Design Chat: Arranging Artwork For Impact & Style

January 26, 2017

One of the things I enjoy most about writing this blog is sharing design tips and helping you solve your design dilemmas. Last year I started a series called Design Chat series where I answer your design questions and provide decorating tips and inspiration. I’m excited to continue the series in 2017 and today I addressing a design challenge that Jennette has.

Here’s the comment and question Jennette sent to me…

“Shelly, I found your blog in spring 2016 while searching how to style a sectional sofa on Pinterest. I love your design tips! Right now my design dilemma is how to hang art on a long, odd wall when there is already one picture over a chair.”

Artwork can be one of the most challenging aspects of decorating your home. Once you’ve identified the type of artwork you want, you then need to come up with a plan for a dynamic wall statement.

As you can see in Jennette’s family room, she originally hung the artwork over the chair to anchor that seating area. While this isn’t bad, the rest of the wall is left blank and feels somewhat disconnected.

Here are my suggestions to pull the room together…

My suggestion for Jennette would be to create a gallery wall arrangement on that wall using the piece of artwork she owns as the centerpiece. A collection of framed pieces will create a focal point on that wall and anchor the space in total.

I also recommend a few other changes…

1) add a tall plant in the corner to add height and color. The small stool would move to the opposite side of the tv cabinet.

2) replace the double arm floor lamp with a fun table lamp.

3) add a cushion to the top of the bench and maybe even lean a couple of pillows on top.

4) a larger cabinet under the TV to give that wall more impact and to feel more proportionate with the TV.

On the opposite side of the room where the sofa sits, here’s what I recommend…

Hang candle sconces on each side of the mirror to give the wall over the sofa more impact. And remove the wall mounted light and position the double arm floor lamp next to the side table.

And my product picks for Jeanette’s room…

candle sconce // table lamp // fabric for cushion // black cabinet // plant basket

Overall, Jennette’s family room has a great foundation. With a few tweaks and additions, I think she’ll have the space she desires.

Looking for tips on creating a gallery wall arrangement, read my blog post here.

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If you’ve got a design challenge, email me and we’ll chat!

Refresh Your Decor for the New Year

January 9, 2017

Every year when the Christmas decor comes down I feel like my decor has lost its luster. My living room feel bare, my decor feels stale and everything that I loved before Christmas feels like it needs fresh, new energy. I know I’m not alone in this feeling and that many of you are looking at your decor right now and wondering how you can inject some life and energy into it.

Over the years I’ve learned and employed some simple and inexpensive decorating tricks the refresh my decor for the new year.

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Every now and then you need to change things up in your decor to give it a new feeling. The start of a new year is the perfect time to try a new furniture arrangement, move pieces from one room to another or re-arrange your accessories. Move lamps around a room or even consider layer a smaller rug over the top of a larger one. Sometimes all it takes is a tiny shift of perspective to see something familiar in a totally new light.

Many time when I’m feeling a sense of uneasiness with my decor it has to do with clutter and disorganization. Dedicate the month of January to cleaning, organizing and purging every room in your home. Donate the things that you no longer use, organized the spaces (drawers, closets and tabletop surfaces) that use most offend and give your entire home a deep cleaning. Clutter in you physical surroundings will clutter your mind and spirit.

Color is an immediate mood booster so try adding in a new accent color into your decor to refresh the palette. Switching out pillows is easy and cost-effective and will add big pops of color within your decor. Color accents can also be added with small accent furniture, blankets & throws, artwork and decorative accessories. In decorating, it’s often the little things that make the biggest impact.

tip: when shopping for pillows, look for covers with hidden zippers so you can reuse the inserts when you change your pillow decor

During the holiday season we are surrounded with and abundance of patterns and colors. Once the Christmas decor is down your surroundings may feel flat and lifeless. The quick fix for that is pattern mixing. Combine different pattern styles and colors to re-energize your decor.

tip: a winning pattern mix combines small patterns against large ones and includes one big solid ( on sofa, floor, or wall) in the room.

