I’ve Been Busy…

One of the good things about having more than one passion is that you stay busy. With three maybe four things I’m really passionate about,  you can only imagine how busy I’ve been since the new year.
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Inspiration { and a design tip}

It’s the weekend and I’m beyond excited that all the snow has melted here in Atlanta and the sun will be shining for the next several days.  I hope your weekend is a good one and that you find this beautiful room image as inspiring as I do.

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Design Tip: More times than not when there’s space on the side of a fireplace wall you’ll see a bookcase or some type of built-in wall unit.  Storage and shelving is usually a good thing but mirrors can turn a recessed alcove into a spectacular design statement. Using a mirror in an alcove space will help define the area, bounces light back into the room and makes the overall space feel larger than it is.   Mirrors are more than just something pretty to look at.

Shelly

An E-Design Plan–Blue and Bold!

Last week I wrote a post on The Power of  Accessories and Accent Furniture.  The post highlighted how the accent furniture and accessories you select for a space can define that space and create the personality of that room.
 
I recently completed an e-design project for a client that revolved around a strong color palette and a favorite accent piece.  The client wanted to use navy as a foundation color and had to have this gold drum  as part of the design.  The goal was to create a space that is dynamic, has a sense of sophistication and comfort.  The accent furniture pieces, the rug and the mirror grouping will add a bold statement while the gold finishes and mix of materials add that sense of sophistication.
{the mirror grouping idea was inspired by my friend Jen over at Vreeland Road…thanks Jen!}
 
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The power of accessories and accent furniture is evident in the final design plan.  I love creating spaces that with a fresh and modern feel and am so happy the client loves it all.
 
If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about my in-home or e-design service.
 
Have a fabulous weekend!  I’ll be back next week with a full week of design, entertaining and gifting post.
 
Shelly
 
 
 
 

Gift Wrap Inspiration: Paper Lace Band

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During my recent trip to the CHA show I had the opportunity to see lots of really cool crafting machines.  One of the machines that stood out to me was the Fiskars AdvantEdge Punch cutting system.  I’ve seen this crafting machine in the stores for a few months but never really took the time to learn how it worked or what type of craft it produced.  After getting a demo of the machine at the show all I can say is I love this machine.

For my latest gift wrap inspiration post,  I decided to use the Fiskars AdvantEdge Punch machine to create beautiful paper lace bands. The decorative borders that the AdvantEdge machine cuts are fabulous for gift wrapping and there are multiple design cartridges you can use to create different looks.

For my Valentines gift wrap this year I am using a fun polka dot paper and the “Celtic Knot” and “Flower Garden” Fiskars punch designs.

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Traditionally Valentines is all about the colors red and pink so the chocolate paper with dots and the pink lattice paper I wrapped my gifts in give my gifts a modern spin.

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For my paper lace bands I used a gold metallic paper which adds an elegant touch to my gifts.

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When you wrap your Valentines gifts this year get creative with your paper and embellishments. And if you love paper crafting, the Fiskars AdvantEdge Punch machine should be part of your craft closet!

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Shelly

Inspiration {and a design tip}

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I love when I come across a room where the wall décor statement over the sofa is NOT your typical set of framed art pieces.  This wall décor arrangement is not only unique but creates so much visual interest.

Design Tip:  Mixing mirrors and artwork is a great way to create a bold wall décor statement in your home.  Create layers with the arrangement and combine different shapes for impact.

Shelly

Tips for Styling a Coffee Table

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Styling bookcases and table surfaces are two of my favorite things to do and that often results in constant changes with my personal décor.  My coffee table décor is a great example.  I change the look on a frequent basis, switching out decorative elements, moving books around, adding flowers and re-working the arrangement.  While there are no set rules for decorating a coffee table, there are certain types of items and a few design tips I use that have proven themselves time and time again.

1)  LAYERING is one of the most important elements in achieving a great layout for  your coffee table décor.  Stacking books and using decorative elements that are different heights and widths  are ways you can create layers. In my current coffee table arrangement I’ve layered the gold spike sphere, decorative jar and small silver urn on a tray which gives the smaller items more impact.

2) TRAYS are one of my go to coffee table décor items.  I am constantly collecting them and changing them out from season to season.  The animal print tray above is one of my all-time favorites and was an awesome find at a thrift store for only $7.00!  Using a tray in a contrasting shape from your table shape is another tip I like to use.  A round tray on a square table provides visual contrast.

