A Quaint Backyard Patio

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Now that the weather is getting cooler, we’ll be spending a lot more time outside, making this a great time to spruce up your outdoor space, which is exactly what we did in this quaint backyard patio.

Before

Sometimes, we don’t pay as much attention to the outdoor living areas, but just like our interiors, it’s important to create the right “feeling” for maximum comfort, relaxation and fun!

For this patio, the client’s request was clear and simple…”we want it to be fun, a party area”, so we went bold on the colors , infusing vibrant shades of blues and greens. Continue reading…

Trend Alert – Patio String Lights

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Soon, it’ll be time once again to enjoy the outdoors, at least more frequently than in these current 105 degree Dallas days!  Next month is September with promises of cooler temperatures.  A wonderful time of year to enjoy dining and drinking under the stars.

This year, why not try a little mood lighting?

String lights are most popular during the Christmas holidays, but they can be used year round.  In Europe, they’re commonplace in many gardens and patios.  They’re an economical and not-permanent lighting option that is more about “mood” than about light.

You certainly don’t want to go overboard like you would at Christmas, but go ahead and border the perimeter or outline your overhang.  It’ll transform your outdoor space to a magical place.

Continue reading…

Delightful Doors

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The front door is an important feature of any house.  It’s the entry into your home.  Yet, often it’s neglected and forgotten.  Sometimes, a simple cleaning works wonders, but even if it does, why stop there? Consider the possibilities…

Today’s doors can be seen in every color of the rainbow.  Which makes sense.  The front door is the jewelry of the house.  It should be a personal statement, a welcome to what’s inside.  So as you drive through the neighborhoods, notice the colors of the doors.  Find one you like, or choose your own unique color to express your individuality.

Unfortunately, some of us have HOA rules to consider, but if your don’t, have fun!  Bring a smile to your guests.

Continue reading…

Blue Accents

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The color blue is one of the most popular colors today.

In fact, it’s been a popular favorite for many years.  It can be found everywhere!…in fashion, bedding, art,  and of course everything that is home decor.

Here are a few pictures of a recently completed project where blue played a key role.

Accents in soft shades of robin’s egg blue  provide an updated feel to a traditional decor.

The shade of blue I used was inspired by the area rug.  What’s wonderful about this room is that, if the homeowner wanted to freshen the look after a few years, she could simply replace the blue items with another color in the rug …and get a totally different look.

For now, though, this elegantly casual room is loving the BLUE!

Hope I’ve inspired.

Alba

Beautiful 4th of July Decorations

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I love this country.  Long ago It embraced my family and me with open arms, offering us a new place to call home.  I feel honored and privileged to be a Naturalized American and am profoundly grateful to have had that choice.

Here are a few decorating ideas to help us celebrate Independence Day.

I love this 3 level floral arrangement.  You can use carnations, which are economical and can be found in a variety of colors at most grocery stores.  When July is over, you can do it again with fall flowers, then Christmas…

Plan now for next July.  Make a note on your calendar to plant ahead for flowers that will be blooming like these come July.

These ordinary galvanized flower buckets look amazing with painted stripes and stars.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with a wreath…one of the most basic, classic forms for decorating.  Here are 2 that are undoubtedly patriotic.  For a tutorial on how to make your own felt wreath like this gorgeous one below,  Click Here.

A star wreath.  Attach a metal star to a boxwood wreath (any wreath will work) then wrap red, white and blue ribbon around it for a classic patriotic welcome.  This star wreath is also totally versatile year round.  Simply use the appropriate ribbon for the season or holiday.

Frames are another classic venue for decorating during any holiday.

Purchase small flags and gently remove them from the stick. Center the flag on a mat inside a frame with no glass. Glue only the top edge of the flag to the mat so it appears to be blowing in the breeze…a very elegant way to display your patriotism.

I love this box below.  Both the box and flag were found items that have been assembled beautifully.  It’s art that can be displayed year round.  For instructions on making this box, Click Here

Here’s a project you can do with the kids.  Wood letters smothered in glitter.  Makes me smile just thinking about it. For a tutorial,  Click Here.

Happy 4th of July!!

Hope I’ve inspired.

Yes, You SHOULD Paint the Paneling

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Believe it or not, there are still people out there that don’t want to paint the paneling!  So here’s yet another reason why you should.  I recently completed a family room that was stuck in a time warp…in large part because of the paneling!

My client calls this room the “den”.  It started out as a paneled room that was dark and outdated.  Fortunately, she was more than willing to paint…and it made all the difference!

Before

Before

We started by painting the room in a light, buttery color.

Although we did purchase new seating furniture, we reused the existing trunk for the coffee table, the end table and the Tiffany style lamps.  The built-in bookshelf was reconfigured to accommodate a new flat screen TV.

For the window treatment, we placed a woven wood Roman shade, outside mounted and all the way to the molding.  This made the window look larger and more balanced for the room.

The homeowner wanted to use her existing Tiffany style lamps, but they were a bit short.  Using a decorative box we raised them making them the right height, and increased the storage in the room.

The homeowner is an avid movie watcher and wanted to incorporate that “theme” in the room.  We accomplished this with art.

