sheer HAPPINESS

I am loving my new sheers that I installed in my bay window last week.  It completely changes the look of that wall, and makes it a real feature.  The ceiling appears higher, and the white sheers bounce the natural light from outside. If you missed my post, click HERE.

                  

Gravity

Sheers panels are just that- sheer.  They add a subtle finishing touch to a design.  Did you even notice the window treatments in this modern room?  Mid-century furniture and a  bold stripe rug steal the show, but the sheers soften the hard lines of the window.

              

              Apartment Therapy

This rustic bedroom is encapsulated in linen sheers.  I don't know the weather report, but it sure feels light and breezy despite the large and heavy wood bed.  The sheers are like a textured wall in this bedroom.

           Pottery Barn

I love this vignette!  These linen sheers have a small geometric pattern with both modern and bohemian appeal.  This layer of pattern is so subtle especially when the light shines through.  They are a perfect touch in this traditional design.

                            Anthropologie

These sheers are so unexpected!  The pom pom tassels on the edges add a touch of whimsy to these otherwise plain sheers.

                            Popsugar

The walls in this design are sky high!  The iron rod for the sheers pulls your eye straight up to the ceiling.  The gold accents in this design steal the show, but the sheers make it feel complete.

    IKEA

I finally found some sheers with a grommet top.  As shown, you can even use sheers as side panels. They don't need to cover the whole window. The touch of chrome feels modern with all of these neutrals.

So, do you have any bare windows that can benefit from some sheers?

mad about POLKA DOTS

Love polka dots?   And I don't just mean on the ones on Minnie Mouse's dress!

   Superb Wallpapers




I just read this fun article about polka dots on Houzz.com by Karen Egly-Thompson, "Pattern Focus: Polka Dots."  Learn how this 18th century old pattern can be playful or sophisticated, and energizing or ethereal.

Enjoy!

a matching SET?

When I went to IKEA a few weeks ago to see their new Sektion kitchens, I couldn't help but peak into the 'As Is' section on my way out.  Real quick- just for a minute... (famous last words...)

Seriously? I just bought the exact same cabinet on Craigslist a few weeks ago!  It is a Besta cabinet with gloss white doors.  But the one I previously purchased had a glass top and metal legs, but those must be add-ons.  This floor model was marked half off, how can I pass this up?

(Stairs are in the upper-left corner of the floor plan)

Instantly I could envision it right next to our existing Besta cabinet.  This would be so great!  I called my husband at home, and ran the idea by him.  He liked it, so he grabbed the measure tape.  He said the cabinet would fit, but there would only be about 18" at the base of the stairs.  No.....seriously? My rush of energy fell to the floor.

Well, what if we use it somewhere else?  It would just be so nice to have a matching set- even for in the future when we move some day.  We definitely need more storage, so what if we use it as a console behind the sofa?  Plus, that would prevent the sofa back being the first thing you see when a person walks in.

Or what if we place it in the dining space and use it as a buffet?  We could store our wedding china inside and free up space in the hallway closet upstairs, which would be help.  Plus, that would be so convenient if we host a nice dinner.

With two options to choose from, we decided it was a good deal to take advantage of.  My husband met me at IKEA with my laptop so I could make these floor plans you see above.  I'm not going to lie, a few people stared my way- so funny...  In the meantime, my husband went to find the coordinating glass panel top, and found the discontinued metal legs in the 'As Is' section, of course!  Two hours later, just before closing, we finally loaded it in the car and took it home.

(FYI- I'm still sourcing for the coffee table and floor lamp)

Once we got it home and shifted the sofa and dining set, it fits right in.  Not only does it provide extra storage and disguise the back of the sofa when you enter inside, but I can accessorize- Yay!  The glossy surfaces bounce more light around the room which is great.  

You may think it's weird, or against a design rule to have the same cabinet serving two different areas with two different functions, but it totally works in this case.  I can 'missmatch' the placement because it is a simple and clean design.  It is not a statement piece, it just supports the design aesthetic. It functions as a media console in the front of the room, and functions as a sofa console in our entry.  Especially in a small space, repetition will make your space feel larger and more cohesive.

I like the flexibility to use this cabinet for different purposes.  Maybe they will be side by side in our next place, or maybe they will flank a book case- only time will tell.

