DIY Inspiration–Fabric Covered Console Tables

May 9, 2014

Fabric…It’s Not Just for Curtains Anymore!

Ever since I saw this amazing fabric covered console table by Timothy Corrigan at the ASO Showhouse, I’ve been smitten with the idea of covering a table of my own.

Not only does a fabric covered table stand out as a unique design element but the texture and visual punch it adds to room is really dramatic.

When you think about all the fabric options out there, this fairly easy diy project is a great way to create a custom look for your home.

Even though I didn’t need any more inspiration, I went looking for some and came across these looks and ideas…

Sometimes a room just needs a bit of natural texture and covering a table in grasscloth can add the touch needed.

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You can never go wrong with an animal print and this python print turns simple stacked console tables into a stunning look. I also like that a coat of Mod Podge was added to give the fabric a more durable surface.

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A mini chevron pattern is subtle but interesting. With a print like this you can go neutral in color or create a table that adds a pop of color.

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Even tables with a design detail can be covered in fabric. This silhouette is perfect for the finishing touch of nail heads.

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A bold fabric choice on a stylized console table would look great in a foyer.

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Even the big box stores (HomeGoods) is getting in on the look with this navy fabric covered table and silver nail heads.

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If you’re a diy’er and want to give this project a try, here’s a great tutorial on the process. And if you can’t score a super cheap parson table at your local thrift store, here’s a couple of budget friendly tables to check out.

Northfield Wall Console Table via Amazon $68.50 Also available at Target for $66.99

Parsons Console Table via Home Decorators $152.10

American Heritage Console Table via Target $113.99

So, are you as smitten with the idea of a fabric covered table as much as I am?

Easy Updates for the Bathroom {and a few design tips}

April 25, 2014

Happy Friday!

Often the most neglected room in the home, the bathroom deserves just as much décor love as the other rooms in your home. During construction or a remodel of your bathroom, you can add decorative elements like flooring, paint and fixtures to enhance the space but the decorating does not have to end there. Just like refreshing the accessories in your living room or family room, updating your bathroom seasonally or yearly is easy and doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Here are some quick and simple ways to update your bathroom anytime the mood strikes.

PAINT THE CEILING

Tip: A semi-gloss or gloss paint will add a bit of shine and make your bathroom look a bit more glamorous

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PAINT THE CABINETS

Tip: Flat or eggshell paint finishes will hold up best to dirt and fingerprints

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LAYER YOUR MIRRORS

Tip: Use Command Hooks to hold light weight mirror

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FRAME YOUR MIRROR

Tip: my go-to source for mirror frames is Mirror Mate

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ADD A DECORATIVE SHOWER CURTAIN

Tip: Use patterned curtain panels (=more style, length and pattern option) as your outer layer with a clear shower liner behind

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ACCESSORIZE THE VANITY WITH PRETTIES

Tip: Kitchen canisters make great containers for toiletries and a small tabletop lamp will add ambience to your bathroom

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GO WITH A DECORATIVE RUG INSTEAD OF A BATHROOM RUG

Tip: Instead of multiple rugs, look for a rug that is large enough to cover most of the floor. A single rug will add more visual impact.

Tip: Always us a rug liner so there’s no slipping and sliding

Tip: If the rug is in front of the tub/shower, go with a wool or wool blend which will hold up to water better

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USE A PIECE OF FURNITURE FOR STORAGE & STYLE

Tip: Replace the wood on an armoire with glass so that items can be seen and add to the décor of the bathroom

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Tip: If you need more counter space, a low chest will give you that plus extra storage

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ADD ARTWORK

Tip: Use artwork to add an accent color to your bathroom

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Tip: Turn your medicine cabinet into a decorative statement by hanging a piece of artwork over the door

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Tip: If windows are an issue, use artwork to provide privacy and add a decorative statement

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Tip: Even small art placed strategically will personalize your bathroom

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Have fun decorating your bathroom and have a fantastic weekend.

p.s. On Monday I’ll be sharing photos from a fabulous designer showhouse I previewed yesterday and on Tuesday I’ll share a few thing you can learn about design by going to showhouse events.

Living Large in a Small Space

March 17, 2014

Happy Monday! I’m wishing everyone a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow on this beautiful St. Patrick’s Day.

The post I shared last week about Nate Berkus and his skill of decorating small spaces couldn’t have been timed any better. I’ve got a real life small space challenge on my mind.

Do you remember when you went off to college and stepped into your dorm room for the first time? All I could think was how small the space was and how in the world was I ever going to fit all my clothes into that closet. My dorm room looked a little like this.

