Style Archives | Page 55 of 100

32 Tried and True Interior Design Tips

July 9, 2014

HGTV

A lot of you sent me emails and told me how much you enjoyed the post 32 Fashion Tips That Never Go Out of Style so I thought I’d bring you another installation, this time all about Interior Design.

When it comes to design, there are so many ‘design rules’ out there and if you try to follow them all, decorating your home can become more challenging than you imagine. But it you take the time to understand and follow a few tried-and-true principles of design, decorating can be fun and inspiring.

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Demilune Tables: A Unique Furniture Piece

July 1, 2014

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Are you familiar with DemiLune tables? The characteristic of this table style is its semi-circular shape which is designed so that the table can be pushed up against a wall.

As a member of the console table family, demilune tables feature three legs but are often overlooked as a design option in favor of their traditional four-legged console table companion. I however love demilune tables and think they are the perfect solution for many space challenged rooms.

Demilune tables are ideal for small wall spaces where a chair or larger piece of furniture would feel over-powering. Using a table with a shaped design detail will help to create visual interest and give that small space a focal point.

Traditional Home

When an impromptu cocktail table is needed, a demilune works great with just enough space to hold a few key party essentials. Demilune tables are also great to position in front of floor mirrors, creating lots of visual impact.

source unknown

One of my favorite places to use a demilune table is in a bedroom. The shape of the table works in a narrow space next to the bed and functions as a nightstand as well as a intimate writing desk.

BHG

Amy Meier Design

Both as a cost saving option and as a style solution in a foyer, two demilune tables facing each other is one of my favorite looks.

BelClaire House

Demilune tables can also be retro-fit to work as a bathroom vanity. The curves of the table add softness to what is often a space of hard lines and square shapes.

Architectural Digest

What to put in that space between the windows? A small scale demilune table works great to fill that space and serve as the backdrop to a beautiful wall piece and tabletop accessories.

Cote De Texas

Wall mounted demilune tables can be used like a display shelf in a foyer or hall and again is ideal when wall space is limited.

Designer SueEllen Gregory via Mix and Chic

When shopping for demilune tables, look for styles that feature scalloped or shaped details for added style.

SuCasa Designs

In a small kitchen eating area, demilune tables provide just enough room for two people to sit and eat comfortably. Hanging a large grouping of artwork over the table as shown in this photos is also a great way to give the table and surrounding area more visual impact.

Ladies Home Journal

Demilune tables are most often used in a foyer, next to the front door. The table scale keeps the foyer open while providing the perfect perch for keys and mail.

BHG

Other places to use demilune tables:

In smaller rooms, demilune tables can be placed under a wall-mounted TV but close attention needs to be given to ensure the table scales balances the TV.

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In bedrooms where twin beds are used, a demilune table is often a better design solution than individual night stands. When placed between the bed, the table works as a nightstand for both and is a great use of space.

A demilune placed at the end of hallway or at the top of stair landing fills the space without it becoming over-crowded.

I also like to use demilune tables in the nooks next to a fireplace. This is another spot where the curve of the table will add softness to the room.

And because many demilune tables are shorter and smaller in scale than a traditional console table, they work great positioned under a window.

The next time you’re on the hunt for a new table, consider a Demilune Table. Not only are they an unexpected option but a demilune table can work just about anywhere you’d put a traditional console table.

Happy Decorating!

32 Fashion Tips That Will Never Go Out of Style

June 24, 2014

Build your wardrobe to break down like this–70% classics, 20% novelty and 10% trend. The classic pieces in your wardrobe should include items like solid colored cardigans, pencil skirts, black pants, dark denim and white shirts. These classics will serve as your fashion foundation and easily allow you to mix and match with the other items in your wardrobe. The 20% novelty should be represented by items like patterned blouses, print skirts and fashion blazers. And the 10% trend are styles, silhouettes and colors that are hot for the season–items like patterned pants, novelty sweaters and print dresses.

