Inspiration Archives | Page 16 of 95

Design Chat: Arranging Artwork For Impact & Style

January 26, 2017

One of the things I enjoy most about writing this blog is sharing design tips and helping you solve your design dilemmas. Last year I started a series called Design Chat series where I answer your design questions and provide decorating tips and inspiration. I’m excited to continue the series in 2017 and today I addressing a design challenge that Jennette has.

Here’s the comment and question Jennette sent to me…

“Shelly, I found your blog in spring 2016 while searching how to style a sectional sofa on Pinterest. I love your design tips! Right now my design dilemma is how to hang art on a long, odd wall when there is already one picture over a chair.”

Artwork can be one of the most challenging aspects of decorating your home. Once you’ve identified the type of artwork you want, you then need to come up with a plan for a dynamic wall statement.

As you can see in Jennette’s family room, she originally hung the artwork over the chair to anchor that seating area. While this isn’t bad, the rest of the wall is left blank and feels somewhat disconnected.

Here are my suggestions to pull the room together…

My suggestion for Jennette would be to create a gallery wall arrangement on that wall using the piece of artwork she owns as the centerpiece. A collection of framed pieces will create a focal point on that wall and anchor the space in total.

I also recommend a few other changes…

1) add a tall plant in the corner to add height and color. The small stool would move to the opposite side of the tv cabinet.

2) replace the double arm floor lamp with a fun table lamp.

3) add a cushion to the top of the bench and maybe even lean a couple of pillows on top.

4) a larger cabinet under the TV to give that wall more impact and to feel more proportionate with the TV.

On the opposite side of the room where the sofa sits, here’s what I recommend…

Hang candle sconces on each side of the mirror to give the wall over the sofa more impact. And remove the wall mounted light and position the double arm floor lamp next to the side table.

And my product picks for Jeanette’s room…

candle sconce // table lamp // fabric for cushion // black cabinet // plant basket

Overall, Jennette’s family room has a great foundation. With a few tweaks and additions, I think she’ll have the space she desires.

Looking for tips on creating a gallery wall arrangement, read my blog post here.

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If you’ve got a design challenge, email me and we’ll chat!

New Entertaining & Design Books To Love

January 24, 2017

Design books are one of my guilt pleasures!

Yes, I use them for design inspiration and decorating but books just make me happy. Every January and July I pop into my favorite book wholesaler at the Atlanta Gift and Furniture market and treat myself to a few new books. The vendor I shop with has most of the new and upcoming releases so I can actually flip through the book to get a feel for the images and content before I purchase. I don’t know about you but when it comes to design books the images can make or break a purchase.

Here are the books you’ll want to check out and add to your bookshelf …

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Country Living Salvage Style. This is a must is you love to shop flea markets, thrift stores and antique shops. The book is published by Country Living and is filled with beautiful and inspirational images of vintage treasures restyled in decor settings. The cover alone will make you want to buy this book.

Old Home Love. This book was written Andy and Candice Meredith the couple behind HGTV’s newest TV show of the same name, Old Home Love. The book shares the passion the couple have to renovate old homes in Utah. If you’re a fan of DIY decor and rehab style you’ll find lots of inspiration and maybe even the desire to purchase an old home.

Verandah Entertaining. If you love to entertain and create beautiful tablescapes you’ll want to get this book. The book walks you through every aspect of entertaining from table settings and food prep to decor and flowers. No matter what level of entertaining you do, big or small, formal or casual, you’ll find the tips and inspiration you need to throw a stylish party.

Flea Market Style. This is a great book that will speak to those of you that love the thrill of the hunt. Published by Better Homes and Gardens, the book shows you inspiring design ideas using thrifted finds. And there are lots of tips for shopping flea markets and thrift stores.

The Decorated Home. Interior designer Meg Braff shares her personal style plus the essential design elements she thinks every room needs. The book is beautifully written with captivating photos.

I also ordered a few titles that have been on my shopping list for a while…

Cottage Style: A Palette of White

Designed in White

Simply Styling: Fresh and Easy Ways To Personalize Your Home

Tracery: The Art of Southern Design

Happy Reading!

*Affiliate links used for your shopping convenience. I may earn a small commission through these links at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting ConfettiStyle to keep great content coming!