You might think that once artwork is hung on the wall it’s there to stay. That doesn’t have to be the case. During the winter months you can bring a room to life by simply switching out a piece of artwork with a mirror. Mirrors enhance the light within a room(both natural and decorative) and will instantly make a room feel lighter, brighter and more open.

tip: oversized floor mirrors will make small spaces feel bigger in addition to making the decor feel more important

Look around the rooms in your home and see where you can create a cozy seating area or reading nook. Cozy areas will make your home feel more intimate and personal which is the feeling your home had when all your Christmas decor was up.

Plants and flowers will make your decor feel special anytime of the year but during the winter months the emotional energy these elements add is enhanced. Place small plants or a vase on flowers on tabletop surfaces in the main living areas of your home as well as the bedroom and bathroom.

tip: if you don’t have a green thumb, decorating with artificial plants and flowers–they provide the same emotional lift that real greenery does.

Candles are my go-to accessory during the cold winter months. Not only can candles provide a sense of warmth but the glow increases the sense of relaxation and coziness that a room has. Arrange a group of candles on the coffee table or along the mantel.

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It doesn’t take a lot to give your home a fresh, new feeling for the new year so use one or all of these design tips to refresh your decor.

all images via Ballard Design

Style Your Nightstand–Tips & Inspiration

June 15, 2016

One of the things I am always look for on Pinterest are beautiful nightstand images. I love getting a glimpse at a person’s lifestyle and seeing how they style and decorate different areas of their home.

As a designer, I recognize that accessorizing a small, compact area like a nightstand can be more challenging than a larger living area for some people. So today I’m sharing the ingredients for styling your bedside table like pro.

Your bedroom is the most private space in your home and the items you put on your nightstand should be a mix of personal and decorative decor.

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When it comes to pulling your items together, keep these style tips in mind:

♦ Layers! Unless you take a minimalist approach to decorating, you want to position items to create a layered look. Layers will add the visual interest and help create a dynamic statement with you collection of items. Vary the placement of items on the table surface, front to back and side to side and keep the scale of your lamp in mind when positioning items.

♦ The Mix! This is where style and function meet. Accessorize with items you use on a daily basis (alarm clock, journal/book) along with items that are decorative. Decorative items like small trinket trays, lidded boxes and containers can work as storage AND as a design statement. And personal items like books and picture frames will add a personal feel to the decor on your nightstand.

♦ The Background! Even if you have a wall decor piece hanging over your bed, don’t forget about the wall space directly behind the nightstand. Hanging a mirror or piece of artwork over your bedside table is a great to build up the impact for the overall vignette. You can even lean pieces of art or other flat decor against the wall like I did at Christmas one year to enhance the layered look of your decor.

♦ Softness! A soft element like flowers or greenery can add an air of energy and life to the vignette.

♦ Keep it Fun! And finally, as you go about decorating your nightstand, throw in an unexpected object to add personality and flair.

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Nightstand Styling Inspiration

In addition to the tips above, I also wanted to serve up some visual inspiration for you. I went virtual shopping at Z Gallerie and put together two inspiration boards that pull all the elements together.

It’s no secret that I one of my favorite color combinations is black, white and gold and Z Gallerie as some beautiful decorative pieces that will work great in a bedroom. This look is bold, dramatic and super chic!

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Shop the Black & Gold Nightstand Vignette:

Devon Table Lamp // Rey Mirror // Allium Sphere

Camille Tray // Acropolis Frame // Sawyer Nightstand // Emila Canisters // Chanel Book

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My current bedroom decor is a black and white theme and I’m working on a summer refresh to incorporate more blue and white. This look is classic, elegant and has a calming feel.

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Shop the Blue & White Nightstand Vignette:

Let Me Go Artwork // Addison Table Lamp // York 3-Drawer Nightstand //Acropolis Bookends // Charles Table Clock

Gold Elephant Jewelry Dish //Glow Candle // Potted Phalaenopsis

Surround yourself with things you love!

Tile Trend: Dynamic Tile In The Kitchen (plus design tips)

March 3, 2016

Statement Tile In The Kitchen

Even though Pantone’s colors of the year and soft, subtle and pastel, the trend in kitchen design is bold and dynamic. You’re seeing more and more kitchens moving away from classic white subway tile and using larger design in big patterns and fun colors.

