Style Archives | Page 72 of 100

HIGH Five: 5 Tips for Decorating the tops of Bookcases and Armoires

May 22, 2013

When it comes to decorating bookcase shelves and the inside of armoires you can find lots of great tips and examples on how to get the best look on design blogs, in magazines and on Pinterest. When it comes to decorating the tops of bookcase and armoires it’s harder to find tips and design ideas on what to do with this space. After working on several armoire and bookcase projects lately, I decided to compile a list of 5 Tips For Decorating the Tops of Bookcases & Armoires. These are my tried-and-true techniques for making the most of the space up high.

1. CREATE A VIGNETTE

Think of the top of a bookcase or armoire as you would a tabletop surface and create a vignette that tells a story and has a point of view. Display items that relate in color, style or theme or use this area to display a collection of pieces. Just a you would a tabletop surface, use items of different heights and widths to create dimension with in the display.

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2. LAYER FROM THE WALL OUT

While it is ok to display items solely on the top surface of your bookcase or armoire, hanging (or leaning) a decorative piece on the wall will draw the eye in and the piece will serve as a frame for the items positioned in front of it. The wall space above a bookcase or armoire is idea for large piece of art, decorative platter, basket or even a mirror.

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3. USE CIRCLES FOR CONTRAST

Decorating with circular items is a great way to break up the visual bulkiness of a heavy rectangular bookcase or armoire. Clocks, round containers, bowls and decorative objects in round or oval shapes will make your top vignette more dynamic and interesting.

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4. ADD A LITTLE T.L.C.

T for Texture, L for Length and C for Color! Items with texture are a great way to add visual interest into your display.

Baskets, greenery, metal and wood are all good textures to display with.

Creating a display that fills the length of your bookcase or armoire top is ideal versus placing items just in the center of the unit. The entire impact of the unit will be greater if the display fills the space side to side.

Adding color up high is always a good idea for creating impact. Pick a color from other elements in the room and carry that to the top of your unit. Flowers, artwork and pottery pieces can add color and substance.

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5. BE BOLD

Don’t go skimpy with the accessories you place up high. Opt for bulkier, larger and more substantial pieces that will stand out and create visual impact.

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If you’ve been challenged with what to do on the tops of built-in bookcase, free-standing armoires or even kitchen cabinets, these tips will help you accessorize those spaces like a pro.

If you’d like help creating a home your absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services.

10 Ways to UpStyle Your Closet

May 14, 2013

I love a beautiful closet and think it’s one of the easiest ways to enhance your life. A beautiful closet makes your clothes and accessories look better and I believe it can also make you feel your best each and every day.

Many of the design clients I work with struggle with making the most of their closet, from organizing it to making it a design statement like the rest of their bedroom. No matter how big or small your closet is, there are some design tricks you can use to make it a beautiful, functional and inspiring space.

1. CREATE A POWERFUL FIRST IMPRESSION

If you don’t have a walk-in closet, don’t let that stop you from creating a dynamic first impression with your closet. Painting your closet doors, adding trim work or using wall paper to add a graphic punch is a great way to up-style your closet.

2. ADD PAINT OR PAPER

Adding a little pizazz to the inside of your closet will not only energize the space but your clothes will look more glamorous surrounded by pretty paper or paint.

I love the idea of wall-papering the inside of a closet door. It creates such a pretty backdrop to display outfits against.

Paint your closet walls your favorite color which is sure to lift your spirits.

3. ORGANIZE BY COLOR

Organizing your clothes by style first (shirts, pants, skirts etc.) and then by color will give your closet a stylized feel and make getting dressed easier.

And don’t forget that the hangers are part of your style statement so use all one style of hanger to give your closet a streamlined and cohesive look.

4. KEEP IT ORGANIZED

I can’t stress how important an organized closet is to starting your day on a good foot. Keep like items together and use shelf dividers to keep things tidy.

5. USE STORAGE BOXES AS A STYLE ELEMENT

Storage boxes are another great organizing tool. Invest in study boxes with stylish details. Storage boxes can become part of your closet style! If you come across plain boxes at the thrift store, an inexpensive roll of wrapping paper and double-sided tape can transform them into decorative boxes in a flash.

6. PUT THINGS ON DISPLAY

I love to incorporate decorative accents into a closet space. Hanging a piece of art or displaying accessories or personal care items on decorative risers can transform your closet into a special space.

7. MAKE IT PERSONAL

If space allows, why not incorporate a small vanity desk or chaise into your closet space. It my not seem like you’d hang out in your closet but I promise this will become a special retreat for you.

8. ADD A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR

One of the easiest ways to up-style your closet is by hanging a chic chandelier or pendant light. This change alone will make your closet feel special and personal.

9. ADD SEATING

Ok, who wouldn’t want this gorgeous ottoman in their closet. Seating, whether a chair, stool or ottoman will give you a place to put on your shoes and turn your closet into a salon.

