Design Chat: Selecting a Sofa (and developing an accessory plan)

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I’ve got another installment of Design Chat for you today, where I answer and provide design advice to a readers question.

Like many of the other Design Chat questions, Kimberly’s design challenge centered on finding the right sofa for her living room.  Here’s the question Kimberly posed about a sectional she was considering…

“I read your blog about the do’s and font’s of a sectional and I am strongly considering this sectional for my room. Here are my questions…
1. Is the sectional too dark? I have tons of sunlight. I am wanting to steer away from the tan/beige, and I hear grays are very neutral, but I don’t want it to be a fad thing. The size is 115 X 115.
2. The back of the sectional would face the direction of looking into the room to define that space b/c I don’t want to block the bay windows.
I have a family of 5 and we purchased a single couch with the intent on adding more chairs, but they hated it b/c we couldn’t all sit together. Therefore, that’s why I am looking at the sectional, I know it limits us when it comes to moving furniture around.   What do you think? ” 

Here’s the space that Kimberly is dealing with. You can see that the room is pretty large, has a great span of windows at the far end and a fireplace and bookshelves that sit on one wall.

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And here’s the sectional that Kimberly is considering.  She spotted this piece at End Up Furniture in Greenville, SC.

Sectional From End Up Furniture

 

Ok Kimberly, here’s what I think.  

 Given the size of your room I think this sectional is a great option.  The scale looks good and the sofa will really anchor the room.  As far as the color goes, the darker grey get two thumbs up from me. Grey is definitely considered a neutral and are a great alternative to a lighter khaki or tan colors.  You can feel confident that grey will not go out of style in the coming years.

Looking at the other elements in the room here’s a couple of suggestions I have to round out the space.

♦  Place side tables at both ends of the sectional piece that sits along the wall and add tabletop lamps to make that sofa functional for reading etc.

♦  Highlight the window with drapes.  You could either hang panels at the far ends of the bay window or at all the break points along the window which would give you four hanging panels.  Curtains will add softness and allow you to bring some color into the space.

♦  I’d also suggest to create vignette or small sitting area at the window so that space feels purposeful.  Maybe place an upholstered bench under the center window or two accent chairs with a  small side table between.

♦  Finally, I’d hang a larger piece of artwork on the wall over the sofa to balance the TV wall and overall scale of the room.  And relook your rug, maybe adding something with minimized pattern work.  Both of these areas give you another opportunity to bring some color and pattern into the room.

Here’s a quick inspiration board I pulled together, to give Kimberly an idea for a color and accessory palette to work with her new sofa.

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update:  Kimberly purchased the sofa and it was delivered earlier this week. She’s on her way to a new space for her family to enjoy.

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You might also like these posts (click on image):

2-Creating A Pillow Assortment For Your Sofa.001.jpeg.002

Styling a Sectional Sofa

Sectional Sofa Design Guide Part 2.001

Shelly Signature

Small Space Decorating Tips

Last year I wrote about the Tiny House Movement and how it is gaining in popularity.  Well, a year later and the movement is just picking up steam.

I recently finished an article for a friend of mine who started and published Welcome Magazine here in Atlanta years ago.  She has since moved to New York and is in the process of re-establishing the magazine there.  She asked me to write an article for it with tips for decorating small spaces and I thought I’d share a few of those tips with you here in the blog.

Decorating small spaces can be challenging.  The layout of a room, the style of furniture, the paint color and how to keep the space organized are just a few of the design elements you have to consider.  The tips I’m sharing will help you do all of that without sacrificing style and personality.

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SIX Approaches To Styling A Coffee Table

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There are several areas in my home where I am constantly tweaking and changing the decor and one of those is my coffee table.  I love changing the look by rearranging the accessories, switching up the items or adding flowers.

If you search coffee table decor on Pinterest you’ll find hundreds of different ways you can decorate your coffee table and trying to recreate those looks can be challenging. To make decorating a little easier, I’m outlining SIX of the most common (and easiest) ways to style a coffee table using items that you probably already own.