PS....in the end, our floor model with the accessories was about the same price we negotiated it for on Craiglist, so 'missmatch' your sources too!

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SOURCES

Photography: my HUSBAND

Floor Plans: by ME

remember the RUG

There are so many things to consider when designing a room.  For example, let's talk about a family room.  Let's see....we'll need a sofa, a love seat or maybe two chairs, a coffee table, end tables, a media console, a lamp, and.....just so many things.

There are four walls to a room, so you have probably considered your wall color.  Are you going to keep it, or are you ambitious enough to tape off your precious moldings to paint?

But wait, there's still another major consideration that's so easy to STEP right over.  That's right- the floor!  Do you like the finish and color?  Is it darker than you wish it was?  Does it feel like your furniture is floating in your great room?  Are the floors cold on your feet in the winter?  Would you rather have something soft for the kids to sit on to play games at the coffee table? And the most important question....Are you gonna go bold or go home?!

Area rugs are so important, but are easily glanced over.  Their function is sometimes taken for granted, and we should seize the moments when we can really make a statement with an area rug.  It can greatly influence the style of your room.




If your room feels a bit flat, add some soft texture with a shag rug:

If your room has lots of colorful artwork, complement it with a neutral rug:

If your room feels too traditional, freshen it up with a modern striped rug:

If your room feels quiet or bland, wake it up with an eye-catching colorful rug:

To see more inspiration images like these, checkout my Pinterest boards "my style, RIGHT NOW" and "mix it UP".

These are some great examples of how to 'missmatch' your style with an area rug.  I can't wait till I find the perfect rug for my home.  I have a neutral sofa on the way (it should be here by mid-February  *think good thoughts*), so I'm definitely going to mix it up with bright colors.

What does your area rug do for your space, or is it time for a new one?




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SOURCES

Shag rug: Pink Rug Co, Etsy
Neutral rug: Bloglovin'
Modern rug: Hege in France
Colorful rug: SF Girl by Bay

my birthday ROOM

It feels so good to design for my blog again~

I know it's been a while since my last collection, but life got a bit busy between moving across the country and the holidays....But enough with excuses, let's get to it!

I hope you had a chance to see my last post about my colorstrology Pantone color for my birthday Toasted Nut 13-1627. (If not you should click HERE to get caught up). This room collection is inspired by the eye shadow kit by stila at Sephora.

I was inspired by the presentation layout that David Bromstad uses on his HGTV show Color Splash: Miami.  Above you see the room in it's almost bare state.  I've started with coffee bean stained wood floors and a light mocha wall color.

Toasted Nut is the inspiration for my parlor, so I started with this handsome leather sofa in a warm reddish brown.  And doesn't it look nice and comfy to sink into?  Then I wanted to bring in a piece with a round shape, and found this contemporary swivel chair in a medium grey to bring in another neutral, and let the sofa be the focal point.  The final piece of furniture is this raw edge coffee table.  It adds an industrial feel with it's steel U-shape legs.  

Let's layer in some softness with pillows and a rug.  I added two great textural pillows to the sofa to repeat the color of the swivel chair.  I selected a light colored two-tone rug, and repeated that cream color in the beautiful felt pillow on the chair.  I'm in love with this pillow....Make sure you notice all of the pillows are neutral, but are all a different texture: felt flowers, lamb's hair, to a chunky bubble knit.  These textures add visual interest in place of graphic patterns.

Lastly I added the accent pieces that really bring personality to this design.  I started with the artwork, and originally had a modern painting in mind.  But, as you see, I went a completely different direction when I found these beautifully carved plaques.  The rococo motifs bring a classical aesthetic to this design.  I wanted to bring in some reflective surfaces to this cozy design, and found this amazing palladian mirror.  In fact, it's so large that it reminds me of a window bouncing light around the room.  Of course we need some ambient light, and this pair of glamour, deco-inspired floor lamps balance this asymmetrical design, and are the perfect metallic touch- every room needs a touch of bling!

I love how this parlor came together, and it was a total surprise.  I really wasn't sure which way this Toasted Nut palette was going to take me in, but the principles of design led me through the process. The leather sofa is the feature, and the rest of this eclectic design is all about texture, and repetition of color.  A leather sofa paired with a cotton chair, a semi- shag rug in two-tones, a variety of textured pillows, metallic floor lamps to steel legs on the coffee table.  This play of textures and neutral colors make for a very sophisticated room that still feels livable.

