Style Archives | Page 47 of 100

I’m Back & The Easiest Way to UpStyle Plain Window Treatments

February 2, 2015

Hello there friends. I hope you have a great week last week. I missed sharing with you on the blog but taking the week off gave me time to baby the cold that I have, cross a few things off the to-to and refocus on my blogging goals for the new year. I’m glad to be back and look forward to sharing lots of informative and inspiring post with you throughout the year. If there is specific area related to design, entertaining, gifting or fashion that you want me to address, just leave me a comment. Thanks for your continued support of ConfettiStyle!

Today I want to talk DIY and inspire you to create your own custom window treatments!

As a designer, many of the window treatments I work on are custom. I spend lots of time looking for the perfect fabric and trim and then send everything off to my workroom to have the drapes professionally sewn. While professional custom window treatments are one way create unique window treatments for your home, you can also get the look for less by putting your DIY skills to work.

Ribbon and woven trims are the easiest and most cost-effective way to dress up plain curtain panels. And, with so many styles and color options to choose from you can create a look that works perfectly with your decor.

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Artistic Wall Decor: Watercolor Wallpaper

January 23, 2015

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When I shared my 2015 Design Trend Forecast a couple of weeks ago, one of the trends I mentioned was watercolor florals. Now I’m seeing another watercolor concept making a wave in the design world–watercolor walls.

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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?

Natural Fiber Rugs

January 20, 2015

Natural fiber rugs have been a popular design element for many years and I think they will continue to be a staple for years to come. Educating my design clients on the difference between a sisal, jute and seagrass rug is something I do a lot. These rug varieties are somewhat similar in look but there are some distinct differences.

I know many of you probably have some confusion about the difference in these rugs types too, so I wanted to share a little about each style.

JUTE RUGS

Here’s an example of a braided jute loop rug below

Jute is actually a plant grown in India and Bangladesh and the fibers are stripped from the plant’s stalk rather than the leaves. Once the fibers are stripped, they are spun and prepared for weaving. Jute is actually the same material that burlap is made from and has similar characteristics to burlap. One of the other great features of a jute rug is that the fibers can be dyed in different colors which is one of the reasons they are so popular.

The weave of a jute rug is strong and once woven will have a coarse hand but it is actually softer than sisal. Because of its performance nature, jute rugs are best for low to medium traffic areas like bedrooms, dining rooms and home offices. If you’re using a jute rug in a home office, consider what types of moveable furniture that you’ll have on the carpet because they will be difficult to move around on jute.

Keeping your jute rug clean is pretty easy but it is not recommended that you steam clean them since the fibers are very absorbent.

SISAL RUGS

Sisal is a fiber that comes from the Mexican agave plant and is then woven into a yarn-like material which can be left is it’s natural neutral color or dyed.

Sisal is a super strong fiber so these types of rugs are ideal for high traffic areas like hallways, stairs or family rooms. The fiber also pulls moisture and humidity from the air which makes it a great carpet for sunrooms where you want something cool underfoot.

Natural Sisal rugs tend to be very coarse, however a synthetic sisal rug can provide the same look, but will have a softer feel and much better durability. Pure sisal rugs tend to warp when they get wet, so they can be tough to clean.

The best way to care for a Sisal rug is the vacuum regularly but never use a steam cleaner on a sisal rug.

SEAGRASS RUGS

Seagrass rugs are my favorite amongst all natural fiber rugs. These rugs are made of twisted seagrass fibers and although they have somewhat of a coarse hand I love the unique look that they have. Seagrass rugs are khaki and green in color and usually have a twisted fiber as part of the weave. Like other natural fiber rugs, Seagrass is coarse as well, yet it has more of an oily feel to the touch. Seagrass rugs do not come in different colors but you can find different weave patterns to choose from.

Natural fiber rugs are an excellent way to bring a solid color and minimal pattern into the room as well as add visual texture. They are also a great foundation rug when you want to layer something decorative on top.

On the Bookshelf: Design Books for 2015

January 15, 2015

Hi there! I hope you enjoyed the post on the trends I spotted at the Atlanta Gift & Home Furnishing show last weekend. Today I’m back to share something else from the show–books!

Checking out all of the soon-to-be published interior design books at market is one of my favorite things to do. And this market did not disappoint.

Here’s a round-up of my favorite design books that will be released in the first quarter of 2015!

{click on the image to read more about each book & pre-order}

No design library is complete without Barclay Butera!

If you read the blog Subtle Revelry (and you should) you’ll definitely want to get Materially Crafted written by Victoria, the creator of that blog.

India Hicks is a design icon and creates some of the most beautiful tropical inspired space. This book is filled with lots of design ideas you can use in the city too.

Another design icon, Barbara Westbrook is coming out with a book entitled Gracious Rooms. And every page is just that, photos of beautifully designed and gracious rooms.

Since I love shopping at flea markets, I’m excited about this book, Flea Market Secrets! It’s filled with shopping sources and shopping tips to turn you into a thrift market pro!

Bohemian style is really popular right now and this book provides lots of design inspiration if this is your design style. I love it for the creative and unique accessorizing ideas.

And the book that I am most EXCITED about is Modern Mix by Eddie Ross. I’m sure all of your know Eddie and love his style as much and I do. I’d give anything just to spend a day with him but until that happens I’ll be spending lots of time pouring over is his.

Great inspiration is at your fingertips!

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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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Inspiration {plus links you’ll love}

January 11, 2015

Hi there. I hope you are having a great weekend and staying warm if you’ve got cold weather like me.

Since the start of the new year I’ve been able to get back into the swing of things and have checked a few things off the to-do.

I’m ending the weekend by attending the Atlanta Gift and Home Furnishings show which is taking place here in Atlanta. I can’t wait to check out the latest and greatest products, colors, styles and trends in home decor and I will be taking lots of photos to share with you next week.

Until then, enjoy this beautiful space and check out the links for even more inspiration!

links you’ll love…

These design tips are tried and true and you’ll find lots of decorating ideas from this round-up of beautiful spaces.

You’ll definitely want to try this lampshade update!

I think everyone should take these words to heart!

These diy dollar store baskets will make you want to organize in the new year.

A great example of the power of paint.

This home makeover really does have star power.

What you need to do to keep moving forward in life!

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.