Furniture Archives | Page 16 of 22

Ikea is a World of Design Possibilities!

July 9, 2013

Have you ever stopped and thought about how Ikea has changed the design world? Their products are affordable, appeal to the masses and their stores offer for an exhilarating shopping and people watching experience especially if you happen upon someone who is visiting the store for the first time. Let’s just say the “deer in the headlights” look is status quo for first-timers!

I recently created a new pinterest board called Ikea Inspiration and set about pinning images of Ikea products. One of the things that stood out to me are the items that appear over and over in room designs. Items like the Expedit Shelving Unit, Lappljung Ruta Rug, Billy Bookcase and the Stockholm Striped Rug. These items I’m sure have made it into the Ikea Hall of Fame.

Despite the fact that Ikea products and a commodity in the design world, what I like most is that designers and DIY’ers can put their own spin on the pieces and give them a unique and custom look.

Take for instance the Malm Dresser ($49-$149 retail) which can become a sophisticated, modern, classic or uber stylish piece of furniture with a little up-sytling.

The Malm Dresser comes in different widths, heights and drawer configurations so it can work in a variety of rooms.

Another hot item is the Lack Side Table. At $9.99 and available in seven colors this little table can be tricked out in so many ways.

The Lack table is the perfect size for a small upholstered bench too.

Here are a few more popular Ikea items used in fabulous room designs:

Lappljung Pillow Cover $10.00

Rast Dresser $34.99

Stockholm Pillow Cover $12.99

Ribba Picture Frame, the makings of a great gallery wall. $4.99-$24.99

There are about a thousand other products at Ikea that can be customized to fit your design and style needs. Although Ikea may appear to be aisle and after aisle of “stuff” upon first glance, Ikea can be really inspiring if you just think of the possibilities.

Do you have a favorite IKEA piece?

Shop Ikea on-line here!

all images can be found on my Ikea Inspiration Pinterest board!

A Crazy Week Ahead + Timeless Design

July 8, 2013

Happy Monday! Did everyone have a fabulous 4th of July and a good weekend? I hope so. Our 4th was rained out and with all the rain we had over the last 4 days, the hubby and I felt like we were back in Seattle. I’m glad the sun in shining today and that I got a good nights sleep last night.

I’ve got a super busy week ahead working on pulling together the details for a non-profit fund-raiser I’m heading up, going to the Atlanta Gift and Furniture Market on Wednesday, attending an event with designer Bunny Williams on Thursday, making the trek to Scott’s Antique Market and the United Methodist Children’s Home Flea Market on Friday and celebrating my 22nd wedding anniversary and the hubs birthday on Saturday and Sunday! Oh, and there’s work to be done in between all of that. You can rest assured I’m going to be eating my Wheaties this week.

One of the design projects I’ve worked on recently had me going back to design basics. I found myself working with a client that likes traditional décor and wants a classic and timeless interior. With so many of the design trends today leaning toward creative paint treatments, bold colors, artistic elements and eclectic looks, it can be challenging to develop a look that is really timeless.

To give us all a little refresher in classic design, I’ve pulled together a little summary of 12 Timeless Design elements I always rely on!

#1 Curtains Hung High—Every room can benefit from hanging curtains as close to the molding/ceiling as possible. No only does this make a room feel taller but it also enhances the scale of the furniture in the room.

#2 Built-in Bookcases–Whether bookcase are used for books or decorative elements (a combination of both is my formula) , built-in bookcases add architectural detail, storage and visual impact in any room of the house. {to get the look on a dime, check out all the Ikea Billy Bookcase DIY projects on my Ikea Inspiration Pinterest Board}!

#3 Woven Shades–If anything can replace wood blinds in a home it’s the woven shade. This window treatment offers just the right amount of texture, color and privacy while adding to the style of a room. Alone or paired with curtain panels, woven shades are here to stay.

#4 Window Seats–Who doesn’t dream about having a window seat in their home? Window seats are the perfect design element for that often neglected space in front of a window, not taking away from the view but making a room feel cozier and more intimate.

#5 Seagrass, Sisal and Jute Rugs–I know there are those of you that don’t like these natural textured rugs because of the feel or a fear of keeping it clean but for me a sisal and seagrass rug is the best way to add visual texture under foot while keeping a room feeling open and airy. My go to source for seagrass rugs here in Atlanta is Myers Carpet.

