A Patio Spruce Up

Remember when I told you about my favorite outdoor pillow from World Market? The beautiful paisley pillow that I used in an outdoor deck design for a client

Well it seems that more than one of my clients loved this pillow as much as I did.

A couple of weeks ago, LW asked me to help here spruce up here covered patio.  The goal was to use as much of the existing furniture as possible, update the look and infuse new styles and color into the space.

We started with one dark green chaise cushion that we wanted to keep and black iron furniture.

And these were a few of the accessories that we like, all from World Market.

Mercer Metal Lanterns

Chevron Pillow

Aegean Ceramic Hurricanes

In little over a week this is the space that we pulled together….

LW’s outdoor patio is covered so there is not a lot of direct sunlight that filters in.  The bright colors help to visually open up the space and keep it cheerful.

The red chair and loveseat cushions add a playful punch and look great against the black iron furniture.

The green chaise cushion that LW already had adds some depth and looks great with the paisley pillow.  A striped throw was added for a pattern contrast.

 We originally started with another coffee table option but this round iron table was a last-minute score at World Market.  The round table provides a break from all the square and rectangular furniture pieces.

Two pots sit on a side table, one is a water feature and the other holds a plant.  The basket under the table hides the cords to the water feature {and add some visual texture}.

We opted for a stripe pillow for the side chair.

The near wall had some open space so we move an already existing outdoor storage chest there and created a seating area.  The paisley cushion and chevron pillows work great together to brighten this corner.

The white garden seat (sold in stores only) adds a table surface to this corner.  And the bench, which was existing, got a new cushion and is perfect for propping your feet up or as additional seating.

To create somewhat of a visual window, hanging pieced glass lanterns were added above the railing and hold battery operated candles. The mosaic pattern is beautiful against the sunlight and at night with the candles glowing.

LW’s adorable chow, AVA is really enjoying the new outdoor carpet that was installed.  Because this space does get some water exposure the carpet had to be industrial grade.

  The subtle swirl pattern with green and red flecks works great with the color theme of the patio.

 

 In the far corner of the patio a few decorative accents were added to the top of an existing storage cabinet.

I’m so glad I was able to help LW create an outdoor living room that she and Ava will enjoy for years to come.

And thanks to World Market for creating a pillow that has inspired a nation!

For information about my affordable in-home or e-design services, please click here!

 

This is not a sponsored post, just sharing my love for World Market products!

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Design Trend: Trellis Patterns

I’ve been knee-deep in projects (resulting in this late Friday post) and all of them keep leading me to a design trend that just keeps gaining steam.  Trellis Patterns have been on the top of the design “it” list for a while now and with the fresh, modern and classic feel they give to a room design, I don’t see them going anywhere soon.

Here are the trellis looks that have provided my most recent inspiration…

 While this bold black and white pattern makes me a bit dizzy I still love the impact is gives!  In a small bathroom, on a focal wall or lining the back of a closet, a trellis pattern is just about all the décor you’ll need.

The Imperial Trellis pattern, the most popular in this pattern group is perfect as an accent on pillows…

 

as curtain panels…

on a chair…

or covering an ottoman!

I also love the look of a trellis pattern lining the backs of bookcases.  The pattern draws you in but still allows the decorative elements to stand out.

Here are a few more trellis pattern styles that are inspiring.

I love the look of this reverse color trellis  design, still bold but in a more subtle way.

In a non-traditional color,  a trellis pattern is a great option for a ladies dressing room, closet or home office.

 

And in a classic green color, the trellis pattern provides a perfect contrast to classic black and gold.

Classic * Modern * Edgy * Timeless * Fresh * Dynamic * Bold===What’s not to love about Trellis Patterns?

In doing a little research on the trellis pattern, I learned that the first trellis wallpaper design was originally printed by William Morris in 1864 in England. It was supposedly inspired by a trellis in his garden at Red House in Kent, England. I also learned that Morris lived by one of my favorite mottos…“Have nothing in your
house which you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”.

Wishing you a beautiful weekend!

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Split Personality

I’ve written about my love of chairs on many occasions and think every home needs a “happy” chair, one that if playful and distinct in its style, one with a bit of a split personality.  

One of my favorite ways to achieve a “happy chair” look is with pattern mixing.  I love the look for chairs that have one pattern on the front and a different pattern on the sides or back.  The more pattern mixing the better!

 Here are few inspiring looks…

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This classic Louis chair is the perfect silhouette for pattern mixing and an easy DIY project if you’re the handy type.

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I love these wingback chairs and the playful mix of fabrics used to give them their distinct style. 

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When pattern mixing don’t be afraid to mix leather with cotton fabrics….the contrast can be stunning.

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If you’ve got painting skills, try hand painting a design onto your chair.

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The fabrics used on this chair give it a vintage vibe!

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Hot pink beauties!

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This stunning end chair is the work of one of my design idols, Sarah Richardson!  Love the polka dot back.

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Fabulous!

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I love this classic bamboo chair which was given a facelift with paint and fabric.

And, even more looks to make you ooh and awe…

all images above via my Chair Love board over at Pinterest! 

One of my favorite sources for “‘ready to roll” fun fabric chairs is Happy Chair. I wrote about their distinct style and creativity here!

If you want to give pattern mixing a try in your own home, head here and read my tips on different ways, beyond chairs, to incorporate this look into your decor.

 

Raise your hand if you love the look of mixed patterned chairs!