Would you take a moment to welcome your guests in this 'missmatch' Toasted Nut Parlor?  

(PS....I also think this design would be perfect in a hair salon waiting room with it's feminine touch)

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SOURCES

Leather sofa: West Elm
Swivel chair: West Elm
Coffee Table: Ethan Allen
Rug: Pottery Barn
Flower pillow: Target
Lamb pillow: West Elm
Bubble pillow: West Elm
Wall Art: Restoration Hardware
Mirror: Restoration Hardware
Floor lamp: Ethan Allen

light in 1,2,3

It's all about lighting, because we'd be lost without it~

Lighting adds drama, function, sparkle, a mood, and even color.  There are three layers of light: ambient, task, and accent.


1- Ambient light casts an overall glow in a room.  A floor lamp, ceiling pendant or table lamp are good examples.  When you come home in the evening and walk in the door, you automatically flip on the foyer light hanging above so you can see the room when you walk in.  The floor lamp in your living room, or a pair of table lamps don't serve a specific purpose, but provide light to the entire space.  Ambient lights glow in the room, and usually have a light colored shade to cast a soft light.

     Foyer ceiling lantern, ambient light: Heather Bullard

    Floor lamp, ambient light: Better Homes and Gardens

Table lamps, ambient light: Popsugar

2- Task lighting is lighting for the purpose of a task (just as it is labeled).  A desk lamp or under-cabinet lighting are perfect examples.  A desk lamp directs light down at your desk to write a letter, etc.  Under-cabinet lights on your kitchen cabinets are there to focus light at your countertops when you are preparing food.  When chopping carrots with a sharp knife, you should have optimal lighting for safety.  A series of small pendant lights over your kitchen island is fashionable, but it's main purpose is to light the task you are doing at the island.

      Desk lamp, task lighting: The Design Files

            Kitchen island pendant, task lighting: Apartment Therapy

3- Accent lighting adds the drama!  Wall washers and cove lighting direct light to highlight architectural details such as arched arched hallways, recessed ceilings, and brick exteriors.  Xenon strips tucked in a soffit highlights a recessed ceiling, and upward wall sconces highlight an arched hallway.  Light bounces off these surfaces and makes that element even more beautiful.  Exterior lighting also falls into this category.  For an instant example, think of Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland.  It is washed in lavender uplighting which showcases all of the turrets and architecture of the castle.

   Cove lighting in soffit, accent lighting: Culthomes.com

     Recessed lighting, accent lighting: Arch Daily

                     Color wash of uplighting, accent lighting: Disney Tourist Blog.com

In theory, each room should have a light source from each of the 3 layers of lighting.  Don't fret about it, because it's easy as 1, 2, 3!  Let's take the bedroom for example.  1- A ceiling lamp such as a surface mounted fixture or even recessed lighting is your ambient layer.  2- Bedside table lamps  to read in bed are your task layer.  3- Lastly, a picture light over a piece of artwork is your accent layer.

Remember to 'missmatch' the style of your lighting for an extra LAYER of design! (Check out my previous post "mix-up your LIGHTS"for ideas)

mix-up your LIGHTS

Now that we have focused on light fixtures from mid-century design to the opposite of the spectrum with shabby chic styles, let's see some inspiration rooms for how to mix and match light fixtures into your eclectic designs:

This bedding from Urban Outfitters is definitely the focal point in this bedroom.  The beautiful star quilting is both modern and folksy at the same time.  But then my eye rises up and I see this very simple cage pendant light.  This industrial fixture would really showcase an Edison bulb with an exposed filament.

Check out these beautiful brass pendants!  I love how they add some space-age sparkle to this white office with a beautiful french rococo desk chair.  Who would've thought?!

This celestial pedant is boho chic hanging over this rustic table and mid-century Eames chairs.  It pulls this whole design together, and I love the detail of how it repeats the crisscross leg supports on the chairs.

I feel like I'm on a European holiday in this white and wood design.  The shabby chic crystal chandelier somehow has a subtle quality paired with Scandinavian chairs, a natural farmhouse table, and a sleek mid-century tufted bench.