Favorite Items from The Atlanta Gift & Furniture Market

January 23, 2017

Happy Monday! If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, let’s just say in the land of busy. In addition to spending 9 days at the Atlanta Gift & Furniture Market, I’ve also been knee-deep in working on a design project and gearing up for another year as board president of a local non-profit. Even though it’s only the 3rd week of January, I feel like Christmas was ages ago and the days are flying by at lightening speed.

To mark the return to a normal posting schedule, I wanted to share a few of the items I spotted at AmericasMart. If you’re unfamiliar with the Atlanta Gift & Furniture Market, you can read all about it here.

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First up is one of my favorite lighting companies, Currey & Company. The company is best known for their stylish lighting but they also sell beautiful accent furniture and accessories.

The inlaid wood pattern on the Benedict Credenza grabbed my attention first and then I noticed the sleek brass hardware. I envision this piece being placed under a wall-mount TV or as a buffet/bar cabinet in a dining room.

There were lots of beautiful lighting fixtures introduced at market but the two below really stood out. The Frogmore Lantern is designed with an intricate leaf design and gold-leaf finish. #goldisheretostay Can’t you just see this beauty hanging over a garden tub or kitchen island?

Retro designs are not my personal style but I loved everything about the Gino Chandelier. The tapered cone design and matte black finish give it just the right amount of sexiness. This fixture would look stunning hanging over a glass or marble top dining table.

I’m sure many of you have come across products from Palecek before but probably don’t know much about the company. The company is over 40 years old and has a foundation in manufacturing products using natural fibers, renewable materials and environmentally friendly hardwoods. Their style is distinctive with products designed around simple details and organic shapes.

Anything in brass and leather is sure to grab my attention and this Alexander Chair did just that. I loved the fresh, modern take on a classic directors chair and would use a pair of these chairs in a reading room or study.

Ottomans are one of my go-to accent furniture pieces and it was refreshing to come across this one covered in something other than fabric. The Fritz Rope Ottoman is wrapped in natural and black seagrass rope creating the look of an upholstered piece. A pair of these would be great in a sunroom or outdoor covered patio.

Gabby Home is a product line that is known for stylish pieces and vintage designs. Their style offering ranges from contemporary and modern to traditional and classic.

I loved the lines of their Julian Coffee Table with gold trim detail. And because I believe every room needs a touch of black, this coffee table would be ideal to add dram and depth to a living room.

I spotted lots of acrylic pieces at market so expect that trend to be around for a while. The antique gold frame in their Johnson Dining Chair updated the classic acrylic chair design and elevated the style.

When I had my store, Uttermost was one of my top vendors. Uttermost has one of the best selections of oversized mirrors on the market and are also known for their accent furniture and lighting. This market I came across several new accessory and accent lighting pieces in their line that I loved.

The acrylic and brass Balkan Tray was stunning and I’ve already got it tagged for a design client to use on a hallway console table.

I’ve been on the hunt a brass or gold tone pendant light and loved the rod design and gold-leaf finish on their Glam Mini Pendant. They are the perfect design and size to hang over a kitchen peninsula.

And how about this chic gold and glass Natasia Accent Table? Wouldn’t this look great in between two comfy arm chairs? I could also see it being used nestled into a corner in a powder room to hold accessories and functional items.

If you want to make a statement with your bookshelf decor, then check out E. Lawrence. In addition to their wholesale business they also have an e-commerce site that anyone can purchase from. Unlike many manufacturers, E. Lawrence sells just one thing…beautiful decorative books. Their product offering ranges from traditional leather-bound books to books with stylish covers. Their newest collections included a quotation series (which I love) and lots of metallic finishes.

And finally there’s Go Home. This is another company I purchased from when I had my store. I love their eclectic mix of products which include furniture, decorative accessories, lighting and bar accessories.

The Collete Coffee Table is a great piece for a smaller space and I love the gold frame and design detail that supports the top and bottom shelves.

Among their decorative accessories, Go Home carries lots of great basket styles. I loved this collection of Shumer Baskets which have a classic blue and white design and fun leather carry handles.

One of the industrial designs I fell in love with was the Rockwell Coffee Table which has a gorgeous finish and brass label pulls.

I hope you enjoyed this mini tour around the Atlanta Gift & Furniture Market. This is just a glimpse at the thousands upon thousands of new products introduced during the show. You can expect to see these pieces and all of the new design trends hitting stores soon and online shops soon. I’ll be back next week to share more insights on the hot trends for 2017.