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Dressing the back of the toilet!

I was looking around one of my bathrooms the other day and noticed that I didn’t have anything on the back of the toilet.  The vanity was decorated, there was art on the walls and I had decorative towels, rugs and a shower curtain.  The empty space on the back of the toilet sat empty so I decided to change that. I searched Pinterest for some inspiration and noticed a few tried and true decorating  solutions for the back of a toilet.

Decorative Accessory Combo:  Artwork + Pretty Tray + Faux Flowers + Decorative Containers

A grouping of decorating accessories adds a lot of charm to such a functional space

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apartment therapy

Functional Accessory Combo:  Wire Basket + TP Rolls

Displaying everyday items in a fun way can add personality to a bathroom

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country living

Simple Accessory Combo:  Flowers In A Vase

A simple pop of color and texture can soften a functional space

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cape 27

Fragrant Accessory Combo:  Fresh Flowers + Scented Candles

Even a bathroom can feel special when you accessorize with decor like flowers and candles that enhance the atmosphere

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curbly

Practical Accessory Combo:  Plant + Toiletries In A Jar + Candle & Matches

Organizing in the bathroom should be practical and pretty and greenery bring energy to any space

 Back of Toilet6
design sponge

I decided to keep the accessorizing on the back of my toilet simple and came up with three options.  Here’s a look a glimpse at the decor in the bathroom…

Guest Bathroom Update (16) copy

Here are the decor options: 

Option 1

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Option 2:

Back of Toilet

Option 3

BOT@

So tell me, have you decorated the back of your toilet?  And which of my decorative options do you like best?  I think I’m leaning towards option #2.

Shelly

Decorative Ingredients for Styling a Console Table

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Shelterness

There are countless ways you can approach styling a console table.  You can keep it simple and classic or you can create an eclectic decorative statement with multiple decorative accessory items. Whatever the approach, there are a few tried and true components that every console table should have.

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LAMPS–a pair of lamps is one of the most popular design ingredients for styling a console table.  Matching lamps provide symmetry as well as ambient lighting within a room and will give a larger console table the visual weight it needs up top.

tip: for a more eclectic look, use a single lamp on one side of the table and a grouping of accessories to balance it on the other side.

via Fun and Frugality

Best of Both Worlds–Fun and Frugality

PERSONAL TOUCHES–console tables give you the perfect platform for displaying personal items in your home.  Assemble a grouping of collectibles, display family photos and decorate with pieces that have meaning to you and your family.

tip:  place accessories in groups of three for a more harmonious feel (i.e.: orchid+books+clock and bird+two bowling pins)

via Apartment Therapy
Apartment Therapy

MIRRORS–in place of traditional artwork, try a mirror or two over the console table.  Mirrors will enhance any natural light coming  into the space and is an ideal wall decor solution in a foyer or hallway.

tip: in most cases, the size of the mirror should allow it to hang within the dimensions of the table, not extend beyond the edge of the table

Via Lonny
Lonny

BASKETS–baskets are one of the best accessories you can use when styling your console table.  Baskets add texture, fill the void under the table and help keep clutter under control.

via Style Me Pretty
Style Me Pretty–Emily Gilbert Photography

OTTOMANS–I love placing ottomans or stools under an open-bottom console table.  Ottomans add visual weight and impact in addition softening the lines of the table.

via Linda Benson Interiors
Linda Benson Interiors

DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES–it’s a given that your console table should have accessories on it but which accessories you choose can make or break the overall design impact of you console.  My top three accessories items for console tables are VASES, FLORALS & FRAMES.  Don’t be shy with your accessory statement and mix and match colors, finishes and styles to give your table that personal touch.

tip:  create a color theme with the furnishings and decorative elements you use to style your table

via DecorPad
Decorpad

BOOKS–you can never go wrong with books when styling a console table.  Use books to fill shelves, elevate decorative objects and add color.

via domainehome
Domaine Home

ARTWORK–the artwork you hang over a console table can really help define the space and the overall look for the table vignette.  A collection of art can be just as dynamic as a single large piece and decorative objects added into the arrangement can provide added visual interest.

tip:  use uniform spacing between the art pieces so the arrangement reads as a single grouping versus individual elements

Via Pottery Barn2
Pottery Barn

Are you inspired?  I know I am.

