It's all in a name...

Sometimes the name of a paint color or fabric just stops my in my thoughts and entices me to envision an entire room designed around that vision. Let me show you a few examples of what struck me today...

The image of this chair was pretty on it's own, but when I investigated a bit further, I discovered that the color of the fabric on the chair is called "Moonbeam". What a vision that conjures up... a beautifully elegant bedroom with these exquisite antique-velvet textured chairs... I would try them juxtapositioned with a sleek modern bed, and a chipped paint vintage side table, all set against some boldly colored walls.

(photo courtesy of Calico Corners Fabrics)

This next visual is complete when you learn the fabric collection is called "Lemongrass"... doesn't that just conjure up thoughts of a tropical grassy plant with an aromatic scent? A tranquil room that has a quiet kick to it. This room is an example of that- a bit traditional with a few modern lines and some whimsy to keep it from becoming too expected or boring.

(Photo courtesy of Calico Corners Fabrics)

Sometimes it's a paint color that just begs to be used... a Benjamin Moore hue... Gossamer Blue... is a subtle blue that is fresh, yet quietly elegant at the same time. I can just see it lacquered on the walls and ceiling of a powder room. Add a crystal chandelier, a clean-lined black framed mirror, some antique mercury candlesticks, and this pretty side chair with metallic accented fabric named... Jangle. Oohlala!

(Photo courtesy of Calico Corners Fabrics)

So, next time you are out looking for some inspiration, I suggest you browse some of the fabric or paint collections to lead you in an inspiring direction!

Visualizing your perfect room....

Start with a few simple questions of yourself... write these ideas down to use as a direction.

Describe your perfect room in 3-4 adjectives. Examples: retreat, luxurious, casual, inviting, energizing, organized.

Describe the color palette direction with 2 adjectives. Examples: warm, cool, colorful, subtle, bold, quiet.

Describe 1-3 styles that catch your heart. Examples: European country, modern, traditional, eclectic, retro.

Now, start saving or pulling some magazine or inspiration photos to define even further the look you would like to achieve. Assemble this style file. Refer to it often as you form the Design Plan for your space. Use those initial thoughts to keep you focused when you are planning the space, choosing the color palette and fabrics, shopping for needed the furniture and accessories, and getting the details just right.

Remember... correct and through planning and vision up front makes for a perfect design ending!

Tips on working with fabrics in a room....

I assisted a client today in choosing fabric for her new furniture, window coverings, and some accessories. When faced with the seemingly endless choices in fabric where does one start?

Some Tips on Working with Fabrics...

1. It is very important to view all fabrics in the space that they are going to be used in. Just like paint, fabrics can change color with the various lighting in your home. Always make sure to take home a sample from the store before ordering, as the florescent lighting in most stores is very deceiving.

2. Start with one main patterned fabric, one solid or near solid, and one supporting pattern- a stripe or other smaller design. Depending on how many fabrics you need, add to that collection and use the remaining supporting fabrics to give a more collected look, adding in some fabrics that aren't matchy-matchy to prevent that "decorated from the showroom" look. There is nothing worse than having every element match perfectly- it is boring, doesn't showcase your personal decorating style, and doesn't allow for change in the future.

3. Decide what fabrics are going on what elements. (Furniture, windows, accessories, etc.) Play the balance game with color, pattern and style. Make sure you consider what the fabrics are going to be next to- such as the stone on the fireplace, the painted bookcases, the wood cabinets, etc.

4. It is important to note the type of fabric that is going to be used for each application as well. For example: Don't use a lightweight fabric on a heavily used chair, or consider the fabric weight and pattern design when making pleated panels.

5. If budget is a concern or updating the room isn't likely in the future, choose fabrics for the main pieces that are durable enough to withstand the long-term use and choose simplier patterns or a more neutral fabric for those pieces that are less likely to change often. Save your more expensive fabrics for the accent pieces such as pillows, therefore allowing change to happen more easily.

6. Consider what rooms or spaces adjoin this space so that you may compliment rather than fight the transition. Also take into consideration the view out the windows. If you have a fantastic view, you will want your color palette and fabric selections to compliment that as well.

7. Lastly, have fun! Don't worry about following too many rules. There are tips and guidelines to achieving a harmonious decor, but also allow for creative expression and add some whimsy to avoid that overly decorated room that doesn't allow for what you really love to shine through!

The beauty and joy fresh flowers brings to a home...

Don't you just love an arrangement of fresh flowers? The fragrance may be subtle, but it's the fresh scent that always gets me. When enjoying fresh arrangements, I try to place the largest one in an area that I first see when I come into my home, to bring me instant joy, such as my entry or dining table or kitchen counter. Then I place a few smaller ones in areas of surprise that will bring me joy as I do a daily task, such as near the kitchen or bathroom sinks.

