Archive for Design Notebook
Fabric Inspirations
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With the Midwest currently stuck in a deep-freeze, I am very thankful that I spend most of my days working on wonderful things for the inside of the home!
One of my absolute favorite things to do is browse through fabrics. I am drawn to the colors and patterns initially, but I am very much a “touch and feel” girl… not being able to fully “experience” the fabric until I have felt it’s hand. The drape of linens, the softness of luxurious wools, the cool touch of a crisp cotton, they all bring me joy. I love being able to pull not only the perfect patterns for a project, but being able to incorporate the perfect touches to the space really matter as well.
So many of the fabric showrooms are introducing new fabric lines at this time of year, I wanted to show you some of the new patterns, colorways, and looks that are being introduced… I just feel bad you can’t actually “touch” them!
Bedding, drapery panels, pillows, upholstery, roman shades, bench cushions, table linens, walls… think of any place you have fabric in your home and think of the makeover possibilities!
With the enormous selection of fabrics out there- including velvets, printed batiks, ombre wools, raised embroidery, and watercolor silks, the possibilities are exciting!
Do some browsing on your own and let me know by commenting, what fabrics grab your eye and what you’re inspired to use them on!
Color Inspiration….
Posted by: | CommentsJust stopping by with some design inspiration for you today… I am working on a client’s home that is being infused with color right now. Color is one of the biggest changes you can make to your home and color speaks deep to us, so the changes are very inspirational. The change from dark to light or warm to cool is very transformative. 
Here are some colorful transformations that might just inspire you to make a colorful move….
So….
What room in your home is begging for a color update?
(Images from House Beautiful, House of Turquoise and HGTV)
Decor Wishes…
Posted by: | CommentsIf you could re-do one room in your home…. what would it be? We all seem to have that room that needs the most attention, so in your home, what is that space? 
Why do you desire the change?
What is your vision for it’s makeover?
If you desire this change, what is holding you back?
In my home, it is my combined kitchen/dining area. Yes the heart of my home. The place where daily life happens. Meals prepared and cooked, homework done, temporary work station, creative zone, and yes, we actually eat here as well.
So, a complete makeover would be ideal, tearing down walls, opening up the space to allow for optimum functionality and design. I see a classic design with modern and vintage elements. A mix of light and dark, as I love contrast.
What is holding me back? Like many of you, the funding for the project is one that is the most difficult. It seems every time we consider starting, the money needs to be re-allocated to another spot. I also envision my hubby and I doing most of the work. We love to work on our home and having the time to makeover a major part of our living space does seem a bit daunting. Finding the right time to make the changes is almost impossible.
So, tell me about your home and what you’d like to see happen there. I would love to hear your thoughts and wishes for your challenging space.
(photos from My Home Ideas and Southern Living)
Stylish Rooms for the In-Between Season
Posted by: | CommentsThis time of year more than any other I start day-dreaming of the decorating and home project possibilities. There’s something about the in-between season of a frosty-white-winter and a blooming-spring here in the Midwest that isn’t really a season after all…it’s gray, gloomy, and brown. Minimal inspiration. Very little beauty.
So, in this season of nature’s lull…
I create the color, inspiration and beauty lacking in nature by creating spaces for clients, starting projects for the studio and day-dreaming about home projects of my own. As I was browsing online for resources needed for a project, I came across a few delightful rooms that deemed worthy of sharing with you.
Soon, I was looking for more…
So, here are some stylish rooms, starting with a bathroom- a sunny place to start out the day in and moving through the home to a cozy evening retreat.
Let me know what sparks ideas for you!!
I love the warm yellow color of the cabinets, tempered by the calmer gray-green on the walls. The large window over the tub lets in beautiful amounts of daylight. I would love to start my day in this room…
A nice twist on a traditional dining room with a mix of vintage decor, neutral color palette and elegant details.
This calm living area is actually filled with color- a black hutch stands out boldly against pale lavender-gray walls, the citron/yellow pillows and fabrics add fresh color, all complimented by mirrored accents. Oh, I also love the punch of red in the dining area beyond!
This entry way is subtle in color, with the gray-blue walls but the detailed paneling and wood trim add loads of character. The wood floors and antique rugs bring contrast to the light-filled space.
Finally, this bedroom looks like an elegant hotel suite in Paris or Milan. The traditional shapes are modernized with the contrast of colors and the unbelievably beautiful lacquered green walls. I don’t think I’d need to leave that room for days… room service please?
Be inspired to take elements of your favorite spaces to update a few nooks in your own home. Add an updated paint color, a fantastic new pillow fabric or some new artwork.
Enjoy this in-between time to plan for your mini-makeover!
(Photo Inspiration from My Home Ideas, Better Homes and Gardens, Cottage Living, House Beautiful)
Design inspiration for dreary days…
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Okay- it’s that time of year when all of the Christmas decor has come down, the sparkles and lights are packed away and our outside world is a wintery gray.
It makes our homes feel so ‘life-less’.
So… I want to share with you some beautiful inspiration photos to spark some ideas on how you can re-arrange, add a-bit-of-this, or a touch of that, to make your spaces seem fresh and inviting again. It can 
be as simple as adding a touch of red to your family room, re-arranging your entryway, bringing in some fresh greens to the bedroom, or new towels to the bath.
Simple changes often give us the energy we were looking for. If you’ve waited a while to redo some things, maybe a bigger makeover is required. Either way, these ideas might be just what you were looking for.
Enjoy these lovely rooms as you visually wander through them…
An organized office….
Some wallpaper in the den….
Some fresh fabrics in the living area,
Some beautiful new artwork….
Enjoy and let me know what changes you are making in your home….