Living in a dorm room was my first experience with small space living. My roommate Kathy and I decorated our dorm room as best we could–hung posters, rearranged furniture and added a rug. It was a pretty space but no where close to how dorm rooms are looking these days.

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7 Ways to Refresh Your Bedroom for Spring for less than $200–Joss and Main Style

March 10, 2014

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I spend a lot of time looking at product on-line and one of my favorite sites to visit is Joss and Main. If you are not familiar with Joss and Main, they are a premier members-only site that offers limited-time sales on top brands for your home and life. Each sale is curated with the products that represent the latest design trends and fashion looks and their product mix includes housewares, furniture, rugs, lighting, décor, personal accessories, gifts and lighting. The selection of items is awesome and the prices are even better. Each sale typically last 3 days so when you see an item you love you have to jump on it pretty quick.

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Color Crush: Mint and Gold

February 25, 2014

COLOR CRUSH:

Mint & Gold

We all have colors that we consider our favorites (red and hot pink for me) but every season there are one or two new colors that make my seasonal Color Crush list. This spring I’m head over heels in love with Mint & Gold.

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Even though pastels are really not my thing but this combination is just so beautiful that I can’t help but be drawn to it. On the pastel scale mint is one of those colors that sits between soft and feminine and modern sophistication. When paired with gold, mint takes on a whole new feel and becomes really elegant.

On the color psychology wheel, greens in general offer a feeling of freshness, tranquility, and calm. It can also signify wealth, stability, growth, and abundance. All pretty good reasons to love mint green.

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10 Design Details That Never Fail

February 12, 2014

When you look through your favorite design magazines have you noticed that many of the rooms featured showcase some of the same design elements? It’s no accident because there are a select group of design details that designers continually rely on, design details that never fail.

BLACK FURNITURE

Classic, timeless and works with just about every design style

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PAINTED CEILINGS

Color over head is a great way to add visual interest, warmth and highlight a key color used within the design plan

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STAIR RUNNERS

Not only are stair runners great for comfort and security but they soften the rigid architectural lines of stairs

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POPS OF COLOR

Color is the easiest way to add personality and energy to a room

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PAINTED BOOKCASE BACKS

The easiest and most stylish way to dress up a bookcase and allow the decorative accessories to stand out

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BLACK LAMPSHADES, MERCURY GLASS & STARBURST MIRRORS

A touch of black in every room helps to ground it

A touch of shine in every room makes it feel more elegant

Starburst mirrors add visual interest and a classic design detail to any space

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FLOOR MIRRORS

Mirrors of any shape and size will enhance the size of a room, improve the light in a room and make beautiful details really pop

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GOLD FRAMES

Gold frames work with any photo or art image and when hung in groups they are just darn pretty

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If you’re looking at doing any updates to your décor, changing out some of the design details might give you the refresh you’re looking for!

How many of these design details have you incorporated into your décor?

An E-Design Plan–Blue and Bold!

January 31, 2014

Last week I wrote a post on The Power of Accessories and Accent Furniture. The post highlighted how the accent furniture and accessories you select for a space can define that space and create the personality of that room.

I recently completed an e-design project for a client that revolved around a strong color palette and a favorite accent piece. The client wanted to use navy as a foundation color and had to have this gold drum as part of the design. The goal was to create a space that is dynamic, has a sense of sophistication and comfort. The accent furniture pieces, the rug and the mirror grouping will add a bold statement while the gold finishes and mix of materials add that sense of sophistication.

{the mirror grouping idea was inspired by my friend Jen over at Vreeland Road…thanks Jen!}

The power of accessories and accent furniture is evident in the final design plan. I love creating spaces that with a fresh and modern feel and am so happy the client loves it all.

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my in-home or e-design service.

Have a fabulous weekend! I’ll be back next week with a full week of design, entertaining and gifting post.

The Power of Accessories and Accent Furniture

January 22, 2014

I’m working on a design project that will involve some new pieces of furniture but the real changes that will take place in the home will come from the accessories and accent furniture we’ll be adding. These two elements alone play a big role in giving a room its personality and building a strong design theme for a space.

When I’m creating a design plan for a client, there are several key questions I ask that help me in picking the accessories and accent furniture to be used in their home.

1) What is your favorite color?

2) Do you have a favorite pattern…flowers, stripes, geometries etc?

3) If you had to choose between linen and velvet which would you choose?

4) What at the favorite things you and your family like to do in this space?

5) What things don’t you like when it comes to décor? This is a question I think many designers assume their clients know the answer to. But when forced to really think about it there the answers might even amaze the homeowner themselves.

If you’re decorating or re-decorating a space in your home, answering these questions will help you understand your likes and dislikes and how you want to the space to feel.