There are so many ways to "do" flowers... mixed flowers in all one color, a variety bouquet, one flower en mass, or just some simple greens and leaves without flowers. Think out of the box when bringing home a bouquet that you have to "arrange". Don't always think "long stems, tall vase". Choosing your vessel carefully will give your arrangement a style all it's own and create just the perfect statement for your home, your party, or your mood. Think pottery, an antique serving dish, a tea cup, a basket (with plastic liner), a beautiful paper box (with liner), a rain boot, a jewelry container... anything you can get water to stay in! Create some short lush arrangements with a single flower for variety- think thick peonies in a short silver serving dish... oh how pretty!

Whatever way you choose your arrangement, make it often... the benefits of fresh florals or greens in your home are endorphin boosting and just bring a smile to our faces... something we can all use more of!

Take a look around your home. What story does your home tell? What feeling do you get when you walk from room to room? Do you feel happy, rejuvenated, or peaceful when you walk through your door? These things are so very important. We need our home to be our refuge, our place away from the world where we can just be us. We need our home to support us when the day has been hard, to comfort us when we are lonely, and to cheer us on when we are joyful.

Is your home fulfilling it's duties? What is the one thing that you struggle with the most in your home? What are some changes you can make today to start creating a home that brings you joy and makes you feel at home in your space? Spend some time thinking this over. It's not an easy answer. There are most often many factors involved. Before I offer some tips on telling your own home story, let me know what challenges you most and I will respond to your requests along with offering some additional tips... good luck!

Freshen-Up with Paint!

Yes, it's true, and you've heard it before, paint really is the best "bang for your buck" way to freshen-up your home. New paint color can uplift your spirit, change your style, make old furnishings look newer, and is an investment in your home.
Color can be a very personal choice, coming from a favorite memory, or it can be the joining element in your decor. Color can be bold and energetic or relaxing and subdued. What does color say in your home? Are you in need of a color "face-lift"?

Some great color suggestions that could freshen up your decor and home color palette are:
A warm majestic teal: Benjamin Moore's #677 Azure Water
A soft buttery yellow: Devine Color's Butter
A cool gray-blue: Devine Color's Almond
A warm soothing brown: Benjamin Moore's # HC-73 Plymouth Brown
A vibrant yet earth red: Devine Color's Paprika
A go with anything green: Benjamin Moore's # 528 Folk Art

Remember every color has specific undertones which will show up differently in various types of light. A hue will look dramatically different in morning light vs. evening shade and on sunny days vs. cloudy days. Each color has to be chosen in the specific room that it will be in, as the amount of natural light or lack of will affect its undertones enough to make it either work or not work. It should also be chosen with the other hues in the room in mind as well. Colors play off of each other and bring out undertones depending on their position on the color wheel.

I have had so many clients call with color dilemmas. One client had even re-painted her room 4 times and was in desperate need of color assistance! Knowing how to read color is both an art and a science. Play it safe, choose your new color with careful planning and care so that the color of your walls become the statement you where hoping they would be.

Simple ways to freshen your home...

I love this time of year decor wise... after all of the holiday decorations have come down and with the dark of winter still upon us, we have the opportunity to lighten-up! I love how the simple freshness of spring coming is such a contrast to the busy clutter of the holiday decor.

Maybe it comes from the endless winter still on the calendar, but I crave bringing in nature and green into my home this time of year. I seek out ways to "open up" the windows and simulate fresh air and springtime.

Some favorites I rely on are: branches, greens, mosses, and fresh or silk flowers. I personally decorate with a lot of white and green natural elements in my home, but color is always refreshing too. Nothing says spring more than a burst of tulips or a forced daffodil. I love the bulb gardens that have a variety of blooming bulbs. The smell of fresh flowers also does something to our spirits.

I use the table in my entry way to "set the stage" for the rest of the home. As soon as someone comes through the front door, the mood is set. Like most families, I spend a lot of time in my kitchen, so I like to have greens or flowers in there as well. A inexpensive way to bring spring to your windowsill or dining table is to plant some wheat grass. Seeds are available at health food and pet stores, along with many decor stores this time of year. Once the seeds sprout, you will have bright green grass in less than 2 weeks- a fun project for children as well.

Some products to get you thinking...

The Fringe Dot Vase from Patina Stores... http://www.patinastores.com/Products/Fringe_Dot_Vase_069017.cfm

Just add some forced branches and instant spring!

Another idea is to use clear vases to show off the greenery, moss, or

natural elements.

Check out Potter Barns large selection of items. http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p6954/index.cfm?pkey=cvases%2Dbowls

These are just a few starters to get you lightening up your decor in anticipation of the spring season to come. Some additional ideas next time...