While patterned tile isn’t for everyone, it’s a great way to enhance your kitchen walls. Here’s some inspiration:

via

Pattern between the counter and cabinets add so much punch to a kitchen space.

via

Taking tile from counters to ceiling is a great way to add drama and impact behind the stove.

via

I recently went on the hunt for some patterned tile and found lots of great options.

Both Home Depot and Lowes have a nice selection of classic patterns and their prices are really good. Another great source is Overstock.com which I recently discovered has a large selection of decorative tile.

Here’s a round-up of some of my favorites…

#1 Merola Twenties Classic from Home Depot. Check out how amazing this looks in Cassie’s kitchen.

#2 Merola Twenties Crest. Amazing price for such style.

#3 This Revival Memory tile is the perfect accent for a french country-style kitchen.

#4 I love the soft hue of Kings Seagate and think it would look great on walls or on the floor.

#5 This Agdal Blue and Grey Tile is just one of the dynamic patterns they sell on Overstock.

#6 If you love blue and white in the kitchen, this Somer Tile is great.

#7 The color combination in this Borough Mondo is one of my favorites for a kitchen.

#8 Black accent tile like this Argana Black and Grey is a classic that will work in any kitchen.

#9 And maybe my favorite black and white tile of all times, Medina Black and White Ceramic.

via

Design Tips for Tiling Your Kitchen:

A complex or colorful backslash looks best with solid counters–that way they don’t clash with each other.
Wrapping the backsplash around the entire room gives a sense of visual continuity, which can help a small space seem large.
Changing the orientation of run-of-the-mill subway tile can create an expensive look for less. Run the tile vertically for a modern look or lay it on a diagonal in a place you want as a focal point, such as cooking areas.
Before you install a backsplash, try “walking” tiles up a wall to make sure you aren’t left with a thin sliver where the tile meets cabinetry. Hold the tiles against the wall at the bottom of the backsplash area and move them hand over hand up the wall following your desired pattern until you get to the top. You may find you have to start with a half-tile at the bottom to be sure at least a quarter-tile fits at the top.

When it comes to kitchen design, is your style clean and classic or do you like a bold statement?

DIY Clipboard & Calendar

January 20, 2016

Yesterday I shared tips on decorating and organizing your office space and included the idea of using decorative clipboards to pretty up your walls and help you stay organized. And today I’m showing you just how simple it is to make a decorative clipboard with a super easy DIY project.

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Read the Post

Product + Inspiration: Oversized Clocks

November 4, 2015

I have always been a fan of clocks when it comes to decor for the home. I love clocks of all sizes but over the last few years I’ve seen the trend of larger clocks growing. Clocks like this Howard Miller Postema Gallery Wall Clock which measures 49 inches in diameter is not only unique but it is a great way to make a bold statement with your decor.

Larger clocks are a fun accent in a foyer with expansive ceilings and ample wall space.

Beckwith Interiors via Jennifer Rizzo

Ballard Design

Many of the larger clock made of metal can be use in an outdoor covered setting which can give your lots more options for your outdoor decor.

New Canaan Design by Town and Country Living

Large clocks are the perfect solution for that always hard to decorate wall space in a kitchen.

Found Design via looks like white

I love the idea of a wall clock anchoring a console table vignette.

via Horchow

For an uncomplicated and bold look, hang a large wall clock in the living room instead of artwork.

the painted cottage

Kylie M Interiors

And hanging over a sofa, a large wall clock adds a unique style statement and punch to a room.

Vintage Chic

If you love the look of a large wall clock, there are many different styles on the market so you can easily find a look that fits your decor.

Here’s my round-up of favorite super-sized wall clocks…

Harrington 36″ Wall Clock / Romanian Style Antique Wall Clock / 39″ Oversized Wall Clock
Pierre Wall Clock / Moment In Time Wall Clock / Chatham Wall Clock

When it comes to large wall clocks, the saying Go Big or Go Home definitely fits.

Decorative Ingredients for Styling a Console Table

October 20, 2015

Shelterness

There are countless ways you can approach styling a console table. You can keep it simple and classic or you can create an eclectic decorative statement with multiple decorative accessory items. Whatever the approach, there are a few tried and true components that every console table should have.