Know what styles look best on you. Try on the things you have at home to get a feel for the styles and silhouettes that look best on you and accentuate the parts of your body you like most. Then head to the store and try on more clothes. The more time you spend getting comfortable with your personal style the more confident you’ll feel when shopping and wearing the pieces you buy.

Buy quality fibers and materials and AVOID ACRYLIC. Cotton, wool, cashmere, linen, silk and flannel are always good fabric choices and will stand up to long-term wear and care. Fabrics like acrylic and polyester usually show their wear within a season through pilling and surface shine. When buying cashmere, buy the best quality you can (if you pull the fabric and is doesn’t spring back its a lesser quality).

When buying novelty or trend pieces, buy complete outfits. Novelty and trend clothing is usually designed to represent a hot color or pattern of the season, so it’s important to buy different pieces in that color family so that you have items that work together long term.

Buy key pieces at the end of each season to build your fashion foundation and save money. The end of the spring and summer season is a great time to buy tanks, cami’s and layering tees. At the end of the fall and winter season look for light weight cardigans, blazers and denim. One of your best sources for clothing pre-season is outlet malls which typically have items 3 months before the season begins.

Organize the clothes in your closet by category and then by color within each category. This will help you see what you have, identify core items you need to purchase and help you stay organized.

If you are wearing a loose fitting top pair it with a slimmer fitting pant. Likewise, if you are wearing a wide leg pant, pair it with a slimmer top. Wear clothing that gives you a balanced appearance and avoid an all-over baggy look.

Don’t buy over-sized clothing thinking it will make you look smaller. The area just under the bust is a woman’s smallest torso measurement, so emphasizing it with a structured waistband that hits higher than your natural waist will make you look a size smaller.

The most slimming fashion statement you can create is wearing one color head to toe.

Know your neckline. The neck and decolletage area can make or break how you look in a top. Figure out if you look best in a v-neck, crew-neck or other neckline. You want to accent this area to draw the eye to the face and help give you an overall leaner look.

Invest in an accessory wardrobe so you can add personality to your wardrobe. Scarves, belts, necklaces and earrings can turn a classic fashion piece into a fashion statement. When buying necklaces, buy pieces in different lengths so that you have pieces to work with a variety of neckline styles.

Save money on footwear by creating your own fancy flats. Buy flats in basic colors and then use inexpensive but stylish clip-on earrings to Up-Style them. Yard sales and thrift stores are a great source for cheap clip-on earrings.

To make your legs appear longer, wear shoes in the same color family as your skin-tone. Your legs and foot will create a seamless line and your legs will appear longer.

When buying denim, buy a pair that has a snug fit. Denim always stretches and buying a relaxed fit from the start will result in a baggy fit when the jeans stretch.

Wear jeans at least two times before washing. I’ve heard fashion experts say jeans should be worn 3 to 4 times between washes to maintain the fit and the color. To help with fading, turn jeans inside out when washing.

Never dry your bras in the dryer. Dryers will breakdown the elastic and underwire quickly and result in ill fitting bras. Wash bras on delicate in cold water and then hang them to dry.

If you spill something on your clothes, don’t rub the stain instead blot the stain. Rubbing can break down the fibers and actually embed the stain further into the fibers. p.s. this also goes for carpet stains–blot, don’t rub!

Alterations can be your best friend when it comes to fashion. Always buy clothing to fit the largest part of your body and then have the garment altered to fit where it is too big. Well fitting clothes actually make your clothes look more expensive and higher quality.

When packing for a trip, roll your clothing pieces instead of folding which will help cut down on wrinkles. It will also save space in your luggage.

A basic white tee is one the best fashion buys you can make. A white tee can be dressed up or down, worn with any color and can be layered under just about anything. When you find a tee that fits, buy 3 to 4 so you’ll have a fresh one when one wears out. Same goes for a well fitting pair of jeans.

Wear a t-shirt bra when you wear a t-shirts to keep your bust area smooth. It’s not a flattering look to see lace details or bra seams under a tee.

Wear the right color lingerie. Don’t wear a black bra if you are wearing a white blouse or top. Wear nude or natural lingerie with white, cream and lighter colors and wear black with darker tones.

