Inspiration Archives | Page 63 of 95

Decorating with Washi Tape

June 25, 2013

I am a crafter and have tried just about every crafting tool and material out there. One of my favorite crafting supplies these days is Washi Tape. This pretty little tape comes in lots of different designs, widths and colors and it can be used in so many creative ways. While many crafters use Washi Tape for paper projects, I’m in awe of some of the home décor projects I’ve seen using the tape.

Who knew tape could be so stylish!

What an easy and inexpensive way to create a gallery wall!

Accenting an arched doorway with washi tape is simply a brilliant idea.

What a great way to add style to a simple white door.

This window treatment is really cool but way to much work.

I love the ombre look created in these images with Washi Tape.

Creating a stunning party table runner doesn’t get any easier than this….a roll of white wrapping paper and washi tape.

Fun but maybe not so practical!

If I had kids I would definitely let them decorate with washi tape. This would also be a great idea for a dorm room.

Pretty cool huh?

My go to sources for Washi Tape are

and I recently discovered Washi Tape at Costco too!

for even more creative ideas using washi tape, check out my Washi Tape Love pinterest board!

Fashion Focus: Summer Tunics

June 19, 2013

Do you have a go-to summer outfit?

One of my favorite clothing pieces during the hot summer months is a Summer Tunic. Lightweight, cotton, comfortable and classic are just a few words that I’d used to describe this staple in my closet.

What I love most about summer tunics is how versatile they are. You can wear them with shorts, pants, a long skirt or alone as a beach cover-up or easy summer dress (just make sure the length is right for a dress).

Lilly Pulitzer, known for her bright colorful prints and patterns established the summer tunic as one of her trademark designs and as an icon of summer beach resorts. While I’d love to be wearing a tunic while sitting poolside with a cocktail in Palm Springs, tunics work just fine for my lifestyle here in Atlanta.

This hot pink style above is pretty classic but I love how the Chartreuse embroidery around the color gives it some added style. Most of the summer tunics you find in stores today have 3/4 length sleeves and an open collar. Just perfect for showing off some summer jewelry.

I also love the embellished neckline and cuffs of this solid black tunic. Great with white pants or shorts.

Sleeveless tunics are perfect for a day a summer shopping or strolling around town.

Here’s are few more looks to consider…

The white collar trim really makes this pattern pop.

C. Wonder (one of my favorite stores) has a few fun summer tunic styles this year, some knit and some woven cotton. You can check out their selection here!

So now that summer is here, what are you waiting for? Pick-up a summer tunic this weekend and head to the pool.

images via pinterest and C. Wonder

Decorating with Doors: 10 Inspirational Ideas

June 14, 2013

I just started working on a new project and I want to incorporate an old door into the design plan. The space I’m working on is a family room that will be decorated in a casual, vintage-inspired old-world style Before I get knee-deep in the design process I went looking for some design inspiration using old doors and came across some pretty great ideas. This is what has me inspired…

I love the idea of an old door styled with bookshelves flanking a seating area. I also think this idea would be great in a kitchen styled with cookbooks and cooking accessories.

Most of the doors I come across are solid wood, but I really like this look with glass pane doors as a wall décor alternative. Positioned behind a console table and against a painted or wallpapered wall, the doors add architectural details without being visually heavy.

An old door with hooks added would be great in a foyer or near a back door. This is also a really cute idea for a bathroom or bedroom wall to hold towels and robes.

A slim panel door can be positioned behind a side chair to fill a corner or create a vignette in the living room. I love the idea of hanging a basket or even a piece of framed art on the door to embellish it a bit more.

This is the look I’m loving most. I love the way the door helps to fill up the wall space next to the cabinet and adds a bold statement to the entire wall vignette.

If you like the idea of decorating with old doors but your living room is not in need, check out these ideas for other rooms in your home.

Old doors make a great headboard.

This is a fun decorative statement for a guest bedroom or home office.

The idea of an old door as the backdrop to a nightstand is pretty cool. The addition of a light sconce makes the door stylish and functional.

A door bookcase is a great way to add organization to a girl or boys room without spending a lot of money.

And I love the idea of an old door turned into a coffee table. This is an easy DIY project that yields great results for a den or basement play area.

Anything vintage and old including an old door is a great way to add charm to your home.

So, do you like the idea of decorating with doors? If so, what room in your home would you place one?

Design Crush: Katie Ridder

June 12, 2013

As a designer, blogger and all-around creative, I read about and study lots of interior designers. One of the designers that has recently stood out to me is Katie Ridder. Although Katie has designed since 1995, after a stint at House & Garden and House Beautiful magazine, her work has made an impression on me because of her use of color.

In today’s design world so many designers are creating rooms that are “quite” and “soft” often using totally neutral color palettes. While these low-key rooms are on trend and have their place, it’s refreshing to see a designer like Katie designing rooms that are just as stylish, just as on-trend, just a sophisticated yet full of color. Color is obviously a signature design element for Katie and she does it well. Take a look as some of Katie’s work…

I love that Katie has used the same color on the wall and chair fabric resulting in a room that feels very cozy and relaxed.