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LAMPS–a pair of lamps is one of the most popular design ingredients for styling a console table. Matching lamps provide symmetry as well as ambient lighting within a room and will give a larger console table the visual weight it needs up top.

tip: for a more eclectic look, use a single lamp on one side of the table and a grouping of accessories to balance it on the other side.

Best of Both Worlds–Fun and Frugality

PERSONAL TOUCHES–console tables give you the perfect platform for displaying personal items in your home. Assemble a grouping of collectibles, display family photos and decorate with pieces that have meaning to you and your family.

tip: place accessories in groups of three for a more harmonious feel (i.e.: orchid+books+clock and bird+two bowling pins)

Apartment Therapy

MIRRORS–in place of traditional artwork, try a mirror or two over the console table. Mirrors will enhance any natural light coming into the space and is an ideal wall decor solution in a foyer or hallway.

tip: in most cases, the size of the mirror should allow it to hang within the dimensions of the table, not extend beyond the edge of the table

Lonny

BASKETS–baskets are one of the best accessories you can use when styling your console table. Baskets add texture, fill the void under the table and help keep clutter under control.

Style Me Pretty–Emily Gilbert Photography

OTTOMANS–I love placing ottomans or stools under an open-bottom console table. Ottomans add visual weight and impact in addition softening the lines of the table.

Linda Benson Interiors

DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES–it’s a given that your console table should have accessories on it but which accessories you choose can make or break the overall design impact of you console. My top three accessories items for console tables are VASES, FLORALS & FRAMES. Don’t be shy with your accessory statement and mix and match colors, finishes and styles to give your table that personal touch.

tip: create a color theme with the furnishings and decorative elements you use to style your table

Decorpad

BOOKS–you can never go wrong with books when styling a console table. Use books to fill shelves, elevate decorative objects and add color.

Domaine Home

ARTWORK–the artwork you hang over a console table can really help define the space and the overall look for the table vignette. A collection of art can be just as dynamic as a single large piece and decorative objects added into the arrangement can provide added visual interest.

tip: use uniform spacing between the art pieces so the arrangement reads as a single grouping versus individual elements

Pottery Barn

Are you inspired? I know I am.

I’ve got a beautiful wood console table that I’m considering painting black so I decided to pull together an inspiration board to help me visualize the look. If you see something you like, you can shop the board below.

SHOP THIS BOARD:

Crystal Column Lamp–Lamps Plus / Faceted Metal Vase–West Elm / Rosewood Porcelain Ceramic Vase–Ballard Design

Nate Berkus Metal Feather Ball–Target / Rossington Console Table–Wayfair / Silk Orchid–Overstock

Kelsey Umbrella Stand–Wayfair / Safavieh Heritage Black and Ivory Rug–Wayfair

You don’t have to use all of these elements when styling your table but a combination of 2 or 3 will definitely help you create a table with style.

Feeling Uneasy With My Artwork

October 7, 2015

The other night I was sitting on the couch and looked around at my walls. I have several gallery wall arrangments that are a mix of art and objects. As I looked at the walls, I began to feel unsettled with the eclectic mix and the random arrangement. A desire for a more calm, symmetrical and orderly look washed over me.

My design style is eclectic with classic undertones so I was surprised at the feelings I had when I looked at the walls. I think the need for order and calm is stemming from my life at the moment where I’m juggling lots of balls, can’t get it all done in a day and longing for a quiet weekend getaway.

What’s a girl to do with this artwork dilemma and feeling of uneasiness?

Block out a weekend to unwind (unfortunately it can’t happen for a few weeks) and turn to Pinterest for some wall decor inspiration.

As I was looking through Pinterest, I came across these images where artwork was hung in a grid fashion providing organized and calm feel. I like the look of art hung in a grid but am not 100% sure whether this is the look that I want. Regardless, these images are inspiring me to make some changes to my wall decor.

My thoughts….

