Search Results for: are house

Daily Dose of Design–Your Decorating Theme

April 14, 2011

The foundation of every room should start with a theme.

The theme could be based on a color, a pattern, a motif or a style.

Whatever theme you choose to design around, all the elements within the room should tie back to that theme in some way.

Here are a few rooms where the theme influenced the style, and the style showcases the theme.

The theme of this room appears to have taken its cue from the bold raspberry color used on the walls. The fabrics and accessories incorporate the color, in its many variations, giving the room its character.

This gorgeous space, designed by Tobi Fairley, plays off the incredible nature that lies just outside the windows. The personality of the room comes from the pattern mixing and combination of rough (furniture and flooring) and smooth (lamp and textiles) textures.

The shades of blue used in this space set the tone. Using dark, medium and light variations of a single color is a great way to add sophisticated depth to a room.

Sometimes the theme itself says it all. The tree theme used in this room infuses every surface…the bed, the walls, the bedding, the flooring!

Any room design in black and white captures my heart. This beautiful space design by Tobi Fairley is so classic and stylish. I love how the black and white theme shows up in different ways, creating the interest:

* Bold black and white hand painted chest

*Oversized floral wallpaper

* Simple striped lamp base

* Black book spines

Your accessory groupings can also have a theme to them. Here, Tobi Fairley wrapped this collection of books in orange paper to unify the grouping.

Kids rooms are a great place to decorate with a theme.

And two more rooms with incredible theme statements from Tobi Fairley.

Color sets the theme for the foyer space above, and opulence and elegance define the space below.

I love the subtle variations from cream to gold that make this space so luxurious!

As you start the design process for any space in your home, pull together those elements that inspire you and use them as the foundation of your theme.

images via: 1) allthingslovely.blogspot 2) Tobi Fairley 3) ahrdecor 4) etsymay.blogspot 5) and 6) Tobi Fairley 7) mariemarche.blogspot 8) and 9) Tobi Fairley

So Many Reasons to Love Chocolate

April 5, 2011

On any given day, I am not a chocolate lover. Well, chocolate in candy form, that is.

But, I am crazy about Chocolate Creative. This fabulous line of handmade textile and homeware products from London is so sweet!

Designed and created by the very talented Margarita Lorenzo, the offering of prints, linens and housewares is so fresh and beautiful.

Margarita has combined stylized illustrations with beautiful fabrics and prints, to create this collection called Decayed Glamour . Check out a few of my favorite items below, and view the rest of her home and children’s collections here. And for ever more fun, visit her blog, here.

All of the art for the Chocolate Creative line is hand drawn by Margarita. She also does the silk screening and sewing too, so every aspect of her line is truly handmade.

Wouldn’t this pillow look great in my black, white and yellow bedroom?

This print is so darling. Most of the prints in the Chocolate Creative line sell for around $32 US.

Each tote is made individually, and is constructed of 100% natural cotton. Totes retail for around $16 US.

Margarita has also produced a line of greeting cards with her drawings on them.

Now, I have a whole new appreciation for Chocolate!

Stylish Coffee Table Decor

April 4, 2011

via Tobi Fairley

As one of the most used surfaces in your home, the coffee table is definitely a split-personality pieces of furniture. Coffee tables need to be a functional work surface, a decorative display surface and often act as additional seating, among many other things.

via Casasugar

Decorating the coffee table is one of the most common challenges I see clients facing. They are challenged by what to put on the coffee table, what scale of items to use, how to combine multiple pieces together, and how much stuff, is too much stuff.