Along with checking the new furniture and decor introductions at market, I also shop for new design books. #bookjunkie

Tomorrow I’ll share some of the new book titles that you’ll definitely want to add to your Amazon shopping cart.

Refresh Your Decor for the New Year

January 9, 2017

Every year when the Christmas decor comes down I feel like my decor has lost its luster. My living room feel bare, my decor feels stale and everything that I loved before Christmas feels like it needs fresh, new energy. I know I’m not alone in this feeling and that many of you are looking at your decor right now and wondering how you can inject some life and energy into it.

Over the years I’ve learned and employed some simple and inexpensive decorating tricks the refresh my decor for the new year.

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Every now and then you need to change things up in your decor to give it a new feeling. The start of a new year is the perfect time to try a new furniture arrangement, move pieces from one room to another or re-arrange your accessories. Move lamps around a room or even consider layer a smaller rug over the top of a larger one. Sometimes all it takes is a tiny shift of perspective to see something familiar in a totally new light.

Many time when I’m feeling a sense of uneasiness with my decor it has to do with clutter and disorganization. Dedicate the month of January to cleaning, organizing and purging every room in your home. Donate the things that you no longer use, organized the spaces (drawers, closets and tabletop surfaces) that use most offend and give your entire home a deep cleaning. Clutter in you physical surroundings will clutter your mind and spirit.

Color is an immediate mood booster so try adding in a new accent color into your decor to refresh the palette. Switching out pillows is easy and cost-effective and will add big pops of color within your decor. Color accents can also be added with small accent furniture, blankets & throws, artwork and decorative accessories. In decorating, it’s often the little things that make the biggest impact.

tip: when shopping for pillows, look for covers with hidden zippers so you can reuse the inserts when you change your pillow decor

During the holiday season we are surrounded with and abundance of patterns and colors. Once the Christmas decor is down your surroundings may feel flat and lifeless. The quick fix for that is pattern mixing. Combine different pattern styles and colors to re-energize your decor.

tip: a winning pattern mix combines small patterns against large ones and includes one big solid ( on sofa, floor, or wall) in the room.

You might think that once artwork is hung on the wall it’s there to stay. That doesn’t have to be the case. During the winter months you can bring a room to life by simply switching out a piece of artwork with a mirror. Mirrors enhance the light within a room(both natural and decorative) and will instantly make a room feel lighter, brighter and more open.

tip: oversized floor mirrors will make small spaces feel bigger in addition to making the decor feel more important

Look around the rooms in your home and see where you can create a cozy seating area or reading nook. Cozy areas will make your home feel more intimate and personal which is the feeling your home had when all your Christmas decor was up.

Plants and flowers will make your decor feel special anytime of the year but during the winter months the emotional energy these elements add is enhanced. Place small plants or a vase on flowers on tabletop surfaces in the main living areas of your home as well as the bedroom and bathroom.

tip: if you don’t have a green thumb, decorating with artificial plants and flowers–they provide the same emotional lift that real greenery does.

Candles are my go-to accessory during the cold winter months. Not only can candles provide a sense of warmth but the glow increases the sense of relaxation and coziness that a room has. Arrange a group of candles on the coffee table or along the mantel.

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It doesn’t take a lot to give your home a fresh, new feeling for the new year so use one or all of these design tips to refresh your decor.

all images via Ballard Design

Clever DIY Home Remedies Using Your Heat Gun

December 16, 2016

I know it’s a bit of a cliché to give men power tools for Christmas, but the reality is, they love these pieces of equipment as much as their favorite sports teams and their poker nights. When it comes to the boundless and fascinating world of do-it-yourself, new tools are always fun to try.

With proper safety measures and common know-hows, these state-of-the-art tools, which range anywhere from cordless drills to glue and heat guns, can do miracles in our homes. Last week, I went looking for a specific power tool on my husband’s Santa wish list, one that can accomplish simple project concepts and have plenty of uses. I’m talking about a heat gun.

At the very least, most of us have an inkling on the things we can do with a heat and glue gun. From simple gift-wrap pom pom ties that I created, to expensive-looking Christmas ornaments featured on Felt Magnet, anyone with this type of tool can spruce up their holiday festivities.

