5 Reasons Why Dark Walls Work

November 1, 2012

While the trend has been to lighten up spaces with neutral or white walls, there are some good reasons to consider dark walls for your decor.

1. Dark walls provide a great contrast against lighter furniture and accessories, giving a space more depth!

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2. Dark walls allow bright colors to pop. Brighter tones take on more energy and become more vibrant.

via Elle Decor

3. Dark walls can make a space feel cozier and more intimate. Darker shades are perfect for a dining rooms.

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4. Dark walls in adjacent spaces actually make the room or space recede and appear larger!

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5. Dark walls, especially with a high gloss finish are ideal for rooms where lots of metallic and shiny finishes are used. The entire space takes on a heightened sense of elegance!

source

I’m a fan of dark walls, how about you?

The Fashion and Function of Settees

July 11, 2012

One of my favorite pieces of furniture is the Settee. Not only are Settees the fashionable but they provide function in so many home decor applications.

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The Settee is a perfect option for seating at the foot of a bed. Because they are larger in scale than a chair they balance the weight of a bed and add visual impact within a bedroom.

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I love the idea of a Settee in a library or reading room. It provides the perfect spot for lounging solo or sitting with someone special while reading.

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As an accent in a living room, Settees provide additional seating without overpowering a space.

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Tucked in front of a mirror in a bedroom, hallway or pass through, a Settee adds the charm. And, the Settee is the perfect piece of furniture upholstered in a statement piece of fabric.

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Replacing what would in most cases be a piece of furniture, a Settee keeps the space at the end of a foyer open and airy!

via Amie Corley Design

Tucked into those often neglected alcoves, a Settee makes this space come alive and purposeful!

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Even in a more contemporary styled room, a Settee can make a statement and complete the look. I love the curved details of this Settee amongst all the square and rectangular pieces.

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One of my favorite applications for Settees is as an alternative to dining chairs. This dining space is so much more intimate and cozy with twin Settees.

Image via Good Bones, Great Pieces book by mother, daughter author team Suzanne and Lauren McGrath! Available here!

In small rooms the Settee is a great alternative to a traditional sofa or grouping of chairs.

If you’re looking to make changes in your decor or need to save on space, a Settee is a very practical and stylish option!

Thanks for stopping by today!

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my local design services or my Door-to-Door e-design service!

Design Details: Chevron Flooring

April 5, 2012

Years ago hardwood flooring became the #1 flooring choice over carpeting, but the look of hardwood can be elevated to a new level when laid in a chevron pattern.

I adore chevron pattern hardwoods for so many reasons:

* they add visual interest to a room

* they can make a room seem wider and longer

* they add “pattern” that easily replaces what you’d get from an area rug

* they’re beautiful

* they’re a work of art

* And, beyond wood, a chevron pattern floor can be created in all types of materials like brick, tile, marble and of course paint.

Here’s a round-up of Chevron Flooring to inspire and delight you! And, while you’re checking out these images, take note of the decor in the rooms shown. There are some beautiful details…furniture pieces, accessorizing, wall colors and lighting that I’m sure will be an inspiration to you too!

Enjoy!

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via pinterest

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If you have your choice of a classic wood floor layout or chevron, which would you choose???

Food & Friends

January 23, 2012

Happy Monday. I wanted to pop in again and share a great evening I spent last week with friends.

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of having dinner with some dear friends at one of Atlanta’s newest restaurants, Southern Art and Bourbon Bar, and boy was it an incredible experience.

Southern Art is located in the InterContinental Hotel and is the latest restaurant from renowned chef Art Smith. If you know anything about Art Smith, you know that he is an incredible chef with a flair for Southern inspired foods. His cooking credentials have earned him personal chef roles for Martha and Oprah and are showcased in his 4 restaurants around the country: Art & Soul in Wash. DC, Table Fifty-Two in Chicago, LYFE Kitchen in Palo Alto and Southern Art here in Atlanta.

I was so excited for the evening and it didn’t disappoint.

First let me tell you about the decor at the restaurant and then we’ll move on to the yummy food.

The decor at Southern Art is simply stunning. Very comfortable but full of high style. One of the features I loved the most were the blown glass chandeliers and artwork ceiling. Each of the chandeliers are adorned with colorful glass spheres and pendants and are flanked by commissioned pieces of artwork which are suspended face-down for the ceiling. The ceiling is so colorful and Looking up was really magical!