Via Elle Decor

Accessorizing is one of the things I love most about decorating, and styling a coffee table is at the top of my list. Here are a few tips and tricks I use when decorating coffee tables:

via southerninspirations

Determine what Function your Coffee Table needs To Serve. Is the table used by the kids to do homework, is it used as a foot rest or do you use your coffee table for causal meals in front of the tv? Evaluating how your coffee table is used will help in selecting not only the type to table you need, but the type of accessories that will work best for you.

via decorpad

Accessorize with Scale in Mind. I always use several items in different sizes and scale when decorating coffee tables. You want to avoid having all the items on your table surface to be the same height or visual weight. Combining items with different heights, width and mass will give your table more style and interest.

via country living

Mix I Up. When selecting items to decorate your coffee table, mix materials, finishes, and textures to give your display more interest. I love combining a natural material like wood or woven rattan with something metallic and smooth. Or a ceramic piece with a rustic stone or iron piece. Coffee tables are also a great spot to mix style…combine an ethnic piece with modern accessories.

via velvet and linen

via Elle Decor, photo by Ken Hayden

Don’t Cover Every Inch of Surface. In most cases, leaving a bit of “breathing room” on the surface of your coffeee table will make the display feel real and natural. Plus, you’ll have room to place functional items like remotes, drinkware or magazines.

via Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, photo by Erica Geroges Dine

Select a Focal Item. This is where scale really comes into play. You want one of the elements on your coffee table to be dominate. Maybe it’s an oversized vase or a larger decorative box….whatever the item, you want there to be a place for the eye to land when it takes in the coffee table decor.

via House Beautiful, photo by Julian Wass

Use Coffee Table Books. Books are one of the most versatile decorative elements to dress your coffee table with. Not only do books add depth and dimension, but the surface can be used as display space for a smaller decorative item, giving them more impact and presence.

via House Beautiful, photo by Jose Picayo

via Elle Decor, photo by Simon Upton

Add Ambience with Candles. I love incorporating a candle into my coffee table decor. Whether you go with a glass hurricane or a smaller candle container, candles give your table decor a sense of comfort.

via Barclay Butera

And lastly,

Use Trays for Function and Style. Trays of all types are the perfect layering element for coffee table decor. Place your decorative elements atop a tray and you can easily remove it when the entire table surface space is needed. And, it your coffee table happens to be a fabric covered ottoman, or even an old army cot like the photo below, trays provide the hard surface you need to make the coffee table function well.

via martha stewart

via Lonny Magazine

via Pottery Barn

If you need a bit more inspiration, take a look at this lovely photos.

via Elle Decor, photo by William Waldron

via House Beautiful

via House Beautiful, photo by Eric Pissecki

via House Beautiful, photo by Jeremy Samuelson

via House Beautiful, photo by Ngoo Minh Ngo

via House Beautiful, phot by John M Hall

via House Beautiful, photo by Jose Picayo

Tobi Fairley, via apartmenttherapy

Ralph Lauren, via decorpad

viafavoriteandmybest

Stripes Make Me Happy!

March 30, 2011

Have you noticed that stripes are everywhere?

From Spring fashions….

these knit wrapped trees in Houston, Texas. Aren’t these just incredible! Check out the mission behind this trees, here.

And of course, stripes are one of the most stylish ways to add punch to your decor. Here are a few of my favorite stripe infused spaces.

I love the mix of different stripe widths in this room. So modern and fresh!

These chair covers are adorable.

The combination of vertical and horizontal stripes give this area lots of visual interest. A great technique for a large accent wall!

I wonder what’s behind the pink door?

This chair looks like it would be great for a springtime nap!

Cheerful accessories bring so much life to a room.

Classic!

If you need to infuse a bit of energy into your home, consider stripes!

Cheers!

Party Inspiration…In Black and White

March 29, 2011

While most of my design work focuses on private homes and an occasional office/business project, I really enjoy decorating for special occasions. Party planning is one of my favorite things and I love developing party concepts that are unique and different.

Here’s my take on a Black and White Soiree!

The first step in party planning for me, is always to create a theme for the event. The theme of the party sets the tone and serves as the launching pad for all the other party elements….Location, Decor, Invitations, Food, Signature Cocktail, Party Favors, Music and even the attire.

If your event is planned for outside, think about incorporating a tent into the decor. Not only does a tent add visual impact, but it will give your party atmosphere a bit of intimacy and ambiance.

