Design Trend: Doors Off

January 22, 2015

Hello there. I hope you week is going well. Today I wanted to share my thoughts on a design idea that is quickly becoming a trend.

Have you noticed more and more kitchens, pantries, laundry rooms and closet spaces are going doorless? New homes are being built with open shelving and lots of homeowners are removing the doors on their existing cabinets to create the open shelving concept in their homes.

I must say that I really love the look of open shelving, not only for a kitchen but the other rooms in the home too.

One of the things I like most about this design statement is that open shelving makes a room feel more spacious and airy.

Cabinet doors can become a visual blocker and sometimes limit the storage capabilities in a kitchen. Open shelves allow you to use every inch of space to display collectibles and functional items, providing a more personal and stylized design statement.

In a laundry room, open shelves make functional items easily accessible and provide a less industrial feel overall.

Don’t think your open shelves have to be plain and boring–you can incorporate decorative hardware or a decorative paint application to make your shelves stand out.

And, standard shelving can be replaced with another material to provide more visual interest.

If you’re considering open shelving in your home, here are a few tips that will help you create the best possible look:

1) Keep items organized–open shelving will look intentional if items are grouped and organized in an attractive and orderly way.

2) Create depth and dimension with the items on your shelves by stacking pieces at different heights and layering items from the front of the shelf to the back.

3) Incorporate decorative elements like decorative platters, vases or collectibles to give your shelves personality.

4) Use storage baskets and containers to hold smaller items and create areas of impact on your shelves.

5) Consider a contrasting background so that that contents on each shelf stand out.

And remember that design is in the details so approach your open shelving the same way you would decorating a tabletop or bookcase.

So what do you think–do you like the open shelving concept or would you rather keeps things behind closed doors?

5 Ways to Jump Start Your New Year with Fashion

January 16, 2015

It’s about this time of year that I am sick of wearing winter closets and dream about warmer days and spring fashions. I know many of you probably feel the same way. Unfortunately we have a few more months of cold weather ahead so it’s time to refresh your wardrobe to give you a lift as we wait for spring to arrive.

Those of you who have read my blog for a while might know that I have a degree in fashion. I spent 20 years working in the fashion industry and ever since I was a little girl, I have been passionate about fashion. Today I’m going to share a few tips to help you refresh your winter/transition wardrobe and a few items that are worth investing in right now. As you refresh your wardrobe, it’s also a great time to give some thought to your fashion style and whether or not you’re presenting the fashion statement you want to the world.

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Spray Paint Is One Of The Best Design Tools You’ll Ever Have

January 13, 2015

One question that I’ve been asked quite often is “what’s your best design tool”? This is a pretty loaded question since there are a lot of different things that go into designing and decorating a room. It could be my upholsterer who can transform a piece of furniture or my painter who can breathe life into a space with a simple coat of paint.

As an interior designer I have access to a wide variety of tools and a range of exclusive furniture, accessories and home decor items that I can pull from to design a space.

Having access to exclusive items is wonderful but sometimes the best design tool is something simple that doesn’t cost a lot of money, is easy to access and can yields high-end results in a flash.

Sometimes the best design tool you can have is a can of spray paint~

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FIVE Ways to Style Your Bookcase

January 12, 2015

Today I wanted to talk a bit about decorating styles. One of the things I love most about being an interior designer is that there is more than one way to skin a cat when it comes to decorating. Creating a look that fits YOUR lifestyle, personality and esthetic is what decorating your home is all about.

When it comes to helping clients infuse their personal style into their home, bookcase arrangements are one of the areas I love to work on the most. Bookshelves provide the perfect space for showcasing things you love, sharing your interest through books and representing your unique design style.

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My 2015 Design Trend Forecast

January 9, 2015

As a designer, one of the requirements of my job is to keep my eye on which design, style, color and fabrics are trending or fading in the home decor industry.

I keep up-to-date by attending trade shows, spending lots of time on the web, reading countless magazines and shopping lots of stores in person and online. Every year I see new trends come on the scene. Some evolve and gain popularity while others fizzle out before they can even get started. Needless to say, the home decor industry is constantly changing but some trends are here to stay (at least for the foreseeable future)!

