Creative Picture Galleries

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In my March 2011 newsletter, “5 Unique Decorating Ideas”, one idea was about hanging a picture gallery.  A couple of months ago, during a consultation with a wonderful client of mine, I suggested this idea to her…and she just ran with it!   I took this picture on a recent visit back. Her gallery is on a long wall that is partly a hallway, so this placement of the frames is perfect because it follows the shape of the wall.  It looks STUNNING!…clean, cohesive and organized.  Not at all cluttered and chaotic.  Great job!

To display a successful picture gallery, you definitely need to do a little planning and a little measuring.  They need to have a defined shape or flow.  Otherwise, they can appear haphazard and contribute more to clutter than the decor. Here are a few other suggestions for picture galleries.

As you can see, the frame is the unifying feature.  They don’t all have to be identical, but they DO need to be similar…all black, all silver, etc.

Of course, a picture gallery can be more than just family pictures.  A collection of sketches.

 

Fortunately, there are companies out there that make this look very easy to achieve.  Like The Perfect Picture Wall.  It’s an all-in-one system that includes the template AND the frames.  If you watch Candice Olson, you’ve seen her use this type of system in her designs.  It’s as easy as 1, 2. 3!

 

So if you’re considering a family picture gallery, or even if you have one already, take the time to change out the pictures, maybe paint the frames all the same, and try something different.  A fresh configuration can go a long way in energizing the room.

Till Next Time,

Alba

A Family Room: Traditional to Transitional

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Recently, I completed this family room for a dear family of four whom I have known for a few years now.  Their family room had not changed in the last seven years and, although it was functional and comfortable,  it was certainly not cohesive.  Plus, they were totaly ready for a change…

The new design had specific requirements:

  • Substitute the existing “Traditional” style to a more “Transitional” look.
  • The design had to be casual and most of all, comfortable for daily living.
  • The design also needed to accommodate both reading and watching TV.
  • It needed to be practical with more storage.

The results:

Two paint colors were used; a dark gray and a light gray. Gray is a perfect backdrop for the semi-monochromatic color scheme.

SW7024 Functional Gray
SW7025 Backdrop

The sofa and two chairs are upholstered in microfiber, making them very practical for hearty living. We kept with a neutral color scheme, which helps make the room feel calm, then added a splash of terracotta that was picked up from the floor.

 

 

Since storage was a requirement, all tables and cabinets were chosen for maximum storage options.  A custom, built-in TV cabinet provides even more storage.

Natural woven Roman shades were outside-mounted and placed all the way to the ceiling making the windows appear taller.  They provide texture, necessary when color is limited. 

 ..and the new look…definitely Transitional.

Till next time,

Alba

 

 

A Family Room Facelift

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I LOVE helping clients “update” their rooms.

Unless you are a fundamental minimalist, after a while, our interiors begin to accumulate items that we have purchased or received throughout the years, often becoming cluttered and chaotic.  This was the case with my client’s family room…

Before

 

My client’s, I’ll call them “The Young Grandparents”, were looking to update the decor in their family room.  They were looking for a more Transitional look without going over the top.  Plus, we had to use 2 existing leather recliners and the TV had to stay.  Without spending a huge budget, here was my interpretation of that…

  • The room was painted a soft gray-blue.
  • Shutters were installed in the color of the crown molding.
  • We used their existing furniture except for a new sofa and coffee ottoman.
  • The HUGE TV cabinet HAD to be separated…many times, these over-sized cabinets are too overpowering when placed together in a small room.
  • New art and lamps were chosen in a more Transitional style.
  • Accessorizing was kept to a minimum.

The room looks fantastic.

 The existing items make it feel familiar, warm and comfortable, while the new items make it look calm and fresh.  The Young Grandparents love it!

Hope I’ve inspired you to change your interiors and energize your living spaces.

Happy Decorating!

Alba

 

A Model Home

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Last week I got to decorate 3 models in 3 states for Resource Design’s Model Mania.  The models were all located in Assisted Living communities.  I had such a great time and met so many great people.  Here are a few pictures to share with you…

Decorating for Assisted Living require some unique considerations.  For example, area rugs are not typically used because of the high use of wheelchairs and walkers. And trafficways need to be ample.  But, like all homes, it needs to feel comfortable.  This model is in Decatur, Alabama. 

The model below is a very small, one-room studio in Leawood, Kansas.  The goal for this model was to help prospective tenants to “visualize” how they can live in the space.  This was accomplished through furniture placement…separating the space into 3 distinct areas: living, dining and bedroom.

Below is a one-bedroom model in Boise, Idaho.  Traditional furnishings look beautiful with the updated color scheme of black, browns and blues.

It was an AMAZING week…AND a big bonus was getting to fly out of Los Angeles towards the west and over the Pacific Ocean.  I LOVE seeing the world from above. 