 

See you back here tomorrow with a fun Room of the Week and an inspiring quote!

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Pattern Trend: Vintage Florals

I’ve seen vintage floral patterns everywhere I go.  No longer do they look outdated to me but instead they look fresh and nostalgic.  I love the romantic sense they can add to a space or an outfit and the happy feeling they convey. 

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So what’s not to love about vintage florals?!

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Room of The Week

I’m a little old school when it comes to dining room designs. 

 I love a formal dining room (although in most cases it only gets used 1 or 2 times a year)!

I love traditional curtain panels that add softness and elegance to a dining space.

I love a solid wood table over any other material.

Upholstered chairs win out over all wood chairs in my book.

I love the idea of the king and queen chairs being different from the other chairs…after all, the heads of the house deserve a special seat.

I love a dining space with a drop chandelier or pendant. And, if you can pull off the look of two light fixtures that’s even better.

In my book, just about every dining room needs a mirror.  Not only will a mirror add ambiance to the space, but during the holidays it serves as a great decorating spot for garland!

A sideboard is not only functional in a dining room but balances the chunkiness of a large table and fills the room.

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All things considered, this is pretty much a perfect dining room space in my book!

 

Have a terrific weekend!

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Room of The Week

In those moments when a colorful space feels all consuming to me, I long for a space that is quiet, calm and quaint!

A room where the color or lack of has incredible impact and allows the architectural details to stand out.

I love the texture that jumps out from the flooring, the simple and classic window treatments, the dark trim sofas and chairs and the subtle patternwork throughout that provides just the right amount of detail!

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 Doesn’t this space put you in a state of calm and joy???

 

 

                                                                 If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my in-home design services or our e-design service, Door-To-Door Design!

 

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Patterns Every Decor Needs

I love designing spaces when patterns are involved but, patternwork can be a very personal thing. 

 Some people like florals while others like geometrics.  And, some people like traditional patterns while some like more contempoary versions.  However, when it comes to classic and timeless design style, there are FIVE PATTERNS that every home decor can benefit from. regardless of your design style.

1. STRIPES–one of the most classic patterns of all which can be interpreted in so many color combinations and widths. 
2. PLAID–a more traditional pattern which lends a classic feel to decor.  Smaller plaids take on a  more casual, country feel and larger plaids can feel a bit more modern.
3. POLKA DOT–dots are a playful and whimsical addition to decor.  
4. HOUNDSTOOTH–another classic pattern that lends itself to more traditional decor when done in black and white, and more contemporary decor when color is used.
5. CHEVRON–chevron patterns are perfect for all styles of decor.  Depending on the width of the lines, chevron can feel classic or modern.

Here are a few inspirational images using the FIVE key patterns. 

Be inspired by their application, placement and color variety.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have one of these class patterns in your decor? 

And, which is your favorite?  Do tell!

  

Want to learn even more about how to incorporate patterns into your decor, check out the post I wrote on Pattern Mixing!

 

all images via the ConfettiStyle Pattern Play Pinterest Board!

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The Anatomy of Bedding

Over the years, I’ve been asked on many occasions to explain what it takes to create a bed ensemble that is stylized, sophisticated and beautiful.

A bed, just like any other area of your home should have a design point-of-view and should make a statement. 

 Bedding can be simple….

 

or, layered and more detailed.

 

Here’s what I think it takes to pull together the perfect bedding look:

• Mix and match Sheets and Pillow Cases–I love the look of different fitted and flat sheets combined together.  You could combine a pattern and solid or two different solid colors together.  And, a patterned pillowcase thrown into the mix will add instant style. Rule of thumb:  keep the darker sheet as the fitted sheet so the heaviest color is closer to the floor.

 

• Duvet or Comforter–To get the layered look, incorporating a duvet or comforter is key.  Personally, I like this layer folded back at the foot of the bed versus covering the entire bed, especially when the pieces is an all over pattern or highly textured.

• Bedspread–This is the ultimate layering piece to me.  A textured, lightweight bedspreads can serve as foundation of your bedding.  Cover the entire bed and fold it back at the top to add some dimension. 

Target sells a great diamond quilted bedspread like the one in the photo below, available in a range of colors.

• Euro and/or Standard Shams–Larger pillows placed at the back of the bed will provide a visual frame for your bedding.  If you use patterned shams you may want to stick with standard pillowcases in a solid or a tiny scale print.  Rule of thumb:  King size beds should always use three euro shams to fill the space.

 

• Contrasting Toss Pillows–This is where you can have lots of fun.  Add a few or add a lot but think of toss pillows as the jewelry to your bedding.  Mix solid and patterns, use a variety of shapes or use one fabulous pillow as the focal point.

This is the mix of pillows I use on my bed.   The yellow and grey pillow and the yellow rosette pillow are from Target.  I made the polka dot pillow and the black and white lattice pillowcases.

• A Bedskirt (optional)–depending on the style of your bed, a bedskirt can be used to add another layer to your bedding.  There are different styles of bedskirts, tailored, pleated and ruffled but whatever style you choose, make sure the skirt touches the floor.  And, don’t forget that you can add a little detail to solid bedskirts with a ribbon trim or contrasting fabric border.

 

So there you have it, a few tips on creating a luxurious and beautiful bed ensemble!

Want to see a beautiful bed come to life, check out this video by Nake Berkus!

 

Sweet Dreams!

 all images via Pinterest

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