Inspiration

This week as I pondered what to write, I realized quickly that I had a bit of writer's block... uh oh! Then it hit me... I just needed a little inspiration. 

 Like everyone else, inspiration plays a large role in what we do. We pour over magazines when they come into the office, soaking in every image, every new light fixture and room arrangement. While we like to think that most of our ideas are original, we cannot deny that inspiration is very important to us. I love to find something new and try to incorporate it in someones' home. The feeling of showing a client a brand new way of doing something is exhilarating! "Check this out! It's the latest trend! Here's how we can make it work for you..." I love to see what other designers are doing and how they are taking old ideas, changing them and making them new! Even an old way of doing things , when represented in a pleasing way, can seem new! 

 Enough chit chat! Here are some photos that inspired me this week!

Elle Decor, filmmaker Michael Bay's bathroom

I love the shower and tub enclosed together!

House Beautiful, Family Room

I love the striking blue!

Pottery Barn, American Classic Bedroom

This one inspired me to do round mirrors over my bed instead of art! What a fun idea!

Hooker Furniture, Six Drawer Mirrored Front Chest

This is just a fun piece! I even like the rug and the chaise... I'd take the dog, too! :)

House Beautiful, Family Room

The neutral tones and the calm blues make a peaceful room. And look, there's my 3 mirrors again!

Hooker Furniture, L'Inspiration Script Chest

Well, it's right there in the name! Inspiration!

House Beautiful, Designer Bedroom

What's not to love?! Settee in the window, mirrored cabinets, clean and fresh colors... looks like a dream!

House Beautiful, Classic Library Design

Let's face it, if you're going to have a library THIS is THE library to have!! LOADS of books, tufted sofa and good lighting! I'm ready to curl up with a good book just looking at it!

Pottery Barn, Farmhouse Outdoor Space

Last, but not least, something that reminds me of home. Family gathered together around a big table with God as the decorator...perfection! 

 Be inspired this week!

 

Design Challenge!

You may know what looks good together, but do you really know your stuff? Inspired by HGTV's Design IQ Quiz, I'm challenging you to find out what YOU know! All of these questions can be answered if you have been reading this blog! The answer is below the question...NO CHEATING! :) Good luck!

Question 1:

Which of the following pictures is a good representation of "Industrial"?




and the answer is....


The Cala Adjustable Barstool, Pottery Barn

Question2:

Which color palette would be considered calm and spa like?





and the answer is....

"Schooled Tones" ... Palettes from Design Seeds

Question 3:

Which of the following best shows the style "Romantic?"





and the answer is...

The Matine Toile Duvet from Pottery Barn

Question 4:

Which window treatment works best for someone who wants to keep the trimmed out look of their window?




and the answer is...

Shutters!

Question 4:

Which is a current trend?





and the answer is...

Typography, as seen in the Stretched Typography Canvas collection, Pottery Barn

Well, I hope you all passed! :)
Go check out the HGTV quiz for more questions to test your design knowledge!

Until next week!

Dressing your windows

There are a lot of different ideas out there about how to dress a window. One thing is for sure in the opinion of this designer, you need to put something on them. Window treatments help a room to feel finished. Until you have that done, your room may look nice, but it will feel like something is missing.
So, here are the options we turn to first when we recommend window treatments.

Draperies
This is my favorite. Drapes are capable of whatever you perceive them to be. They can give you color, personality and interest or just the opposite by blending in, unnoticeable, functional and subtle. They can add height to your room and width to your window. They can completely transform a room!




Drapes should mount near the ceiling to give your room height, however there are exceptions. If you have super tall ceilings (12-14 feet), we usually only go about a foot above your window. This still compliments the height of your room without shortening your windows. Go too high above them, and your windows will appear squatty.


As you can see in this room, we used white drapes that blended into the white trim, but they are far from boring!

Custom drapes are a wonderful option. Select a fabric that best suits your personality and room. Fickle/creative and change your room often? Select a fabric that compliments your wall color, which you are less likely to change with the seasons.