Here’s a look at my Top Trend List for 2015!

ECLECTIC DECOR

We started seeing eclectic designed rooms a few year ago and I think you’ll see more of this in 2015. While there are a few common threads that tie rooms of this style together (ie: elements of black or gold, floral or geometric patterns), what makes these spaces so great is the artful combination of patterns, prints, colors, finishes and styles. Eclectic decor has and will continue to be a great ways for homeowners to express themselves through their decor and it’s also the ideal design style that effortlessly mixes and matches old with new and refined with funky.

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GOLD & BRASS

When it comes to finishes, silver in no longer the leader of the pack in the design world. Gold and brass have truly become the top accent color and finish choice in furniture, wall decor, decorative accessories and even textiles. If you love silver, don’t worry because you’ll still find this finish in lots of decor and mixing gold and silver is no longer considered taboo!

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BLACK DOORS & TRIM, BLACK WALL and BLACK CABINETS

10 years ago, the idea of having a house full of black finishes would not have gone over well with most homeowners. Back then everyone wanted walls with color, crisp white kitchens and pristine white trim. Today, black is looked as a dramatic not drab and sophisticated not sorrid! One of my design mantras is that every room needs a touch of black and this trend is definitely one way to make that statement in style.

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WATERCOLOR FLORALS

Watercolor prints are one trend I am going to embrace in 2015. Floral patterns have always been a traditional and popular design statement, but watercolor versions give floral patterns a fresh, modern feel. When decorating a room, you don’t want to over-use floral patterns so watercolor floral pillows or artwork are great ways to incorporate this trend into your decor and still have impact.

p.s. black and white stripes will also continue as a hot trend in 2015

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OVERSIZED LIGHTING

Every design magazine I looked at in 2014 and every showhouse I toured featured rooms with oversized lighting. I see people are moving away from multi-arm chandeliers and using large lantern styles for indoor decor. I think you’ll continue to see larger light fixture in both living spaces and kitchens for 2015.

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BLUE AND WHITE

I think blue and white rooms feel fresh for 2015. Once considered super traditional, blue and white is making a comeback through new and modern patterns, updated styles and variations of the color blue being mixed together vs a single tone. The room below feels updated because of the pattern mixing, style mix and texture combinations.

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And, if you’re looking to update some of your home accessories in 2015, here’s my list of pieces you should invest in:

* Oversized Mirrors (especially with bamboo details)

* Ceramic Table Lamps

* Blue and White Pottery

* Gold Accent Tables

* Vintage Brass Decor

* Marble Bookends

* Cowhide Rugs

* Copper Accessories

* Velvet Pillows

* Gold Silverware

So there you have it, my take on the trends that will continue to lead the design pack in 2015!

What trend do you like that most?

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.

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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.

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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!

FIVE {Easy & Inexpensive Ways} to Jump Start Your New Year at Home

January 5, 2015

Happy first Monday of 2015!

I’m excited about the 360 days that lay ahead and all that I can accomplish, experience and do this year. I’ve been working on outlining some specific blog goals for 2105 and will be sharing it all with you soon. When I originally started the ConfettiStyle blog, my mission was to share tips, ideas and inspiration in the areas of interior design/decorating, entertaining, gifting and fashion. I’ve stayed true to my vision over the years while expanding a bit and including some DIY and crafting projects as well.

Because these are all things I’m passionate about, I’ve enjoyed sharing my knowledge, ideas and projects and plan to do more of that in 2015. I will also be introducing some new blog series throughout the year, one of which is the basis of today’s post–Jump Starting the New Year!

Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing tips and inspiration to jump-start the new year when decorating your home, to help you entertain creatively, to personalize your gift giving and to help you create your unique fashion statement.

So let’s get going and jump-start the new year!

I know many people feel that same way that I do when Christmas ends.. The tree comes down, the sparkling lights get boxed up, the Christmas music comes to an end and your home feels flat. Christmas can definitely add a magical feel to your home but there are FIVE easy and inexpensive things you can do now to make your home feel magical again as you move into the new year.

