I recently completed a family room that I had SO much fun designing. Of course, I can honestly say that I love ALL of my projects, but very now and then, I get the opportunity to work with someone who is not affraid to be bold…and I get a chance to step outside the box.
That was the case with Mrs. A, who did not disappoint me when she agreed to this amazing chartreuse ottoman that I found at the Dallas World Trade Center. I just knew she would love it. Isn’t it fun! It’s a beautiful chartreuse leather, tufted to perfection. It serves as the coffee table and it’s definitely the room’s “wow” factor.
Before, the room felt dark and didn’t look cohesive. That needed to be remedied, in addition to a handful of requirements necessary for better function. One such requirement was adequate seating to accommodate frequent entertaining.
The 2 upholstered chairs are recliners (facing the tv for comfortable veiwing), but also perfect for reading and relaxing.
This family loves to travel, and they have special connections to Dallas, San Francisco, New York and London. A clock for each city/time zone was hung over the bar. The 5th clock is labeled “Somewhere” with the hands permanently at 5:00 pm.
Pictures of family travels were enlarged and hung behind the bar, providing for great memories.
Between the 3 dogs, the large family and frequent entertaining, it was important to find an area rug that could be easily cleaned when soiled. The perfect product was FLOR carpet tiles. I used 2 different tiles to create an interesting pattern, one solid and one with a loose stripe.
So here’s the bottom line…Mrs A’s favorite part of the entire room?…the chartreuse ottoman! Yaaaeee!!!
Recently, Craig Favors of Inside Expressions did this amazing faux technique for a client of mine. It’s gorgeous!
Lusterstone ® from Faux Effects, is a decorative architectural trowel-on coating, which produces a numer of beautifully dimensional but smooth finishes.
Its a shimmery plaster finish that can be manipulated to provide specific dimensional patterns. It’s very durable and shows VERY rich and elegant. It comes in a variety of colors that can be used alone or layered on a wall to create a truly unique and impressive finish. When you look at it from afar, the matte parts look like velvet. It’s exquisitely textural with lots of depth and movement.
My clients absolutely love it…as do I. Craig does a fantastic job and takes amazing pride in his work.
We brought the same technique into the master bedroom, where a single accent wall transforms the entire room…
…making it a favorite spot for the ENTIRE household!
Recently, I’ve been thinking about changing my bedroom decor. I’m thinking that I want an all white room. It’s a daring decision…living void of color, but I love the way I feel when I see a room decorated predominantly in white: soft, tranquil, peaceful, clean, crisp, calm, zen.
These are some of the images that are inspiring me….
I especially love the contrast of black or dark woods against the white pallette.
Of course, there are many shades of white. Plus, you can also infuse tones of tan and gray while still maintaining that “white” look and feel.
Although I’m thinking about my bedroom, you can decorate ANY room in white. This office/sitting area below captures the same “feel” .
Often, thoughts of a “white” room conjure up images of Shabby Chic. But here’s a great example of how a white pallet is perfectly executed in a contemporary design.
I think every white room should have a little crystal! Don’t you?
I was inspired by this room because, although it is predominantly white, it still feels warm and homey…not at all sterile and cold.
Finally, I love this room designed by Sarah Richardson…by far one of my favorit designers.
Right now I’m in the planning stages, but be assured, as soon as I get it done, I’ll share the pictures. And if YOU should venture into the world of “white”, I encourage you to share yours as well.
As the weather starts to cool outside, we begin our gradual migration to the inside…and we start getting ready for the beginning of the holiday season. This is the time of year when decorating your home is the norm…Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas… But sometimes, all you need is a few simple, yet elegant pops of decorations to bring the season inside.
Here are a few elegant and timeless ideas that will delight you through the entire holiday season.
