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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DIY Cloche

Happy Friday!

Well, as you can see I didn’t get around to posting my DIY project yesterday.  Instead, I was at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) spending the morning and afternoon with two Million Dollar Decorators! 

Mary McDonald & Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Mary and Martyn shared lots of fabulous design advice with the audience and afterwards spent time chatting with each of us and taking photos.  Much of what they had to share hit home with me and I gained some valuable insights on how I can make my design business better.  Thanks Mary and Martyn!

Now, on to the fun DIY project I want  to share with you…DIY cloches!

You see, I love glass cloches.  There is just something beautiful about displaying items you love under glass as if they were priceless heirlooms.  Since I already have a couple of traditional glass cloches I decided I wanted to add a few more to my mix and this time I wanted them have a bit more style.  With that, a super quick and easy DIY project was born!

I made three cloches each with a different decorative knob handle.  The wood lamp bases really add a lot to the smaller cloche and the decorative plate I used with the taller cloche can easily be changed out when I change the items displayed inside.  I’m still finding the right spot in my home to display each cloche and I’m also going to be changing/adding to the elements inside each one as well.  Plus, I’m looking forward to changing out the looks seasonally, inspired by these cloche displays!

SPRING 

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SUMMER 

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FALL

 

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HOLIDAY

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Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you were inspired to make a cloche of your own!

Have a Great Weekend!

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Fashion Focus: Sneakers for Spring and Summer

all fashion images via Pinterest

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Five Ways to UP-STYLE your Dining Room

Hello and Happy Monday!

I hope you weekend was great and that there was sun in your neck of the woods.  Here in Atlanta we had rain which made for a good weekend to stay indoors and “try” to catch up on work.  One of the projects I’m working on is a dining room revamp for a client and the entire project got me thinking about different ways to give a dining room added style. Furniture is always the first element that defines a dining room but beyond that, there are some other ways to enhance the style and make your dining space a bit more personal and unique.

 

1.  MIX and MATCH CHAIRS

Adopting this look can be done pretty easily just by painting different styles of chairs in the same color or color family so that they work with the textiles and color you have in your dining room.  I love this look for eclectic and vintage styled homes but it can also be done with more traditional styling as well.

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The neutral colors along with the grey tones are used in different applications giving each chair a unique look while keeping the entire statement coordinated.

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In a more traditional space, variations of the same color keep the color palette tight and classic.

2.  REPLACE CHAIRS WITH A BENCH

A bench is a fun way to break up a dining room set while still providing the same amount of seating that chairs would.  Using a bench also allows you to incorporate a strong pattern statement with the upholstered seat and helps to lighten the visual impact of a heavy wood dining set.

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With the bench finish the same as the chairs, it feels like it is part of the set.

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Fully skirted benches add softness and provide a contrast against the legs of the table and chairs.

3.  USE A NON-TRADITIONAL CHANDELIER OPTION

Switching out your traditional chandelier for something that is unique in style, material or shape is one of the easiest ways to up-style your dining room.  I also like the idea of hanging double chandeliers instead of one for a more personalized look.

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These uniquely shaped hanging glass pendants grab your attention and help define the style of this dining room.

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A popular trend of late is turning vintage wire and wicker baskets into chandeliers.  This look works great for more casual dining rooms.

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I love this cluster of round lights, shaped to form a unique chandelier.  Keeping the chandelier white allows the shape to command attention and not a color.

4.  BUILD YOUR DINING ROOM AROUND ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

I’ve always wanted a house where the rooms were such that the dining room and living room could switch places.  If your home gives your this option, move your dining room into the living space where there is built-in architectural features or a fireplace.  These elements will add instant character to your dining space.

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I’m seeing bookcase walls being used in dining spaces more and more.  This look adds a personal feel and in a pinch the lower shelves can be cleared and used as a serving station.

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Opt for open shelving in a dining room versus a china hutch or closed cabinets.

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Glass front cabinets will keep your dining space open and airy while still adding an elegant touch.

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With open shelving, your serving pieces become decorative objects that help style the room.

