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!

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!

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…

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.

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.

Have you ever stopped to think about WHY you feel a particular response when you enter a space? Do you feel welcomed, comfortable, excited, are you drawn into a room for a particular reason?  If the space doesn’t feel right I’m sure you have even had  the desire to leave as quickly as possible or even worse you have no response at all.

There are many reasons people react to their built environment however one of the primary influences is color. What inspired me to take a closer look at color theory and therapy is the process of identifying a paint color for the guest bedroom. I am inclined to use the same shade of blue-gray I did in my previous home because I absolutely loved it (so did my guests that toured my home when they would visit). It was the perfect hue that created a calm and soothing environment ideal for getting a great night of sleep. Not to mention it also had the psychological affect of making the room feel cooler in temperature which was essential in a home without air conditioning.

According to color theory and color therapy the characteristics of blue evoke a sense of peace, truth, devotion, and sincerity. All things that we emotionally and intellectually associate with a safe and comfortable environment.  As I mentioned previously blue is a calming color that helps to relax nervous over-excitement and it also deterrs insomnia. It is even thought of as more soothing than the color green when it comes to a person’s emotional state. The muted or softer tones of blue are used for meditation which is a natural fit for a bedroom. Can you picture yourself in this bedroom? Does it provide a sense of relaxation? Personally I can see myself curling up with a great book at the end of the day.

If you are an introvert, it is also thought to help you come out of your shell. Dominant or vibrant shades of blue inspire communication and promote knowledge. It’s said to be connected to your throat chakra which is also your creative center. Figuratively speaking…it is connected to your voice. In this space the Tiffany Blue chairs around a large dining table perfectly suit an environment designed for communication.

Or can you see yourself gathered around this large island with family and friends? The gray-blue cabinets suit this space well. Evenings filled with great conversations accompanied by a glass of wine is what comes to my mind.

The next time you think of the color blue and the potential it has in your space take a moment and focus on how you want the room to feel for you and your guests. Is it a part of your home where you want to escape and relax at the end of the day? If so, be sure to pick a muted or softer tone of blue.  OR do you see yourself in a cozy environment that is ideal for talking with your friends and family? Then most likely you should choose a vibrant tone as seen in the example of the kitchen above.

Try opening the door to any tone of blue in your home and see how it not only transforms the physical space but also transforms the physical you.

Typically recipes and food are not a primary topic for me to share but I couldn’t resist passing along this great recipe. I came upon it while reading the May issue of House Beautiful and thought it sounded so simple and perfect for a Sunday night dinner.

Mediterranean Pasta with Fire Roasted Tomatoes:

The ingredients are simple. Plum or cherry tomatoes, dried seasonings that most of us already have in our pantry (Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, sea salt, and black pepper), and some olive oil. This would be great as a side dish or add chicken for a complete meal. So easy and it will definitely impress your guests!

Modifications:I used cracked instead of crushed red pepper and the recipe calls for Sicilian Sea Salt which I did not have therefore I used Mediterranean Sea Salt. I used what as already in my pantry and the dish was perfectly spicy (medium heat) and tasted great.

Tip: Try putting the halved tomatoes that you don’t crush under the broiler for a minute or two. The face of the tomato browns nicely and looks great once the dish is complete and on the table.

I set the table with my Williams-Sonoma pasta dishes complete with table linens and placemats. Much better than planting it on the couch in front of the television on a Sunday night!

Check out the complete recipe at McCormick Gourmet

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!

Maybe I’m a little bit obsessive compulsive or maybe I’m just an organizing freak…call me crazy but I’m like a kid in the candy store when I’m at The Container Store. One of my simplest enjoyments in life is to organize and de-clutter. When there is a sense of order it just seems to make life run a little more smoothly.

Taking the organizational theme that began last week in the kitchen and moving to the bedroom I can’t say enough about a few simple pleasures including the 12-pair stackable shoe organizer. I’m a recovering clear shoebox addict that has now found resolve in the stackable organizer because it removes the anxiety of all the boxes that one has to shuffle around just to get to that great pair of BCBG sandals that you wear only twice per year. What works is that you can quickly snag a pair of flip-flops or tennies and run out the door instead of taking the time to re-organize and re-stack the clear boxes on the overhead shelf.

One of my preferred visual and practical organizers are the wooden hangers.  Not only do they create visual symmetry but a wooden hanger properly supports your finer goods without leaving those funny bubble-shaped shoulder bumps that you find your boss stairing at during your next board meeting. Buy them in bulk for $10 at Target or splurge and go for the premium walnut from your local home goods store.

The least expected but the most appreciated organizing system for the bedroom is the under-the-bed gift wrap center. If you are square footage challenged and if you are like me and find yourself stocking up on the random gift bag or two this is the perfect option. I found it at one of my favorite places…the afore mentioned The Container Store.

The more awkward items like handbags, hats, gloves, random oddly shaped items that you aren’t sure just where to put are best stored in a pretty and decorative container atop your closet shelves. There is something refreshing about opening the closet door to a fun and bright print that cheers you up in the morning. I found these on Target’s website for a mere $10…cute and affordable!

With your P-Touch (label maker for the non-organizer) in hand and a few helpful organizing tools your bedroom and closet can be free of clutter. Just think of all the time you can save getting ready for work in the morning and all you have to do is apply a few simple inspirational ideas to organize your own space!