Archive for Design Notebook
Updating a Dining Space:
Posted by: | Comments
Would you like to update your eating area and create a special dining space? Are you longing to bring that open-concept living area a bit more formality? Is entertaining something your dining area isn’t up to? If you envision a dining space that is simple enough for family dinners, yet special enough for entertaining or a romantic dinner, here are some tips to get your dining space moving in the right direction.
1. Lighting is Key: Make sure your lighting is on dimmers, harsh lighting feels like you’re eating in a cafeteria. Candlelight is even better!
2. Slipcovers: A great way to add some design to your space is to slipcover a few of the chairs. Don’t do all of them, chose a combo to make more of an impact.
3. Panels: Add some drapery panels. Fabric absorbs sound and creates a cocoon-like feel, making the space more intimate.
4. Centerpiece: Create a centerpiece that sets the tone for your space. It can be a large floral, a rustic tray with a seasonal arrangement, or a candle menagerie. Think simple with “wow” factor.
5. Color: Don’t forget the backdrop- color defines your space and your design. Whether it is a warm chocolate, a romantic coral, or a earthy green, let color shape your design.
A few simple changes and you could be on your way to a whole new space to enjoy your dining experience. Some of these spaces use color as their defining statement, others use texture, and others use a unique focal point, but all have a specifically defined style that isn’t boring.
I love how the slipcovers blend the styles of chairs, I love how color can make one piece pop, I love how vintage pieces can create that gathered over time feel. Adding a modern or clean-lined piece can make the space less formal and less expected as well.
Don’t fall into the trap of purchasing a dining set from the store and bringing home every piece in the collection. Your room will quickly look like an outdated store display and will not feel personal or unique. If you already have that situation, make some of the changes above to start defining your space. Consider breaking up the set, or even painting some of the pieces to make it your own.
Whatever you do, have fun with your dining area. Dining should be a lingering experience, a time to savor the food, the ambiance, the conversation, and the company. Enjoy it. Celebrate it.
(Photos from Coastal Living, Southern Living & House Beautiful)
Bedrooms for sweet dreamin’….
Posted by: | Comments
I love everything a bedroom represents- comfort, relaxation, rejuvenation, sweet dreams, intimacy, and restoration. It is a place all our own that allows us to restore our bodies and souls each night.
Here are a few very inspiring bedrooms that I wanted to share with you- to inspire some sweet dreams of your own.
This antique filled bedroom is rich in color and art. A masculine feel with the darker color palette, but some feminine details in the fabrics to balance it all out.
I love this canopied bed- the updated dream of every little girl. Not too sweet, but definately dreamy. A simple bed covering, some sheers all set to a rich backdrop.
This bedroom is quiet in color, but feminine in style. It’s neutral color-scheme creates a quiet oasis for the homeowners. The creamy touches in the chandelier, the mirror and the wood trim all contrast nicely with the richer wall color.
This brightly flavored bedroom is inspired by vintage fabrics and pieces. I love the mix of fabrics and the quirkiness of the art. Not a mass-produced bedroom!
Lastly, this pink bedroom is 
girly, yet not overwhelmingly so. (A great place for a gal to daydream.) The almost all white bed makes it work. The extra height on the headboard is key as well.
The key to all of these inspiring bedrooms is one thing- they are all personal spaces created with the restorative qualities every bedroom should have. Color, style, and even design, take a backseat to the mood the spaces have created for that homeowner.
So, if your bedroom is lacking personality and restorative qualities- do some sweet dreamin’ of your own to create your haven from the world!
Shining the light on lighting options….
Posted by: | CommentsI have noticed an abundance of really cool lighting options lately. Some I’ve found at mass retailers, others some more unique shops. 
Inadequate lighting is one of the most common mistakes most homeowners make. Not having enough lighting, the proper size and proportion, and not really choosing lighting for it’s functionality or how it compliments the room.
Here are some tips for choosing lighting:
1. Have at least 3 types of light per room. Ambient (Overall), Task, and Accent.
2. Have up to 5 sources of light in most rooms. Remember, lighting is done in layers and not all lights are on at the same time.
3. Position lighting around room to avoid dark areas.
4. I prefer to have the main light sources similar in color and style, with the last one or two having a bit more pizazz and style.
5. Lamps should be in proportion to the room, ex: no wimpy stick lamps in a large family room, no tiny chandeliers over a full dining table.
A few of the fun options that I have seen lately:
Wouldn’t this trellis linen drum shade be fabulous over a kitchen island? I can see the room coming together with white painted cabinets, pale green walls, stainless appliances, and wood flooring…
This red coral stone chandelier is so much fun, it would be quite a statement in an entryway, with some khaki walls, checkerboard painted floors, and some turquoise and red fabric on a cushioned bench seat.
Love the simplicity of these tapered crystal lamps. I can see them in a more masculine style den with chocolate brown walls, olive-colored upholstery, and some ikat printed drapery panels.
I can just see the light coming through this unique leaf-patterned shade as it lights up the bedroom before turning in. It has an almost organic, vintage feel to it. I would do some layers of neutral creams and grays on the bed, dark wood furniture, and some wispy linen sheers at the window.
Now that I’ve shared some lighting inspiration with you, can you find a space in your home that needs to shine a little? Replacing a lighting source can dramatically update a room. Look around your home for a worthy candidate… the results may surprise you!
Inviting Entries…
Posted by: | Comments
Does the entryway to your home draw visitors in and tell them your home story? When you come through the door at the end of a long day, does your home invite you in? Does your entry speak to the seasons? Is your entry an organized and functional space that still represents you and your personal style?
Let’s look at some enticing and beautiful entries…. 
I love the wood floors, use of stone and brick, tons of natural lighting, beautiful storage, the welcoming color palettes, and the originality of each space. No cookie-cutter entries here!
Whether your entry is grand and gorgeous, small and inviting, or organized and stylish, it is the first impression you and your visitors have to your home. It should speak with confidence and style, all while subtly telling your story of home.
Use some of today’s inspiration to get a jump start on telling your home story. Start with organization and function, then add in some style and personalization. If you n
eed further assistance, give me a call, I’d love to help. You won’t believe how the changes will effect your entire home.
Welcome home.
(All Photos from My Home Ideas)
New features coming!
Posted by: | CommentsJust like flowers blooming in the spring… I am excited to share some “blooming” new features will be added to Celebrate Life Everyday over the next few months!
First, I will be starting an Interview Series. I am so excited about this! The interviews will be with highly creative, talented people who have so much to share with us. Some of these fantastic people will be kindred spirits that I know and have worked with, others we will both be getting to “know”. The first interview will start in just a week or two!! This can’t be missed…
Next… Giveaways! Yes, free things to win! I will be hosting contests and special events to give things away to readers like you! All you hav
e to do is read often to find out what free treasure could be yours next… it’s like an online party!
There are of course lots of additional things planned for the Celebrate Life Everyday blog, but the last thing I am going to share with you now is… online shopping! Yes, this will be coming in several formats, but I will be able to share all of my favorite things with you, and you will be able to click on the link and learn more, or to purchase that item as well. I am working on this as we speak and I will reveal more as soon as things are up and ready!
Thanks for reading and I look forward to sharing so much more with you….