5. DO SOMETHING TO THE WALLS BESIDES PAINT

Yes paint is the easiest and cheapest way to dress up a space but in a dining room think about doing something different to your walls like adding a fun wallpaper, stencils or mirrors.

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A unique wallpaper will immediately define the style of your dining room.  Be bold and use it throughout instead of just on one wall.

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If you have lots of windows in your dining room, use your drapes as the decorative statement.  Double up the panels to make the curtains plush and full and drape them back to add visual movement and shape.

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A wall of antique mirrors is a great way to add style without your dining room looking like a dressing room.   And check out those unique light fixtures above the table.

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If your room doesn’t come with built-in architectural detailing, you can always add it.  Cut a niche into the wall and using a wide molding, create a dramatic frame.

Beyond these 5 Ways to Up-Style your Dining Room, make sure your centerpiece is also something that stands out and defines your space.

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Happy Decorating!

Do you have a design challenge you’d like help tackling?  Contact me about my design services!

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How to Decorate the Foot of Your Bed

Have you ever walked into your bedroom and looked at the area at the foot of your bed and wondered, what do I put there?  If this question has crossed your mind, here are some stylish ways to decorate that often neglected space. 

Whatever you decide to put at the foot of your bed, make the space work for you!

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services!  If you live outside the Atlanta, GA area my Door-to-Door e-design service was created just for you!

all of these images can be found on my Bedrooms Pinterest board!

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Design Trend: Pastels

I spotted this book at the bookstore over the weekend and was really taken by all the beautiful images it has. As someone who was classified years ago as a “winter” {remember the days of the fashion color wheel?} I have never had a real affinity for pastels in my clothing or in my décor.  I am however growing to like the infusion of a few soft color statements in a room and how they portray a sense of femininity and sophistication. And in fashion, nothing seems fresher for spring than soft colored accessories

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DIY Acrylic Tray

Earlier this week I shared my love of Lucite Trays and how versatile I think they are as a decorative element. Seeing so many beautiful acrylic trays on Pinterest made me want to craft one (or two) of my own. So I did just that!

Most of the handmade acrylic trays I’ve seen and even the ones that you can buy on Etsy are all about the interior design.  I wanted my trays to have a little more pizzazz so as well as decorating the inside of the trays,  I decided to add decorative handles  and a ribbon trim to each.

  Both of the trays I made were super easy and very inexpensive.  I started with two plastic box frames which were $3.99 for the 8 x 10 size and $4.99 for the 11 x 14 size, decorative knobs which were $3.99 each,  scrapbook paper which I had in my stash and ribbon which was from my ribbon “collection” {otherwise known as my ribbon hoard}. 

All of the supplies I purchased came from Hobby Lobby and I used my 40% off coupon on some of the elements and the others were part of a 50% off in store sale so the savings were even greater.  The total cost for the smaller tray, including ribbon and paper, was $ 8.25 and the larger tray cost $9.75! 

How To:

•  Take the cardboard and paper insert out of the box frame

•  Cut your scrapbook paper to fit the inside of the frame.  If you are using 12″ x 12″ scrapbook paper, you’ll need to cut two pieces and fit them together for the larger tray.  Once the paper is cut, use double-sided tape to hold it in place.   ***If you are using your tray for serving, a quick coat of Mod Podge or a layer of clear contact paper will protect the paper surface.

•  Measure and cut a length of ribbon to fit around the outside of the tray. Hot glue the ribbon at the corners of the tray and where the edges overlap.

• Remove the screws that come with the knobs.  Hot glue the knobs on to the tray, on top of the ribbon.

• Style and admire your tray!

 

 

For the coffee table

For the nightstand

I love how my DIY trays turned out and have added this project to my favorite DIY projects list!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Easter weekend!

Linking up to:

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Lucite Tray Love

Good Monday to you all!  I hope you are planning for a great week ahead.  Me, lots of paperwork and computer time on the to-do list!

Just wanted to pop in today and share one of my all time favorite accessory pieces for the home, the Lucite Tray.  What was once relegated to the office cubicle has now become a chic and stylish way to add organization, storage and display to your home!

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I’ll be back later in the week to show you a couple of  DIY Lucite Trays I made recently!

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