking like a hodge podge.  And it will take so much stress off of you.

For example, you’ll be asked to decide details such as these:

Which molding would you like?

How would you like your floor laid?

What color would you like your wood floors? How wide on the planks?  What pattern? What PSI?

Which color of grey do you want your walls?

What would you like on your countertops and backsplash?

So many decisions!!!!

So find someone you like to work with.  Whether you’re building your dream home or remodeling your current home, it should be a fun experience.  A decorator can take so much stress away.  You can feel confident that all of that money you’re spending is going to turn out beautifully.  You’ll have a wonderful place to enjoy your family and entertain friends.  Your home should be a reflection of you.  Don’t settle for the look all of your neighbors have in their homes.  Make your home unique and find someone who can help you do that!

 

 

 

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Curtains and Shades Saturday, Jun 30 2012

I’ll use the term window treatments to include: curtains, shades and panels.  Window treatments can make all the difference in a room.  I can’t think of too many rooms where I wouldn’t want some sort of window treatment.  They finish the room.  Shades and curtains are meant to be used.  They are supposed to open and close and go up and down.

I know this might offend (sorry), but in most cases blinds are not the best option.  Blinds do NOTHING for your space.  Everyone needs privacy and also to block out the sun, so why not make that function beautiful?

The fabric used in your window treatment can add texture, color, shine and softness to your room.  It’s a HUGE deal in the overall scheme of your room.

I will not lie.  Window treatments are expensive.  Most of the time they have to be custom made for your particular window.  Or if you buy off the shelf, you might have to have them hemmed to the right length.  Save up your money because it’s worth it!

Let’s talk shades first:

I won’t go into all the details of these shades, but each and everyone is different.  They can totally make or change the look of your room.

Here are some examples of shades:

I love this combination of curtains and pleated butterfly balloon shades.

 

 

Example of plain roman shade with ribbon trim.  This shade adds a crispness to this room.  So clean looking!

Love these!  Custom detail work at the bottom of a roman shade.  This makes the room look so expensive and thought out.

I love a beautiful pattern on a simple roman shade.  The simpler the shade, the more crazy your pattern can be!

Ways to hang your shades:

Inside the window casing.

Inside the window casing.

Outside the window casing.

Outside the window casing.

I like both ways. If you don’t have any wood casing around your windows, I suggest taking the shade all the way to the ceiling, right under the crown molding.  This will make the window look a lot bigger!  Good tip!

Curtains:

Some of these different pleats, I’ve never heard of.  It seems like everybody calls it something different.  Anyway, this is great example of the different types of curtains you can do.  Just know, if you do any type of pleat, you’re looking AT LEAST two widths of yardage.  That’s where it get’s expensive!

I love this drawing.  There are always exceptions to this rule, but I would say this is how curtains should be hung 75% of the time.  This is what’s in style, and it makes the window look bigger.

Cute pleated striped curtains.  Notice: they went up as high as they could above the window.  This is to make the window appear bigger.

I can’t tell if these are just panels or if they have pleats.  And that’s my point.  Sometimes it’s not worth the money to have the fancy pleated curtains made.  You can pull back panels and pleat them.  This can save you a ton of money.  Typically, you’ll only need one width of yardage for this.  This is great option for something you’re not going to use a lot or they are going to stay open all the time.

Don’t be afraid of color or shine!  This curtains are beautiful.  They make this room.  The silk adds shine and the color adds fun and richness.

Again color and shine.  Everything else is neutral.  If you get tired of them in a few years all you have to do is replace the curtains and do nothing to the walls or floors.

More color and softness!  Lovely full pleated yellow silk curtains!

I love how these stripes lengthen the windows and add pattern.  Notice they are installed directly under crown molding.

This rod is probably custom made for this bay window.  I had to have one made for my bay window.  Look how the blue green fabric frames each window.  Beautiful!!

Instead of adding softness to this room, these curtains add structure!  Love it!

I hope this helped!  I have so many blog post ideas swimming in my head right now.  It’s just finding the time to post…  Please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

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Beautiful New Kitchen Wednesday, Jun 6 2012

I started this project last fall and had a great time with it.  Sorry I couldn’t get any before pics.  It had red wallpaper, tile on the countertops, a horrible range in an odd shaped island, and low cabinets that you couldn’t fit any appliances underneath.  We tore the entire kitchen out: floors, cabinets, lighting, and wallpaper.  We even closed up a sky light.  We replace brick floors with wood.  Notice there are only drawers below the counters.  This allows you to get to all items easily.  On the end of the island there are doors for a small spice cabinet.  Behind the doors above the ovens is a TV.  Enjoy!

The client loves green and red.  The cabinet color is Mourning Dove from the Martha Stewart line at Home Depot.  It’s really a greenish grey.  The backsplash is Sonoma Tile 2×8.  The pulls are Amerock in gilded bronze.  The countertops are granite. Pendant lights are the Barn Light from Restoration Hardware in antique brass.  Chandelier is the Vendome Large Chandelier from Circa Lighting.  Bar stools are Red Isabella Barstool from Pottery Barn.

 

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Caught My Eye Sunday, May 27 2012

I saw this picture on Pinterest tonight.  It caught my attention.  Sometimes it seems like everything looks the same.  I love the classic architectural features and traditional furniture, but there’s a twist.  The color choices really make this room.  Crazy how something so simple can change the look of a room.  Hope you’re having a fun long weekend!  I’m excited to spend time my family and friends over the next few days!

Alexandra Wentworth and George Stephanopolus’ home in Elle Decor

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