I love the tight grouping and a single frame choice but don’t know if I can commit to one style of art.

via Tobi Fairley

The impact of a grid arrangement is great so that’s a plus in my book.

via Apartment Therapy

If the color of each artwork piece is similar that can be the thread that ties it all together.

via Emily A. Clark

I love the look of this eclectic mix of art but don’t think it’s exactly my style.

via Martha Stewart

This arrangement is nice because it is still symmetrical but has a bit more personality than artwork all in the same size.

via Houzz

Grid layouts definitely work with black and white art but not my style.

via Home Bunch

I love seeing non-traditional elements framed as a collection. Definitely something I’d do.

via BHG

Fall is a great time of year to hang framed botanical art and the look is fresh and modern. Gets my vote.

via BHG

This image might be the solution…symmetry but frames hung both horizontally and vertically which adds a bit of an eclectic feel.

via BHG

Decision, decisions!

So tell me, is the gallery wall look still appealing to you or do you love the symmetrical art arrangements? I’d love to know what you think.

Here are my suggestions to pull the room together…

And my product picks for Jeanette’s room…

candle sconce // table lamp // fabric for cushion // black cabinet // plant basket

tip: when shopping for pillows, look for covers with hidden zippers so you can reuse the inserts when you change your pillow decor

tip: a winning pattern mix combines small patterns against large ones and includes one big solid ( on sofa, floor, or wall) in the room.

tip: oversized floor mirrors will make small spaces feel bigger in addition to making the decor feel more important

tip: if you don’t have a green thumb, decorating with artificial plants and flowers–they provide the same emotional lift that real greenery does.

all images via Ballard Design

When it comes to pulling your items together, keep these style tips in mind:

Nightstand Styling Inspiration

Shop the Black & Gold Nightstand Vignette:

Devon Table Lamp // Rey Mirror // Allium Sphere

Camille Tray // Acropolis Frame // Sawyer Nightstand // Emila Canisters // Chanel Book

Shop the Blue & White Nightstand Vignette:

Let Me Go Artwork // Addison Table Lamp // York 3-Drawer Nightstand //Acropolis Bookends // Charles Table Clock

Gold Elephant Jewelry Dish //Glow Candle // Potted Phalaenopsis

Surround yourself with things you love!

Statement Tile In The Kitchen

#1 Merola Twenties Classic from Home Depot. Check out how amazing this looks in Cassie’s kitchen.

#2 Merola Twenties Crest. Amazing price for such style.

#3 This Revival Memory tile is the perfect accent for a french country-style kitchen.

#4 I love the soft hue of Kings Seagate and think it would look great on walls or on the floor.

#5 This Agdal Blue and Grey Tile is just one of the dynamic patterns they sell on Overstock.

#6 If you love blue and white in the kitchen, this Somer Tile is great.

#7 The color combination in this Borough Mondo is one of my favorites for a kitchen.

#8 Black accent tile like this Argana Black and Grey is a classic that will work in any kitchen.

#9 And maybe my favorite black and white tile of all times, Medina Black and White Ceramic.

Design Tips for Tiling Your Kitchen:

Beckwith Interiors via Jennifer Rizzo

New Canaan Design by Town and Country Living

Found Design via looks like white

via Horchow

Harrington 36″ Wall Clock / Romanian Style Antique Wall Clock / 39″ Oversized Wall Clock Pierre Wall Clock / Moment In Time Wall Clock / Chatham Wall Clock

Style Me Pretty–Emily Gilbert Photography

Crystal Column Lamp–Lamps Plus / Faceted Metal Vase–West Elm / Rosewood Porcelain Ceramic Vase–Ballard Design

Nate Berkus Metal Feather Ball–Target / Rossington Console Table–Wayfair / Silk Orchid–Overstock

Kelsey Umbrella Stand–Wayfair / Safavieh Heritage Black and Ivory Rug–Wayfair

via Tobi Fairley

via Apartment Therapy

via Emily A. Clark

via Martha Stewart

via Houzz

via Home Bunch

via BHG

via BHG

via BHG

Harrington 36″ Wall Clock / Romanian Style Antique Wall Clock / 39″ Oversized Wall Clock
Pierre Wall Clock / Moment In Time Wall Clock / Chatham Wall Clock