If a person’s “personal style” is reflected in their homes then I wonder what these Alberta Ferretti designs may inspire…

Perhaps this dramatically romantic bedroom designed by Albert Hadley as seen in House Beautiful (July 2009 issue). The chandelier alone looks like it is inspired by the draping of the dress.

 This gown is stunning! I love the color, it is soft, romantic, and feminine, reminiscent of an era gone by yet still current. Beautiful!

Another beautiful space that looks as though it could have been inspired by the dress. Not only does the color reflect the the gown but the style of the room, its softness and the nod to a period that was romantic when design was feminine is purely evident in this living room. Designed by Hal Williamson the space is current with the mix of antiques and beautiful new pieces that ad a touch of bling.

I think one of the most unique pieces from Alberta Ferretti is this cloak. The color and texture are magnificent and I imagine a classy girl with a bit of quirk would wear this. Paired with the blue ankle boots you could say this outfit is made for walking (well, not really, but the boots just look like you want to walk around in them and show them off).

The person that donned this gorgeous coat could easily live in this space. The ostrich feather throw pillow, the tapestry on the wall, and the unique mix of classic and bohemian chic pieces is spot on. The monochromatic color palette and the placement of a few traditional pieces keep this room classy but the extras make it quirky and youthful…perfect for someone who could walk out the door wearing the blue ankle boots with confidence!

The next time you are stumped about where to start with decorating a space in your home try pulling three of your favorite outfits from your closet. Think about why you chose them…color, style, comfort, flash, trend, and how you feel when you wear it. Take a photo of yourself in the outfit, write down why you chose it (i.e. all the reasons just mentioned) and start shopping! This is one of the best do-it-yourself decorating tips a designer can offer. Choose your color palette and find accessories that mimic your personal style as inspired by your favorite outfit!

P.S. For more ideas on taking this concept off the rack and applying it to the walls check out HGTV’s latest design star’s episode “Secrets from a Stylist”. She is taking an age old idea and making it tangible!

I have this green vase that I bought so many years ago at Target on clearance for next to nothing. There is nothing special about it but I have always liked the shape and for a time I did like the color. However, in my new home it just seems bland and out of place. Given my green philosophy of reusing what you can I thought the green vase could be easily transformed. As a result I thought I’d try out a new craft project…

The vase sits beneath a painting I absolutely love. It’s an abstract of horses and the idea to make the vase compliment the painting in a rustic sort of way came to mind.

I vaguely remembered this trick from a Real Simple magazine several months ago where small interesting vases with unique shapes were transformed using a few simple items. Taking this concept and running with it I opted to use manila rope, double-sided carpet tape, and a hot glue gun. As a result my not-so-unique green vase experienced a fabulous transformation. For next to nothing and about two hours time I changed the face of the vase.

First I created a patchwork of carpet tape so that I could better manage wrapping the vase without blowing through a zillion glue sticks and burning my fingers to the bone (let’s just say I’m not so skilled when it comes to the glue gun).  With the help of the carpet tape and the use of the glue gun in a few select areas the rope was twisted around the vase from bottom up. 

Once the project was complete I felt like it was missing a little something therefore I rigged a random knot and wrapped it around the neck. It adds a bit of detail (and hides a couple mistakes I made at the base of the neck). For the first pass at a project like this I’m pleased with the end result. The cheap green vase now looks like an expensive accessory from a rustic designer shop!

Check out this transformation and others at the 83rd Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!

In the process of transforming my home office I have thought a LOT about window coverings. What makes sense for the space? What helps to soften the room but doesn’t block the Western view of the mountains? Do I layer the look? etcetera etcetera etcetera

This brought me to the conclusion of a few tips about window coverings…

One: Typically it is smart to layer window covering to control the light level as well as insulation (i.e. keep heat in or out depending upon the time of the year). It is OKAY to have a cellular shade, wood blind, sheer, or flat roman shade layered underneath a drapery panel. This tip may seem basic to some of you but I do frequently get asked this question so I thought I would confirm it here. Visual example:

Two: Only have space for a shade or blind but want to soften the look or add a sense of design? I recommend a valence or cornice board. It is the opportunity to add color, print, and create a sense of richness to what can seem like a college dorm or rental unit.  If you are considering a valence (of which I’m not a HUGE fan) an option is the French Valence but this may be more traditional or feminine than needed for some spaces. Visual example:

Wondering what the heck is a cornice? A cornice is  essentially decorative framework (fabric, wood, molding, etc.) that is used to conceal the curtain fixtures at the top of a window casing. This option might sound rather formal but you can make them more casual and they are definitely a great way to polish the style for your space.  Visual examples:

Three: Curtains, panels, drapes, and such. Any one of these are a standard option but be creative and consider them the jewelry for the window. Depending on what you are hoping to achieve give an unusual texture a try, find a funky print, or simply add a pop of color. Rule of thumb…minimally your drapes or curtains should graze the floor (no highwaters please). You may also want to pool them somewhate for a more formal look. The more you pool or puddle the fabric on the floor the more romantic and formal.