The biggest impact, however, was definitely created by painting the paneling!  It made the room feel fresh and updated.  So don’t hesitate…Paint the Paneling!!

Hope I’ve inspired.

Decorating a Family Room

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Recently, I completed this casual and comfortable living area in Frisco, TX.

The homeowners had purchased the furniture from Rachel Benedict at Thomasville.  A gorgeous sectional in a light taupe leather, complimented by industrial inspired tables…including a bar height table with stools.  My job was to decorate it.

The room’s Transitional style is a total departure from the more Traditional look that  the homeowners are comfortable with.  The old world map provides that traditional element, while still moving  in the direction of a more streamlined, simple look.

The room reflects the homeowner’s love of travel and we personalized it with evidence of their trips.

Two rustic shelves display their collection of city cups…each reflecting the name of a city they have visited.

Both love taking pictures, so a few of their favorite photos were enlarged and framed.  These can be changed out every few months to display their latest adventures.

The time zones in 5 of their favorite cities…

Industrial jars filled with edible gum balls, Skittles and Jellie Beans…bringing fun and color to the space.  Below, the homeowner’s initials in monogram tins personalize the bar.

We stocked the bar with the basic necessities (minus the alcohol…well ok, we got some wine!).  In the corner, 2 industrial crates display their collection of Coca Cola bottles.

I loved decorating this room!  Hope I’ve inspired!

Honoring our Heirlooms

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Honor and Appreciation

Although those two sentiments are usually reserved for people, there are countless of objects in home décor that require and deserve both.  I will say though, that most of these objects are usually tied to someone who is, or has been special and dear.  We keep and display these items to honor their existence and their part in our lives.

The most common of these are family pictures.  Every time you display a picture in your home, you are no doubt honoring the person in the photo.  So it’s also important to show a little honor for the photo itself.  For example, original photos (taken with film and developed on paper) should always be matted.  The mat will prevent it from touching the glass, which believe me, the photo can stick to the glass after several years…ruining the picture!  Older photos should be protected if you expect them to last.

Today, digital photography has increased our options.  I highly recommend that you take the time to scan all your important and very old photos so that you have a digital record of them. It’s definitely time consuming if you do it yourself, but totally worth the time…you can give a copy to all your family, further honoring them and your heritage.

Sometimes, we honor the memory or actions of those we love with small heirlooms that once belonged to them…medals, pins, jewelry, etc.  Again, protecting these heirlooms is  important, and for this, shadow boxes are the way to go. Almost any small collection can be showcased in a shadow box.  So if you have a collection of small heirlooms in a closet somewhere, think about displaying them.

If you’re creative, you can do it yourself.  But most framing shops can artfully display your collection for you.  The shadow box will protect your treasures while on display for all to enjoy.

Furniture is another home décor item that is often inherited.  And how better to honor and appreciate than by using it!  Of course this isn’t always possible, …you don’t want to destroy it either.  But if your item is functional and usable, then I encourage it.  I believe your ancestor would be honored to know that you’re truly appreciating the piece by actually using it in your home.

And by the way, if it doesn’t fit with your current décor (and it’s not a valuable antique) it’s ok to paint or alter it to fit your needs. Even if altered, it’s STILL the same piece.   Some people might think that’s wrong, but I feel that the point is not to keep it intact, but rather to enjoy and appreciate it.

Hope I’ve inspired.

Trend Alert: Monograms

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Monograms are personal signatures that have been around since 350BC.  It’s a form of personalization that continues to be extremely popular.  I absolutely love them, but I think they should be used sparingly for major impact.  Although, today you can monogram just about anything, here are some of MY favorite items to stamp as your own…

Towels.  This is one of those small details that makes a huge difference…making you feel special on a daily basis.

And what guest would not feel special to use a towel that has been placed there specially for them!

I don’t actually use a bath robe, but if I did, I would definitely get it personalized.  I think it would make me feel like if I was on vacation every day!

Furniture is another popular item for monograms.  But again, restraint is important.  You don’t want to overdo it.  I love this iron bed below with a single initial monogram.  It’s simple, classic and elegant.

Pillows are the perfect venue…and I’m particularly partial to monogrammed dining chairs.  SO elegant!

One of the most versatile items to personalize is the drinking glass, especially if you entertain.  But also, they’re perfect as gifts for ANY occasion.

…and you can serve the drinks with personalized napkins.

Here are the basics of 3 initial monograms:

The three-initial monogram is probably the most common format in use today. Typically, the last name initial is placed in a large type at the center of the monogram, flanked by the first and middle initials in a smaller type. For example, a monogram for Jane Marie Doe would read as follows: jDm. This is generally referred to as the Victorian format.
Another format for 3 initial monograms is using all capitals.  In this case, the first name, middle name, last name initials are placed in order using the same size font for all three letters. Example: Jane Marie Doe is JMD

Of course, these are just guidelines, part of the fun is creating a unique look that is all your own.

I have to say though, that my favorite item to monogram are note cards.

This one below is my current note card.  My sister bought them for me as a gift and I absolutely love them.  Probably cause it has an animal print (which I also love in moderation), and because it came from her!

Inside THIS particular note card I’ve written…

Thank you to all of you…my dear clients, for your continued support of my talents!

Till Next Time,

Alba