submitted by: Jennifer
04/20/11
Everyone has an opinion when it comes to mixing patterns and colors. Think you don’t? My favorite is when I ask a client how they feel about graphic black and white wallpaper and they say something like “I really don’t care, whatever you think looks good.” And then I show them what I have in mind and watch them start shaking their head and backing away. Playing with patterns isn’t for the faint of heart but the payoff can be huge IF you commit. Below are a few of my go-to tricks for getting it right.
1) Keep your big pieces neutral. Sofas and other large upholstered pieces need to play it safe. Stick with a solid color or a tone-on-tone fabric. You will absolutely regret spending a large sum of money on a trendy fabric only to fall out of love with it in six months when animal prints are out-again.
2) Use a large, bold print in a classic color on your window coverings or bedding. For the draperies, think oversized flowers, houndstooth or any of the other big hits right now but in a color you won’t tire of quickly, like navy, black or yellow. The same color rule applies for bedding but make sure the pattern isn’t too busy. I recommend a more sublte duvet with bold mix and match pillows.
3) Now its time for floors; try broad stripes or harlequin diamonds either painted on the wood or concrete floor OR in an area rug if you’re not entirely committed to altering your floors. This is the place to tie in colors from your window coverings and the wall OR your accent color (which will be used in your accessories, discussed in step 4).
4) Be a little crazy with accessories! Let me clarify: I do not mean in quantity! Every room should be carefully edited for the ultimate designer look. I mean that in your final touches- the throws, the pillows, the vases- this is the place to try out the season’s latest and greatest. The loud color, the outrageous pattern, anything you love right now but wouldn’t want to use in a larger capacity.
Tags: animal print, bedding, bold, color, drapes, floors, houndstooth, owl, paint, pattern, pillow, print, rug, stripe, subtle
Posted in DIY, Design Trends | No Comments »
submitted by: Jennifer
12/18/10
Previously on this blog I listed items 10-5 of my favorites for the home this winter. Let’s continue shall we?
4. Photo frames. Nothing makes a house feel like a home quicker than memories in pretty frames. Go by the rule of odds and hang them in groups of 5 to 7 or set them on tables 1 to 3 at a time. Pottery Barn’s collection is my top pick for silver (see the Miranda Spinning Frame, above, or their Abigail Frames in stores and online). Mix it up! Plain silver framed mixed with chunky painted frames only looks more collected over time.
3. Lanterns. Available everywhere you turn this winter from estate sales to outlet stores to your favorite home decor catalog. Fill the bottom with a bit of faux greenery and pinecones, mini glass ornaments or faux snow. Add a nice, tall pillar candle and you’ve created an instant touch of winter. May be used on nightstands, the front porch, the walkway or as a centerpiece on the buffet! Arches Lanterns by Pottery Barn, seen above. $19-$69
2. For a lot of us, bitter cold weather means spending a bit more time in bed; sleeping in, reading, catching up on “Grey’s Anatomy” episodes– the finer things in life! So why not splurge on the right pillow for you? Since everyone sleeps differently, the same pillow may not work for everyone in the family. Now is as good a time as any to create the bed of your dreams and help your neck out at the same time. I prefer Private Quarters’ luxury bedding and their pillows are worth every penny! Check out www.myprivatequarters.com to find a dealer near you. Skimp on the decor in the bedrooms if you have to but a comfortable bed can change your life!
and the #1 item for the home this winter is….
A shower head that “wow”s every time. So you may not need a cashmere throw or a plush velvet sofa to help you unwind after a long day. But everyone showers. And this is one product everyone can apprecite. Lavaca’s collection of Rain Shower Heads will cause just one problem- those holiday house guests may not be leaving on Monday after all. Check out http://www.interiorarcade.com/furniture/bathroom-furniture/lavacas-rain-shower-heads/ or talk to your bathroom remodeler for more info.
Tags: bathroom, candles, frames, lanterns, photos, pictures, pillow, Pottery Barn, Private Quarters bedding, shower, shower heads, unusual bthroom fixtures
Posted in Design Trends, Fave websites/blogs, Outdoor design, Remodeling/Renovation, home improvement, new products | No Comments »
Previously on this blog I listed items 10-5 of my favorites for the home this winter. Let’s continue shall we?
4. Photo frames. Nothing makes a house feel like a home quicker than memories in pretty frames. Go by the rule of odds and hang them in groups of 5 to 7 or set them on tables 1 to 3 at a time. Pottery Barn’s collection is my top pick for silver (see the Miranda Spinning Frame, above, or their Abigail Frames in stores and online). Mix it up! Plain silver framed mixed with chunky painted frames only looks more collected over time.
3. Lanterns. Available everywhere you turn this winter from estate sales to outlet stores to your favorite home decor catalog. Fill the bottom with a bit of faux greenery and pinecones, mini glass ornaments or faux snow. Add a nice, tall pillar candle and you’ve created an instant touch of winter. May be used on nightstands, the front porch, the walkway or as a centerpiece on the buffet! Arches Lanterns by Pottery Barn, seen above. $19-$69
2. For a lot of us, bitter cold weather means spending a bit more time in bed; sleeping in, reading, catching up on “Grey’s Anatomy” episodes– the finer things in life! So why not splurge on the right pillow for you? Since everyone sleeps differently, the same pillow may not work for everyone in the family. Now is as good a time as any to create the bed of your dreams and help your neck out at the same time. I prefer Private Quarters’ luxury bedding and their pillows are worth every penny! Check out www.myprivatequarters.com to find a dealer near you. Skimp on the decor in the bedrooms if you have to but a comfortable bed can change your life!
and the #1 item for the home this winter is….
A shower head that “wow”s every time. So you may not need a cashmere throw or a plush velvet sofa to help you unwind after a long day. But everyone showers. And this is one product everyone can apprecite. Lavaca’s collection of Rain Shower Heads will cause just one problem- those holiday house guests may not be leaving on Monday after all. Check out http://www.interiorarcade.com/furniture/bathroom-furniture/lavacas-rain-shower-heads/ or talk to your bathroom remodeler for more info.
