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Orange?

Jan 282012

Orange. In clothing it makes me look like death, and I always thought it way too Halloween-y for home decor. I’ve avoided this color in anything and everything I’ve done. UNTIL NOW. Now it’s one of the colors for 2012. I’m seeing it in a different light, embracing it even. It’s all about how and where it’s used:

Accessories: Nothing permanent here, you can always change out the curtains and the rug if you get tired of the color!

What's not to love? One gallon of paint = instant drama.

Stunning as the focal point in a neutral room.

Cute as it is, you won't see me in this anytime soon!

Armoire re-purposing

decorating No Responses »

Jan 272012

If you have a big ol’ TV cabinet or an outdated armoire you want to move out of your home, consider moving it around in your home. These folks simply pushed their bookcase down the hall and used it to store – what else – books! It was probably boring in the living room – now a focal point in the hallway.

This makeover below would be fairly easily accomplished with a little paint and wall paper – great results!

Okay Mr.Oversized TV console – you’re out of here!

Accent Walls

color, consulting No Responses »

Jan 172012

Should you paint an accent wall red? I frequently get this question from my color consult clients. Here are some things to consider: If you really like the color red, and really want to make a statement with it in a big way – then an accent wall may be the way to go for you. But which wall in the room? In most cases, it shouldn’t be the window wall and here’s why: Most of the time you are looking out of a window at ‘light’, the wall color is going to appear dark and insignificant and just a wasted effort. So choose a main wall in the room – or the one most viewed (if it’s the window wall, choose the 2nd one most viewed!) Now this may not be the biggest wall, but that’s okay – it will get plenty of attention when it’s red! Whichever color you do choose, you always want to have a good reason for your choice. Balance is key here. If using red, be sure you have other items in the room to support it. Maybe a red couch on the opposite wall, or at the very least, bold accessories that can support the drama – like artwork/prints, or pillows. Such a strong color could overpower a room without good support. Lastly, try some samples on the wall before you commit. I can’t stress this enough, I’ve seen the mistakes, and since red isn’t a one-coat process – you want it right the first time.

Happy painting!

Guest Bathroom Makeover

color, decorating No Responses »

Sep 192011

AFTER: Wainscotting in a crisp white made all the difference. I buy it pre-cut to height at the hardware store: fits in the car better and saves me time on the install.

Listening is one of the most important things I can do for my clients. When asked for my opinion, I’ll give it, but in the end, a finished product has to be what the homeowner loves. In the case of the small bathroom here, my client had some things in her bathroom that were reflective of her, they meant something to her. Since the room is right off the kitchen, it’s the bathroom she uses most throughout the day, and she wanted it to be white and soft, but still be able to have some colorful, treasured pieces on the wall. Simply reframing some of those pieces (out of their 70′s oak frames) made her love them all over again!

BEFORE: The faded wallpaper was a tiny floral print of blue and red, my client's favorite color combo.

BEFORE: The thing that started it all: The need for a new vanity/sink.

AFTER: My client loves all things cats/birds/butterflies and flowers. It was so much fun to find things around her home and use them in this room in a new way.

AFTER

Inspiration

decorating No Responses »

Sep 112011

I’m so excited – it’s finally here! My favorite super blogger (my daily inspirational eye candy) just published her first book: Design Sponge at Home, by Grace Bonney. Every page is a moment! Why do I love this so? Because it’s for any style and any budget. It’s sometimes about using what you have, and sometimes about a shopping spree. Just all around good design ideas. Check out the blog for your daily inspiration!