When selecting invitations, go for something dramatic. There are lots of great online resources for beautiful printed invitations, with one of my favorites being the handmade invitations from Etsy’s Ink Obsession Designs. Simple, classic and elegant!

And, for those occasions that call for an email invitation, I turn to Paperless Post. This online emporium of invitations, stationery and cards has an incredible offering of designs and styles to fit any occasion. Paperless Post recognizes the beauty of handwritten or printed invitations, but offers a modern alternative that embodies that same elegance. In their words…

“At Paperless Post, we seek to redefine the tradition of paper stationery so that people can send custom, personalized invitations and announcements with the same thought and care as previous generations, but the way we communicate today: online.”

When it comes to tabletop decor, keep it simple and elegant. Plain china will work with any theme and allows patterned table lines and napkins to be showcased.

Here are a couple other tips that will elevate the style of your table decor:

Layer your place settings to give your table depth. I typically start with a charger plate and layer my other dinnerware on top. And don’t forget that a tablecloth is considered a layer itself.
Incorporate a variety of textures into the mix: textured linens, smooth china, beaded napkin rings, flowers. All these elements create dimension.

Once the foundation of your table decor is set, add in a few unexpected items for a bit of personality.

Festive party hats, made by hand, can become elements of your centerpiece, and solid black urns and vases can hold condiments or candies.

And don’t forget a custom dessert treat to fit your theme!

Often times what really makes a party come to life are the little details and special elements.

Custom cocktails are the in thing. For a black and white themed party, I’d go with a Mudslide Martini. Here’s a great recipe.

Rather than traditional placecards, decorate each chair in a personal way. Check out the fabulous handmade chair covers from Divine Chair Design.(below), and the cute chair cone in the photo above.

And, if you really want to get mileage out of your party theme, ask your guest to dress in colors that work with your theme. This is a great way to get everyone emotionally connected to the party, while keeping the party theme solid as a rock.

The next time you plan a party, start by creating a theme that will make your party come to life.

Thanks to all my blog followers. I love sharing my thoughts, ideas and ramblings with all of you. I hope your inspired!

Stay tuned for more great party planning themes and tips coming your way!

Spring Has Sprung

March 21, 2011

It’s official….Spring is here!

via CreatureComfortsblog

I love this time of year, because I’ve settled into the new year, come to grips with any resolutions I made on January 1st (and didn’t keep), am excited about the warmer temperatures, fresher air and all the vibrancy that Spring brings.

I also love the fact that Spring allows me the opportunity to energize my home in ways that no other season affords.

Traditional Home via decorpad

I love decorating with fresh fruit because it is colorful, textural and an inexpensive way to add a punch of color.

via theknot

via coastal living

I love shopping for fresh flowers and adding bouquets of cheerful stems throughout my home.

Ashley Whittaker via decorpad

It’s that time of year when I take the blankets off the bed and replace the comforter with a crisp white bedspread. Every morning, as I make the bed, I spray the sheets with lavender spray and look forward to the relaxation that awaits me at night.

Coastal Living via myhomeideas

And, I enjoy getting my hands dirty and making my flower boxes and planters come to life.

via myhomeideas

As I work with design clients this time of year, I can’t help but want to infuse touches of Spring into their home. Here are some of my methods for doing that…

Change out the pillows on the sofa

Lisa Palmer via decorpad

Try adding a few colorful pillows to your sofa or chairs to liven up the space.

Coastal Living via myhomeideas

Sally Stepankus via decorpad, photo by Gordon Beall

Add freshness with Slipcovers

via myhomeideas

Coastal Living via myhomeideas

Whether it’s your dining room or family room, nothing says spring like fresh white slipcovers or ones full of color for that matter!

via myhomeideas

Use mirrors to enhance the natural sunlight

Pull back the curtains and let the sunshine in. And, while you’re at it, re-position a few mirrors throughout your home to help bounce that natural sunlight around your rooms.

