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!

Recently I found that I have a mild obsession with yellow. I don’t know where it has come from because I’ve always been drawn to natural earthy palettes or more vibrant palettes that are in the warm tones. However, when you stop to think about it yellow is both of these. It is found in our natural world (flowers, fruit, the sun) and it is vibrant and warm.

That said, I really think my recent obsession with yellow is most likely connected to my mild addiction to Williams-Sonoma and we have them to thank for these gorgeous Lemon Botanical serving dishes (which I admit I recently purchased a few myself).

Slowly I have been infusing yellow into my kitchen in small touches and accents. It is a great color for the kitchen because yellow evokes a sense of cheerfulness, it stimulates mental activity, and it has a warming effect on a person. What better place to create these feelings than in the kitchen? Ironically the color yellow is typically associated with food.  

Yellow is also associated with a sense of joy, intellect, and a lovely sense of freshness. This room I found on Southern Accents embodies all of these three things. It is a bit playful with the acrylic chairs, youthful due to the circle art, and for lack of a better term…it is just fun! There is a touch of sophistication here with the furniture choices and the chandelier which is a perfect balance for the space.

Lighter shades of yellow can disappear into white therefore if you want to accentuate the color be sure to use a darker color in the space as well. This will help draw out the true tones of the yellow that you have chosen for the room. If you prefer to have a softer feeling then it also works to let it fade into white. I love the effect of this in the following Martha Stewart space.

A side note, Martha Stewart has some great new paint colors available at just about any Home Depot in the country.  If I had to choose a shade of yellow I would say that my favorite new paint color of hers is Macadamia because it is a creamy balance of white and just the suggestion of yellow much like this space above.

You can balance the amount of yellow that is accentuated using both techniques previously mentioned. First add a darker color to room in order to bring out the yellow in the space and then tone it down by allowing some of the yellow in the room to fade into white. It’s all about balance. A  great example of this is found in the following dining room. The dining table really grounds the space with the dark wood tone. All of the surroundings are light and airy and nearly fade into white which makes the space  feel welcoming which yellow is supposed to do when used correctly.

The creative placement of the mirrors stand out and are potentially an inspiration for my own home…just not sure where yet so I will have to file this away in my idea book.

Yellow is one of the hardest colors to get right in a space. It is so dramatically affected by the amount of light in the space as well as the amount of white and darker colors in the room. Go with your general instinct but if the color scares you a little bit when you first paint it on the walls my advice is to add the accessories, drapes, furniture, and lighting back into the room before you panic and change the paint color. You really can control the tone with all the other things in the room so be patient in the process. If nervous, err on the lighter side because paint always gets darker as it drys and if the yellow is TOO vibrant it will just piss you off (literally) because yellow can have that psychological affect.

A few additional warnings about the color yellow (ironic because yellow is the color of caution) be aware of how you are using yellow in the space. It can easily become dingy which can conjure thoughts of decay and sickness. Ick! If yellow is overdone or overused it can also cause anxiety to those within the space. When overdone yellow has a disturbing effect and it is even known that babies cry more in a yellow room (typically the very vibrant overly done tones).

I don’t want to frighten you with these last words about the theory behind the color yellow. It’s a fun color to be inspired by. If frightened by it but you want to try it start small…I am.  As mentioned it all started with my Williams-Sonoma addiction and the acquisition of one simple item, a pepper mill.

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Thanks for considering the color yellow. You will have to come back at a later date to see pictures of my own home when my kitchen and dining space are perfectly peppered with just the right amount of yellow! It’s all a work in progress.

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!

Summer days and beaches…who wouldn’t be inspired?

So simple yet beautiful.

The white murals and white tables are quintessential beach bistro.

I love the color and layers of texture in this beach photo taken a few months ago…

Can you tell that all I am really doing today is daydreaming about the beach and attempting to hide the daydream behind the guise of the beach as design inspiration…much like my boyfriend is hiding behind the surfboard instead of smiling for a photo. 

Perhaps that is why I haven’t really gotten to the point of sharing inspirational design ideas today…

Back to the daydream!

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.

I continuously get the question, “Where do I start?” or better yet, “I’m so overwhelmed that I haven’t done ANYTHING”. Are you stumped by decorating according to a color palette? Do you feel a bit lost, so much so that you are simply paralyzed in making decisions?

Well I have a basic guideline that may help. I’ve blogged about this before but thought I’d bring it up again because it seems everyone often feels a bit lost in design and choosing color palettes in various ways.

Where to start:

1) With a RUG

2) Choose your WINDOW COVERINGS. Typically I recommend two, one for light control and insulation (example, lined bamboo shade) and then the second being the fabric drapes. The only trick here is to connect the tones in the window coverings with the rug (example, warm, cool). IT IS ABSOLUTELY OKAY TO MIX PRINTS…in fact, it is very trendy at the moment.