Have several black pairs of pants in your closet that work with different heel heights. Hem a pair to work with flats and a pair to work with heels. An ‘all-purpose’ length will end up looking OK with some shoes and bad with others.

Always look at yourself in a black tee under light to make sure the fibers aren’t see-through. In many cases light-weight black fabrics have a see-through nature to them which may show up under light. If you are attending an event where photos will be taken, try on your outfit at home and have a couple of pictures taken of you. Check the photos to make sure you’re not exposing something you weren’t aware of.

Always check your rear view before leaving the house. Most of the time people look in the mirror before they leave the house to see how they look from the front but don’t always check the back. Make sure your clothes fit from all angles.

An inexpensive way to Up-Style an inexpensive blouse or blazer is by changing out the buttons. Pearlized, tone-on-tone and leather buttons are always a good option.

Wider belts are typically more flattering then thin belts. Wider belts pull your waist in and help define it.

Always keep an emergency kit in your handbag or car. The kits should include safety pins, double stick tape, a lint brush and a stain remover stick.

When in doubt, Overdress. In today’s world, jeans can be worn to just about any occasion but there’s nothing worse than showing up at an event under-dressed. If you don’t know what the dress code is, overdress. There’s no harm in looking too pulled together, but you’ll feel uncomfortable if you think you look out of place.

If you feel uncomfortable, you probably look uncomfortable! Your confidence is affected by what you’re wearing, as sad of a thought as that might be. So if you’re feeling self-conscious about your outfit, you’re likely to be tugging at it or double-checking that everything is in place all day and night. For instant confidence and a feel-good attitude, always opt to wear your favorite color…mine is red or something bright!

Take care of your footwear. I don’t know how many times I’ve been somewhere are seen someone dressed to the nines only to look down and see scuffed shoes or even worse, a heel with a missing cap.

Take photos of your favorite outfits (including jewelry) and hang them in your closet for easy reference. It’s always good to remember outfits that made you feel like a million bucks, especially if you’re trying to get dressed in a hurry.

Dress you age! Enough said.

DIY Inspiration: My Favorite DIY Stools

June 23, 2014

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Footstools are one of my favorite accent pieces. I have several around my home and three thrifted pieces waiting in the garage for a makeover (before and after to come soon).

When it comes to DIY projects, stools are also one of the easiest and quickest projects you can undertake. The average size footstool only takes a yard or so of fabric and you can easily paint the frame or legs with a sample size containers of paint. In just a couple of hours you can create a unique accent piece that can be used in some many rooms of your home. Here’s a look a some of my favorite Footstool DIY’s and at towards the end of the post you’ll find a few room inspirations featuring stools. Enjoy and be inspired.

Faux Fur

Faux fur is following in the steps of an animal print and is fast becoming a classic decor element. A footstool in faux fur is a great way to introduce this material into a room without it becoming overwhelming.

Black and White

Classic black and white patterns will never go out of style because this color combo can be mixed with just about any other color combo. A fun footstool in a bold black and white pattern will work with just about any design style and is a great way to add a pattern accent to a room.

Floral

I love floral patterns but wouldn’t use a large amount of it in my home. For me, floral accents are best and a cute stool like this makes just the statement I’d like.

Plaid

Here’s another classic black and white pattern featured on a footstool. The classic plaid mixes well with the modern styling of the stool.

Crochet

I don’t know how practical a crocheted footstool is in a bathroom but it sure is cute. I’d put this piece next to the bed or a side chair.

Painted and Upholstered

Stools come in all shapes and sizes and this taller piece is perfect for a little paint and fabric refresh. This is an easy and inexpensive diy project that could be a beautiful accent at the kitchen counter.

Just a few other reasons why footstools are good to decorate with:

* It’s an easy way to add an accent color or pattern to a room

* Footstools can provide additional seating in a pinch

* Next to a chair, a footstool can serve as a small side table

* And naturally they make a great foot rest!

via Southern Living

via House Beautiful

via Country Living

via Better Homes and Gardens

Happy Decorating!

