Designing Diva Interiors

Have you ever received a beautiful canvas or the latest family portrait only to let it sit in the corner  for six months? You’re afraid to hang it- what if you don’t hang it with the right nail and it falls? You don’t know where it should go. You hate damaging the painted walls. The reasons why folks avoid hanging their treasured artwork go on and on. Real Simple Magazine is here to help!

1. Beware of sunlight and heat, both of which can damage art. When you have pieces framed, ask for UV-coated glass. And take note of windows and radiators before you choose a spot for anything precious.
2. Tighten slack wires on the backs of frames, especially if your goal is precision hanging (lining up art in a grid, say). A loose wire makes it hard to control the height of a piece.
3. To protect walls, use peel-and-stick clear rubber bumpers on the back corners of frames. Rubber pads, $4.50 for 18, dickblick.com.
4. Choose the right hooks for the weight of your art. Ook brand hooks offer a range of up to 160 pounds and leave tiny holes that are easy to repair if you change your mind. Shields professional hangers, from $5, ooks.com.
5. Fix mistakes on a white wall with Spackle (sold at hardware stores) and a fingertip. Apply a tiny dot over a hole, then smooth with a damp paper towel. (White toothpaste can do the job in a pinch.)

As much as I am a proponant of custom window coverings that fulfill your every whim, let’s be honest: not everyone has the budget for them. At times it isn’t necessarily the issue of money that holds you back, but if you’re anything like me, your tastes simply change too often to commit to custom draperies. Whatever your reason, inexpensive store-bought window panels or drapes may be the answer to your decorating dilemma. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few pointers to get you on your way along with some of my top picks right now:

1) Start with your measurements. Store-bought draperies come in limited standard sizes so those of you with odd-shaped windows or exceptionally large windows will be out of luck. 84″  or 94″ is what you will likely find on store shelves and this is the typical window length.  However, I always hang the curtain rod closer to the ceiling than to the top of the window itself which makes a room appear taller. This means you will need to 94″ panels for an 84″ window, or 104″ panels for a 94″ window.

2) Pick your color palette. While its true that custom-designed draperies offer infinite color and pattern choices, there are plenty of options for the person buying off-the-shelf these days. So that you don’t get overwhelmed when shopping,  take a look around the house and pick one to three colors that you want to bring out in your window treatments.  Using decorating blogs like this one, magazine photos or search engines online can be a useful tool here; simply type in your color palette to see what’s out there (for example, “Red and white 94″ window panels”).

3) Know what you need them to do. If you’re buying for a bedroom and prefer complete darkness you will want to look for black-out panels which are lined with an opaque fabric on the backside to keep sun out. If natural sunlight and privacy isn’t an issue, you may be shopping for sheer panels.

Ready to start shopping? Here are some of my favorites of the season; maybe one of these will be the the perfect fit for your naked window!

"Amelia", Pier1, $24.88

"Woven Floral", Pier1, $45

"Smocked Drape", Pottery Barn, $50

"Velvet Drape", Pottery Barn, $89

"Textured Belgian Linen", Restoration Hardware, $129

                                                           

Designers have been decorating with bamboo for years and with good reason. It looks great, lasts forever and is an eco-friendly material. Below are some of my favorite ways of incorporating this hard-working friend of nature into my clients’ homes:

1) Curtain Rods. Ditch the metal rods and hang your window panels on rings and a bamoo rod. Because this isn’t commonly found in stores you will have to locate and cut your desired length on your own. The result is an unexpected focal point and where better to put a natural beauty like bamboo than in a place where it can frame the beauty outside?

2) Flooring. Bamboo flooring is catching on and your options aren’t as limited as you might think. Designing Diva Interiors has access to every style of bamboo available in today’s market and the looks are as varied as the clients’ personalities. Its soft on the feet and looks amazing, not to mention that it cuts down on household allergens.  **DDI also offers discounts up to 40% off on flooring for clients.

3) Tables. Bamboo tables rock my world and I can’t give you a better reason than this: they last forever and stand up to daily wear-and-tear like no other. Plus, the pricing is usually pretty fabulous. Not sure what your style is? Bamboo fits in wherever its needed!

If you would like to work bamboo into your decor but need a little nudge, allow Designing Diva Interiors LLC to show you the way! Contact DDI today to book your initial consultation.

Vinyl wall decals: Affordable. Trendy. Simple. Fun. Customized. For those looking to add some punch to walls, wood finishes, appliances, and countless other surfaces, these super addictive wall decals are the preferred solution.

I have been using these in clients’ homes for a few years now and recently ran into a situation that called for this very thing. My personal laundry room makeover consisted of grandiose visions- including hand painted embellishments on the cabinet doors. One problem: I. Can’t. Paint. I’m fairly certain that my 6 year old nephew could upstage me when it came to painting the design I wanted. After admitting defeat (it looked more like a hot pink abstract blob than a classic damask pattern) I ordered the french damask embellishments from Uppercase Living (www.uppercaseliving.com). In about ten minutes I had my fuschia laundry room… FINALLY! And if I should ever tire of the decals I can simply peel them off and throw away. They will not harm the paint finish.

