Beyond

Product + Inspiration: Oversized Clocks

November 4, 2015

I have always been a fan of clocks when it comes to decor for the home. I love clocks of all sizes but over the last few years I’ve seen the trend of larger clocks growing. Clocks like this Howard Miller Postema Gallery Wall Clock which measures 49 inches in diameter is not only unique but it is a great way to make a bold statement with your decor.

Larger clocks are a fun accent in a foyer with expansive ceilings and ample wall space.

Beckwith Interiors via Jennifer Rizzo

Ballard Design

Many of the larger clock made of metal can be use in an outdoor covered setting which can give your lots more options for your outdoor decor.

New Canaan Design by Town and Country Living

Large clocks are the perfect solution for that always hard to decorate wall space in a kitchen.

Found Design via looks like white

I love the idea of a wall clock anchoring a console table vignette.

via Horchow

For an uncomplicated and bold look, hang a large wall clock in the living room instead of artwork.

the painted cottage

Kylie M Interiors

And hanging over a sofa, a large wall clock adds a unique style statement and punch to a room.

Vintage Chic

If you love the look of a large wall clock, there are many different styles on the market so you can easily find a look that fits your decor.

Here’s my round-up of favorite super-sized wall clocks…

Harrington 36″ Wall Clock / Romanian Style Antique Wall Clock / 39″ Oversized Wall Clock
Pierre Wall Clock / Moment In Time Wall Clock / Chatham Wall Clock

When it comes to large wall clocks, the saying Go Big or Go Home definitely fits.

Design Details: FIVE Rooms I Love and the reasons why

October 23, 2015

It’s my job to dissect the details of a room to evaluate why the design, layout, furnishing or even the details work. To give you a little insight into my design thought process, today I’m sharing 5 rooms that caught my attention and the reasons why I love each space.

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Creating a comfortable and stylish living space directly off the kitchen can pose some challenges. You want the two spaces to feel connected yet have their own identity. And you also want there to be some common threads with the color palettes between the two spaces.

I love this living space below because it shares the same wall color as the kitchen which creates that sense of unity. And I also love how the wall facing into the living space was painted a soft accent color which helps define where one room starts and the other ends.

Design details to love: layered rugs, potted plants on the mantle, a mix of pillows and that wood covered oven hook!

LilyPadCottage

Even though you can’t see this entire room in this photo, you definitely know that it’s a fantastic space. What gives most rooms its personality is the mix of decor, textiles and finishes used to decorate it. This living space feels right, warm, personal, collected and inviting because of the design details used throughout.

Design details to love: Animal prints (every room needs one), collected grouping of objects on the table, neutral background with pops of color and a gallery wall that’s interesting!

Driven By Decor

Even the smallest spaces in your home can have a powerful design statement. Foyer spaces should draw guests into the home while setting the tone for the homes design style. This foyer space feels so personal because of the collection of framed photos and treasures on the table. Don’t be afraid to use lots of items to make an impact–repeating shapes and materials will tie it all together.

Design details to love: Glass cloches (a great way to display collectibles), wood on wood (different wood tones make it work), gallery wall frames in the same color story but in different shapes and sizes (harmonious but interesting)

CasaSugar

Colorful rooms have been trending for a few years now and they are most successful when the room has a neutral or white base like this one. The room also works because colors are repeated which creates the common thread within the decor.

Design details to love: Two coffee tables (glass keeps the space visually uncluttered), books arranged by color and touches of black (another thing every room needs)! Oh, that sofa color is pretty amazing too.

DecorPad

Bedrooms don’t have to be bland or even cost a fortune to decorate. I love this room because of the soft color palette which in my opinion doesn’t feel too masculine or feminine. I also love the layers that have been created with the furniture, textiles, rug and accessories.

Design details to love: Desk lamps on the nightstand (use what works), a cowhide rug layered over an area rug (cowhides feel elegant), console tables instead of traditional night stands (use baskets underneath if you need storage), a dynamic accent wall (this one was created with tape) and pop of pink.

The Nester

When it comes to dissecting the design details in your home, look for the elements that bring you joy and that make your home feel good.

Happy Friday!

Stash Your Umbrella In Style: Chic Umbrella Holders

October 21, 2015

HGTV

If you’ve ever gone shopping in stores for a stylish umbrella holder, you know it’s not that easy to find one. After dealing with the same experience a couple of weeks ago, I went on online to see what was available. I was thrilled to find lots of a great styles and most at very affordable prices.

Here are my top picks for Chic Umbrella Holders:

No. 1 The Vine Umbrella Stand is my favorite when it comes to a solid colored ceramic stand. I love the open-work design and this seafoam color is just gorgeous. Also available in cream.

No. 2 If you’re looking for a personality piece, this Boot Umbrella Stand is just too cute to pass up.

No. 3 I love bamboo decor and this Antique Gold Bamboo Umbrella Stand has all the design details of a classic bamboo piece.

No. 4 Given the popularity of blue and white ceramic decor right now, the Tollmache Blue and White Umbrella Holder is right on trend.