Emily A. Clark

#6 Ceramic Lamps–Lamp styles evolve but a classic round ceramic lamp will never go out of style. Ceramic lamps provide a visual contrast in rooms with lots of wood furniture and are a great balance against metal and iron. And the color options are endless (especially with a can of spray paint)!

#7 Sofa Tables (or console tables in general) are one of my go to pieces of furniture. This is one piece of furniture that will work in just about every room of a home and a piece that is just as functional as it is stylish. I love placing a console table next to bed and using it as a unique nightstand/writing-table option.

#8 Baskets–Baskets can hide a multitude of design sins (paperback books on a bookshelf, DVD’s) and are a great way to fill the space under tables, in corners or above cabinets or armoires. One can never have too many baskets in my book. My go to source of chunky woven baskets is HomeGoods, World MarketandIkea!

#9 Medium Tone Wood Floors–While I personally like the trend of darker espresso wood floors, mid-tone wood flooring will never go out of style. The color is versatile and works with just about every color of textile or paint you surround it with.

#10 Oversized Mirrors–Just like a sofa table, an oversized mirror is one of your best design investments. Opt for a black, gold or silver frame to keep the look classic and be creative about where you place it in your home. Oversized mirrors work great in a dining room, foyer, over a sofa, above a fireplace, at the top of a stair landing and in a bedroom.

#11 A Neutral Sofa–A neutral sofa will not only stand the test of time but it gives you the perfect backdrop to make seasonal color and accessory changes. Timeless design gives you options and the look never goes out of style.

#12 An Upholstered Coffee Table–Since wood furniture is the foundation of so many rooms, an upholstered coffee table/ottoman is a great way to add softness without giving up a functional surface area in the room. Plus, additional seating is ready when you need it.

So there you have it, my take on Timeless Design! When you look around your home is your design style timeless or are you on the trendy side of design?

Inspiration + Weekend Reads

July 6, 2013

Happy Saturday!

It has rained in Atlanta for the last week or so and when that happens I get the urge to nest and create. I came across the image above and immediately feel in love with the black armoire, texture and warmth of the space. This image has inspired me to make a few changes in our bedroom so while the rain falls today the hubs and I will be doing a little painting and accessorizing. Enjoy your weekend and these links….

The cutest collection of paper goods ever!

These will make you want to have a party just so you can decorate.

You’ll love this house tour on page 52!

My new favorite blog is full of the most amazing inspiration!

A handbag + a good cause=a reason to shop!

The difference between living life and not!

I am so going to paint a chair gold. Wow!

One of these is on the menu this weekend.

A Patio Spruce Up

May 20, 2013

Remember when I told you about my favorite outdoor pillow from World Market? The beautiful paisley pillow that I used in an outdoor deck design for a client

Well it seems that more than one of my clients loved this pillow as much as I did.

A couple of weeks ago, LW asked me to help here spruce up here covered patio. The goal was to use as much of the existing furniture as possible, update the look and infuse new styles and color into the space.

We started with one dark green chaise cushion that we wanted to keep and black iron furniture.

And these were a few of the accessories that we like, all from World Market.

Mercer Metal Lanterns

Chevron Pillow

Aegean Ceramic Hurricanes

In little over a week this is the space that we pulled together….

LW’s outdoor patio is covered so there is not a lot of direct sunlight that filters in. The bright colors help to visually open up the space and keep it cheerful.

The red chair and loveseat cushions add a playful punch and look great against the black iron furniture.

The green chaise cushion that LW already had adds some depth and looks great with the paisley pillow. A striped throw was added for a pattern contrast.

We originally started with another coffee table option but this round iron table was a last-minute score at World Market. The round table provides a break from all the square and rectangular furniture pieces.

Two pots sit on a side table, one is a water feature and the other holds a plant. The basket under the table hides the cords to the water feature {and add some visual texture}.

We opted for a stripe pillow for the side chair.

The near wall had some open space so we move an already existing outdoor storage chest there and created a seating area. The paisley cushion and chevron pillows work great together to brighten this corner.

The white garden seat (sold in stores only) adds a table surface to this corner. And the bench, which was existing, got a new cushion and is perfect for propping your feet up or as additional seating.

To create somewhat of a visual window, hanging pieced glass lanterns were added above the railing and hold battery operated candles. The mosaic pattern is beautiful against the sunlight and at night with the candles glowing.