I’ve got a beautiful wood console table that I’m considering painting black so I decided to pull together an inspiration board to help me visualize the look.  If you see something you like, you can shop the board below.

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SHOP THIS BOARD:

Crystal Column Lamp–Lamps Plus / Faceted Metal Vase–West Elm / Rosewood Porcelain Ceramic Vase–Ballard Design
Nate Berkus Metal Feather Ball–Target / Rossington Console Table–Wayfair / Silk Orchid–Overstock
Kelsey Umbrella Stand–Wayfair  / Safavieh Heritage Black and Ivory Rug–Wayfair

You don’t have to use all of these elements when styling your table but a combination of 2 or 3 will definitely help you create a table with style. 

Shelly

 

 

Anatomy of a Vignette

A couple of years ago I started a blog series entitled ‘Anatomy Of’ but recently I fell of the wagon and have neglected the series.  Today I’m jumping back on the wagon and sharing another installation in the series…The Anatomy Of a Vignette.

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The premise behind these blog posts is to share design tips and decorating inspiration for specific parts of your home so you can tackle decorating with confidence.  

If you’re not clear on what a vignette is, here’s the formal definition that explains it:

‘Vignette is a short impressionistic scene that focuses on one moment or gives a trenchant impression about a character, idea, setting, or object’  

Or in general terms, a vignette is a capsule of items that tell a story, convey a feeling or create an impression.

Vignette--Min Lilla Veranda

min lilla veranda

I love creating vignettes when decorating homes because they are one of the best ways to add personality and create visual interest within your decor. Here are a few tips to help you build vignettes around your home and lots of beautiful images to inspire you.

TIP:  Layers are key!  Vignettes are not just about what the eye sees on the surface but what it sees front, middle and back.  Layer and overlap items as you build vignettes to create visual dimension.

TIP:  Variety is the spice of life!  The items you include in a vignette don’t have to be a perfect match in finish, color or even style.  As long as the combination of items feel cohesive the vignette is successful.

TIP:  Texture sets the tone!  Use items with different finishes to create visual energy within your vignettes.  Baskets with metal, wood with ceramic and stone with glass are good combinations.

TIP: Style from top to bottom!  When creating vignettes in your home, look at the entire area where the vignette sits and make sure the area above and below is part of the visual statement or is left free and clear.

TIP:  Make it personal!  One of the best tips I can give you for styling a vignette is to incorporate a few truly personal items into the mix.  Photos, travel treasures or collected pieces will always give vignettes a personal feel and make them feel connected to your decor.

Vignette--Edith and Evelyn

edith and evelyn
 Vignette--Nell Hill
nell hill
 Vignette--Target
target

Vignette--Pottery Barn

pottery barn

Vignette--A Decorators Notebook

a designer’s notebook

Vignette--Domaine Home

Domaine Home

Vignette--Domino

domino

Vignette--DevonRachel

devonrachel
Vignette--No29desgin
no29design

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Read more of the Anatomy Of series:

Anatomy of Accessorizing A Bathroom

Anatomy of A Linen Closet

Anatomy of Styling A Coffee Table Tray

Anatomy Of A Place Setting

Anatomy Of A Kitchen Island

Anatomy Of Bathroom Windows

Shelly

Fashion Meets Decor

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Good Morning everyone (or should I say afternoon)!  I hope you all had a great weekend.

Today I wanted to share a little bit about the design workshop I conducted on Saturday. I’ve been partnering with a local retail store called Smith’s for several years now and have conducted seasonal design workshops for their customers.  Smith’s is located in Duluth, GA on Main Street which has lots gift and decor stores, restaurants and art galleries.