10. ADD A RUG

Adding a decorative rug as a style layer in your closest is a quick and easy up-style tip. Go bold or stay classic but layer a rug to give your closet a sense of warmth and coziness.

If you’re looking for ways to make your closet a more inspiring space, try one or more of these Closet UpStyle Tips!

Happy Decorating!

If you’d like help creating a home your absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services!

all images can be found on MY DREAM CLOSET pinterest board.

DIY Cloche

May 10, 2013

Happy Friday!

Well, as you can see I didn’t get around to posting my DIY project yesterday. Instead, I was at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) spending the morning and afternoon with two Million Dollar Decorators!

Mary McDonald & Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Mary and Martyn shared lots of fabulous design advice with the audience and afterwards spent time chatting with each of us and taking photos. Much of what they had to share hit home with me and I gained some valuable insights on how I can make my design business better. Thanks Mary and Martyn!

Now, on to the fun DIY project I want to share with you…DIY cloches!

You see, I love glass cloches. There is just something beautiful about displaying items you love under glass as if they were priceless heirlooms. Since I already have a couple of traditional glass cloches I decided I wanted to add a few more to my mix and this time I wanted them have a bit more style. With that, a super quick and easy DIY project was born!

I made three cloches each with a different decorative knob handle. The wood lamp bases really add a lot to the smaller cloche and the decorative plate I used with the taller cloche can easily be changed out when I change the items displayed inside. I’m still finding the right spot in my home to display each cloche and I’m also going to be changing/adding to the elements inside each one as well. Plus, I’m looking forward to changing out the looks seasonally, inspired by these cloche displays!

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Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you were inspired to make a cloche of your own!

Have a Great Weekend!

Fashion Focus: Sneakers for Spring and Summer

May 2, 2013

all fashion images via Pinterest

Outdoor Living Inspired by a Pillow

May 1, 2013

Living in Atlanta allows for lots of outdoor living and entertaining and designing outdoor spaces is one of my favorite things to do because you can have a little fun with the color palette, the design theme and the accessorizing. I recently created a design plan for a couple whose goal was to extend their living space beyond the family room and take advantage of their beautiful tree-lined back yard.

The Goal:

* A space for entertaining and lounging that would accommodate lots of people

* A space with color and a modern Moroccan vibe

* A space to be enjoyed during the day and into the evening

* Plants and lush greens to add a cozy feel

* Texture and color

The Plan:

The deck is fairly large so there will also be a dining table and chairs off to one side.

This design plan was executed in record time, the furniture has been ordered and now all that’s needed for my clients Cinco De Mayo party is the margaritas.

Cheers!

If you’d like help creating a home or outdoor space you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services. Don’t live in Atlanta? No worries because our Door-to-Door e-design service was developed just for you.

Gift Wrap Inspiration: Pinwheel Gift Topper

April 30, 2013

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and I’ve got a quick and simple Gift Wrap Inspiration that is perfect for adding a little fun to mom’s gift!

It’s no secret that I love paper products and one of my favorite crafts to make are paper pinwheels. When thinking about how I wanted to wrap my Mother’s Day gifts, I thought a Paper Pinwheel Topper would be a fun and whimsical touch.

Here’s how to do it…

How to:

Select a decorative paper with a pattern on both sides. Cut your paper in a perfect square–the bigger your square, the bigger your pinwheel will be.

Draw a light pencil line from corner to corner, intersecting at the middle of the square.

Using scissors, cut along each line towards the center, stopping about 1/4″ from the center point. You’ll have 4 triangular pieces attached at the center of your square.

Starting with one corner tip, fold it into the center, securing it with a dab of hot glue.

Take the right tip of the next triangle section and fold it to the center and secure with glue. Do the same with the remaining triangle pieces, creating your pinwheel.

Add a decorative button or brad to the center of the pinwheel to finish it off.

After making my pinwheels, I wrapped my boxes in polka dot craft paper. I added ribbon bands in colors to match my pinwheel and secured my pinwheels as bows on the top of each gift.

All in all, it took me about 30 minutes to make my pinwheels and wrap my gifts. Simple, easy and festive, just how I like my gift wrapping!

To see another fun version of a pinwheel topper, hop over to my Instagram @ConfettiStyle.

And, to check out some of my favorite gift wrapping supplies and embellishments, check out my Ruffles and Remnants Etsy shop.

Five Ways to UP-STYLE your Dining Room

April 29, 2013

Hello and Happy Monday!

I hope you weekend was great and that there was sun in your neck of the woods. Here in Atlanta we had rain which made for a good weekend to stay indoors and “try” to catch up on work. One of the projects I’m working on is a dining room revamp for a client and the entire project got me thinking about different ways to give a dining room added style. Furniture is always the first element that defines a dining room but beyond that, there are some other ways to enhance the style and make your dining space a bit more personal and unique.