There were several styles of seating in the restaurant, but my favorite were these chairs. A silver-grey leather was used on the interior of the chair and a beautiful orange and grey flocked damask was on the exterior.

The wallpaper used throughout the restaurant mimicked the chair fabric with an added pop of yellow. So beautiful.

One of the most unique details of the restaurant was under foot. In the areas where carpet was used, the carpeting showcased one of Art’s recipes woven into the rug.

Here’s a look at one of the private areas within the restaurant. What a great way to spend an evening with friends.

And, here is a look at the main dining area. See the heart artwork on the left? Well, it is said that Art’s partner, a very accomplished artist, painted those on the fly when it was determined that artwork was needed for that wall. Let me tell you, they really gorgeous.

Also notice the open back balloon chairs and banquette below. The balloon chair was another chair style used in the restaurant, upholstered in a vibrant red fabric.

One of the truly custom features of Southern Art is the meat carving station. The station sits at the front of the restaurant and houses a great selection of dried meats carved on site.

Next to the meat station was the dessert bar. Each of the desserts available on the menu is showcased under beautiful glass domes.

The dessert menu is fairly extensive, so if you’re looking for a place to end an evening with dessert and coffee, this is it.

Mockingbird Cake and Banana Pudding Pie above and Chocolate Cake below (a work of art)

Cake Pops

Peanut Butter Pie

And a peek at the dessert menu.

In looking at the main menu you can see that it is a personal reflection of all the food Art Smith loves… southern inspired dishes. As a starter for the table, we were treated with Rosemary Cheddar biscuits and a mini dish of sautéed veggies. Then it was on to the main course.

My friend Shannan had the Southern Fried Chicken which was served in a stylish ceramic “bucket”.

I had the braised short ribs which were melt in your mouth yummy!

And, my friend Robyne had the New York Strip and Chris has the Catfish. We also shared a special treat at the table…Arts Mac-N-Cheese. To-die-for!

Dinner was really good, but we did save a little room for those desserts. Here’s a peek at what we shared at the table.

That Chocolate Cake with a huge chocolate fan on top. If you love chocolate it doesn’t get better than this.

Apple Pie–loaded with crisp, crunchy apples and the perfect blend of spices.

Peach Cobbler. This is what I ordered and oh my gosh was it good.

And the 12 layer Red Velvet Cake. And, if you’re wondering, each of those wafer thin layers is cut by hand, by the pastry chef.

All is all, the dinner at Southern Art was incredible. I had so much fun spending the evening with great friends, taking in all the beautiful decor and eating some of the best food Atlanta has to offer.

After dinner, I snapped a few photos of the hotel lobby. The InterContinental just changed out all the furnishing and I loved the color and details used in the space.

This balloon chair is gorgeous and the nail head detail is stunning.

The area rugs are a mix of grey, cream orange and gold.

The nail head trim is repeated on the oversized ottomans used throughout the lobby.

I hope you enjoyed the little recap of my night out with friends. If you live in Atlanta or are planning a trip here, make sure to stop by the InterContinental Hotel and enjoy a wonderful meal at Southern Art.

Southern Art and Bourbon Bar

3315 Peachtree Road NE in Atlanta, Ga 30326

404-946-9070

images via Southern Art and ConfettiStyle

Room of The Week

January 13, 2012

Happy Friday!

Today is the start of a new series I will be doing here on the blog called Room of The Week. Each Friday, I’ll be showcasing a room that has taken my breath away and give you my design insight as to why. I hope you enjoy!

In my book, this space is the perfect definition of “eclectic” decor. I love the touch rustic with a few refined elements thrown into the mix. Encompassing different finishes gives this space character, visual interest and dimension. And that yellow beaded chandelier is the most amazing focal point!

What’s your favorite part of this room?

via pinterest–original source unknown

QUIET STIMULATION

August 2, 2010

Working in the home decor and design industry can be visually and mentally stimulating…sometimes a bit too much. In a given week, I spend many hours, flipping through magazines, looking at product catalogs, thinking about paint colors and researching design topics for my blog. Every now and then my mind needs a break from all the stimulus.

Sometimes, my mind longs to look at beautifully decorated rooms with little or no color, for a bit of quiet stimulation!