I found another decal that had come free with my order that was also hot pink and said “Breathe”. I thought of where it should go. Well that was obvious- the living room, where everyone could see it and have a visual reminder that they could relax here; they were home. So I rubbed it onto a mirror I have sitting on a shelf and within one minute had created another custom piece that spiced up an old garage sale find.

To get yours contact Eldora Horton with Uppercase Living at hortonej@pldi.net or 580.661.2836.

If you’re staying home this holiday weekend you should make the most of it and spruce up your abode with DDI’s simple DIY tips. Missed Parts I and II? You can check them out on my Facebook fan page or right here in blog posts from the past week!

1) Change out the knobs and handles in one room. Even if you can’t paint or stain your cabinets right now the new hardware will give the space a facelift.

2) Spray paint a tired chandelier. Look for spray paints designed for brass, wrought iron or whatever yours is made of.

3) Use the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to give baseboards, walls, doors, etc a nice cleaning. If your home has flat paint on the walls and doors grimey hand prints are likely making your home look older than it really is.

4) Replace those old blinds already! If you have damaged or outdated blinds it won’t really matter how lovely your accessories are- the whole room will be cheated by the lack of attention to the windows. I recommend Blind Alley in Oklahoma City (405.848.0099) and tell David the Designing Diva sent you!

5) Pull grandma’s heirlooms and hand-me-down’s out of the closet to create your own fantastic collection. Her china plates would look smashing hung on the wall (visit Hobby Lobby for plate hooks, found in framing section) or string her now vintage hankerchiefs up on a clothesline above the guest bed for a chic and truly unique look. Get creative but for heaven’s sake get those precious items out of storage! No one gets to enjoy them if they’re in boxes somewhere and your home decor should be a reflection of you and your family’s heritage.

I like change. I love to rearrange my furniture, paint it every couple of years, sell tired accessories and find new ones. But with all of the coming and going there are at least five types of home accessories I make sure to keep around. They may vary in color, style or shape from season to season but the rules for possessing them are the same: they must be versatile (able to serve various purposes). They must be affordable. They must be special (I never purchase anything for my home that doesn’t inspire me). So what are the five types of accessories I think every home should have?

5) Vases in various color, sizes, materials and shapes. Ceramic, wood, metal, its all good! Set large ones on the floor holding tall reeds and let the smaller ones create smiles at the dinner table by holding tiny cut flowers from your garden….or your neighbor’s garden if they’re not home

4) Lamps. Floor lamps and table lamps can be moved from room to room and greatly increase a space’s vibe- no overhead lights with four or five lamps turned low sets an intimate tone while the right desk lamp says “time to get to work!”. Lamps are cuter and more affordable than ever these days and the shades can be changed out when you’re bored with it.

3) Black and white photos. These can be framed or on canvas with the subjects being your loved ones or some far away waterfall that makes you relax when you look at it. It doesn’t matter what the photo is, but a collection of them makes a huge statement in any room, in any frame.

2) Books. Old law books, architecture books from the 60’s, hard cover books from museums- any book that makes a statement about who you are or where your interests lie also make great decorating accessories. Stacked on the floor, piled onto an ottoman or lining bookshelves, these little treasures can be found for pennies at garage sales and when arranged properly make a room!

1) Huge pillows. On beds they scream luxury; on sofas they make everyone feel welcome and when used on floors they give added comfort to movie night. Thanks to designers who have gone main stream with their brand these over-sized cushions can be found in stores all over the place in amazing patterns and prices!

A few more ideas to help spruce up your space in one day or just in a few minutes!

*Switch your lamps around from room to room and add softer bulbs for the areas that only need accent or mood lighting. I am a fan of amber colored bulbs because they give off a nice candle-like glow.

*Use vinyl decals (www.uppercaseliving.com) to add a meaningful or playful phrase to your walls or other surfaces like appliances, vases, frames, sinks and so much more. Use your imagination freely as these must-have’s don’t damage paint or other surfaces when removed. Also available are various shapes and embellishments in multiple color options!

*Polish wood furniture to make it look like new again.

*Have the carpets cleaned and switch up area rugs so that your carpet wears evenly over time. DDI recommends Sunbell Carpet Cleaning in OKC. Call Ronnie Schweitzer at 682-1818 and tell them the Designing Diva sent you!

*Buy trim from a hobby or craft store and add a little flare to tired lamp shades, drapery panels, duvet covers and throw pillows. Use fabric glue for best results and stear clear of beaded trim that would be too heavy.

If you’re a follower of Designing Diva Interiors on Facebook you saw that I mentioned small one-day projects you could do over this next holiday weekend. Here’s one list to keep in mind, courtesy of HouseBeautiful.com.

*Install dimmers in every room for subtle, layered lighting.

*Paint a piece of furniture a different color.

