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Defining My Accessory Formula (plus design tips)

March 10, 2015

Have you ever looked around your home and discovered that you have an accessory formula? I know I have a definite design style, Eclectic Glam but I didn’t fully recognize that I have a ‘formula’ when it comes to the accessories that I decorate with. My formula is a combination of classic styling, pops of color, graphic patterns, lots of black, touches of gold, texture and more design books then you can imagine. Here’s a visual of what my accessory formula looks like and a little bit about why I gravitate towards some of these elements.

Bold lighting is one of my favorite ways to create visual impact in a room and I love the drama that a black lampshade gives a space. Tip: the diameter of the bottom of the shade should not be greater than the height of the lamp body (to the bottom of the socket).

When it comes to mirror styles, starburst mirrors are at the top of my list. You can hang larger starburst mirrors by themselves or hang smaller mirrors in the center of a large rectangular or square mirror to create dimensional decor. Starburst mirrors are also great to incorporate into a gallery wall display.

Colorful artwork is my artwork of choice. I have lots of original black art that my mom brought back from a trip to Africa and definitely adds a personal touch to my decor. I prefer watercolors or more traditional art but abstract is slowly growing on me. Tip: in general, when hanging art over a piece of furniture it should not be longer than the width of the furniture. You want the art and the furniture piece to feel balanced.

I am a confessed pillow addict and have more than my fair share. I love mixing graphic patterned pillows with solid textures or florals, and that pillows are an inexpensive way to change the look of my decor each season. Tip: always buy pillow inserts one or two sizes larger than the pillow cover so that your pillow is plush and full.

Baskets are my friend. I used them not only as decor but for organization in every room.

My rule of thumb when it comes to decorative accessories is buy what you love and you’ll always find a place for it. I love decorative boxes, vintage pieces and always try to incorporate a whimsical accent into my decor. Tip: when decorating tabletops, group accessories in odd numbers. The basic idea of the rule is that details and objects that are arranged or grouped in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and effective than even-numbered pairings.

Over the year I’ve tried decorating in neutrals and more muted colors and every time I’ve felt uneasy. I love color and use it to add a signature feel to my decor. Tip: decorate with the colors you wear and your decor will feel a stronger connection to your decor. If you want to learn more about the impact of color in your life, here’s a great article.

When it’s all said and done, my accessory formula is definitely a reflection of my personality!

When you look around your house, can to tell if you have an accessory formula that guides you when decorating?

Shopping Source List: Possini Euro Design Lamp / Virginia Picture Frames / Sole Starburst Mirror / Surya Tobias Throw Blanket / Dreams in Floral Art / Kisanii Pillow Cover / Bubble Knit Pillow / Cowhide Rug / Gold Wishbone / Black Box with Agate / Braided Storage Basket / Pizzazz Area Rug

Trending: Highlights from the Atlanta Gift Show

January 14, 2015

Last weekend I carved out some time to attend the Atlanta Gift and Home Furnishings market which was taking place here in Atlanta. I’ve written several post about the market before and based on the feedback from you all, you love to hear about market and see some of the new products and styles that being introduced. So today’s post is sharing some of the highlights from the show.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the market, let me give you a brief overview.

The market buildings are officially called AmericasMart Atlanta and the show is one of the largest wholesale buying shows in the country. The mart is open to-the-trade only which means only individuals and retail businesses that are reselling the products can place orders. In order to place orders you need to register with a business license and resale certificate as well as meet some of the other requirements that are outlined on the Americasmart.com website.

The mart is open weekdays with extended days and hours during the market shows. There are two main shows each year, January and July and several ‘mini’ shows throughout the year including apparel and wedding shows.

There are three buildings (and lots of floors) that make up AmericasMart and each building features a mix of different items.

The Gift Mart (Bldg. 2–18 floors) is where most of the gift lines are represented. You’ll find product like candles, decorative accessories, books, personal accessories, bath/body etc.

The Merchandise Mart (Bldg. 1–20 floors) is where the larger furniture companies and many of the lighting manufacturers show their products. You’ll also find lots of artwork in this building along with many of the seasonal lines (Fall, Halloween, Christmas).

The Apparel Mart (Bldg. 3–15 floors) is where higher end clothing lines and accessory lines are. The apparel mart is also where many of the cash and carry vendors set up during the shows.

Whew! That’s gives you a highlight of what AmericasMart is all about. You can find more details about the mart on their website.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff.

The January market is when most manufacturers introduce new items for the year as well as Christmas and seasonal items. I love going to this market to see what the trends are as well what all the designers are introducing in their product lines.

There were a lot of things that caught my attention at this market but a few statements that I saw over and over again which made an impact on me.

Blue and White-If you love blue and white decor, you’re in luck. This color combo is definitely going to be a major statement for Spring and Summer. Expect to see lots of blue and white pillows, rugs, bedding and textiles along with decorative accessories and lighting.

Chrome–Even though gold and brass are dominating right now, polished chrome is being introduced in a big way for Spring 2015. You’ll see the finish on furniture, lighting and entertaining pieces.

Mixed Materials–I saw lots of mixed materials at the show. Leather is being used as an accent on metal and wood furniture which results in a refined rugged feel.

Here’s another furniture piece featuring mixed materials. I love the combo of burl wood and brass.

Bone Mirrors–Another big statement I saw at the show was shaped mirrors in bone. They were everywhere.

There were mirrors in a single color bone and also mixed colors.

Marble–Marble has and will continue to be a design classic. It’s being used in more creative ways which give it a whole new appeal. This waterfall coffee table was just stunning and is a design that would work with just about any design style.

