A Crazy Week Ahead + Timeless Design

Happy Monday!  Did everyone have a fabulous 4th of July and a good weekend?  I hope so.  Our 4th was rained out and with all the rain we had over the last 4 days, the hubby and I felt like we were back in Seattle.  I’m glad the sun in shining today and that I got a good nights sleep last night.

I’ve got a super busy week ahead working on pulling together the details for a non-profit fund-raiser I’m heading up, going to the Atlanta Gift and Furniture  Market on Wednesday, attending an event with designer Bunny Williams on Thursday, making the trek to Scott’s Antique Market and the United Methodist Children’s Home Flea Market on Friday and celebrating my 22nd wedding anniversary and the hubs birthday on Saturday and Sunday! Oh, and there’s work to be done in between all of that.  You can rest assured I’m going to be eating my Wheaties this week.

One of the design projects I’ve worked on recently had me going back to design basics.  I found myself working with a client that likes traditional décor and wants a classic and timeless interior.  With so many of the design trends today leaning toward creative paint treatments, bold colors, artistic elements and eclectic looks, it can be challenging to  develop a look that is really timeless.

To give us all a little refresher in classic design, I’ve pulled together a little summary of 12 Timeless Design elements I always rely on!

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#1  Curtains Hung HighEvery room can benefit from hanging curtains as close to the molding/ceiling as possible. No only does this make a room feel taller but it also enhances the scale of the furniture in the room.

#2  Built-in Bookcases–Whether bookcase are used for books or decorative elements (a combination of both is my formula) , built-in bookcases add architectural detail,  storage and visual impact in any room of the house.   {to get the look on a dime, check out all the Ikea Billy Bookcase DIY projects on my Ikea Inspiration Pinterest Board}!

#3  Woven Shades–If anything can replace wood blinds in a home it’s the woven shade.  This window treatment offers just the right amount of texture, color and privacy while adding to the style of a room.  Alone or paired with curtain panels, woven shades are here to stay.

#4  Window Seats–Who doesn’t dream about having a window seat in their home?  Window seats are the perfect design element for that often neglected space in front of a window, not taking away from the view but making a room feel cozier and more intimate.

#5  Seagrass, Sisal and Jute Rugs–I know there are those of you that don’t like these natural textured rugs because of the feel or a fear of keeping it clean but for me a sisal and seagrass rug is the best way to add visual texture under foot while keeping a room feeling open and airy.   My go to source for seagrass rugs here in Atlanta is Myers Carpet.

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Emily A. Clark

#6  Ceramic Lamps–Lamp styles evolve but a classic round ceramic lamp will never go out of style.  Ceramic lamps provide a visual contrast in rooms with lots of wood furniture and are a great balance against metal and iron.  And the color options are endless (especially with a can of spray paint)!

#7 Sofa Tables (or console tables in general) are one of my go to pieces of furniture.  This is one piece of furniture that will work in just about every room of a home and a piece that is just as functional as it is stylish.  I love placing a console table next to bed and using it as a unique nightstand/writing-table option.

#8  Baskets–Baskets can hide a multitude of design sins (paperback books on a bookshelf, DVD’s) and are a great way to fill the space under tables, in corners or above cabinets or armoires.  One can never have too many baskets in my book.  My go to source of chunky woven baskets is HomeGoods, World MarketandIkea!

#9  Medium Tone Wood Floors–While I personally like the trend of darker espresso wood floors, mid-tone wood flooring will never go out of style.  The color is versatile and works with just about every color of textile or paint you surround it with.

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#10  Oversized Mirrors–Just like a sofa table, an oversized mirror is one of your best design investments.  Opt for a black, gold or silver frame to keep the look classic and be creative about where you place it in your home.  Oversized mirrors work great in a dining room, foyer, over a sofa, above a fireplace, at the top of a stair landing and in a bedroom.

#11  A Neutral Sofa–A neutral sofa will not only stand the test of time but it gives you the perfect backdrop to make seasonal color and accessory changes. Timeless design gives you options and the look never goes out of style.

#12  An Upholstered Coffee Table–Since wood furniture is the foundation of so many rooms, an upholstered coffee table/ottoman is a great way to add softness without giving up a functional surface area in the room.  Plus, additional seating is ready when you need it.

So there you have it, my take on Timeless Design!  When you look around your home is your design style timeless or are you on the trendy side of design?

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Room of The Week: Cottage Living

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The older I get the less formality I seem to seek in my life.  A casual room like this appeals to my sense of comfort and relaxation without losing a bit of style!  The light wood walls are the perfect backdrop for the cozy linen fabrics, wicker furniture and natural flooring.  All of these design elements work in perfect harmony to create a space that’s easy to live in.

What a dream retreat!

The Fashion and Function of Settees

 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.

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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!

The Art of Upholstery

The job of an upholsterer is one that I truly admire.  Not only is skill and an affinity to detail required, but an upholsterer also needs to have a keen sense of style and creativity. 

