Portfolio Review: Interior Designer Mark D. Sikes

September 2, 2016

After sharing the room image above in Saturday’s post, I spent some time going through the portfolio of the designer that created this space. If you’re not familiar with the work of Mark. D. Sikes, I’m going to share more of his work with you today.

Mark D. Sikes started his career in visual merchandising and marketing and honed his skill of creating spaces that are filled with beautiful details, classic design elements and a mix of modern and European furnishings. In 2011 he started his own design firm and has been soaring ever since with numerous magazine features and show house designs under his belt.

What I love most about Mark’s work is the mix. I mention the “mix” a lot here on the blog because of think it is one of the more important design aspects of any room. The mix comes through variety–a variety of textures, colors, finishes and styles. Mark is a master of the MIX!

As you look through the images of his work below, take note of how each room is styled and how items are layered to create a distinctive look for each space.

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♦ Mark D. Sikes ♦

This colorful and eclectic space below is showcased in the September 2016 issue of House Beautiful. The Asian art and the eclectic mix of accessories are my favorite details.

It’s clear from Mark’s work that chinoiserie and bold color are part of his signature style. Many of his spaces include a chinoiserie design garden stool (one of my favorite accent pieces).

You have to love a designer that’s not afraid of pattern mixing.

In addition to residential projects and show houses, Mark designed Reese Witherspoon’s Nashville store, Draper James. He created a space that exudes southern charm and style representative of Reese.

In just a few weeks, you’ll be able to enjoy Mark’s work in his first design book, Beautiful. The book will be released mid-September and I can’t wait to add it to my design collection.

To subscribe to and follow Mark’s beautifully curated blog head here and check out his full portfolio here.

Inspiration Notebook: September 2016 (in pictures & words)

September 1, 2016

September is one of my favorite times of the year! FALL is near, leaves will be changing and football season is here.

As I started pulling together my Inspiration Notebook for September, I realized that the things that are inspiring me this month are best explained through pictures and words. Enjoy!

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♦ SEPTEMBER INSPIRATION ♦

I want to take a moment to say Thank You to all of you that read the blog and support this passion journey that I’m on. I’ve got fun projects planned this month and as always I strive to be your style guide for decorating, entertaining, gifting & more.

What I’m Loving About The Fall 2016 Color Trends (and some product picks)

August 24, 2016

Even though temps are still in the 90’s and the air is sticky, I can feel the coming of fall. There is something in the air and I can definitely feel my mood changing. I’m looking forward to the season officially arriving.

In anticipation of the first day of fall I did a little web search to check out Pantone’s fall color picks. I’m excited about the colors that were selected because ~~all~~ most of them are great colors when it comes to decor. Of the 10 colors that made the list, there are a few that I’m particularly drawn to. Today I’m sharing what I’m loving most about the fall 2016 color trends plus I’ve rounded up some product picks to get you started on your fall decor.

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AURORA RED

Red is my favorite color and even though Aurora Red is a bit more russet in tone, I’m still a big fan. It’s a color that will mixes easily with neutrals and grey and it works both as a statement color and as an accent. A mirror or accent pillows is an easy way to add this color into your mix for fall.

Aurora Red Product Picks:

The Suzani Appliqué Pillow Cover would make a great accent pillow for a sofa, chair or bed. And with the popularity of blue and white, I could see this being a great fall update in a blue and white bedroom.

The Malone Campaign Desk is a great piece for a small foyer, hallway or guest bedroom. The brass accents really jazz it up and I love the clean lines and simple details.

LUSH MEADOW

Yes I love emerald green and yes I’m excited it made the cut for fall. The Pantone version, Lush Meadow is a bit softer than a traditional emerald but it still has the life and energy that has made this shade of green so popular.