Small side tables in marble are also a trending statement. The shaped and design of this table is really great.

Agate–This is a material that have been popular for a couple of years now. What started as coasters is now moving into other decorative looks like these napkin rings.

Brass–I love that brass is still a hot look in home decor. Here’s a collection of items I saw at market that represent this trend. Those flower shaped mirrors are on my list to purchase.

Shaped Ottomans–Ottomans have moved beyond a simple cube into shaped and sculpted styles. I fell in love with the vignette and love the idea of placing a grouping of ottomans around a table. This would be a great look in a foyer or even a breakfast area.

Chair Details–The club chair is becoming more stylish because of unique design details that are being built into the design. The arms and the tufting detail on the back gave this chair added style.

Hollywood Regency–Glam furniture is definitely trending so look for lots of styles like this hitting furniture and retail stores.

Color–Color is a typical spring season design statement but the more saturated colors are dominating. Look for lots of pink, teal and jewel tones.

Statement Lighting–It’s so exciting to see so many amazing light fixtures on the market. Overall, lighting is larger and details and classic.

And finally, there was a big introduction of abstract, muted color artwork at this market. A lot of the patterns had a batik inspired theme which makes them great to decorating any area of the home.

As you can image, with over 40 floors of product and 1000’s of manufacturers, this is just a teeny tiny glimpse into the what you’ll start seeing on store shelves and in magazines and catalogs in the coming months. There is so much to be excited about in the home decor industry for 2015.

Come back tomorrow when I’ll be sharing some of the top design books being introduced in 2015!

Dressing Your Closet

January 7, 2015

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I know many of you have organizing your closet on the to-do list for the new year. I’ve started re-organizing mine, getting rid of pieces that no longer appeal to me and creating a pile for donation and a pile for alterations.

Spending time in my closet got me thinking about ways to add a little style to it. I know most of us don’t have closets as large and glamorous as the one below but we can dream right!

Yes, this space is amazing and the white finishes allow the clothes to stand out, but another element that I love in this closet is the personalization. Little details like the chandelier and artwork add so much to make this closet space feel personal, intimate and extra stylish.

via Notting Hill

Even if you have a really small closet, you can add some of these same elements to make your closet feel special.

Hang a piece of artwork on one wall or add a framed photo or decorative accent on one of the shelves.

via Domino

Buy a super chic chandelier from your local hardware store and hang it in the closet. Something with a little color will add a beautiful glow and enhance the atmosphere.

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A super inexpensive decorative option is to frame shopping bags and hang a collection on the wall of the closet or even the inside of the door. I got several bags stashed for just for this purpose.

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If you love a vintage vibe, you can also hang a grouping of vintage fashion prints. You can find lots of these for download online or via Etsy.

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Since I don’t have a lot of open space in my closet, I’ve chosen to hang a clipboards on the wall and use that for art and inspiration. I hang pictures of outfits I love or ideas for pairing different pieces together.

If you have a large wall space I love the idea of hanging multiple clipboards for inspiration photos and using them to hold the jewelry you’d wear with a particular outfit.

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Another great idea that melds function and style is to hang a few open frames on the wall and store your jewelry on hooks within the frame. Your jewelry will serve as visual art and creative storage.

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There really are a lot of different ways you can dress up your closet and put your personality on display. If you like the idea of framed art, I’ve rounded up a few prints from Etsy that I think are perfect for a closet space or bathroom. And you’ll get you’ll get a dose of inspiration each morning when you get dressed.

Stop, Glamour Time via Eat,Say,Love on Etsy $18.00

Hello Gorgeous via My Love Note Designs on Etsy

Fashion Fades via DCA Studio on Etsy

Classy via Kardzkouture on Etsy

I Am Fashion via City Comforts DC on Etsy

Like me, I hope you’ll make the most of the closet space you have until that dream closet comes along.

Have fun decorating and organizing your closets in the new year!

DIY Collage Art

August 29, 2011

During the Atlanta Home Furnishings and Gift market this past July, I stopped by one of my favorite showrooms, Southern Accessories Today, to see one of my favorite wall decor lines, Paragon.

Paragon developes some of the most outstanding wall decor in the market and are always presenting new and creative images.

One of the ways that Paragon stays on top of their game is by partnering with some of the leading interior designers and artist in the county to develop exclusive pieces. Artist such as Candice Olson, Mark Abrams, Bobby Sikes, Vikki Mancil Weigel and Tim Burney.

One of my favorite collections from Paragon this show was the Tim Burney Shadow Box Art. The art pieces were created by combining vintage and antique papers and cards into a collage, within a shadow box frame. The texture and 3-dimensional layout made these piece really come to life.

Collage art has always appealed to me and is a great way to showcase pieces of your life, in an artist way.

Several weeks ago I spent a day at the Longest Yard Sale, which I wrote about here. During my treasure hunting, I purchased some antique letters, dating back to 1933. I don’t know who wrote the letters, but the beautiful handwriting on the old weathered paper appealed to me.

At the time I purchased the letters the Tim Burney collage art was in the back of my mind. I was so inspired by these pieces that I decided to make a shawdow box collage piece for myself.

This past weekend, I pulled out a few treasures and created this:

To create my collage art, I included a few vintage playing cards I picked up at Scott Antique market, old keys sent to me from my mom, a music page from The Oxford Book of Carols printed in 1948, a piece of fabric that I love, my vintage letter from The Longest Yard Sale, an old watch face, scraps of decorative art paper and a gold ampersand piece.

The shadow box frame was purchased at Home Goods for $15.99 and was lined with natural linen.

It was so much fun combining pieces of my past, treasures I’ve acquired recently and objects I love.