Several years ago, I was introduced to Julie,  owner of The Upholstery Fashionista and her skill and ability with fabric and design details took my appreciation for upholstery to a whole new level.  Julie can most definitely re-upholster a chair in a simple fabric with classic trim, but where her talents really shine is when she is allowed to be totally adventurous with here work.

Many of her clients come to her with fabric in hand, but others know of Julie’s’ skill to select the perfect fabric, trim and hardware to really make a piece come to life.

I’m so impressed with Julie’s’ work and just had to share her talents with you. 

Ladies and gentlemen I introduce you to the work of The Upholstery Fashionista

 

I love this ever so popular Ikat fabric on a traditional frame.  

Julie creates beautiful pieces with a rustic, yet elegant look.  If a project calls for it, she does a lot to the wood refinishing herself.

 

This animal print chair with a solid linen back is so chic.

I love these French inspired chairs and the bold nailhead trim.    

A pair of classic black and white herringbone wingbacks. 

Another French inspired chair with a fun fabric combination.

An unexpected but stylish cording choice for this sofa.

Here’s a chair where Julie ran the stripe vertically on the seat and horizontally on the chair back giving this piece added style. 

From frumpy to fabulous!

These are some of  Julie’s’ more eclectic pieces.  What a fun mix of fabrics and that high-gloss pink frame is so striking.

Love the polka dots.

 

“BEFORE”

“AFTER”    What a great transformation!

 

Love the sofas new look.

 

Love!

 

A 1970’s modern transitioned into a stylish look for today!

   

 

Love the detail front and back, and the silver bronze wood finish.

Classic!

 

Such a fun chair in my favorite color!

Pattern mixing done right!

 

For those of you living in the Atlanta area, Julie is available for upholstery work and can be contacted via The Upholstery Fashionista Facebook page  She is also in the process of setting up a booth at the Woodstock Market where you can see Julie’s’ work first hand and buy pieces right off the floor.  The Woodstock Market will have its first show of the year March 2-4 so mark your calendars.

Someday I’m going to have Julie teach me the art of  re-upholstery, but for now she’ll continue to be my go-to resource for custom upholstery work.

 

So which of Julie’s’ pieces is your favorite? 

 

all images via The Upholstery Fashionista

Room Of The Week: Perfect Pops of Color

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 An all white room brought to life with the perfect pops of color!

When I look at this room, I see the different finishes used on the ceiling (high gloss) and walls (flat) and how that slight variation makes the architectural details stand out. I love the lighter finished floors and how that same wood tone is repeated as an accent in the area rug, tray and green pillow, giving it more impact. The mix of materials (tables, ottoman, lamp) fill this space with personality. And, there’s no better way to add interest to neutral furniture than to add colorful and artistic pillows.  

I’d call this a refined space full of fun!

 

Ilovevintagestuff.tumblr.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest 

That Chair!

If you’ve read my post here and here it’s obvious that I can’t get chairs off my mind.  Chairs that make a statement, add a fun element to a room and just make you happy when you look at them.

Here’s my latest dose of inspiration…

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horchow.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

I love the bold blue and white pattern contrasted with the red piping.

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theglobeandmail.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

A traditional chair with an untraditional fabric..such fun!

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monarossberman.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

Using different fabrics front and back will surely make a statement coming and going!

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tobifairley via ConfettiStyleon Pinterest

The frame of this chair is just stunning!

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knightmovesblog.blogspot.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

What a great way to dress up an all white kitchen.  Love the colored trim and nail head detail. 

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habituallychic.blogspot.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

Neutral color in a bold pattern really makes a statement.

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Houzz.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

Pretty in Pink…a dynamic pattern is all it takes!

 

 

Looking for a quick update to your living or family room?  A bold accent chair just might be the answer!

 

for more chair inspiration, visit my Chair Love board over at pinterest!

Best of Etsy: Fall Finds

Sorry I was MIA yesterday.  Our little road trip and visit with family had me somewhat preoccupied.  The trip was nice, despite the fact that I totally under-estimated the weather (62 degrees) and had to stop by the nearest mall to pick up a few cold weather items.

Since I’m officially in a Fall state of mind, I’ve pulled together some fabulous finds from Etsy for you to enjoy. 

 
Faceted Glass Acorn with bead cap–WhysperFairy
Fall Paper Wreath–SimpleJoysDecor
Handpainted Fall Leaves Gourd Bowl–NatsKreations
Knitted Fall Scarves–CraftsbyManuella
Felt Handbag–SusanbFlanagan
Fingerless Gloves–EweniqueEssentials
Upholstered Fall Leaves Chair–RubbishRehab
Autumn Accent Pillow Cover–Pillowville
Cardinal Stationery Note Cards–FionaDesigns
Fall Flower Necklace–WickedRuby

Chairs On The Mind

Today I’m working on a project involving chairs and giving them a new life. I’ve got beautiful chairs on the mind….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes all it takes is beautiful fabric and a little paint to turn an ugly duckling into Chair Love!

The reveal coming soon!

 

 
for even more chair inspiration, visit my Chair Love board on Pinterest! 

 

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