Thanks for visiting.  Till next time,

Alba

Mirrored Furniture

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I LOVE mirrored furniture!

I can’t understand why no body else does!

After all the years I’ve been a designer, I have yet to decorate for a client that appreciates mirrored furniture as much as I do.  But I’m SURE you’re out there. So to fuel your interest, and to satisfy my need to talk about them, here are some of my favorites.

This dining room is a perfect combination of modern design with classical elements.  The mirrored buffet is the showstopper. 

Few things can bring glamour to a room more than mirrored furniture.  Imagine this bedroom without the mirrored nightstands….nice, but certainly less exciting! 

The chest of drawers.  A superbly versatile piece of furniture.  This one graces a foyer, a great space to showcase a mirrored piece.  It sets the tone immediately when entering the home.

  Like all mirrors, mirrored furniture reflects light…making dark rooms brighter…

…and small spaces look larger.

…and talk about making a room look larger!  I LOVE this screen!  It brings glamour and drama, AND its functional…who knows what mess might hide behind it.

 

You don’t need to go big and bold…a few key mirrored pieces can go a long way in changing the energy of the room. 

 

 But if you want to go all out…I will not discourage you.  🙂

 Of course I realize that mirrored furniture is not for everyone.  If you have small children, for instance, they can be difficult to maintain fingerprint-free.  But there are MANY ways to incorporate a piece into your home.  So think outside the box…open your mind to the possibilities…and then, CALL ME…because I’d love to help you select the perfect piece.     

Till next time,

Alba

 

Buying Lamps

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According to Home Accents Today, a trade magazine for the home accents industry, here are some of today’s top lamp design styles and trends.  The top 3 styles can be found in My Newsletter. To Subscribe Click Here

A Shore Thing:  Designs that convey the essence of the shore with materials like coral and mother of pearl. 

  

 

 Drums:  Drum shades are  showing up in styles from Traditional to Contemporary.

 Lacquer It Up:  Simple ceramic is transformed with bright colors in glossy lacquer.

 

Crystal Clear:  Designs in glass are not new, but this material continues to grow in popularity, appearing in simple, classic shapes.

 

 

If you haven’t changed your lamps in the last 10 years, I encourage you to invest in new ones….it’s a simple way to step it up a notch.

A lamps is a perfect accessory. They’re economical, yet they make a huge impact…and the variety!  There are hundreds of lamps to choose from, which is probably why many of you have such a confusing time finding the right lamp.So before you go shopping for new lamps, ask yourself these questions.  The answers will help you get the perfect lamp for you.

 1. How tall or short do you need the lamp to be?  Decide this first.  That way, when you’re shopping, you can quickly scan the variety and concentrate only on those that meet the height requirement.

 2. What size should the base be?  Decide if you want a base that is on the large side, a standard size base, or a buffett style (tall and skinny).

 3. Consider the color of the shade.   Black or dark shades don’t allow as much light as a lighter color.  Consider the lamp’s function in choosing the shade.

 4. Color and Style.  Once you know the desired height and size of the lamp you need, you can have fun choosing the color and style that will compliment your decor.  

 

Till next time,

Alba

 

 

Bedroom Update for $500

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Recently, one of my favorite clients asked me to “spruce-up” her daughter’s bedroom on a tight $500 budget.
 
Before

Her daughter lives in New York and was coming home for Christmas.  She was to stay, of course, in her childhood bedroom….a bedroom that still looked like it did when she was in highschool!  

For many of you that’s a familiar story.  Think about it…how long has it been since YOU changed the bedroom decor? 

But, CAN you transform a bedroom for only $500? 

You Sure Can!  

If you have the furniture basics (bed, nightstands, chest), $500 can go a long way in making the room updated and stylish. To do that, you need to concentrate on the 5 key items that give you the greatest impact.  I suggest you follow these in order.  

After

 New Bedding  

This is the FIRST item to look for.  You MUST get new bedding if you want a big transformation. Shop around and find something you like, and don’t be affraid to try something you wouldn’t ordinarily buy…think outside the box.   

Before
After

 Window Treatments  

There are hundreds of ready-made window treatments to choose from.  So if you have a window in the bedroom, put up NEW treatments.  Oftentimes, simple panels are all you need to make a huge difference.  Purchase panels that compliment your new bedding.  As a very general rule, if your bedding is heavy on pattern, it’s best to choose solid panels.  And give some attention to the hardware (rod, finials and brackets). They also play a big part in the overall look of the room. 

Before
After

New Art

Even if you have  existing art, GET NEW ART.  Art can be found economically in a variety of places, and it provides major impact.  The new art should compliment the new bedding.  Don’t be affraid to Go BIG on the art. Bigger art = bigger impact.