From the Ceiling to the Floor–Stylish Ways to Light Up Your Life

June 18, 2014

Have you ever spent time on the Lamps Plus website? It’s kinda like lamp heaven and you can easily get sucked in and find yourself spending hours looking all their fabulous lighting.

Lamps Plus is one of my go-to sources for stylish lighting (especially when the budget goes beyond the big box stores). On a recent lamp binge I unearthed some fabulous lighting options and found myself humming “you light up my life“, which by the way was a favorite of mine back in the day. Anyway, I don’t want to be alone in my fixation with Lamps Plus lighting so I’m going to get you hooked with my newest discoveries–from ceiling to floor! Check them out and you can thank me later.

This Antique Brass Ceiling Light would look great in a kitchen or powder room or even in a kitchen pantry.

The Liberty Gold Ceiling Light is just screaming to be placed in a powder room or hallway.

You gotta love the Feiss Urban Renewal Wide Brass Ceiling Light for a boy’s room or mud room.

The classic styling of the Jonathan Adler Parker Wide Brass Ceiling Light make it perfect for a bathroom, small foyer or closet.

Two of these Alcazar Brass and Mercury Glass Table Lamp on a console table would be stunning.

I’d put this Dimond Farmhouse Antique Brass Table Lamp in a men’s office or kids play/study area.

The Spotlight Brass Table Lamp would be a stylish way to accent a desk or craft area.

The Robert Abbey Sloan Aged Brass and Crystal Table Lamp is screaming “put me on a marble top side table.”

One on his nightstand and one on mine–that’s where I’d put this Robert Abbey Alice Antique Brass Table Lamp

So many places the Robert Abbey Fineas Alabaster and Brass Table Lamp could go–dining room buffet, bedroom, sofa table!

I can just envision the Circuline Satin Brass Floor Lamp next to a big comfy chair and ottoman.

The Astor Antique Brass Tripod Pharmacy Floor Lamp is perfect for a study, next to a leather sofa.

What a beauty this Arteriors Home Norman Glass and Vintage Brass Floor Lamp would be flanking a dark navy sofa and framing a fun gallery wall of art.

This is not a sponsored post, just sharing one of my favorite resources with you.

Party Inspiration: UnExpected and Crafty Ways to Decorate

June 17, 2014

In my book every day of the year is a great day for a party. And when it comes to party decor, I’m always on the hunt for unique and creative ideas to add to my party planning file. On a recent Pinterest binge I came across a few images that were not only beautiful but that spoke to my creativity. These tablescapes look sophisticated and elaborate but it is the details that make them great. Details that can be achieved with a little creativity.

image via

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Outdoor Living {plus links you’ll love}

June 13, 2014

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I’m all about creating an outdoor space that has the same qualities as an indoor space. All it takes is a layout that resembles a family room, textiles that add pattern and color, flowers for texture and softness and candle light for ambiance.

Links you’ll love…

Are you making the most of your social media?

So many great design ideas in this small but adorable apartment.

I’m vowing to give up drinking sweet tea and these are going to be my go-t0 summer drinks!

I haven’t used my embossing gun in a while and this DIY stationery inspiration made me pull it out.

Have you taken the pillow test lately? I did and it resulted in a trip to HomeGoods!

Four questions you should ask yourself.

Best of Etsy: Bold & Brass

June 11, 2014

I written about my love of Brass on several occasions and find myself drawn to it more and more each day. Whether it’s a bold accent or a simple detail, brass adds such a sophisticated and polished feel to a piece of furniture or the decor of a room.

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{who wouldn’t kill to own these?}

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{such fun way to dress up a functional piece of furniture}

Since Brass is such a hot design trend and in case you wanted to indulge your brass obsession like me, I thought I’d share a few brass accessory pieces available on Etsy.

Vintage Brass Container / Brass Buddha / Brass Elephant Hook / Brass Horn of Plenty Vase

Brass Pelican / Brass Ship Wheel Bell / Brass Letter Holder

Happy Shopping!