LW’s adorable chow, AVA is really enjoying the new outdoor carpet that was installed. Because this space does get some water exposure the carpet had to be industrial grade.

The subtle swirl pattern with green and red flecks works great with the color theme of the patio.

In the far corner of the patio a few decorative accents were added to the top of an existing storage cabinet.

I’m so glad I was able to help LW create an outdoor living room that she and Ava will enjoy for years to come.

And thanks to World Market for creating a pillow that has inspired a nation!

For information about my affordable in-home or e-design services, please click here!

This is not a sponsored post, just sharing my love for World Market products!

Furniture Feature: Nesting Tables

April 11, 2013

Ok, I must admit I have a thing for side tables. They are the perfect piece that can turn a chair into a relaxing reading nook or a sofa into a cocktail lounge. One of my favorite styles of side tables is the nesting table set. What’s not to love about getting 2 or 3 tables in one!

source unknown

I don’t know where the tables are from but the details are simply amazing.

source

Amazing DIY rebar and wood nesting tables

source

One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six

Happy Shopping!

Getting Ready for Spring–Outdoor Cushion Update

March 14, 2013

Spring is right around the corner and it has made people start thinking about their outdoor living spaces. One of my readers recently asked me if I had any ideas on what to do with her outdoor patio furniture cushions which are worn, falling apart and faded. She didn’t want to spend a lot of money and wasn’t keen on the idea of replacing all the cushions. There are 10 pieces of furniture in her set and a total of 20 cushions which by any calculation = MONEY!

Naturally my first instinct was to suggest new upholstered or slip-covered cushions or to paint her current cushions but neither of those would work given the condition of her cushions and her desire to save money. So, I did a little research and found some really great options on Pinterest that might work for her.

First I came across the idea of creating new cushions using shower curtains as the fabric. I thought this was a pretty brilliant idea and given the fact the most shower curtains are waterproof this would work great for her outdoor area. Here’s a look at some pretty fabulous cushions created by MomsbyHeart!.

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Next I came across this idea of using standard bed pillows to create outdoor lounge cushions. Way cool and super easy.

source

And finally I came across this idea of using painter’s drop cloths and spray painting the fabric in whatever color you want. Drop cloths are inexpensive compared to outdoor fabric and with a little sewing and a few cans of paint you can get a new look for not a lot of money.

source

Since upholstering is always top of mind for me, this little research project shined a light on the fact that there is always more than one way to skin a cat or in this case get new outdoor cushions.

Spring is just around the corner…have you got your outdoor area together yet??

Four Chairs and a Table

March 13, 2013

I recently finished a design plan for a client and suggested an alternative use for their “keeping room”. For those of you that are not from the south, you may not have heard the term keeping room before. A keeping room is an area just off the kitchen of a home. Keeping rooms date back to Colonial times when families would sleep in that area when the rest of the house was cold. Since the area could be heated by the kitchen stove, it often provided the only heated place in the house. Today, a keeping room is called by many different names, depending on one’s geographical location, such as a family room, a great room and a hearth room.

Because my client has a formal dining room and a large living room that they use on a daily basis just off the keeping room, it didn’t make sense to turn the space into another family room type set-up. I suggested that the space become a lounge and reading area, a place for them to relax or read and a space for people to gather when they entertain. The plan for this space includes four upholstered chairs flanking a coffee table. I love this type of set-up because it is creates an area in their home that is both functional and comfortable.

If you’re looking to use your “keeping room” in a new way or have an empty room that you want to use in a new way, consider the option of Four Chairs and a Table.

source

Here’s a look at one of the room designs I created for my client.

While we decided to use some of the couples existing furniture the flavor of the space is going to be totally warm and inviting. I can’t wait for all the pieces to come together.

If you’d like help creating the home of your dreams, contact me about my design services!

Decorating Inside and Out

February 26, 2013

I’ve been busy working on a design project that involves several rooms of a home. The homeowners want a front porch space that is welcoming, cozy and filled with personality. Here’s a peek at some of the design elements for the space.

The client already has white rockers which work beautifully with their craftsman style home. We are looking to keep the space fairly neutral and bring in depth through strong patterns, warm colors and lots of natural finishes.

