Trick or Treat

                     Happy Halloween!

Hope you all have a fun and safe weekend!!

Nursery Design

I have a lot of friends that have recently had babies or will be having babies really soon.  So, I've been thinking about nursery design these days.  Here are a few of my favorites that I've found along the way.

 

Found via Spearmint Baby 

 

 Holly Mathis Interiors

 

Centsational Girl

 

Centsational Girl

Found via Little Green Notebook

Oh, and I can't forget my good friend, Angel who designed the cutest room for her little man, Silas.




*Unfortunately I don't have sources for the top six images.  I started saving these cute photos long before I realized I'd need the credits for the blog.  If you recongnize where one of these photos are from, please let me know and I will give proper credit.  Thanks!

Lessons Learned by Reading Design Magazines

 Every month I've been finding myself looking forward to the day that the latest issue of Coastal Living arrives in my mailbox.  I started receiving it because of my ASID membership, but I had never really paid much attention to it before that.  I am finding that I really enjoy checking out the Idea Houses in each issue.  I also like that not everyone on the internet is blogging and talking about the latest issue before I can get my hands on a copy.  Each issue is still a new surprise, unlike House Beautiful (which I love) that is written about so frequently that I've seen all the photos online before the issue even arrives in the mail.  So hopefully I am not ruining the surprise for any of you that have yet to read the latest issue of Coastal Living, but I was excited to show some fun photos of the Seawatch Idea House from the November issue.  I'll start by showing you the floorplans of the house.  I love looking at the floor plans so I can understand the flow of the home.  It's like putting together the puzzle pieces and seeing how everything flows together.

 I like the upholstered walls in this room.  It adds a layer of texture and coziness to the space.  I also like the uniqueness of the limed oak fireplace with no mantel.  Such a clean look.  I also am really drawn towards the bird prints on either side of the fireplace creating symmetry.

An interesting feature of this room is the matching fabric and drapery.  The designer, Phillip Sides, had the fabric backed with paper or latex so that it could be applied to the walls.  Probably not my favorite look, but innovative nonetheless.

What I am loving about this kitchen is the light fixture over the island and the fact that the island is a different wood than the black and white cabinets.  What a fresh way to mix it up and add interest to a kitchen.  The shades really tie in the medium stain on the island for a cohesive look.  Also, notice the back of the stools with the handles on the back.   Unexpected touches like that keep things interesting.

Seriously love the mix of patterns here.  I want to get better at this.  This is a playful space.  I am especially loving the fabric on the chair.   Here is a close-up shot of the fabric. 

I think it looks great on the chair, bench at the foot of the bed and as pillows.  Something to take note of is the repetition of fabrics in this room.  Even if this room is not your favorite, you can learn the value of repetition by studying this photo.  It really helps move your eye around the room and creates harmony in the space.

 

This kid area is so cute with the reading light cubby holes.  They are covered in raffia and embellished with nailheads.

This room grabs my attention for so many reasons.  I love the botanical coverlet which acts as the color source for this bedroom.  The blue walls and green draperies are colors pulled directly from the coverlet.  The bamboo bed adds a great natural, textural element that goes with the botanical coverlet.  Also I love the unexpected table at the foot of the bed and the striped rug.

Every room you see in a magazine is an opportunity to study and learn from.  You may not like the design or the colors, the design may be good or really bad, but as a designer I learn from both the good and bad points in every room.  As a client you can study these rooms to learn more about what you like or dislike in any given room, thus helping you and your designer out.  I encourage you to pick up a few design magazines and pay attention to what appeals to you in different rooms.  Tear the pages out and take them shopping with you or save them for when you are ready to work with a designer.  It will make the overall process easier for everyone involved.

Find more images of the Coastal Living 2009 Seawatch Idea House here.

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Creating an Inviting Entry to your Home

 Today I was searching for ideas for entryways and came across some great examples that I thought I'd share with you.  Since the entry is the first area of your home that guests see, it is important to set the tone for the rest of your house there.  Entry's should be welcoming and organized.   It is likely that most of us throw down handfuls of stuff there when we are walking in the door from our busy days and I'd say it's safe to assume that we don't want our guests tripping over all our piled up stuff when they come to visit us.  Entryways are also a great place to get creative and add some fun color.  They are usually small spaces to don't be afraid to make this a "wow" space.  So here are a few examples of entryways that are both welcoming, colorful and organized:

This is probably a larger foyer than most of us have, but I love the symmetry of this space.  Some ideas that we can take from this example are:  Using two console tables, matching mirrors, plant and lamp all add to the cohesive look to this area.  Including a unique set of doors and a fun light fixture will add interest to the first room in your home.

 Bright and airy walls and door add to the open feeling of this entry.  A simple furniture piece covers what looks like to be an unsightly radiator.  Simple artwork and some fresh flowers are welcoming.  Notice only one pair of boots are here, not ten pairs.  The patterned rug adds some subtle texture and interest here.

 

 This is one of those "wow" entryways for people who love color.  For those of you that think this is too much color, don't be afraid to paint one wall or use bright colors in the accessories and furniture with neutral walls for this small space.  If you are someone who wants a completely separate entry space from the rest of your house, adding seamless glass doors like this that are un-framed will visually separate the space without looking heavy.

 

 Using some standout pieces in any entryway is really fun.  Take a look at that beautiful ghost chair.  Usually seating in this area is a must to aid people in putting on their shoes, so an extra garden stool shown here under the table is great.  A beautiful container for storing umbrellas is a wonderful way to keep the entry neat and organized.  The table in the space allows enough room to throw down mail, keys and other items that you might need in this area.