3)  BOOKS are always a good thing!  I always have books on my coffee table, sometime several stacks at one time.  Use books that reflect your personal interest and stack graduating sizes together to create layers and to use as risers for other objects.

4)  When it comes to the DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES you use on your coffee table the only criteria I have is to use things I love or things that I use.  Candles are a must and I often place them in decorative jars which still allows me to use the candle but adds a decorative look to the table.  I almost always have a decorative box on my coffee table too.  It’s a great place to store the remotes, matches and coasters. A few other things to keep in mind with your coffee table accessories…use a variety of items, incorporate different finishes and texture and add something unique and interesting.  Your coffee table décor should be a reflection of you.

5)  FLOWERS are one of my other go-to coffee table accents.  They add volume, color, texture and visual movement while softening the entire table arrangement.

Like I said, there is not right or wrong way to decorate your coffee table. Spend a little time pulling together the items you want to decorate with and have fun creating an arrangement that speaks to you!

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BOOKS:  Soiree, Vogue Living, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Inspired You, Decorate, Vintage Remix, The Perfectly Imperfect Home
Wood Slice–HomeGoods (similar HERE// Tray–thrifted (similar HERE// Magnifying Glass–HomeGoods (similar HERE) //  Z Gallerie Gold Sphere //  Silver Urn–thrifted (similar HERE) // Ceramic Jar–HobbyLobby (similar HERE// Cloche and Base–Smiths Home // Vintage Spool–(similar HERE) , Sheet Music–my vintage collection
 
Favorite Candles: 
Nouvelle Crepe Myrtle
Archipelago Eucalyptus
Votivo Red Currant
 
Shelly

The Power of Accessories and Accent Furniture

I’m working on a design project that will involve some new pieces of furniture but the real changes that will take place in the home will come from the accessories and accent furniture we’ll be adding.  These two elements alone play a big role in giving a room its personality and building a strong design theme for a space.

When I’m creating a design plan for a client, there are several key questions I ask that help me in picking the accessories and accent furniture to be used in their home.

1)  What is your favorite color?

2)  Do you have a favorite pattern…flowers, stripes, geometries etc?

3)  If you had to choose between linen and velvet which would you choose?

4)  What at the favorite things you and your family like to do in this space?

5)  What things don’t you like when it comes to décor?  This is a question  I think many designers assume their clients know the answer to.  But when forced to really think about it there the answers might even amaze the homeowner themselves.

If you’re decorating or re-decorating a space in your home, answering these questions will help you understand your likes and dislikes and how  you want to the space to feel.

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Accessories and accent furniture pieces can help create a feeling of calm and relaxation if the lines of the furniture are simple and clean and if the fabrics and natural and subdued in color.

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You can use accessories and accent furniture to create an eclectic and vintage feel by incorporating pieces from different eras along with aged finishes.

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Furniture and accessories can communicate a whimsical feel if painted in bold colors or if they have curvy and geometric details.

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Even in a fairly neutral room, accessories can communicate your love of color.  A colorful lampshade if a great way to introduce a pop of color in a small way.

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The way you place your accessories and accent furniture can convey your need and comfort with order and balance.

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And accessories and accent furniture are a great way of creating a fun and vibrant personality within your home.

When it comes to creating a home you love, the things you put into your home central to the way it makes you feel so choose what you love and love what you choose.

Next week I’ll share a design plan I’m working on so you can see the power of accessories and accent furniture.

Shelly

Inspiration {and a design tip}

Happy Sunday!

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I hope you’ve all had a fantastic weekend.    I’ve been laid up in bed for the good part of the last 5 days with the flu and no energy for blogging or anything else for that matter.  Thank goodness I’m finally feeling better despite a lingering cough and a voice that sounds very much like Barry White.  Since my bedroom and my pillow have been my steady companions for the last few days, I felt it was only fitting to bring you my usual Saturday inspiration + design tip post (although a day late) and include this beautiful and chic bedroom setting.  Be Inspired!
Design Tip:  An easy way to add personality to your bedroom is by substituting a traditional night stand for a piece of accent furniture that will function in the same way.  This tiered table not only makes a great night stand but the shelves give you the opportunity to assemble beautiful storage options for the things you need close by.
Shelly
I’ll be back tomorrow with a recap of my trip to LA and the Craft and Hobby Association Show!

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