Archive for decor
A Few Charming Rooms…
Posted by: | CommentsI am preparing for a series of posts for you…
So in the meantime… I wanted to share a few photos of charming rooms that I found over at Better Homes and Gardens.
Let me share them with you….
LOVE the fabric on these pieces. Especially the pale red one. I also like the mix of styles, the simple white color on the walls, and the lack of draperies on the windows. (I know… I always love drapery panels… but here it works without them!)
Love the stone on this fireplace. It adds a hefty texture to the space without overpowering it. I also love the pale color palette and subtle fabric prints.
Love the color palette in this small bath, especially the tile work. I love the muted toile print fabric and the mix of patterned pillows on the bench.
Love this formal looking living area, even though I am not a formal gal. I think it’s lack of pretension, it’s mix of styles, and soft color palette are what draw me. The mirrored transoms make the windows seem taller as well.
So, while you are looking for what you love in these rooms…(or what you don’t love?)
Can you share your thoughts with me?
Peek into these Rooms!
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Just wanted to share a few photos of rooms that I adore and that make my decorating juices flow…we get just a glimpse, just a peek, but for me that’s enough to fall in love.
It’s often just one or two elements that really sell a room anyway- the way the fabrics play off each other, the way the art has been combined, the juxtaposition of styles. Every piece can’t be the star in the room, just a few elements and the rest of the room supports that inspiration.
So, what do you like about these rooms? Is there anything that makes you think- “oh wow, love that!”? If not, what do you love, what makes your heart pitter-patter?
It’s the corner chair we can see ourselves reading in, it’s the fireplace nook we can feel the heat from, th
e stack of pillows on the bed we want to dive into, or the gorgeous kitchen windows that bring in all of that natural light.
We connect ourselves to the elements of a home that bring us into our world. We actually see ourselves living our routines in these spaces. That’s why we connect to them.
When I design spaces, I start by picking one or two elements as my inspiration pieces, and everything flows from that. It could be a color combo, some fabrics, a rug, a fab piece of art. But it’s that inspiration, that spark, that vision that makes a great room. That’s how I decorate my own home as well. A found piece of art, a fabric that I can’t live without, the accessory that just has to have a place.
That’s why we fall in love with our homes, it’s those pieces that have pulled on our memories, our hearts or our passions. It’s what design is all about. Falling in love with something beautiful or meaningful. Do you have that in your own home? If you don’t, it’s time you do. Start looking for that one piece that’s so great, you want to design an entire space around it.
We all deserve to be connected to our homes. 
They are part of us and they tell our story. Start telling yours today….
Kitchens to love…
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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:
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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)