No. 1–ReArrange Your Furniture

The new year calls for a new perspective and when it comes to home decor, one of the easiest ways to achieve that is with a simple shift of your furniture. The beginning of the year is a great time to mix it up and change the focus of your room. Try moving the sofa to a new location, switch our lamps and maybe even change the area rug. Go through every room in your home and see what elements can be moved from one room to another. This little exercise is also a great way to reconnect with your design style. As you move things around you’ll begin to notice items that no longer appeal to you or fit your aesthetic. Purge those pieces so in the new year your home reflects only things that you love and that make you feel good.

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No. 2–DeClutter and Organize Your Surroundings

I for one cannot function if I’m in a disorganized environment. Whenever my home or office is in disarray it is reflected in my mood and my work efficiency. I grew up with a dad that believed in ‘everything in it’s place, and a place for everything’ and this is my mantra as well. Take the month of January to declutter, purge and organize the areas of your home that you spend the most time in. Start by organizing what is visible to the eye and then move to drawers and hidden spaces.

If you need some easy organizing tips, check out this post from The Budget Decorator.

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No. 3–Refresh With New Pillows

A new year often means a refocus on saving money and budgeting. You don’t have to invest in a lot in new decor to give your home a fresh feel for the new year, just refresh your pillows. Add a few colorful pillows to brighten up your sofa and the overall look of your room. Target, HomeGoods and Ikea are my favorite budget-friendly pillow sources and when I’m really on a tight budget, I get crafty and handcraft a few pillows using inexpensive cloth napkins. You can learn how to make a no-sew pillow from one of my favorite bloggers.

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No. 4–Surround Yourself With Inspiration

The other day I wrote a blog post focused on having a positive mind which I believe helps in creating a positive life. An inexpensive way to stay positive is to surround yourself with inspirational quotes and artwork. Create a gallery wall in your home office or in the hallway you walk every morning and night. As you walk by your art display, read the words and make them apart of your daily mindset. There are tons of free downloads on Pinterest and great DIY images via Etsy. You can check out my favorite inspirational downloads on my Free Download Pinterest board.

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No. 5–Accessorize With Feel Good Items

A great way to energize the new year and keep it going until the last day of December is to accessorize with what I call feel good items. Candles will not only make your home smell good but surrounding yourself with a beautiful scent will do wonders to help you relax and rejuvenate. Gather a stack of books that inspire you or that you want to read this year and incorporate them into your decor. Use the books to elevate decorative items and place a few on your nightstand. Here are a few books on my 2015 reading list:

Motivation Manifesto

At Home with Madame Chic

Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home

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Taking time at the beginning of the year will help you create a year filled with beauty, inspiration, comfort and Joy!

A Look Back and The Year Ahead

January 2, 2015

I always start the new year off with a blog post that takes a look back at the year gone by, looks at the year ahead and outlines my goals and plans for the coming year. A new year gives each of us the opportunity to change things we are unsatisfied with in our lives, to grow into our best self and to achieve our heart’s desire.

Before we look at 2015, let’s take a look back at 2014…

Despite some challenges (which you’ll read about a little further down), 2014 was a good year and I am thrilled that I was able to accomplish many of the personal and professional goals I had.

One of my personal goals was to Be Inspired! I wanted to spend more time reading books that would help me grow as a person and as a business and brand and am happy to say I was able to finish a handful of books that will provide daily inspiration!

I wanted to Expand My Knowledge Base by attending workshops and professional conferences. I attended the Craft and Hobby Association Show in January, the Design Bloggers Conference in February and the Haven Conference in July, all of which provided me with great learning opportunities. I learned tips that I’m using to grow and strengthen my business and I connected with and am building relationships with brands that support bloggers which I will use to build my blog. I also met lots of amazing bloggers, all of which have inspired me in more ways than I can count.

2014 was a year where I wanted to Be A Dreamer and Be Adventurous! My goal was to try new things, experience new places and step out of my box a bit. My travels to DC (twice last year) allowed me to spend time with my brother and enjoy a city that I had never really experienced before. It was also great that I was able to share in my husband’s excitement when be visited DC for the first time. We also ventured to a new beach for our summer vacation and explored cities around Atlanta that I’ve never been to before. It felt great to be adventurous!