No. 5 This Floral Blossom Umbrella Stand will add just the right amount of softness and femininity to your porch or foyer and the black background makes it versatile with any decor style.

No. 6 I’ve always said that every room needs a touch of shine and the Geo Umbrella Stand is a great way to add that glam to your decor.

So, which umbrella holder is your favorite?

Timeless Trends–Ten Looks That Won’t Go Out Of Style

October 6, 2015

Remember when this look was in style…..

via

As a designer, I’m often asked by clients and friends about whether a particular color, fabric or materials is in or out of style. On the surface that might be a hard question to answer because everything that’s in style will eventually go out of style and then most likely come back in style again. The image above is from the early 70’s and the fabric and styling of that sofa are in demand today. And the image below, also from the 70’s, is the tulip table and chairs are just as popular today as they were back then.

via

While styles and trends come and go, there are some design elements that I think fall into the timeless category and will always provide a classic look when decorating.

Want to know what those timeless trends are?

Well, here’s a look at Ten Trends That Won’t Go Out Of Style…

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Read the Post

Design Chat: Foyers–Vol. 3

October 2, 2015

image source unknown

I’m back with another installment of Design Chat. This time I’m answering a question from Katie regarding her foyer.

“Shelly, I am struggling with how to decorate my foyer. The space is rather small and once inside the door, the dining room opens up on the right and there is a wall on the left which is about 8 feet long. I’ve tried different furniture pieces and nothing seems right or is balanced against the dining room opening and furniture. Can you give me some tips and ideas on how to decorate a foyer.” –Katie

I asked Katie a couple of questions to get a better understanding of her space and the image above represents the general layout of Katie’s foyer.

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The Design Tips:

Foyers come in all shapes and sizes and can be challenging find the right combination of furniture, wall decor, accessories and lighting to fit the space. Although challenging, there are a few design guidelines I can share to help Katie and anyone else decorating their foyer:

♦ Foyers often serve as a decorative spaces while at the same time needing to have some functional aspects (drop zone for keys, mail etc.) to the design so keep that in mind when selecting furniture, accessories and lighting.

♦ Select furniture that fits the scale of the space. Since there is a long wall that you want to place furniture on, select a piece that fills at least 50 to 75% of the wall space. Small scale furniture on a long wall will look wimpy.

♦ Lighting is always a great addition to any foyer space even if it will be used just for ambient light. Wall sconces are a nice alternative to tabletop lamps and don’t forget to put your lighting on a dimmer to control the light intensity within the space.

♦ Rugs will help ground your foyer and create a landing spot for guest as they enter and exit your home.

♦ Mirrors are a smart wall decor choice especially if your foyer doesn’t get a lot of natural light. Mirrors will magnify any light coming into the foyer giving it a brighter appearance.

♦ If the foyer is a main entrance and exit point for the home and there is room for seating, a chair or two flanking a console table or cabinet is a nice addition. Chairs ccreate an additional layer of design, color and pattern.

♦ If the overall foyer space lacks architectural details (chair rail, wainscoting) consider wallpaper, a paint treatment or decorative molding to add interest to the wall and serve as a backdrop to your furniture and decor.

The Inspiration:

Furniture with artistic details like this cabinet will add a lot of drama to a foyer. And notice the accessories–although they are not symmetrical, the groupings on each side of the cabinet balance each other.

via

Open console tables keep a small foyer from feeling over-crowded and the space under the table is ideal for a bench or ottomans which can also be used for additional seating in other parts of the home. The size of the artwork is proportionate to the size of the table and the lamps are in scale with the overall arrangement.

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Baskets under a console table provide the perfect spot to drop gloves, shoes or even a handbag. And the texture it provides is an added bonus.

via

Another alternative to a table or cabinet in the foyer is a bench. A bench creates a cozy feel and can function as a spot to place bags upon entering the house.

via

The Solution:

So for Katie, here’s the recommendation for her foyer:

♦ fill the narrow wall space near the door with a grouping of three art pieces

♦ create a furniture and decor vignette on the long wall

♦ add an area rug for color, pattern and softness

image source unknown

If you are challenged with decorating your foyer, I hope these tips help.

If you have a design challenge, leave a question/comment and I’ll answer your challenge in a future edition of Design Chat.

FIVE place where round mirrors are ideal!

September 2, 2015

domaine home

When it comes to decorating, some spaces call for a rectangular mirror while others are ideal for round mirrors.

Mirrors as a whole are wonderful to decorate with because of the added dimension and light they add to a room. In addition to that, mirrors can create a sense of space and make a smaller room feel bigger.

I’ve used round and rectangular mirrors as part of my decor but if I had to make a choice, I think I’d choose a round mirror or a square or rectangular any time.