These drapes matched the wall color perfectly. Also notice, we only did the first section of windows.

Looking for something bold? Select a pattern that makes a statement! These can be fun in the right room, but choose something you can be happy with for a while. There is nothing worse than spending money on something, only to be tired of it next year.




Drapery hardware... There are two options when it comes to drapes, rings or grommets. Both go on a steel rod. Please don't buy the collapsable ones from the store and extend it to the furthest length... these often give out before your drapes do. If you must get it from a store, select one where the length you need will be on the "low" end, keeping the rod strong. Rings and grommets are both nice, just give very different looks. These are the same drape, just shown with either rings or grommets.



The Peyton Drape & The Peyton Grommet Drape, Pottery Barn

Shutters
Shutters are a wonderful option for someone who doesn't like the look of drapes or prefers the look of a trimmed out window. We especially like the look of large louvers and no central spine. This gives you more view through your window and a less choppy feel. Painted to match your trim or stained, shutters can make a beautiful statement in any home. And, they can transcend from very traditional to sleek contemporary.





With different options to choose from, these aren't your mothers shutters! Different frames and lover sizes allow you to create the perfect look for your home. There is even a water resistant product out now, allowing you to have these directly in a shower for those inconveniently placed windows!

Shades
We like to use shades in the spaces where drapes won't fit, but you still want the softness that only fabric can give. Great locations include bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and even doors. There are a variety of styles and just as many fabric options as there are for drapes. We have placed these in various spaces... a french country kitchen and a man cave!



These are also great when you just won't to add a touch of fabric to a window. Almost like a new version of the valance, we have placed these as non-functioning pieces to simply finish out a window.

I hope this has given you some insight to just a few of your window dressing options. With about a million fabrics, colors and styles, there is something out there that suits your home and personality best!
Sorry I wasn't able to provide more photos... we definitely aren't photographers, and windows are difficult to photograph! All of these photos (with the exception of the to from Pottery Barn) are custom products we have done for our clients. Thank you to those clients for letting us photograph your wonderful homes.

Until next week!

Oh So Romantic!

So many different things influence design ideas. The buzz in our office is all about Romantic! Sure, maybe we read too much Jane Austen and watch Downton Abbey, but who wouldn't like to experience a little slice of the romantic life. So, inspired by my favorite Romantics enthusiast, here are a few ways to "Austen-fy" your home without the arranged marriage!

Toile
Toile is a type of fabric that encourages the romantic design! Pastoral scenes of ladies swinging and children playing. These beautiful fabrics can be used on everything from upholstery to drapes, pillows to wallpaper! Originally French, the English and Colonials picked up on this trend quickly. The classic colors are black, red and blue. However, these days you can find them in just about any combination! Check out these fabulous display of toile.


The Matine Toile Duvet Cover & Sham in Marigold - Pottery Barn


A beautiful bedroom with just a touch of toile on the pillows - Better Homes & Gardens


Try somewhere unexpected, like inside a cabinet or shelf! - Country Living

Ruffles
A little ruffle can be fun! Don't go overboard, but throw in a piece or two to add a little romance!


Love this Ticking Stripe Ruffled Shower Curtain - Pottery Barn


Such a fun pillow!! I found this one on Etsy by jilybeancraft


Not exactly a ruffle, but close! Love this Organic Cotton Pintuck Duvet Cover & Shams from West Elm

Accessories
I LOVE a good accessory, especially when it can be a conversation piece!


Books! Display your favorites on a table or in a bookshelf. Vintage is fun, but I love the look of these by Penguin Classics. - Amazon


Anything old and interesting, like these keys, are fun! Place them in a bowl on your entry table! Vintage Keys - Pottery Barn


Artwork is always a good way to show off your interests. I love these romantic flowers! Framed Botanical Prints - Pottery Barn

There are a million other ways to add a little bit of this fun look to your home.
I hope this has inspired you!
Until next week,