One of my favorite curtain panels available at the moment are the Firenze Embroidered Panels from Ballard Designs. They are a nice balance of pattern and color that you won’t tire of nor will they become dated quickly due to the classic trefoil design that dates back to medieval times.

When considering a curtain panel there are various types that include tab-top, pole pocket, and such. You can even be creative and use clip rings. Do not over-think these options, first find the fabric and curtain panel you like then consider the options (if you have them) of how they are hung from the curtain rod. Keep in mind the more you expose the curtain rod the more casual the look. And whenever possible feel free to be creative with the finial…but only if it balances well with the style of the curtain. Sometimes things can just get too busy!

Four: Curtain rods come in all colors, lengths, and finial options. There is no steadfast rule here but when possible consider matching the curtain rod to the other fixtures in the room. If you have brushed nickel door handles then you might consider a brushed nickel rod. Stuck with the lovely bright brass of the 80′s … my best recommendation is black or rubbed bronze (the darker the better). 

Hang the curtain rod at the line of the ceiling or at least several inches above the window frame. This will heighten the room. Also, try extending the rod several inches out on either side of the window. When the drapes are open this will prevent the window from being blocked by the fabric of the curtain panel. If you must use tie-backs then they should be at chair rail height (i.e. 32″ off the floor) or just below. Visual Example (sans tie-back):

Five:  Still want to let in the light but need the visual privacy? In my last home I used inexpensive decorative window film (available at Lowes) on my bathroom window and the french door in my bedroom. This can also be accomplished with the frosted window paint that you can do yourself (it’s a spray paint). Visual Example:

There is so much more to share but these are the basics and hopefully enough to get you inspired to think about the options in the universe of window coverings. More to come as I work toward completing my home office!

West Elm sent a little preview email guide out to the trade of what is to come this Fall. There are a few items that I thought were unique and there was additional inspiration for projects on my own “to-decorate” list.

First I thought the art by Mike Miller was inspiring. If you have the time and energy to try this yourself there is great inspiration for creating a display of unique images collected over time (example resources: old calendars, gift cards, wrapping paper, or even magazine/newspaper articles and ads). Or if you want the immediate gratification of hanging something different than the norm on the wall give these silhouettes a try. I’m also drawn to the hanging lamp…if only I had a place for it.  The other inspiration in this room is the rich deep blue/teal color on the walls. Very classic, classy, and sophisticated!

Of course what I absolutely LOVE in this image seems to be on the “not for sale” list. The console table in the background is unique enough that it doesn’t feel like it was bought off the shelf from a chain furniture and accessory store. But of course…it isn’t for sale. However what is going to be available that I think is another inclination of West Elm leaning toward a less trendy and more classic contemporary style are the rug, throw pillows, and mirror. The layers of tactile and visual texture are once again more sophisticated than the typical West Elm style we have seen over the last few years. I am also drawn to the color palette. It is grown-up, a bit masculine, and definitely earthy. Beautiful!

And last but not least I’m sharing this image with you not because of what is actually shown but as an example of how to address the need for a cocktail table that suits a sectional. I recently added an L-shaped sectional to the family room and have been on the search for something that is the right scale yet still allows space for a drink, magazine, and the ever present remote control. It’s easy to fill up the room quickly with a typical rectangle or round coffee table. I like the juxtaposition of the two options in this image. The natural piece of wood with the low table allows that visual interest and the opportunity to place a unique item yet still provide a function. The scale is right and there is still room to walk around the furniture.

Thank you West Elm for your inspiration today!

P.S. Look for Fall preview items to be available in August.

The home I recently moved into is…well, let’s just say it’s beige. Beige walls, shades of beige in the tile, and even the ceilings are beige. I’m not opposed to the color, it is just TOO much beige. So I am slowly but surely making a few changes in select rooms just to change it up a little bit.

One of the first projects tackled is the guest bath that adjoins one of the bedrooms in the basement. It’s the largest guest bath in the home and it also connects to the basement family entertainment room. The beige box before:

Typically my first rule of thumb is to NOT choose the paint color first. However, in this case I did which I realize goes against my regular design advice. This room is an exception. It’s a bathroom, nothing too dominant is going to change. The tile, cabinets, even the mirrors and fixtures are definitely nice and will remain in the room.