Lush Meadow Product Picks:

Garden stools continue to be a popular decor piece and this Safavieh Chinese Dragon Stool is a stylish way to add chinoiserie and emerald green into your decor for fall. #ineed

Here’s a green table lamp I know you’re going to love. The green glass (a hot style trend for fall) and the faux wood grain lampshade make this Jade Table Lamp a stunner. And you won’t believe the $139 price. #iwant

SPICY MUSTARD

If you’ve followed color trends for the last two years, you’ve seen the surge in the popularity of the color yellow. Spicy Mustard is the color Pantone has identified as a trend for fall and I love the rich and luxurious look that this color adds to decor. And If given the opportunity, I’d would definitely own a yellow sofa.

Spicy Mustard Product Picks:

I recently spotted this Bradberry Downs collection rug and think it would be an awesome rug to spice up a living room or dining room. And I love that it can work with black or wood stained furniture and both silver and gold finishes.

If you haven’t jumped on the x-bench trend, the Safavieh Palmer X Bench is a great way to do that. I love the pattern and nailhead trim and would nestle a pair under a console table or at the foot of a bed.

This Large Glass Vase caught my attention on the H and M Home site not only because of the beautiful mustard color, but also because of the $12.99 price point. #greatbuy

SHARKSKIN

Grey continues to be a hot, hot trend in decor and the focus for fall is a rich, classic shade of grey with an enticing name…Sharkskin. p.s. you’ll continue to see the popularity of grey for kitchen cabinets too!

Sharkskin Product Picks:

Grey is one of my favorite colors to decorate with in a bedroom. It’s a soothing and relaxing color with a sophisticated edge. The Asher Organic Duvet is a favorite for fall especially mixed with black and crisp white.

This classic chevron patterned throw is the perfect accessory to drape over a chair or sofa. And it would make a great gift too.

RIVERSIDE

Unlike Serenity which is a Pantone 2016 colors of the year, I am a fan of the blue they picked for fall called Riverside. I love the steely grey undertones of this color and how well it mixes with the richer colors you always see during fall.

Riverside Product Picks:

I can already envision this Unlimited Beads Blue Dinnerware set as part of a fall table setting mixed with orange and white pumpkins and lush greens. #yesplease

I’d love to get new lamps for our bedroom, and this Blue Ceramic Table Lamp would definitely be on my list of options. The matte blue base and the lattice design lampshade really make it stand out.

So friends, even though we’ve got a few more weeks to enjoy summer, I’ve got fall on my mind and ideas in my head.

How about you? Are you dreaming of fall and which of Pantone’s fall colors are your favorite. Do tell!

Design Guide: Every Room Needs A Touch of Black

August 4, 2016

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When it comes to design rules, some rules hold more weight than others. Some rules like the ‘ideal placement for furniture’ or ‘throw pillows need a karate chop’ are flexible and can and should be adapted based on personal preference and the function of a space. Then there are rules that I think are essential to good design. One of the rules I believe in whole-heartedly is… every room needs a touch of black.

Explaining the logic behind this design rule is pretty simple. We all know that color is a powerful thing in design and the color black is one of the most important design colors you can use.

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Read the Post

My Inspiration Notebook–August 2016

August 1, 2016

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Here’s where I’m getting my inspiration this month…

What’s inspiring you for August?

Favorite Design & Entertaining Posts of the week!

July 30, 2016

I came across so much great design content on the web this week so today in my Saturday Favorites post, I’m sharing some of the goodness with you. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit back and enjoy. There’s lots of eye candy and inspiration coming your way.

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I’ve been a fan of lighting designer Barbara Cosgrove for years and loved this look into your beautiful home.

I like simple. I like form. I don’t like piddly little statements. If you’re going to do it, do it.
— Barbara Cosgrove

The art of layering your decor happens before your eyes.

These are the colors that are dominating the design world in 2016.

Life should be chic, glamorous and colorful, and so should your home.

–Jonathan Adler

Summer entertaining secrets and a beautiful table setting.

Celebrity designers spill their decorating tricks.

Be a ruthless editor of what you allow into your home. Ask yourselves, “what does this object mean to me?”

–Nate Berkus

No more ugly clay pots…especially when you can UpStyle them in a flash.

Enjoy your weekend friends.