Let's end this study with a room you won't forget!  It's a bit out there in my opinion, but it still works as a modern and eclectic room.  This time the black swing-arm sconce is a supporting player to the design.  It's subtle industrial design is a functional element more than a design element, but notice how it's light is doubled in the mirror- very smart!  The unexpected color scheme, a very traditional peach pedestal table, modern sectional, and spotted hide down below are so bold, there wasn't room to feature a light fixture.  Oh yes, and don't forget the tiger on the wall!

Any bright ideas?  The beauty of an eclectic design is that the juxtaposition of styles allows for one to be featured.  A modern light fixture stands out in a traditional design, and a shabby chic fixture stands out in a rustic design.  

The polished metal pendants in contrast to the rococo chair in the office design makes me melt (haha!)  That design is so beautiful.....So which room has your favorite 'missmatch' light fixture?

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SOURCES

Bedroom: Urban Outfitters

Office: Refinery29

Dining room: Domain

Eat-in kitchen: Design Love Fest

Breakfast nook: Fjeldborg

autumn entryway SPRUCE-UP

Let's get cozy tonight...but not where you think!

To my surprise the complementary color palette with orange was the favorite choice for my new ideas for autumn colors.  I mentioned that you can spruce up a space in your home for the season, so here are some ideas for your entryway.





Before:

Above you'll see the essential and functional pieces for an entryway, or mudroom if you're fortunate to have one: a coatrack, storage bench, hamper/side table, and of course a mirror to take a final glance into as you rush out the door.  (FYI, the storage bench is a great spot to store your seasonal pillows.)  A bit bland against this beige wall, don't you think?  However, it is a great neutral base to add some color!

After the spruce-up:

The complementary color of orange is blue if you recall.  I started with a grid-tufted, solid orange pillow from Crate & Barrel, for some subtle texture.  An easy way to pull a design together is by having one piece that incorporates all of your colors.  Can you spot it above?  That's right- The graphic leaf pillow was too perfect to pass by.  Not only does it have leaves for the season, but it has orange, navy, and grey-blue in it for some extra depth.  (Also available at Crate & Barrel).  Next I wanted to ground the space and bring color onto another plane.  This  runner repeats the grey-blue in the pillow to  reinforce our color palette.   The diamond pattern is modern with a traditional feel.  It may even enhance the user's utility of the space since it will feel more like a destination, not a bench to pass by on your way to the door.   I chose the blueprint in navy to repeat another color from the inspiration pillow.  Lastly, a classic frame with a family photo adds a personal touch to this entryway.

Entryway Spruce-up
TOTAL= $428.00

Do you see how these decorative accents completely transform this area?  The contrast of orange and blue bring some warmth, and welcome you to take a moment to sit and tie your shoes.    Repetition of our complementary colors and geometric shapes tie our design together.

With your new 'missmatch' autumn decor, you're sure to get some "Oohs" and "Ahhs" for something other than your sweet potatoes this Thanksgiving!




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SOURCES

Coatrack: Target
Storage bench: Crate & Barrel
Hamper: West Elm
Mirror: West Elm
Orange pillow: Crate & Barrel
Pattern pillow: Crate & Barrel
Runner: Pottery Barn
Blue print: West Elm
Gallery frame: Pier 1

angle this and THAT

Is it okay to have a crush on a bedroom?!

This bedroom vignette is stopping me in my tracks tonight...

Do you see the shared element in this design?  Let's see if you can figure it out.  The focal point of this bedroom is not the headboard, it's the beautiful and colorful block quilt.  It's Americana, but with a modern twist in this color scheme and bold blocks of color- love!  Next my eye jumps up to the golden pendant light, linking to the gold triangles in the quilt.  You will see the modern/industrial pendant also repeats the triangle motif. There are cute accessories on the night table, but look at those legs!  Remind you of a triangle shape?  Triangle geometric shapes are definitely the shared element in this eclectic bedroom design.  Even though the supporting players are neutral, it's a mix of warm and cool neutrals to mix it up a bit.  A touch of black adds some definition- and walah!  

This is a great example how to use repetition to unite different styles into a cohesive look.