As you move into the living room of the home, the colors will become richer and more saturated, again using textures and patterns for visual warmth and interest. I’m loving the mix of rich red and grey paired with antique gold and warm wood tones.

all images can be found on my Ikea Inspiration Pinterest board!

Happy Saturday!

The cutest collection of paper goods ever!

These will make you want to have a party just so you can decorate.

You’ll love this house tour on page 52!

My new favorite blog is full of the most amazing inspiration!

A handbag + a good cause=a reason to shop!

I am so going to paint a chair gold. Wow!

One of these is on the menu this weekend.

Remember when I told you about my favorite outdoor pillow from World Market? The beautiful paisley pillow that I used in an outdoor deck design for a client

Well it seems that more than one of my clients loved this pillow as much as I did.

A couple of weeks ago, LW asked me to help here spruce up here covered patio. The goal was to use as much of the existing furniture as possible, update the look and infuse new styles and color into the space.

We started with one dark green chaise cushion that we wanted to keep and black iron furniture.

And these were a few of the accessories that we like, all from World Market.

In little over a week this is the space that we pulled together….

LW’s outdoor patio is covered so there is not a lot of direct sunlight that filters in. The bright colors help to visually open up the space and keep it cheerful.

The red chair and loveseat cushions add a playful punch and look great against the black iron furniture.

The green chaise cushion that LW already had adds some depth and looks great with the paisley pillow. A striped throw was added for a pattern contrast.

We originally started with another coffee table option but this round iron table was a last-minute score at World Market. The round table provides a break from all the square and rectangular furniture pieces.

Two pots sit on a side table, one is a water feature and the other holds a plant. The basket under the table hides the cords to the water feature {and add some visual texture}.

We opted for a stripe pillow for the side chair.

The near wall had some open space so we move an already existing outdoor storage chest there and created a seating area. The paisley cushion and chevron pillows work great together to brighten this corner.

The white garden seat (sold in stores only) adds a table surface to this corner. And the bench, which was existing, got a new cushion and is perfect for propping your feet up or as additional seating.

To create somewhat of a visual window, hanging pieced glass lanterns were added above the railing and hold battery operated candles. The mosaic pattern is beautiful against the sunlight and at night with the candles glowing.

LW’s adorable chow, AVA is really enjoying the new outdoor carpet that was installed. Because this space does get some water exposure the carpet had to be industrial grade.

The subtle swirl pattern with green and red flecks works great with the color theme of the patio.

In the far corner of the patio a few decorative accents were added to the top of an existing storage cabinet.

I’m so glad I was able to help LW create an outdoor living room that she and Ava will enjoy for years to come.

And thanks to World Market for creating a pillow that has inspired a nation!

For information about my affordable in-home or e-design services, please click here!

This is not a sponsored post, just sharing my love for World Market products!

source unknown

Amazing DIY rebar and wood nesting tables

One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six

Happy Shopping!

Next I came across this idea of using standard bed pillows to create outdoor lounge cushions. Way cool and super easy.

And finally I came across this idea of using painter’s drop cloths and spray painting the fabric in whatever color you want. Drop cloths are inexpensive compared to outdoor fabric and with a little sewing and a few cans of paint you can get a new look for not a lot of money.

Since upholstering is always top of mind for me, this little research project shined a light on the fact that there is always more than one way to skin a cat or in this case get new outdoor cushions.

Spring is just around the corner…have you got your outdoor area together yet??

If you’re looking to use your “keeping room” in a new way or have an empty room that you want to use in a new way, consider the option of Four Chairs and a Table.

Here’s a look at one of the room designs I created for my client.

While we decided to use some of the couples existing furniture the flavor of the space is going to be totally warm and inviting. I can’t wait for all the pieces to come together.

If you’d like help creating the home of your dreams, contact me about my design services!

I’ve been busy working on a design project that involves several rooms of a home. The homeowners want a front porch space that is welcoming, cozy and filled with personality. Here’s a peek at some of the design elements for the space.

The client already has white rockers which work beautifully with their craftsman style home. We are looking to keep the space fairly neutral and bring in depth through strong patterns, warm colors and lots of natural finishes.

As you move into the living room of the home, the colors will become richer and more saturated, again using textures and patterns for visual warmth and interest. I’m loving the mix of rich red and grey paired with antique gold and warm wood tones.

It’s always fun to create a design plan that will truly transform a house into a home.

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services.