3) The SOFA is the next item. This is typically a larger investment in a room so choose something in a neutral tone that you can change its surroundings over time to suit your taste.

4) CHAIRS (likely to be upholstered or leather) fall in line after the sofa. This is a great opportunity to bring in another color (found in the rug or drapes) into the palette.

5) OCCASIONAL TABLES. Material, style, finish, could stem from the furniture items you have already selected for the space. This is also a great opportunity to mix styles as no designer is a fan of the matchy-matchy set of furniture. Try a different material such as metal legs, glass top, or reclaimed barn wood to name a few.

6) OTHER FURNITURE ITEMS. Examples are other occasional tables, unupholstered chairs, bookcases, ottomans, and such. Fill in the space with eclectic items you find from various sources. This is also something that most likely will happen over time. There is no need to buy everything and fill an entire space immediately. The best environments develop organically over time…just don’t wait until you have it ALL to add something new to the space.

7) NOW you are ready to choose your PAINT COLOR. Pull the paint color from the rug, fabrics, or inspirational accessory you picked up along the way.

Of course this ideal order is only if you are starting with a blank slate and nothing in the room. Most of us, in reality, already have several pieces we intend to reuse or keep in the room such as the sofa, chairs, and finished floors. If this is the case then I suggest choosing an accessory, a new rug, a piece of art, or an inspirational fabric and use it to set the palette for the space.

That said, you most likely already have a “general” idea for the paint color or dominant color scheme. That is okay, just don’t pick your paint color until you have found some of the other items first. It is MUCH easier to match paint to  a fabric, rug, or accessory than it is to try to match all the things in the room to the paint color already on the walls. Besides…paint is probably the cheapest thing in the room at only $25 per gallon or so!

 Happy Painting or Should I Say Color Picking!

On a recent vacation to Costa Rica I took this photo and today I am inspired to consider what lies behind the color red…

What is it about the color red that draws us in? Is it the energy? Vibrancy? The obvious…it simply stands out? When thinking about the color red in regard to interior design there are a few simple points to consider.

Red provokes the most physiological response in comparison to other colors on the color wheel. It can make the heart beat faster, it is invigorating, and it has been shown that it aids in the interconnection of brain neurons. Brain neurons? What does that have to do with interior design? Well, there is a science or theory to using color in your interior environment. You may be thinking the science of it is all great but really what it comes down to is the fact that it is an exciting color! … And I agree with you, however, you can’t ignore the rules of red.

In nature red is fire, blood, ripe fruits, and beautiful flowers in the rain forest. So naturally it is an inspiring and fiery color in the interior built world as well. Known to stimulate the appetite it is a great color for the dining room or kitchen.  Love the red poppies and countertop in this kitchen by Thomas Deir. It really makes it “pop”!  

You may wonder if red in the bedroom is a good idea or not given that it is so invigorating. After all how can one sleep if the space is too psychologically stimulating? Well, a bit of red here and there can really work. Also, the color red in the Western world is a symbol of love, passion, and affection which is perfect for the bedroom. My favorite examples of a subtle use of red in the bedroom include the following spaces. 

The red bedside lamps can definitely get you going.

What child wouldn’t love to wake up in this four poster bed in the morning? Just the right amount of color to make the room fun for a little one but not so much that bedtime becomes a battle!

Red is obviously a warm color and it can symbolize aggression…which can be good or bad (depending on the application). It has also been shown that it makes people work faster when used in the work environment.  It’s okay to be a bit aggressive in the form of initiative at work.

I love this example of the home office. It isn’t such a bright red yet it remains visually stimulating which helps to get some work done while at home.  In this space you will definitely “see the color red” … literally, though in a good way.

According to Feng Shui the front door is considered the “Mouth of Chi” where all good energy enters a space.  Red is considered to be the most auspicious color in Feng Shui.  Therefore painting the front door red is done to attract luck and good energy… or simply because it is also welcoming.

At the end of the day if you are considering the color red in some form for you home. Do not be afraid. Trust your instinct. If it draws you in and you like it because it is exciting then go for it. Some of us are just that kind of personality and you can pull off the color with nothing but success and style. You can’t go wrong because inspiration to use the color red often starts with something so simple that results in a style that stands out. You deserve to stand out so give red a try! 

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…

Who knew that rural Ohio was so beautiful? While traveling for business I found myself in the middle of farmland in Ohio. Rolling hills, lush trees and grasses, and flowers already in bloom are the ingredients in a recipe for an enjoyable afternoon drive. Just as I was arriving at my destination I saw a glimpse of a historic covered bridge out of the corner of my eye. Turning around and weaving my way through a small residential area that had a lovely rural feel I found this unexpected treasure….

Even the surrounding area was peaceful.

My only wish was that I had an actual camera versus snapping a few shots with my cell phone!

If you would like a a little more information about this bridge it can be found at The Black Covered Bridge.

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!