When I use the word “paneling” we all think of the faux wood paneling of the 70′s commonly found in lounges coupled with shag carpeting and polyester upholstered furniture. Well, the wood paneling I’m sharing with you today is far from that era. In fact, it goes back even further to a more rustic time.  We’ve discussed rustic influences on color trends for this year (Didn’t see this post? Check it out at Treasured). Today I’m sharing an architectural element that is finding its way back into our homes…this element is known as wood paneling.

Influenced from a time gone by yet relevant in today’s architecture the use of paneling can add a uniqueness to your home that is also reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts period. It adds a custom feeling that your home was hand-crafted in a way that will withstand time and the elements.  These cabins designed by Bromstad Hoedemaker are a classic example of  paneling as an interior architectural element in homes being built today.

Paneling also creates a cozy sense of warmth in vast spaces that could otherwise feel unwelcoming. Nicole Hollis accomplished this by using different finishes to highlight specific areas of the room using the paneling to create visual texture and pattern.

My favorite use, or should I say re-use, of paneling is this application of Antique Gray Barnwood. By applying the paneling to the vaulted ceiling it brings the ceiling down to create warmth and a comfortable space.

This rustic trend of using wood paneling in our homes again certainly is not the stereotypical 70′s style we think of and it may not be your style today. However, you have to admit that it is a great way to show craftsmanship in homes that can seem mass produced and typically look just like the neighbors.

Valentine’s Day is Sunday…where does the time go? It was just Christmas! If you are feeling like me and haven’t been able to plan ahead for this Valentine’s Day here are a few last minute Martha Stewart gift ideas that are soft on the pocket book and full with sentiment from the heart…

This heart shaped bookmark is great for the avid reader in your life. Easy enough to do and only requires a few simple items available from the craft store or the nearest Target. For How-To instructions go to Heart Bookmark from Martha Stewart 

A great idea that carries through to spring are these lunch bag  plant holders. Fun for the kids to decorate! For How-To instructions go to: Valentine’s Day Plant Holder from Martha Stewart

For the tea lover in your life I found these heart tea bags to be sweet and simple. For How-To Instructions go to: Heart-Shaped Tea Bag from Martha Stewart

I’m a sucker for a beautifully wrapped gift. I found this poetic gift wrapping idea to be classic, simple, and definitely stylish. For How-To Instructions go to: Poetic Gift Wrapping from Martha Stewart

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!

It is my quest to share with you that color can create an inspiring, desirable, and welcoming space. So I set out to see what the everyday person, may or may not be a designer, is doing with a space that does not include the color beige.  After browsing the top rated rooms on the HGTV website Rate My Space I found the following rooms to be very inspirational.

New York City Apartment: I chose this room for it’s creativity with wallpaper and pattern in a small space. What works is the simple color palette of three colors, repetition of print and decorative elements (i.e. bold graphic wallpaper, curtains, and pillows), and the use of a white sectional as the largest element in the room.

Spicy Kitchen: The next space is a winner for its use of spicy color in the kitchen. Shades of red increase the appetite and also create the psychological desire to linger over a long dinner. The unexpected element in this room that I found inspiring is the ceiling treatment. The linear lines create a grand sense of space and the fact that it is wood brings coziness to a welcoming family kitchen.

Contemporary Home Office: If color is still a little overwhelming to consider for your home, I highly recommend shades of gray as a neutral backdrop (in place of the common builder beige). This home office is successful for its soft palette of gray and white. The unexpected element that brings visual texture and, lets face it, excitement is the graphic zebra rug. The versatility of a rug is a great way to experiment with color and pattern in a room because it is a simple change you can make on a whim.

Artful  Home Office: Another inspirational home office and example of good use of a small space is this room. Repeating the art along the one wall adds a visual to the room that creates the illusion of a larger space. Keeping the color palette simple and use of repetition in the space makes the room feel larger. My favorite elementi s the throw pillows on the guest chairs. There are a lot of hard surfaces and square edges in the room and the pillows add a touch of softness.

Little Girl’s Bedroom: Last but not least, and most likely one of my favorites, is this sophisticated little girl’s room. While it is meant for a baby girl she can easily grow into this princess bed. The one element I am so glad is missing is the literal use of princess themed items. The soft colors, use of multiple patterns, soft surfaces, and grand chandelier makes you think of a princess without the actual presence of a tiara or cartoon character.

I’d love to see how you are using color in your home. Send photos to me at darcy@theidesignbox.com and I will share them in a future posting!