Two other goals I had for 2014 were to Be Charitable and Be Thankful! During the year I continued to sit on the board of a local non-profit agency and chaired the annual fundraiser. It is such a great feeling to give back to my community and positively impact the lives of others, and I am happy to say the fundraiser generated the most money ever, just over $110,000! I will continue working with the agency again in 2015 and will be serving as the Vice-President of the board. I have lots of be Thankful for am happy to give my time and money to help others.

My professional goals for 2014 focused on Building My Design Business and Blog. I created more DIY and Craft Projects in 2014 and the Photography Class I took is helping me to take better photos for the blog, which was another goal of mine. I also wanted to Create More Original Content and deliver Quality over Quantity. While I did make strides in these areas, I didn’t achieve all that I wanted to so I will continue to focus on these things in 2015.

The latter part of 2014 was a bit challenging professionally because of an unexpected event that affected my work schedule. I didn’t share this on the blog last year but I wanted to share it now because my professional and blog life will continue to be impacted as I move into 2015 and I may not be as consistent with blogging as I have been.

In September of last year I was selected to serve as a juror on a trial here in Atlanta. The trial was scheduled to last 3 to 4 months, with me being present in court Monday thru Thursday each week. Being away from my office most of the week made it really challenging for me to work on design projects, write the blog and complete holiday decorating for my clients. Many of my design projects have been slowed down and most of my weekends were spent at my desk working, creating projects for the blog and spending late nights and weekends installing Christmas decor for clients in Nov. and Dec. I made it work but it was a bit exhausting.

We are now being told that the case will probably last through spring which means continued challenges on my time. I am vested in doing my civic duty and will do what it takes to get it all done. I will work on design projects in the evenings and on weekends and will continue to share with you here on the blog. If I miss a day or two, know that I just needed a moment to catch my breath. It’s times like this that I am thankful to be a super organized and disciplined person.

So, you’re probably asking what’s in store for 2015…

Over the Christmas holiday I spent some time thinking about my goals and what I wanted to achieve in the new year. As I worked through that process one thought kept surfacing–THE POWER OF SELF TALK!

Have you ever given thought you how your thoughts impact your day, year or life? What you put into you body is manifested outwardly and that includes the things you think.

Do you see yourself in a positive light?

Do you focus on your strengths or your challenges?

Do you believe you can achieve or do you let self-doubt consume you?

Do you focus on moving forward or are you stuck on looking back and thinking what-if?

Do you have self-love?

Do you remember to be grateful?

So with self-talk on my mind, I’ve put my intentions for the new year in place and have chosen my mantra.

In 2015 my mantra is I AM…

I AM SUCCESSFUL IN ALL THAT I DO!

I’m going to plan and execute strategies and changes for my design business, blog and Etsy shops that will allow them to grow and flourish. Every day I will do something that moves me closer to meeting my goals, reaching my potential and fulfilling my dreams.

I AM INSPIRED & INSPIRING!
I AM going to reach out and connect with bloggers and brands for inspiration and to build my business. I AM going to surround myself with people who lift me up and inspire and will use my talents to inspire and lift up others. One of my passions and strengths is in teaching and sharing what I love and what I do with others. When I share of myself, good things come back to me ten-fold.

I AM ALWAYS LEARNING!
I AM going to read and continue to learn and grow personally and professionally. When I take the time to learn, I am taking the time to be better than I was yesterday.

I AM SELF-LOVING AND COMMITTED!
I’m going to build a healthier life through the foods I eat, the exercise I commit to and lots of self-love. Being the best I can be will allow me to be the best I can for my family and friends.

I AM GRATEFUL!
I AM going to take time each day to remember all that I have to be grateful for. Being grateful for what you have is the pathway that allows you to bring more into your life.

In 2015 I AM all of this and so much more!

I have some great things planned for 2015 and I’m grateful that you take the time to stop by each day and are inspired by what I share.