A colorful sofa is something you will find in lots of Katie Ridder designed spaces. The sofa is always the attention grabber but plays beautifully with the other textiles in the space.

I love this combination of yellow and teal which makes the room feel pretty without being too cute.

A colorful bed, something you don’t see a lot of these days.

Oh how I love this orange sofa against the creamy walls and flooring.

This is one of my favorite Katie Ridder rooms. I love the Americana feel with a touch of eclectic glam and whimsy.

Americana with a traditional spin. The pops of red really give this room energy.

A great example of saturated colors mixed with pastels.

I recently added Katie Ridder’s book to my design library and have been inspired by so many of the spaces she has designed.

To learn more about Katie and view her complete portfolio, visit her website!

all images via Pinterest

Art Crush: Pencil Drawings

June 11, 2013

When it comes to artwork I love an eclectic mix of pieces which I think gives my décor a real personal edge. I’ve never had pencil drawings as part of my art mix but recently I had a pencil portrait of my mom framed and was instantly taken by this style of artwork. The portrait was created when I was in college by a friend of my dad and has instantly become one of my treasured pieces of art.

Now that I have this piece in my home, I am on a mission to add other pencil drawings to my collection. In doing research for a local artist, I came across Jeff Kerns, an artist that specializes in creating portraits. Jeff started drawing at an early age and over they years has worked with lots of different art mediums as well as designing logos for companies. In 1992 Jeff realized his love of portrait art and went back to creating that full-time. Today Jeff creates portraits in pencil, pastels and oils and works with clients all over the country. Here’s a look at some of his work.

Jeff can do pencil drawings from a photo or you can schedule a portrait sitting with him at one of his studios here in Atlanta.

I would love to create a gallery wall with a grouping of pencil portraits of family photos and have been inspired by these images. While I want my collection to be more casual, I love the uniqueness that pencil art can add to a home.

I have several photos I want Jeff to recreate in pencil for me including these two.

My brother

My brother and nephew

To see more of Jeff’s work and to contact him, check out his website here. His prices for pencil art start at just $30.00.

portraits images via Jeff Kerns, room images via pinterest

Color Crush: Cobalt

June 7, 2013

I’m all about vibrant colors this summer and the color Cobalt has me swooning!

Do you have a new “favorite” color this summer?

images via pinterest

UpStyle Your Bed: 8 Easy Tips

June 4, 2013

The bedroom is probably the most important room in your home for so many reasons. As a source for relaxation, rejuvenation and rest, your bedroom deserves to look its best.

The art of creating a stylish and comfortable bedroom can be achieved in 8 easy steps…

No. 1

A Headboard is required for a stylish bedroom. The current trend is upholstered headboard because of the softness and style they add to a bedroom, but a decorative wood or iron headboard will give you the same dynamic impact.

No. 2

A quick way to add unique style to your bed is by using the mix-and-match method with your bed linens. Pair a patterned flat sheet with a fitted solid sheet and then use pillowcases in a different pattern to add to the mix. Investing in different styles of sheets and pillowcases will allow you to change-up the look of your bed on a regular basis. And a decorative throw blanket is always a great last layer to a UpStyled bed.

No. 3

Makes sure to accent your bed with Accent Pillows. One, two or even more accents pillows in fun patterns and colors will add that designer touch to your bedroom. Whenever I see a pillow on clearance that will work with my bedroom décor, I snap it up and stash it away. When I make seasonal changes to my bedding, changing our the accent pillows makes a big impact.

No. 4

While not the case with every bed, most beds and bedroom décor will benefit from the addition of unique item hung on the wall above the headboard. The area above the bead gives you the perfect opportunity to create a focal point in the room and add a bold style statement. A grouping of multiple items adds just as much impact as one large item.

No. 5

Texture is king in a stylish bedroom. Dress you bed in linens that have surface interest or a textured pattern. Matelassé coverlets are always a good option and provide a subtle texture that you can build upon. And don’t forget that pillows are part of the texture mix.

No. 6

If you’re looking for a dramatic way to UpStyle your bed, hanging drapes behind the head of the bed might be the answer. A swag of fabric, while somewhat traditional in feeling adds an element of romance and visual height to the room.

No. 7

Is the bedskirt on your bed there to hide the stuff stored under the bed OR is it there to add style to your bed décor? Style should be the key reason you use a bedskirt on the bed. Not only does a bedskirt add softness and make your bed look more grand, but that bit of fabric that hangs to the floor is another way to add pattern, texture and personality to your décor. The image above uses a collection of decorative dish towels to create a fun bedskirt.

No. 8

Layering is the ultimate UpStyle trick for your bedroom. With your bed décor, the layers start under the bed at the floor and work their way up to the everything that sits on and surrounds your bed. The rug is a layer, the bedding is a layer, the wall décor is a layer and all the decorative elements that sit on your nightstand are layers. Just like the décor in other parts of your home, layering the decorative elements adds a sense of depth and warmth and makes a space feel more complete.

Creating a designer looking bedroom is not as hard as it seems. Incorporating one or all of these tips will get your bedroom style moving in the right direction and will surely help you UpStyle Your Bed.