Here’s a look at five places where round mirror are ideal for decorating:

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No. 1 –Round Mirror In The Foyer

A round mirror in the foyer adds an unconventional touch to traditional decor. The curved lines of a round mirror provide a contrast to the straight lines of doorways and stairs and when placed opposite a glass inset door, the mirror enhances the natural light that flows into the space.

my domaine

No. 2 –Round Mirror Over A Nightstand Vanity

If you are using a desk or vanity table as a nightstand, consider a round mirror. Again the round shape provides a visual contrast to the square lines of the furniture and will create a vignette that feels softer and more feminine.

CB2

No. 3 –Round Mirror Over a Mantle

When placed over a mantle, a round mirror creates a open feeling and works when layered with other framed art pieces or decorative objects. Pay close attention to the size of the round mirror you use over the mantle to ensure it has a enough heft and weight to balance the overall scale of the fireplace.

Domanie Home

No. 4 –Round Mirror At The End of A Hallway

Decorating the wall at the end of hallway can be challenging. A mirror is a good option for this space especially if the area doesn’t get a lot of natural light and if the space is compact. The reflection in the mirror will create visual dimension and add visual interest.

Coastal Living Showhouse–Burnham Designs

No. 5 –Round Mirror In A Gallery Wall Display

Since gallery wall displays typically include an abundance of square and rectangular framed art pieces, a round mirror thrown into the mix will give the overall arrangement a more relaxed feel. When using a single mirror in the grouping the mirror can be the focal point and when if you’re using multiple mirrors, go with mirrors in a smaller size so the total wall grouping is the focal point.

the neotraditionalist

Domaine Home

When it comes to shopping for round mirrors, I’ve lucked out and found some great styles at HomeGoods but one of my go-to sources with guaranteed inventory is Wayfair. Here are some of my faves from their site:

Entwined Wall Mirror–$327.80

Devon Wall Mirror -$138.99

Kichler Scallop Wall Mirror–$250.00

Howard Elliot Rex Convex Mirror–$252.00

And for small mirrors, I always shop Target which has a great selection of mirror sets between $24.00 and $39.00.

So when it comes to mirrors, do you stick with traditional rectangular shapes or have you given round mirrors a try?

p.s. this is not a sponsored post, just sharing the sources I love to shop.

Girlfriend Gifts

August 28, 2015

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had already begun doing some Christmas shopping. I hate to wait until the last minute when the items have been picked over and store shelves are bare. One category of gifts that I tend to buy early is girlfriend gifts.

Finding that special gift for a girlfriend can sometimes be challenging so my method for selecting the perfect gift is to tap into that persons style. Think about the colors the person wears, the items they decorate their home with and their passions in life. When you look for gifts that connect to a person’s lifestyle and soul, you’ll always find the perfect piece.

Here’s a round-up of gifts that I love and that I think my girlfriends would love too.

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These Jardin Des Vases are ideal for that friend that has a crush on blue and white and loves to decorate.

I have a long list of friends that would love this Brass Pineapple Dish so I’m planning to add a few to my gift closet.

If you have friends who run their own businesses , the Morocco Madness Stationery will make them feel special and is a perfect way for them to personalize correspondence to their customers.

A cute little Trinket Dish like this one is great for all the stylish friends on your list.

These chic Stone Stud Earrings are for the fashionistas in your life.

My go-to gift for girlfriends or anyone for that matter is Candles and I just love this little collection from Voluspa.

Do you have a friend that needs to take a little more time for themselves? Gift them this adorable Bird Teapot and encourage them to take a few minutes each day to do just that.

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Now that you have some great gifts to consider, you’ll need a fun way to wrap them. On Monday I’ll be sharing a chic and simple gift wrap idea with you so until then, enjoy your weekend and happy shopping.

My Coffee Table Has The Blues (but it’s happy)!

August 26, 2015

I am constantly changing out the accessories on my coffee table but the one design element that remains a constant is a decorative tray. I use trays because they add visual layers to the arrangement and they’re great for holding small decorative items and books.

You might remember this brown wood tray that often makes an appearance on my coffee table. It’s sturdy, oversized and I like the texture and pattern of the woven liner but the tray was begging for a facelift. As as thing go, changing the look of the tray led to a mini makeover with the coffee table decor.

Books and flowers are usually the items that add color to the table arrangement but I wanted a bolder color statement so I gave the tray its new look with a coat of emerald green paint (Behr Crown Jewel #P420-7) and new gold handles.

Emerald green has always been a color I love and I plan to use more of it in my fall decor.

Once the tray got its facelift, I went about styling the table with some of my favorite pieces. I recently started collecting blue and white chinoiserie and love the combination of green, brass and blue & white. The combo is eclectic and happy but still has a traditional feel which is right up my alley.

Blue and white ceramics are such a hot design trend right now and I’ve been fortunate to score some great pieces at incredible prices from thrift stores, flea markets and a new shopping source I recently discovered (I’ll share more about it next week).

My coffee table is fairly large and the color pops create the perfect contrast against the darker wood table.

I love how the arrangement turned out and I think the colors are perfect for the last few weeks of summer.

When I’m ready to start decorating for fall, (I’m not there just yet) the DIY pumpkins I’m making will work great alongside the new tray and blue and white pottery.