Historically my preference is for Benjamin Moore paint but there isn’t a retailer nearby so I thought I would try one of Martha’s new colors now found at Home Depot. I’m a fan of Martha and thought this would be a good test. Looking for something a little bit in the gray family but still warm I landed on the color ”Brook Trout”. It’s a warm gray-brown or brown-gray, not far from the beige family but with much more depth. What I love about the color is that it really made the trim pop and the hickory cabinets standout. The beige box after:

The space is large and comfortable for a guest bath but very square. This results in what feels like wasted space therefore I chose to put a 3×5 area rug in the center of the floor. It gives visual texture, depth, and interest where it is difficult to create given that there is little open wall space for art. It also keeps a cold tile floor feeling warm under foot.

Keeping with a more natural theme I opted for a few dried flowers and a burl wood bowl on the counter top. The height and accessories that are a little bit masculine were needed. I found the vases and the burl wood bowl in an unlikely place… Kohls. With the desire to remain budget conscious I stumbled upon these items while I was shopping for the decorative towels. The splurge were the dried flowers from Michael’s, I spent more on them than the two ceramic vases combined! But I do love the texture…

Other details that I added were new guest towels and shower curtain in white, of course, because that always reminds me of staying in a hotel. I want guests to feel a little bit like they are on vacation. Hardware was also added to the drawers and cabinet doors. They are like jewelry, it’s a little added touch that creates a finished look.

I’m still looking for the right vintage or antique piece for the wall opposite the vanity, but that takes time and is something that you just stumble upon when you are least expecting it. In the end I’m pleased with the non-beige box and the fact that it no longer feels like a cold basement bathroom. All in all, not a bad transformation in one weekend!

You can find this post and other decorating transformations on:

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!

As a person that works from a home office I’m a bit uninspired as to what to do with the space. There are great views of the mountains and open space via the western facing windows that I would like to honor.  Also, the space needs to be warm and inviting because it is part of our home…not to mention that it connects to a primary living area.  Given that I’m a bit uninspired, or perhaps simply overwhelmed with so much to do and not enough time, I have looked to Houzz.com for ideas on what might inspire the next step in the design process.

What I have already completed is the purchase of my desk and we have painted the walls. Now I just need to decorate. Ideas I like thus far…

The light fixture, good use of corner space, overall organized storage, and the photo placement stand out in this home office.

Though I am not a fan of the colorful butterfly graphic I do like the quirky idea of using clipboards instead of the ever expected cork-board.

This is a great idea to use a table lamp instead of the typical desk lamp. I also love the overall feel in this space…nice and clean yet still warm!

you can check the color at the door but I do love the boutique style artwork display.

Built in storage, traditional feel, and cute little cameo silhouettes are very appealing and spark some ideas for my own space.

I love the overall feel to this entire space. Funny enough the coffee table is the exact idea that I saw at a cute little local decor store. Though not suited for my home office I would love this coffee table (i.e. textile cart) in the family room. Hmmmm… you just never know where a little inspiration excursion will take you!

All of these images are great inspiration and ideas, though discombobulated in style there are little bits and pieces of each room that have me thinking more clearly about my own space. Over the next few weeks I hope to have the space complete! Look for more to come…

Today is a day to offer a little constructive criticism and to plant a seed of thought in your mind for the next time you are decorating a room. I cannot stress the importance of editing when it comes to design. If there is one piece of advice I can offer to anyone it is to simply take a step back and remove a few elements from a finished room. The results of the completed design will be much more pleasing.

It’s like the words to the song that we all remember from our childhood:

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn’t belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn’t belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others,
Then you’re absolutely…right!

Below are a few examples of what could be a successfully decorated room if a few items were edited from the space. Take a look and see if you can identify what things just do not belong.

If the number of mirrors is reduced and a few are replaced with round or organic shapes it would feel more like a home and less like a retail space.  Also the number of pillows makes one wonder where they should sit.

What works is the color scheme, overall feel, and the intention of the design. Remove a few elements and it will feel more welcoming and less confusing.

Simply clear the coffee table and start over. The fresh flowers are on the right track however a pale yellow or white would better suit the color scheme. A simple vase of fresh flowers and the coffee table books would be all that is needed. Less clutter allows greater focus on the true elements that work in this space such as the rug, coffee table, and fabulous throw pillows.

How does one enter the seating area? There are too many chairs and certainly too many lamps. Pull two chairs off to the side and if needed they can be added later for extra seating when entertaining a large group. The number of lamps is a bit of an overkill as well. Two is plenty to create a subtle and comfortable ambiance.

What works in this space is the blend of natural textures and earthly colors. Floating the furniture in the center of the room to create a comfortable conversation area is another successful design element in the room. Personally I would remove the vases on the sofa table and replace them one of the lamps off to the side. Also, this would allow for a place to set your drink or add a few stacked books on the end tables.