 

Before
After

 Paint The Walls 

Paint, by far, will be your biggest contributor in transforming the look and feel of any room.  I strongly recommend that you paint as part of the makeover plan. Choose a color that compliments the new bedding. Again, step outside your comfort zone…its only paint!  And don’t forget the ceiling..its just another wall.  

Before
After

 New Lamps  

While not absolutely necessary, if the budget allows, adding new lamps can make a real difference.  They are the jewelry of the room. Although they don’t have to match, they should be the same in scale.  

A $500 bedroom makeover is the perfect project.  It’s economical, it’s easy…only 5 simple guidelines…and it’s fast!  I hope I’ve inspired you to “spruce up” your home and wish you lots of fun decorating! 

Of course, if you find you need a little assistance, we’d love to help. Visit my website at www.dorschinteriors.com

Till Next time,

Alba

Pictures from CottagersWife.wordpress.com, DesignSpongeOnline.com, DecoratorDozen.com 

 

My Upside-Down Christmas Tree

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Last year, I started my OWN tradition…

 I hung the tree from the ceiling.

Oh, I know this is not the “traditional” thing to do, but after years of collecting Christmas ornaments and hanging the same ones on the tree each December, I wanted something a little different.  I wanted to start my OWN tradition.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll NEVER give up my collected ornaments.  They each have a memory and a special place in my heart.  But when I look at this new vision hanging in my living room, the thrill, excitement and pure joy is totally exhilarating!  It gives the room a happy feeling…and isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

I wanted something different, so I decided to change the color scheme to only silver and white.  For that, I needed all new  decorations…on a budget! 

I bought poinsettias in bunches and cut each flower stem individually, then inserted them randomly throughout the tree.   I used both silver and white poinsettias.

I hung icicle garland.  All other ornaments are an assortment of balls and tear dorps...except for ONE…

…another special ornament to add to my collection. 

 

I kept the table centerpiece simple and classic:  Silver candle holders  surrounded by small unaddorned wreaths. 

  

 When I hung my tree last year, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  But I certainly didn’t expect this….

 It TWIRLS!!

 

As it turns out, my kids love the tree, as do I.  And it brings a smile to everyone who enters my home.  Christmas doesn’t get better than that!

Merry Christmas!

  

A Simply Classic Christmas

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When my client and dear friend Sandy asked me to help her decorate her Austin home for the holidays , I was thrilled!  And although I had never done Christmas decor for her, I just KNEW that it could be nothing less than classic.

And it was.

The 12′ Christmas tree was story book perfect.  Classic garlands, ribbons and ornaments in coppers, golds and just the right amount of red. 

 And what could be more classic than carolers.  Sandy has collected Byer’s Choice carolers for years and has a collection TOO large to display in only one area.  Above, the “Piano Room” is reminiscent of a Dickens Christmas.

 

 On the buffet, the “Family Gathers at Grandma’s”.

And below, “Celebrating a White Christmas”.

 

For many, the nativity scene is the very essence of the holiday season.  This one belongs to me.  Back in 1992, I patiently hand painted and antiqued each piece.  I also built the manger out of plywood and tree trunks and bark from my back yard (I was living in North Carolina at the time). 

This year, MY Christmas decor is less traditional (I’ll tell you about that next blog), so I asked Sandy if she would display the manger in her home this year.  She happily agreed….and I just couldn’t be more thrilled.  Thanks Sandy. 

 My nativity scene sits beneath the Family Room tree. 

 

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

  ~Charles Dickens

Merry Christmas,

Alba

 

3 Dimensional Art

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La Montage, in Lewisville Texas, is an art supplier to the design trade.  Their staff includes several artists, each creating great one-of-a-kind pieces of art using various mediums.   

Recently, they hosted our Interior Design Society meeting.  During that visit, it became apparent to me that…

…3 dimensional art has a big following, and continues to gain popularity.  

We’re not talking subtle art here!   These are WOW pieces.  Unlike their more traditional canvas cousins, 3 dimensional art is physical and can possess a multitude of textures.  So for those of you who want to push the envelope, here are a few suggestions…

   Isn’t this pretty?   The beauty of this “fan art” is that it  is so versatile. It would work perfectly in both traditional and contemporary decors.

 

I don’t know what the artist called this one, but I call it “Bird in a Cage”.  A filigree frame creates the 3 dimensional affect in this stunning piece.

This “basket piece” is one of my favorites!  Although you should know that this picture doesn’t do it justice.

This type of art is also a great venue for your memorabilia….anything from an old hat to wedding pictures.   Of course you always run the risk of it looking like a craft project, but if done by an artist, they can look like classic works of art. 

So don’t be affraid to go bold with your art and embrace new and creative options.

If you’re looking to purchase 3 dimensional art,

or ANY type of art, send me an email at alba@dorschinteriors.com

Till Next Time,

Alba