Ruffled Fall Felt Garland
This garland is such a simple idea, yet elegantly classic. Decorate your mantle with this easy-to-make felt garland. You can use any color felt…orange, brown and/or gold are perfect for the fall. Follow the easy tutorial from Myra at My Blessed Life. Source: Fall Felt Garland – My Blessed Life
Decoupage Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a symbol of fall…not just for Halloween. And there are hundreds of things you can do with them, but here’s an idea you don’t see every day. These pumpkins have been decoupaged beautifully for a classic, almost country look. However, the same process can be used to decoupage with a multitude of paper patterns and colors for ANY decor style. Fun and unexpected! You can find detail instructions from Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict. Source: Decoupage Pumpkins – Confessions of a Plate Addict
Apple Tea Lights
This idea is so simple and can be used year-round. Carefully carve a hole on top of the apple, insert the tea light, and you’re done! You can find tea lights in lots of colors and apples will last several days. That makes this project a beautiful and natural way to decorate ANY tabletop…your coffee table, foyers and dining. Source: Apple Candles – Holiday with Matthew Mead
Nature's Foliage
What can be lovelier than this gorgeous arrangement of nature’s foliage? And it doesn’t even matter if they’re real or silk. Plus, an arrangement like this is incredibly versatile…place it on your coffee table, then use it as your dinner centerpiece, then to the guest bedroom to welcome family and friends. It is sure to evoke holiday charm. Source: HGTV
Custom Fabric Tablecloth
If you’re entertaining buffet style this year, consider making your own custom tablecloth. All fabric stores will have fabrics that have “fall” inspired patterns. Find one that fits your color scheme and create your own tablecloth. You don’t even have to sew…binding tape (the type you iron) will do the trick for hemming all 4 sides. I LOVE the way this one drapes long to the floor.
Wreath Hung By Ribbon
Wreaths are universal when it comes to holidays. You can use them to decorate for ANY season. And while traditionally we hang them on doors, here’s a simple and elegant way to display a wreath, hung from a ribbon…in front of a mirror. I LOVE this idea, and we all have mirrors! This wreath is made of corn husks! Instructions on how to make it are provided by Martha Stewart. Source: Harvest Wreath – Martha Stewart
White Pumpkins
I’m totally partial to white pumpkins! I Love them. They’re so classic and vintage. And they’re right at home in any season. These are painted white…which is perfectly acceptable to do. This arrangement of pumpkins and urns works for any holiday and can be embellished with ornaments appropriate to each.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
Since 1903, it has come to epitomize laid-back days, and comfortable summers.
It was only a matter of time before they came inside! Barb and Jan of Scotia Blue Design have not only brought a favorite chair inside but have transformed its appearance with their unique ‘fabricising’ process.
Aren’t these amazing! Each chair is individually handmade to the client’s specifications. Prices start around $875 and go up depending on size and fabrics chosen. And the turn-around time is usually only 15 business days.
Scotia Blue begins with a solid, traditional Adirondack, expertly crafted from locally sourced Nova Scotia timber then artfully covered in beautiful designer fabric.
The fabricising process ensures durability together with stain and spill protection.
I’m allways looking for classic pieces that can be used in ALL styles of decor…and this chair fits the bill. I can think of at least a dozen fabrics I’d love to see it in! Hope I’ve inspired.
For a long time, ceilings were always painted white and that was that! So it doesn’t surprise me that many of you STILL don’t think to consider the ceiling when decorating your homes.
Ceilings are the 5th wall. The right treatment can bring a new dimension and take the room to a new level. So if your ceilings are being neglected, here are some ideas to consider.
Painting
Painting is the easiest, fastest, most economical way to treat the ceiling. In fact, ALL ceilings should be painted in a shade that complimentsthe room’s decor. A good rule of thumb is to paint the ceiling in the same color of the walls, only 2 or 3 shades lighter. But there really aren’t any rules….darker, lighter or a different color altogether.
In fact, how about stripes….
Gold or Silver Leaf
For a more formal space, gold or silver leaf can be very dramatic and elegant. It’s perfect for a dining room or foyer.
Decorative Painting
A good artist can paint almost anything on the ceiling, so the sky’s the limit. You can go overboard or keep it simple, either way, decorative painting is a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Wallpaper
How fun is this! Today’s wall papers are gorgeous…many bold, fun and updated patterns to choose from. Its a great way to bring pattern to the room without wallpapering all the walls.
Beadboard
I love bead board. It’s huge in achieving the biggest bang for your buck. It’s easy to install, economical and perfect for hiding the “popcorn” in older homes.
Wood Flooring
Yes, I said flooring! Installing wood flooring on the ceiling is not a new idea. There are hundreds of styles and shades to choose from, including bamboo and cork.
Tin
I love tin ceilings! And I am anxiously waiting for one of you to decide that you can no longer live without one! Tin (referring only to the “look”) can be installed with tiles that are available in chrome, steel, copper, brass and paintable white, to name a few.
I hope these pictures have inspired you to think of the possibilities. And if you need assistance or more information on any of these treatments, just send me a note or give me a call.
Decals are fun, unexpected and definitely out of the box! I think you’ll be surprised at the variety that are available. They’re no longer just for the nursery.