*Organize your bookshelves in a wave pattern, with books lined up according to height but not in ascending order. It will look like this: tallest books on the ends, shortest books in the center, all books pushed to the front of the shelves with no more than 1/8″ of shelf showing.

*Fill your house with flowers. Use tin cans, glass pitchers, Mason jars, whatever for vases!           

*Rearrange furniture and artwork.

*Clean the windows.

*Ditch frayed, dingy towels with the best towels you can afford in complementary colors and patterns. You can’t go wrong with all white, though!

*Makeover the ceiling in one room by changing the paint color and fan/light fixture.

Interior designer Alessandra Branca shared her tips for creating her signiture look (comfortably classic) with WilliamsSonoma.com. Read on for helpful hints that are easy to apply and equally rewarding!

Reinvent history. The more you study and read, you’ll see there are certain forms that have transcended time. Everything at one point was the new, new thing, but there are certain items we’ve taken along with us throughout history, like Greek Klismos chairs or Chinese ginger jars. I like to reinterpret tradition in a new way, like doing a porcelain garden seat in a wild color. This not only makes a piece more interesting and more personal, but keeps you moving forward and prevents you from yawning.

Dress up. Think about classicism in terms of your wardrobe and the things you reach for and can recreate year after year. Certain housewares act similarly, like a beautiful, sculptural porcelain lamp or a very simple round mirror. I love rush matting too–a sisal rug works anywhere, and you can always layer an antique carpet over it to change the look. I like to mix different styles and silhouettes and play with high and low–like pairing jeans with a Chanel jacket.

Think ahead. I don’t do period rooms. Some people may want a strict colonial style and that’s fine but that’s not what suits me. Unless you’re in a museum it’s not practical for our time. We live differently now. When you’re looking at an image for inspiration, understand what you like about it and close the book on it. Think about what works for you and how to make it yours, rather than simply reproducing something that’s already been done. Don’t fall into the trap of what’s of the moment either. If you focus on building a thoughtful foundation of pieces you love, your space will grow with you.

Simplify your spending. It’s better to have few but beautiful things. When I’m shopping for furniture, I look for the cleanest and most classical forms, not the gooped up stuff. A square backed Louis Seize chair is a wonderful thing to buy. When you’re upholstering, remember the biggest items in a room, or the ones you really invest in, should be the most neutral. For fabrics I like natural materials and find linen velvet very long lasting. Accessories can be more elaborate or busy. It’s easier and less expensive to take risks with smaller items, like a bench or chair in a pop accent.

Age gracefully. When selecting finishes, remember that distressed paints are going to retain their look better over time than something really pristine. Items that have been stained, buffed, and waxed are more forgiving. Glossy French polishes are beautiful but require more upkeep and discipline. If you have kids, lacquered surfaces aren’t practical. Be realistic about the choices you make to find pieces that are going to accept your life.

Separate twins. Symmetry is a timeless design principle, and a wonderful way to create balance, which is inherently pleasing and soothing. It doesn’t, however, mean you need to buy everything in pairs. If you’re decorating around a fireplace, it’s perfectly fine to use a settee on one side and a banquette on the other. Think more broadly about drawing out similarities in height, function, and concept. There’s nothing wrong with mixing styles either–it’s nice to create some visual tension.

Forget fluorescents. Certain palettes are promoted more than others at certain times, at which point I won’t use them as much. Teal and eggplant feel very 80’s to me, and hunter and burgundy are similarly tough. I take my color cues from Renaissance paintings, and also from nature. I love colors that look like they withstood time: taupe and grey-beige, reds, blues, mossy green. Anything day-glo or too strong isn’t going to last.

My favorite items at WSH (William Sonoma Home). The Kate slipper chair is a sure shot. It’s comfortable, has great proportions, and since it’s a smaller piece you could get away with doing it in zebra or persimmon. The Beverly sofa has that classic English chesterfield form, and would be so chic in dark grey velvet. The Mason desk could also be used behind a sofa, or in a small apartment, you could even dine on it. The loft standing lamp is attractive in brass, and it has an urban edge that could work in any interior. And you can never have too many cashmere throws, especially monogrammed in a contrasting color.

-Alessandra Branca, Branca Interiors

Every time a client tells me they want new ceiling fans I moan a little inside; not because I disagree but because Oklahoma offers very little in the way of the unique when it comes to this type of home decor. After searching every dealer in the city I realized that when “cool” needs to mean more than just lowering the temp, I would have to search elsewhere. Thanks to the design team at www.HouseBeautiful.com I have a new go-to menu of classic, modern and just plain special ceiling fans. Meet my top four:

1) The “Lapa” by Period Arts Fan Co. 888-588-3267 or www.periodarts.com. $410

2) The “Bianca Directional” by Mathews Fan Co. 866-428-9289 or www.ylighting.com. $517

3) “Savoy” by Hunterfan Co. 888-830-1326, www.hunterfan.com $129

4) The “Acero” with light by Restoration Hardware. 800-816-0969, www.restorationhardware.com. $479