Over the years my workshop topic centered around home decor since that was the primary product focus of the store.  However, Smith’s recently made a change to their product mix and in addition to carrying decorative accessories and gifts, they now sell clothing, accessories and footwear.  They have also co-branded their store as Smith’s and BoCo Girl which is the fashion side of the business.

  So, what’s a designing girl like me to do when it’s time to come up with a workshop theme and it has to include fashion? Well, I tapped into my fashion experience and created a workshop that focused on how your fashion style can influence and define your home decor style.

I thought you’d enjoy the presentation here on the blog so here’s my cliff note version of the fashion and design tips I shared with the group.

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Fashion Meets Decor Quote

♥  Fashion and home decor and directly related since many of the trends you see in home decor as spun from the colors, patterns, textures and materials you see in clothing.

♥  A great way to define your design style is to look in the closet and identify the colors and patterns you wear most.  Use what you love in fashion to help build a design theme for your home.

Fashion Meets Decor

♥  Sometime fashion only inspires and design trend and in some cases home decor patterns and colors are a direct interpretation of a fashion statement.

♥  Understanding your clothing style (loose and layered or streamline and structured) can relate to how you’d like to style your home and how each room needs to function for you.

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♥   Fun patterns in clothing can add personality to your wardrobe just like patterns in your decor can help define the personality of your home.

♥  Your fashion style should play up your best physical assets and the way you decorate your home should highlight the best features of your home (tall ceilings, windows, trim etc)

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♥  A favorite wardrobe piece like a classic denim jacket can be the inspiration for the decor in your home.

♥  And if you have a signature look when it comes to fashion like Diane Keaton, use that to determine your design formula.

Denim Decor via Style At Home

via style at home

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton's Bedroom via Domaine

via my domaine

♥  The style of jewelry and accessories you wear can inspire the types of items and the way your accessorize around your house.

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necklace available from Smith’s

Coffee Table Decor via Theteacherdiva

via the teacher diva

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shoes available from Smith’s

♥  Because fashion is such a personal statement that ties into our emotions, it’s very likely that the elements you like in fashion are also elements you’ll like as decor in your home.

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♥  Create a style identity that reflected in your wardrobe and in your home.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren via Macy’s

Living room via From The Right Bank

via from the right bank

♥  Fashion and decor are so inter-connected, it’s a great idea to use use fashion accessories to decorate your home.

Via Cocokelley

Bracelets as napkin rings via cocokelley

So you see, #fashion and #design really are one in the same.  You should dress in clothing that makes you feel good and the best version of yourself and the way you decorate your home should bring  you that same joy.

Style Yourself, Style Your Home!

Shelly

 

 

10 Ways To Give Your Home a High-End Look

I took the design style quiz over on the decorist.com website and by golly I think they defined my style to T!

Here’s what it said…

You… like eclectic styles at heart with an eye towards integrating more modern looks.

You prefer to mix and match different styles rather than be totally traditional or modern, but you like to use the clean looks of more modern pieces. You love figuring out how to combine different designs into one cohesive whole.

YOU …

  • want your home to be stylish and that is a reflection of you and your overall tastes.
  • like a rustic or natural but refined look to your home.
  • like ethnic accents and a “worldly” look.
  • like warm colors.
  • like bright pops of color or colorful accents.
  • like luxurious materials.
  • like to use texture for visual interest.
  • like to use some traditional gilded or wood accents in your home to give it a sense of timelessness
  • like the look of natural materials in your home

The one thing the quiz failed to pick up on is that I love décor with a high-end look.

When it comes to decorating, I love to mix of budget finds with investment pieces, vintage finds with new pieces, and refined looks with rustic styles.  I don’t think your house has to be filled with expensive décor and furniture to have style, but I do believe there are easy and cost-effective things you can do to give your décor the look of high style .

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