Isn’t this a stunning living room border?
I love the placement of this life-size Blue’s Brothers decal. It would be perfect for a media room.
For the dining room, cutlery is always appropriate, and in this case, the larger the better. Usually, the larger the decal, the bigger the impact.
Of course, bedrooms see more decals than any other room.
Decals can help create atmospheres ranging from tranquil to energized. They’re a fun alternative to traditional wall art. A single monogram creates a big statement in this room. It’s a perfect complement to the classic simplicity of the decor.
Children’s rooms andnurseries are particularly fun environments for wall decals.
If you Google “wall decals” you’ll get many sources and options to choose from. Most websites have a video showing how to install their decals. So if a particular area in your house has been lacking pizzazz lately, consider adding a decal.
The color red stimulates me. It’s bold, cheerful, energizing, powerful and hot! I’ve used it in my decorating a million times….and in just as many ways. Here are some of my favorit ways to infuse red in your decor.
The sofa. How can you not love ared sofa? It’s definitely a statement piece, but the level of FUN that a red sofa brings to the room is more than payment for any commitment you may feel.
This is what I mean about FUN! Doesn’t this sofa make you smile?
I love these chairs. They show that going reddoesn’t mean that you have to go BOLD.
As I’ve said before, the chest of drawers is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture EVER! They can be at home in ANY room…making it the perfect piece to bring in some RED.
Here’s a “trick-of-the-trade”: To make the kitchen island look like a stand-alone piece of furniture, paint it a different color than the cabinets. In this case, red. Stunning!
And not just the island, in this kitchen, paint alone makes this cabinet appear to be a stand-alone….again, done in luscious red.
Sometimes, a splash of redis all you need. When using any color as an accent, a general guide is that it should appear in at least 3 items in the room.
The throw pillow is one of the simplest, most economical ways to infuse fabric and color into any room…and the perfect way to test out red in your space.
Second only to the sofa in boldness…window treatments in red!
FLOR is a creator and marketer of modular carpet tiles. For years I’ve been receiving their catalogue in the mail. Maybe you have too. But I’ve never been able to touch and feel…until now. Last month, FLOR opened their 5th retail location right here in Dallas.
The Dallas store is located at 4528 McKinney Avenue, Dallas (214)520-6363.
The carpet tiles are a wonderful flooring option for a variety of applications. I just loved their versatility. Here are just a few of their features and benefits…
19.7” sq tiles can be configured to suite any space…from a runner to wall-to-wall.
They are for use on hard surfaces like wood, tile or concrete, indoors only.
The tiles are recyclable, and FLOR has a return/recycle program in place.
90% of the product is made in the USA.
FLOR is stain resistant, anti-bacterial and mold resistant.
The carpet squares can be quickly and easily washed with gentle soap and water, dried and put right back into place.
When FLOR gets stained beyond repair, you can replace individual tiles.
The design possibilities are endless…
There are many styles, textures and designs available…your imagination is your only limit.
From bedrooms and garages…
…to kitchens and nurseries.
Dallas store manager Mike McKay demonstrates to IDS members how easy it is to custom design a rug using their-user friendly software…
…but chances are, you’ll be able to SEE and build your sample rug from the well stocked sample room.
The Sample Room
So if you’re thinking area rug, check out FLOR…it’s a fantastic option!
Many thanks to the Dallas staff. I was very impressed with them too. They were all very friendly, helpful and most importantly, very knowledgeable about the product.
For more information, visit their website at FLOR.com
Sales Consultants (L-R) Sean House, Jessica Hasten, Kelcie Bryant and Store Manager Mike McKay
Here’s a “formal” living room that I recently completed, and had a blast doing so. My client wanted a more updated look that was clean and simple, yet comfortable and casual.
Everything in the room would go except for the ficus tree and console table. THAT made the room essentially an empty canvass with a high potential for a major change.
And that’s exactly what we got. To accomplish that, we created a new focal point…a fireplace. Ok, a faux fireplace, but still real fire and real heat! The firebox was purchased online at Electric Fireplaces Direct.com The illusion is created with paint. Two floating shelves serve as the hearth and mantle.
I absolutely love the 2 chairs with the large contemporary pattern. But the “fun” factor was brought in by the unexpected Drum Coffee Table. Both were purchased at I.O. Metro, one of my favorite stores.
Texture and pattern played a large role in the success of this room.
My clients love it!…THAT’S the real success.
As always, I hope I’ve inspired you to love your interiors…