I absolutely love this little fireplace nook…but I can’t see the fireplace! Everything works with one exception, there are too many knitted bags hanging from the mantle. Two would be plenty. Once again the fabulous throw pillows reappear but in a different color. Could this be a subtle message to myself that I need to find these for my own home?

Ultimately the rule of thumb today is to edit, edit, edit. If you find yourself over-thinking a few items then I suggest not using them. The basic phrase “less is more” is true when decorating with all design styles.

After a brief hiatus I am back…finally. The reason for the month away was due to the fact that I was in the process of selling my home. I’m a little sad to say goodbye and mostly grateful that I was one of many caretakers for the 100 year old 1/2 duplex. It was, and still is, a sweet little home with a lot of history and I am honored that I was able to leave a bit of my signature on the home that so many have touched since 1911. However, now that the sale is complete what I am most excited about is the next phase of life in my new home and the changes that will come with it…oh so many projects!

Before I begin sharing updates on the new place I wanted to take this day to remember the home I lived in for six years. The original charm and character cannot be replaced…

Best improvement not shown in this picture is the front door handle and kick-plate (regret that I didn’t get a photo). I also loved the original pine floors in the living room.

Love, love, love the Sangria (Benjamin Moore) color used to create the focal wall. Best find was the vintage green chair…CraigsList for $80 and now priceless to me.  

Eclectic seating that perfectly fit the scale of the space. These 1940s Romanian dining chairs were a find from El Paso Import Company! They now reside with a friend who appreciates them as much as I did.

Oh how I will miss the refrigerator…it was the first big purchase I made for the home. The kitchen as a whole will always be a project I am most proud of. For those of you that follow my blog I have shared with you the changes in previous postings.

Something uncommonly found in 100 year old homes…an open living space. It certainly lent itself well to the many times I entertained.

The combination of the metallic wall and capiz shell lamp really made the office space unique.

Comfortable, simple, relaxing…describes the master bedroom. Once again, another color I absolutely love. It too was a Benjamin Moore color that I will definitely use again. The bedspread (found on clearance at Target) originally inspired the wall color. The addition of the crown molding in this room truly finished the space.

Another improvement, one of many, that transformed this space was the french door. It let in just the right amount of light.

The gardens were a labor of love and a huge learning process that evolved over the years. Favorite additions to the gardens were the white rose bushes, miniature lilac bush, a cherry blossom tree that blooms pink in the spring and burgundy in the fall, and perhaps the absolute favorite were the bleeding hearts planted last summer under the large maple trees in the front yard.

Now…on to the next project!

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!

There is a common design trend that is running through design style magazines, home décor stores, and even in color trends from the likes of Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. This design trend is known as rustic vintage. The trend has also trickled down to ideas and inspirations for holiday decorating.

Could it be that in these uncertain economic times we revert to what we know? The place we return to is our home, the idea of warmth, safety, and comfort. For many this conjures ideas from our childhood when you spent the holidays with family at Grandma’s house. A simpler time where homemade gifts were not uncommon and always greatly appreciated and valued.

This trend is found throughout our holiday decorating style in 2009 as well. The idea of using simple household items to create a festive environment in our home is not new, in fact, it was quite common in eras gone by. However, given that most of us are now on a very tight budget but still have the holiday spirit great ideas can be found with this trend in mind.

Elle Décor creates holiday style in the kitchen with homemade baked goods, simple greens as a centerpiece, as well as baskets and bakeware we may already have in our kitchen. It’s simple, clean, and easy to do with everyday items and a few seasonal greens that cost very little.  

Whether we want to admit it or not Pottery Barn has been a long time reflection of current mainstream design and decorating trends. The vintage and rustic style is running rampant through their latest catalogs. Some of my favorites include the vintage snowshoe wall décor, the holiday sentiment pillows that look as though they were hand-stitched, and the potted trees. The burlap is inexpensive and adds the rustic charm. Great idea for a centerpiece or, if you live in a small space, this is a great replacement for the traditional Christmas tree (it also channels Charlie Brown and who doesn’t love Charlie Brown?).

Of course no holiday decorating topic is complete without referencing Martha. Vintage holiday style is an underlying theme in many of her holiday inspirations this year. The idea that stood out for me was the use of doilies to create a snowfall of holiday spirit in the window.

Last but certainly not least, my very favorite idea using inexpensive and readily available items to decorate for the holidays is the Citrus Strand found in Elle Décor. String key limes together using a carpet needle and a thick hemp cord then fasten in a window or use it as a swage to decorate an entry table.

Happy Holidays All!