 

 This entry screams real life to me.  Families have a lot of "stuff" and it all needs a place to be.  Take ideas from this entry by hanging wire baskets to store mail and other items that pile up in this area.  Large baskets on the floor can encourage your children to toss in their mittens and scarves and keep this area organized.  Hooks for jackets, umbrellas, watering cans and brooms can make it easy to keep the entry clean and accessible to grab items on your way out the door.  A bench with built-in storage will allow you to keep unsightly items hidden away.

 

Another way to keep your kids stuff organized is by adding cute cubbies like these to encourage each child to take care of their own space.  If  you don't like to look at all of your jackets and boots, adding doors to this shelving unit will hide everything away.

 

Add some drama to your entry by painting the walls a dark, rich color and adding a small, comfy sofa to sit on.  Some fun artwork and lighting will finish off your welcoming and cozy entry.

 

Adding subtle stripes to your walls with paint can make the entry area interesting without going over the top.  A mirror is nice to check yourself before you walk out the door and plant life is always a good idea here.  Adding two chairs on either side of a console table adds to the formality of an entry, where a bench will be more casual.

Hopefully these ideas will help you get going on creating a welcoming, organized and interesting entryway that you will be proud to invite your guests into your home to see!

Images from House Beautiful and Canadian House and Home 

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Welcome back?

Hey everyone! I made it safely home from Arizona and am catching up on laundry and unpacking. Unfortunately I left a sunny, warm Arizona and was rudely welcomed home to cold, wet snow. I had a great time visiting my husband's grandma and grandpa and other warmer climate relatives. It was so great to see how well grandma is doing despite the brain cancer and I'm so thankful we got to spend some quality time with her while she still knows what is going on. It really is amazing to see answered prayers.

Here is a photo of my last day in Arizona and what greeted me here in MN upon my arrival today. Here's hoping you have better weather where you are and that you had a great week while I was gone! I'll be back to regular posts on Monday!

Off to warmer weather!

It has been cold, snowy, rainy, you name it, here in MN.  Sort of a depressing fall.  So tomorrow we are off to sunny Arizona where the latest temps have been in the upper 90's and have even reached 100 this week!  I can't wait to enjoy some warmth during the coming week and spend some quality time with some family.  I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures while I'm there and share them all with you!  I know a flea market is on the to-do list for the weekend and I hope to find some good stuff.  We also plan on doing some hiking and swimming and whatever else we come across.  Hope you all enjoy your weekend and upcoming week!

Also, be sure to check out Kristin's blog, Discover:Interior Design today.  I've been featured in her At Home Series!  Thanks, Kristin!

Unique Headboards

 Image from Domino

 

Image from Cottage living via Little Green Notebook

 

Image from Little Green Notebook

All other images from House Beautiful

Headboards are a quick way to inject some interest into a bedroom.  Many of these headboards can be DIY using some plywood, batting, fabric and a staple gun and will be less expensive than most headboards you can buy.  Even using a folding screen or an old window or door can be an easy way to create the look of a headboard.  Not only will a headboard ground your bed, but it will also help to establish the bed as the focal point of the bedroom, not to mention add some serious personality! 

Inspiring Interiors: Thom Filicia Style

I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy of Thom Filicia's book, Thom Filicia Style:Inspired Ideas for Creating Rooms You'll Love, yet but I have seen his work in pictures on the internet and I really like what I see. 

I love his style, the layers of interest he creates in his rooms and the masculine touch to the decor.

  Here is a peek into his Designer Visions Showhouse that was featured in the November issue of House Beautiful.

When I first saw this room, I fell in love with the large horses on the wall.  I'm not sure what it is about them because I don't particularly like horses, but the sheer size of them is striking and beautiful.  Definitely a focal point worthy of your attention.  The unexpected pops of yellow on the chairs is fun and make the traditional klismos chairs feel modern.  I love the round rug with the round table, the pattern on the drapes, the lantern style light fixture above the table and the reiteration of the round shapes in the room with the sculpture in front of the window.

 

Bright and colorful place settings are simple, yet glamorous.  I don't think you'll be bored at a dinner party in this dining roon.

 

Grass cloth wall coverings, 2 fabrics on the sofas, the movement of the rug, the light fixture over the seating area and the two leather wing back chairs add so much interest to the living room.  I can't decide what I like the most.

 

 

How great is the rope railing along this staircase?  I love how unique this is.  The one stripe leads you up the stairs in a clean and simple way with lots of impact.

 

This landing at the top of the stairs is so warm with the grass cloth wall covering, large, eclectic art in similar gold frames and wall sconces.

 

I'm not really a fan of this bathroom.  It would be fine on it's own I suppose, but to me, it looks out of place with the rest of the home.  Too cold and modern for this home.

 

This console table is amazing!  Obviously that fact that it is white helps to keep it from looking gaudy-instead it looks clean and sculptural.  The basket and grass cloth walls add texture and the simple lamps and mirror add symmetry that is pleasing to the eye.

 

A shot opposite the bed in the bedroom.  The floor lamps are beautiful and create a nice symmetry around the dresser.  The pop of color is so nice in the dresser and striped ottoman.

 

This bedroom shot is my favorite.  I love the moody, dark gray walls broken up by thin white stripes, the copper starburst mirror, and the quatrefoil 4 poster bed.  Notice how your eyes follow the lines on the walls and on the bed.  Perfection.

All images from House Beautiful