Foyers and hallways are a great place to hang mirrors during the spring and summer months. And, mirrors opposite windows will double the light in the space.

via myhomeideas

Bring the outside in, with greenery and flowers

via decorpad

I often tell my design clients how important touches of nature are within their decor. Not only do greenery and flowers add a bit of color, but they make a room feel awake and lively.

via decorpad

Jan Showers via decorpad

Re-Accessorize

via decorpad

One of quickest ways to freshen up your home for spring it by changing out a few accessories. Replace the large candle hurricane on the coffee table with flowers, or change out your display of formal dinnerware to all white serving pieces.

Lonny Mag via decorpad

via myhomeideas

Adding pops of color will also make your home feel more spring like. A simple change of dish towels in the kitchen, adding a bold throw to the sofa, replacing ceramic vases with colored glass, or adding a colorful chair cushion will do the trick.

via myhomeideas

Caitlin Wilson via decorpad

Courtney Barnes via decorpad

via decorpad

De-clutter and Organzie

Ok, call me crazy but I love spring cleaning. Going through my stuff , and cleaning out the things that have sat idle give me a sense of calm and control over my life! Every spring I go through drawers, purge under the bed, clean out the garage and organized my closets. And, in the process, I try to make my organization and storage as pretty as possible.

deliciouslyorganized.blogspot via decorpad

Create An Enjoyable Outdoor Space, regardless of the amount of room you have!

Sunset Magazine via myhomeideas

I think one of easiest ways to make your outdoor space inviting and comfortable is to treat it like another room in your home. Add pieces of “real” furniture like ceramic garden stools, dining tables and mirrors.

Coastal Living via myhomeideas

If your outdoor space is small, mirrors are a great way to visually enlarge the area and add more light and energy. Weatherproof wood framed mirrors or go for an iron or metal frame style.

via decorpad

And, decorative pillows, as part of your outdoor decor, are essential to creating a cozy environment.

Now that SPRING has officially arrived, it’s time for me to look forward and think about all the great things I can accomplish in the next 9 months. My focus is on growing my business, spending more time creating, enjoying the company of family and friends, celebrating my 20th anniversary, spending time at the beach, taking my blog to a new level, making jewelry, embracing twitter and simply enjoying all that life has to offer!

Happy Spring!

What’s SPRING got in store for you and what’s your favorite Spring decorating idea?

Ask and You Shall Receive…I Hope!

March 15, 2011

My friend and motivational coach Joyce Rennolds always tells me to cast my desires, hopes, dreams and wishes into the universe, because what you seek will come to you. We’ll today I am letting the universe know that I want this seaside dream home.

Located in the beautiful and quaint city of Naples, Florida, this Mediterranean Villa has 4 bedrooms and 5 bathroom.

The climbing vines, limestone walkway and ceramic tile roof give this home a sense of comfort the moment you see it.

I love the casual elegance of the tongue and groove valulted ceilind in the family room, the iron and frosted glass chandelier and the carved fireplace mantle. The home also has arched doorways throughout, which you get a peek of here.

The arched doorway leading from the hall to the kitchen softens the impact of all the hard surfaces.

This is my dream kitchen island. Large granite surface, big enough to host food and drinks for a party! I love the modern feel of the stainless stove hood paired with the european inspired paint finishes and tuscan slate floor tiles.

Every girl’s dream…a relaxing and soothing bathroom retreat, with a chandelier overhead.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love water and really love to swim. I’d spend endless hours lounging and soaking in this gorgeous pool. A pool like this calls for a signature cocktail…perhaps a Confetti Martini!

And a little something for the hubby…a private dock for his boat.

So Universe, if you’re listening, my seaside dream home and a boat for my guy, would make a fabulous 20th Anniversary gift!

Cast Your Dreams into the Universe and Believe!

images via

Bits of Inspiration: Inspired by St. Patrick’s Day

March 14, 2011

As an early salute to St. Patrick’s Day, I thought I’d share with you some beautiful images showcasing the color green, and a few facts about the color you may not know.