To see more rooms that speak to me, visit my Pinterest Board - my style, RIGHT NOW


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SOURCES

Bedroom - DDG daily

the concept and INSPIRATION

It's a traditional idea to repeat the same fabric three times in a space.  This repetition creates a very cohesive look.  A fresh way to use this concept is to use the same pattern, and repeat it in a different scale.  

These are my Jacquard Leaf shams by West Elm.  I'm using this "plus sign" pattern for the inspiration for my DIY Washi tape feature wall.

I was shopping at Target for some other items, and decided to check out their arts and crafts aisle for Washi tape.  I found this gold tape by Scotch, 0.59"W x 393.7"L. (Here is the link to the silver color, I can't find the gold online).

Here is my trial run on the closet wall.  However, I think I'll space it out 12" x 12" or so for the actual installation.  I want it to be a subtle detail, and not compete with all of the other patterns in our bedroom.

Here's a link to The Bedroom Reveal if you need a refresher, or have yet to see my bedroom.


Also, if you missed last week's post...when you don't have A HEADBOARD





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SOURCES

Photography: by Me
Shams: West Elm
Tape: Target

Day 8 of 10

I found this photo on Pinterest last week.  Someone pinned it onto their own board today, so I thought I'd share it with you.  Shabby Chic anyone?

This living room is totally eclectic, and totally perfect.  This shabby chic style starts with the weathered white siding and the crystal chandelier.  Need I say more?  Well, I will anyway!  The white sofa is contemporary, but the throw pillows with pastel make it more feminine and casual.  The country style end tables mixed with the industrial side chair 'missmatch' so well.   The warm wood tones on the pastel side chair repeat in the golden pillow on the sofa.  The rustic storage unit on the wall relates to the stump and the wood floors.  Lastly, the surprise of the black and white stripe rug takes it to another level.  It's very graphic compared to the other pieces in the room, yet it repeated the horizontal stripes of the siding on the walls.

This eclectic shabby chic style would be a lovely apartment to live in, or a great coffee house or tea shop to meet with friends in the afternoon, don't you think?

To see this pin, and other shabby chic, cottage styles visit my Pinterest board - charming COTTAGE

* Remember, together we had the goal to reach 10 "likes" in 10 days.   Let's see how many more can we reach by Labor Day.  Here's the link to the FB page



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SOURCES

Photo:  Marsipan og smilefjes

Day 7 of 10

Happy Friday!

Lets take a moment to talk about a room we spend so much time in, but maybe don't appreciate as much- the bathroom.

I've seen several photos of this bathroom circulating around Pinterest.  I even had two different perspectives of it on my board!  I love every last detail, but tonight I want to talk about pattern.  

This small bathroom is able to carry so much pattern because each pattern is a different size.  The floor tile is a large scale pattern, and very bold.  This is obviously the focal point of this design.  Classic white subway tiles on the wall are the perfect compliment to the floor.  I'm not usually a fan of dark grout with white tile, but it works seamlessly here.  The subtle pattern reads more like a texture rather than a bold graphic, such as the floor tile.  This is the medium scale pattern.  There is also a solid black tub, and solid a solid white sink- places for the eyes to rest a moment.  And then there is a small scale pattern on the striped turkish towel.  Don't you like the fringe detail?

So, even in the smallest of bathrooms, the balance and scale of patterns can truly transform your space.  

To see this pin, and other vignettes that transport me for moment, visit my Pinterest board - a SNAPSHOT

* Remember, together we had the goal to reach 10 "likes" in 10 days.   Let's see how many more can we reach by day 10.  Here's the link to the FB page


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SOURCES

Photo: Curbly

Day 5 of 10

Let's simplify tonight.  Let's get down to the basics.  Black and white.

I just came across this today when I was on Pinterest during my lunch.  It is so peaceful...And even though this vignette is black and white, it feels warm.  The ash tone wood floors have just enough "umph" to keep this room from being stark.  The wall paneling is a traditional element, but the geometric pattern is modern.  The slip-covered sofa looks so soft, and that throw pillow could not be more plump.  The strong lines of the black side table, and the industrial floor lamp greatly contrast the curves of the sofa.  This would be a style for a weekend getaway from the city.  This would be somewhere to take a breath, and reconnect with yourself.

Simplifying your color palette down to the most basic, black and white, can turn traditional and industrial styles in to a modern space.