As an avid DIY crafter, I’ve used a variety of heat-emitting tools. I wasn’t sure how different this particular one was going to be compared to the others. But upon researching, I was amazed at all the creative ways we can use a heat gun around the house.

A heat gun is a very practical tool. It generally has some routine uses that can be quite effective and trouble-free. Screwfix elaborates on the advantages of owning a heat gun, sharing how it can be used to melt, shrink, and loosen a lot of materials in a safer method compared to an open flame. Conversely, there are other clever uses for your dependable heat gun.

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Clever DIY Home Remedies Using Your Heat Gun
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Remove Old Paint Drips, Stickers, and Labels

Sometimes, placing old newspapers below a do-it-yourself home redecorating endeavor just won’t do the trick, as paint still finds its way on our floors. By using a heat gun’s deflector nozzle on a low setting, we can easily wipe or scrape this stain off after it bubbles. Finish this cleaning task with a simple light scrub using a sponge. The same goes with trying to remove a product label from an item you just bought at a furniture shop like Ikea. A heat gun will take care of that in flash, leaving a clean and smooth surface.

Stick Floor Tiles and Molding

Throughout the years, window moldings loosen and floor tiles’ edges lift off the ground. A trouble-free remedy for these is to heat the materials’ sticky parts to somewhat renew its adhesive nature and prolong the bond. With this, I can easily make some repairs to my mom’s laundry room.

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Repair Leather and Vinyl

Did you know that a heat gun could repair cuts in leather and vinyl? All it takes is a simple application of low-cure leather repair compound over the cut and use the heat gun to cure it off. Make sure that the tool’s nozzle is at a fair distance from the area you’re repairing so the compound won’t shrink or, worse, burn the material. Now that I know this, I’ve got a handbag with a tear on the bottom waiting to see the light of day again.

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Remove Bicycle Decals

Our bikes have been sitting in the garage for the last two summers. Honestly, they need proper repairs and a facelift. My goal is to restore the bikes and give them a more modern vibe. I recently discovered that a heat gun easily removes the paint from the steel frame. With this, I can give my bike a prettier pink color. Furthermore, a little heat on the gears will get them back in working order.

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If you’re looking for a good men’s gift this holiday, check out a heat gun. And I guarantee that not only will he love it but you’re going to find lots of ways to use it too.

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#contributed post

Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour–And All Through The House…

December 14, 2016

It’s the final post in the Merry and Bright Holiday Home Tour. If you popping over from Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, welcome. And if you missed part 1 and 2 of the blog tour you can find my post here and here.

This is the second year for the blog tour and it has been pure joy to partner with my fellow bloggers and friends to bring you loads of holiday inspiration. Be sure to check out all the other bloggers on the tour (links at the end of the post).

So let’s jump on in to the finale’ of the Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour.

Even though I started decorating late this year, I’m really enjoying our decor and I’m excited to take you on a tour today.

A pop of red and green in my blue and white bedroom.

I love adding holiday themed vignette in every room, mixing Christmas decor with everyday items.

It’s always fun to add a holiday skirt to my dress form.

I switched out everyday art for these fun Christmas themed prints I found on Etsy.

Ginger Jar // Wreath // Ornaments // Potted Tree

Pretty ribbons and paper are always a part of my holiday decor.

A bowl full of ornaments on the coffee table.

The Poinsettia gift wrap from Paper Mart inspired my holiday decor.

My decor this year incorporated lots of bright, bold colors. And I used accent of black to add contrast and drama.

Wrapped presents are accented with handmade fabric gift tags.

Big ribbon bows hang on the Christmas tree.

Black and White Fun Plaid Ribbon

Handmade holly leaf swizzle sticks were a fun addition to my cocktail bar.

The dining table is dressed out in a mix of patterns and pops of red and black.

Bohemian Geo Cuff Sheets

One for my favorite holiday decorations is this beautiful preserved Boxwood Wreath from Silk Plants Direct.

Pinecones & Poinsettia Gift Wrap // Red & Gold Satin Ribbon

DIY Gift Wrap Crate

Multi Holly Leaves Ribbon

Gold Metallic Arabesque Ribbon

Mason Jar Matches

Here’s wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

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The next stop on the Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour is Life and Style at 60. Head on over to Sheila’s blog for more holiday cheer.