Gift Wrap Inspiration: Coloring Book Pages

July 12, 2016

When it comes to finding unexpected items to wrap gifts with, nothing is off-limits in my book, not even coloring books.

After receiving The Inspired Room Coloring Book a few weeks ago, I knew immediately that I wanted to use some of the images as gift wrap.

via The Inspired Room

The pages I choose had designs which reminded me of beautiful wrapping paper. Here’s one of the pages before I colored it.

When selecting colors for the pages, I decided to use two of my favorite color combos–red & hot pink and royal blue & green. After the pages were colored I used them to wrap small cardboard gift mailers. Gift mailers are a great alternative to a traditional box for wrapping small items.

And because I’m all about the details, I added small grommets to the egde where the paper overlapped. And then I added some cute tassels. Aren’t these tassels the cutest things ever? I followed Amber’s hula tassel tutorial which you can find here.

COLORING BOOK PAGE GIFT WRAP

Hand coloring your gift wrap is definitely more time-consuming than using store bought paper but for special gifts it’s worth the time and effort.

You can pick up your copy of The Inspired Room Coloring Book on Amazon.

p.s. I used these art markers to color my pages.

Design Guide: Color Rules

July 11, 2016

I hope everyone had an ok weekend. I know that with all the turmoil going in these days, it’s hard to find a sense of peace and calm. One way I did that was not watching the news and spending time doing things I enjoy. Sometimes it the simple things in life that can brighten our day. Anyhow, todays post is all about color and decorating, two things that definitely impact your world.

Last week as part of my Design Guide series, I talked about picking the right paint finish. Several of you asked for tips on starting at ground zero and picking the right paint colors for your home. Last year I shared 4 tips to picking paint colors with you and today I’m going a little deeper and talking about Color Rules. I think giving you a better understanding of colors will help you have more confidence in selecting colors for your home.

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♦ Start with a color you love. Are there colors you consistently wear in your wardrobe? Or maybe every time you see emerald green pillows you heart flutters. Take note of what colors you have a positive response to and those that make you feel good. These are the colors (or color families) that you will fee most comfortable with in your décor.

my domaine

♦ Once you hone in on the colors you like, keep in mind the feeling that specific colors will convey. Warm colors like red, yellow and orange have an energizing effect and will feel more vibrant. Blue, green and gray are calming colors and will add provide a soothing feel to the rooms you decorate.

via bhg

via ralph lauren

♦ When it comes to pairing colors use a color wheel to guide you in picking color families that work best together. Colors close together on the color wheel are analogous and will make a room feel calm. Colors that are farther apart are complementary and are more dramatic when paired together.

Here’s an example of an analogous color scheme…

via apartment therapy

And here’s an example of a complementary color scheme…

via Laurel Bern Interiors

♦ In open floor plans where rooms open on to each other and avoid choosing radically different colors and color families or the space will look choppy and disconnected.

source unknown

♦ If you find a color that you love but you feel it is too dark, ask the paint counter to do a 50 percent tint of the color.

♦ One of the best color rules to follow is layer bold colors with mid-tones and neutrals to create balance within the room.

via hgtv–Photo By: Allison Corona Photography, Let It Shine Photography, Doug Petersen Photography

♦ If you love bold colors but don’t want to overwhelm a room by painting all the walls in that colors, pull those colors in through decorative trims on chairs, curtains or pillows. Small doses of vibrant colors can be easier on the eye and you won’t tire of the color as easily.

via Society Social

♦ Always sample the paint colors you are considering and try them on your walls. Look at the color in the morning and at night and put test swatches near your furniture. I just started using these ingenious paint sample boards with clients and boy oh boy are they great way to try colors on the wall without damaging your current wall color.

via Elle Decor

♦ As you consider the color for your walls, make sure to also consider the trim and ceiling color to make sure it all works together. White trim color can reflect or absorb the tones of your wall color and in some cases make it look brighter or duller.

via bhg

Selecting the right colors for your home is just as important as selecting your accessories so spend the time it takes to find the right the colors that brighten your world and your home.