For more black and white images, visit my opposites ATTRACT board on Pinterest.

* Remember, together we're trying to reach 10 "likes" in 10 days.  Here's the link to the FB page

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SOURCES

Photo: Tumblr

Day 4 of 10

It might come as a surprise to most people, but I'm not a huge fan of Mid-century style furniture...(GASP!...)  It's alright, just close your dropped jaw, and let me explain.  I agree that this style can has some beautiful lines, but so many time I think people go overboard, and then it just feels like a room from the 1950s.  I really love the mix of Mid-century design with other styles, because then it really POPS!

I really do love the mix in this conversation area.  The first thing I see is this beautiful reclaimed-wood wall.  That is gorgeous!  I love all the different wood tones, and the perfect imperfections that it brings.  The color accents add a bit more personality, and make me think of an old barn, or maybe it came from the siding of an old shop- it sparks my curiosity.  A pair of white Eames molded plastic chairs frame the light-filled window.  The coffee table fits right in with these chairs- it's light and airy.    The marled fabric upholstered on the sofa contrasts with the sleek white furniture.  And I always think a grey sofa fits well into almost any space (just like my own).  Lastly, we get just a touch of an industrial feel with the exposed ceiling and electrical, as well as the clear hanging pendant.

I hope you'll forgive me for my earlier statement, but appreciate the context in which I do truly appreciate the Mid-century modern style.


* Remember, together we're trying to reach 10 "likes" in 10 days.  Here's the link to the FB page


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SOURCES

Photo - Apartment Therapy , by Julia Robbs

Day 2 of 10

Hello again- surprised to see me so soon?

I realized that I need to do my part in the 10 in 10 Challenge  - so I'm going to post something for you each day till September 1st- our deadline!

Well, after getting re-routed to four different customer service agents with the phone company, I had to break free and do something fun.  And what is more fun than Pinterest?!

This is such a great space that shows how to mix it UP.  Firstly, I love this peaches n cream wall (plus it gives your complexion a healthy glow).  The walls are so crisp and clean, and the natural fiber chair  is the perfect contrast.  Next my eye roams over to the pile of pillows.  A mint and pink color blocked design,  a blue and white geometric, a peach cream floral, a solid bright yellow, and one more geometric print hiding at the bottom.  These work together in a quirky way because they have a balance of scale, from solid to medium print, to a small floral print.  Oh, and that gorgeous rug!  This rug not only anchors the furniture on the white floor, but it incorporates all the colors, so it all makes sense!

This diamond rug would work great in a bedroom as shown, or living room, or playroom.  Where would you put it?

* Remember, together we're trying to reach 10 "likes" in 10 days.  Here's the link to the FB page




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SOURECES

Photo - Oh Joy!

mustard for EVERYONE

Color is a great trick to unify items that are different shapes or styles.  Here is a grouping of a pillows, that I found from Crate & Barrel that would look great in any living room, despite their differences.

This mustard yellow pairs well with a taupe-grey, so imagine these pillows on a sofa of that color, and an accent chair in cream.  Let's start with the basics and talk about the solid color square pillow.  It may not have a print, but it does have visual texture with the grid-tufting.  Moving counter-clockwise, the circle and arc graphic design on the rectangle pillow is so modern and playful. This pillow has subtle pops of mustard.  Next I chose another square pillow, with a different design.  This pillow is modern with its color blocking, but a bit folksy because of the fringe/patchwork detail. I would recommend this pillow on the cream chair.  Lastly, I have crewel stitching on a mustard background.  This is the last design to round out this collection- it's a floral, organic design.  This is a nice way to bring in a feminine touch without being too "girly". We now have balance between geometric and organic, and solid and color blocking.  We also have balance with two square and two rectangle pillows.  But the most important unifying factor between these four styles is mustard yellow.  It harmonizes all four different styles.

No need for ketchup, because the 'missmatch' pillows of my Mustard for Everyone Collection has enough variety, but is still cohesive enough to enhance any living room.

PS- These would look great on my own sofa!

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SOURCES

Mustard for Everyone Collection:

(First line, left to right)

- Geometric pillow - Crate & Barrel

- Color-blocked pillow - Crate & Barrel

(Second line, left to right)

- Tufted pillow - Crate & Barrel

- Crewel pillow - Crate & Barrel