And be sure to stop by all the participating bloggers to see how they’ve decked out their homes for the holidays…

Positively Southern
Wife In Progress
Design Asylum
Chic On A Shoestring Decorating
ConfettiStyle
Life and Style at 60
M. Jones Style
My Life Well Loved
The Home I Create
Refresh ReStyle
Green With Decor
Love Your Abode

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A big thank you to the generous Merry & Bright sponsors, Paper Mart & Silk Plants Direct who provided products featured in this post. All images and opinions are mine.

Visit Paper Mart on Social Media: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google Plus // You Tube

Visit Silk Plants Direct on Social Media: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google +

I’ll be back tomorrow with more gift wrap inspiration but this time is has noting to do with wrapping gifts.

Holiday Spiced Tea–Reindeer Recipes Blog Hop

December 13, 2016

I’m back with the final post in the Reindeer Recipes holiday blog hop. A big thank you and hug goes out to Heather of Totally Tailgates for creating such a fun blog hop.

I hope you’ve enjoy the fabulous recipes, cocktail inspiration and beautiful holiday tablescapes as much as I have. Be sure to stop by and visit my fellow bloggers to see what fabulous inspiration they are sharing today–you’re going to love it! (links at the end of the post). If you’re coming over from Positively Southern, welcome. Isn’t Tamyra’s New Years tablescape just beautiful?

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I mentioned in my first Reindeer Recipes post that unlike many of the other bloggers in the blog hop, I am not a cook. In fact, I can think of about 5,ooo other things I’d rather do than cook. So the cocktail recipe and the mini cheese boards I shared in previous posts have something in common with today post. They are all quick, easy holiday ideas that don’t involve cooking 🙂

If you’re in need of a last minute holiday gift, I’ve got a gift that anyone will love–Holiday Spiced Tea. Not only is this a super easy to make but it is sure to bring back lots of childhood memories at Christmas time.

p.s. depending on the gift recipient, you could also add a small bottle of Rum to make it a Holiday Spice & Spiked Tea!

Once you’ve made a batch of spiced tea, place it in an air tight jar and add a holiday tag to the front of the jar.

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Don’t forget to pick up a pretty tea-cup to go along with your spiced tea gift and wrap it all up in a pretty box.

tip: Spiced Tea makes a great gift for teacher’s, co-workers and all your blog friends.

boxwood wreath // ribbon

Thanks for stopping by. I hope today’s post helps you check one more thing off your holiday gift list.

The next stop on the Reindeer train is M. Jones Style. What a fun and easy recipe Marsha created.

Now it’s time to head over to see what the other Reindeer Recipe bloggers have to share…

Tamyra @ Positively Southern

Marsha @ M. Jones Style

Gwynn @Swirls Of Flavor

Lisa @Clutter Cafe

Brittany @Brittany’s Pantry

Pat @Life At Lydia’s House

Heather @Totally Tailgates

DIY Holiday Gift Idea: Mason Jar Matches

December 11, 2016

During the holidays I always keep a couple of candles on hand for last-minute gift giving. Candles are one of my favorite gifts to give but sometimes I want a little something extra to go along with the candle.

As I’ve been out and about Christmas shopping, I’ve seen lots of cute jars filled matches. I immediately thought about what a great gift matches would be paired with a candle. And then, like all crafters and DIYers the thought of making my own Mason jar matches popped into my head.

A quick trip to the store to gather supplies and in no time flat I had created this sweet candle gift set.

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own DIY Mason Jar Matches…

Supplies

Mason jar (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)
sandpaper (this will make lighting candles even more convenient)
strike-anywhere matches
hot glue gun
candle (one of my favorite holiday scents)
gift tag or sticker
twine or ribbon

Instructions

Take the lid off of your Mason jar, and use it to trace a circle on the sheet of sandpaper.
Using your hot glue gun, glue the sandpaper to the lid of the Mason jar.
Fill your jar with the matches, trimming down to size if necessary. Tip: It is important that the matches you use are labeled strike anywhere, or they will not ignite on the sandpaper.
Tie a bow on the Mason jar and add a decorative sticker or gift tag.

Merry Christmas Sticker

Since I like to stock up on hostess gifts to take me through the holiday season, I made a batch of these at one time. They’re adorable, inexpensive, and didn’t take much time at all.

What do you think? Are you going to give this DIY a try?