Archive for decor
Kitchens to love…
Posted by: | Comments
One of my favorite rooms in the home is the kitchen. I love the design aspects, the cabinetry and organization options, and the endless meals prepared there. But I think it may be the overall feel that a kitchen represents that makes it my favorite room. You can really live in a kitchen!
Homework, flower arranging, creative projects, late night gab sessions, surfing the net, hanging out, and of course the endless baking and cooking that goes on here. Life really happens here!
Everyone always gravitates to the kitchen at a party and kids of all ages congregate in the space, including the family pets. That’s why I love a good kitchen. 
Great kitchens come in all shapes and sizes. They can be cozy or grand, bright or neutral, contemporary or country. It’s more about creating a kitchen that works with your lifestyle, so the room really becomes a part of your life. 
If your kitchen falls short of being the most used room in your home, maybe a kitchen update or renovation is in order. Yes, the most beautiful kitchen renovations can be quite pricey, yet some of the simplest changes can make your kitchen feel updated, organized or more spacious.
Minor remodeling can enlarge your space and make it work for your family and your lifestyle. Consider consulting with a professional to make your kitchen all it can be. Talking over the ideas and options can make it seem less daunting and more attainable.
So, whether you have the kitchen of your dreams, or are still dreaming away, here are some wonderful, personal kitchens to enjoy. They may even inspire you to do a little cooking… 
(All photos from House Beautiful)
Flea Market Finds:
Posted by: | CommentsJust wanted to share with you a photo of my car. It is the second time in two days it has been loaded to the brim with wonderful and unique finds for both my clients and my online shoppe. I will be updating you with some more photos of what was purchased along with what happened to the pieces as they start their new lives in a client’s home or how they might be transformed a bit to find their way into my upcoming new 
online shoppe.
Keep following for more updates!
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)
The Inspired Room Inspiration…
Posted by: | CommentsWhen I was stopping by one of my favorite blogs, I found inspiration this morning and thought I would share it with you…
Melissa over at The Inspired Room wrote about the joys of browsing for pretty rooms and just being able to look at the details and soak it all in. I love to do the same, beautiful rooms with contrast, layers, purpose, and personality really draw me.
I always read the articles in magazines, not just look at the photos, as the story is what draws me in. The who lives there, what inspires them, and how they live on a daily basis makes the pretty room come together, because as I like to say- “Decor is more that just a pretty room“.
So, enjoy Melissa’s post and check out the other links that have linked up under her post…. some more pretty rooms and inspiring thoughts!
Here is the link for the post I am referring to: click here
Happy Friday!
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!