Photo source: James Howard, DecorPad, Country Living

DESIGN CRUSH: ERINN VALENCICH

July 12, 2010

I so admire the very talented design and lifestyle expert Erinn Valencich. Not only does Erinn posses incredible interior design skills, but she is also a style expert in the field of cooking and entertaining. Having grown up in Northern California on a horse farm, and moving with her family to Los Angeles at the age of 9, Erinn’s style aesthetic mixes the casual, comfortable feel that can be found on the farm, with the stylish, glamorous design personality of LA. I love that her designs are multi-layered and intricately stylized, while at the same time feel very attainable and real.

Erinn Valencich

As the owner of her own multi-faceted design firm, Omniarte Design, Erinn excels in designing spaces that are modern, eclectic and chic! Her ability to combine colors and patterns, gives her designs a distinct edge. I love the boldness of the red sofa and the graphic accent of the black and white throw.

I adore the mix of patters Erinn used in this space. There is such a refined, yet comfortable vibe that this space gives off. The upholstered chair, with the painted wood frame is to die for!

With a love for gardening, Erinn often incorporates beautiful fresh flowers into her room designs.

I love the button detail on this slipcover. What a unique and unexpected touch.

Classic elegance defines the accessorizing of this bookshelf. Simple and to the point!

Besides running Omniarte Design, Erinn has made regular appearances on HGTV and Entertainment Tonight, giving savvy style and decorating advice that inspires both the design novice and the design educated. Her list of celebrity clients continues to grow and includes stylish stars such as Jaime Pressly, Mischa Barton and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

The chartreuse walls give this classic black and white palette real energy.

The pattern mixing that in this space gives it an eclectic, high design feel. I love the ornately framed mirror that has been painted high gloss red. Fabulous!

A mix of BOLD (headboard, duvet cover) and DEMURE (side table and lamp) are what define the personality of this space.

There’s not much to say about this side table expect–LUSCIOUS!

Unexpected furniture additions like this ladder night stand are a trademark of Erinn’s.

A few of Erinn’s decorating principles:

Layer your Lighting–“The quality of light in a room not only affects color, texture and mood, but it can add architectural interest to a room. Having three sources of light in every room is a good rule to go by.
“When choosing a color palette for your room, decide on two main colors and a third accent color.”
“Don’t be afraid to mix styles of furniture in a room.”

Thank you Erinn for inspiring me and my design style. You make creating beautiful rooms, look so easy!

Photos: HGTV Designers Portfolio

SHARING THE LOVE!

June 28, 2010

I spend hours upon hours at home looking through design magazines, flipping through decorating books and searching the web for beautifully decorated rooms. Besides being part of my job, it is one of my favorite ways to spend a leisurely afternoon, unless of course I am at Barnes and Noble doing the same thing.

After years of collecting photos, I have accumulated a filing cabinet full of my favorites. It’s fun to go back from time to time to look at them all, but I thought it would be even more fun to share a few of the rooms I just love.

1. Dark walls provide a great contrast against lighter furniture and accessories, giving a space more depth!

2. Dark walls allow bright colors to pop. Brighter tones take on more energy and become more vibrant.

3. Dark walls can make a space feel cozier and more intimate. Darker shades are perfect for a dining rooms.

4. Dark walls in adjacent spaces actually make the room or space recede and appear larger!

5. Dark walls, especially with a high gloss finish are ideal for rooms where lots of metallic and shiny finishes are used. The entire space takes on a heightened sense of elegance!

Image via Good Bones, Great Pieces book by mother, daughter author team Suzanne and Lauren McGrath! Available here!

If you’re looking to make changes in your decor or need to save on space, a Settee is a very practical and stylish option!

Thanks for stopping by today!

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my local design services or my Door-to-Door e-design service!

If you have your choice of a classic wood floor layout or chevron, which would you choose???

3315 Peachtree Road NE in Atlanta, Ga 30326

404-946-9070

images via Southern Art and ConfettiStyle

What’s your favorite part of this room?

via pinterest–original source unknown

Sometimes, my mind longs to look at beautifully decorated rooms with little or no color, for a bit of quiet stimulation!

Photo source: James Howard, DecorPad, Country Living

Erinn Valencich

A few of Erinn’s decorating principles:

Thank you Erinn for inspiring me and my design style. You make creating beautiful rooms, look so easy!

Photos: HGTV Designers Portfolio

After years of collecting photos, I have accumulated a filing cabinet full of my favorites. It’s fun to go back from time to time to look at them all, but I thought it would be even more fun to share a few of the rooms I just love.

I hope you enjoyed the photos. Happy Monday!

all images via Pinterest