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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have a big ol’ TV cabinet or an outdated armoire you want to move out of your home, consider moving it around in your home.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!

 

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

 

I'm so excited!  My favorite blogger - Grace Bonney - has just published her first book - Design Sponge.  Guaranteed inspiration on every page, for every style, for every budget.

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!

 

Oh wow.  I wish I needed this wardrobe for a client.  Or me.  This is the kind of thing I live for!  How amazing is this deal? But oh how homely is this thing?  There is so much potential here I can’t stand it and I just have to share the ideas in my head…………..

Paint it! Use a primer first because this isn’t real wood on here.  (Add 1/2 round trim molding to the front to make it more interesting).  change out the handles to something way cooler.  Or wallpaper it. Use it in the family room for a media cabinet. For those who like to play with power tools:  cut out a shape or pattern in the top half of the doors and add frosted acrylic panels for ‘windows’.  For a soft and sexy  Old Hollywood boudoir, upholster the doors! (spray glue some thin batting to the doors, cover with fabric, then hammer upholstry nails into it) add glass knobs.

Someone has to buy this, hack it, then send me the photo – too good of a deal to pass up if you need more storage at your place!

warning: this is Ikea, so it isn’t the sturdiest piece of furniture you will ever buy – hence the fab price.  You will have to assemble it (but it will probably fit in your car to get it home!) Be sure to anchor it to the wall when you are done, okay?

© 2012 kim berger creative Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha