HIGH Five: 5 Tips for Decorating the tops of Bookcases and Armoires

When it comes to decorating bookcase shelves and the inside of armoires you can find lots of great tips and examples on how to get the best look on design blogs, in magazines and on Pinterest.  When it comes to decorating the tops of bookcase and armoires it’s harder to find tips and design ideas on what to do with this space.  After working on several armoire and bookcase projects lately, I decided to compile a list of 5 Tips For Decorating the Tops of Bookcases & Armoires.  These are my tried-and-true techniques for making the most of the space up high.

 1.  CREATE A VIGNETTE

Think of the top of a bookcase or armoire as you would a tabletop surface and create a vignette that tells a story and has a point of view.  Display items that relate in color, style or theme or use this area to display a collection of pieces.  Just a you would a tabletop surface, use items of different heights and widths to create dimension with in the display.

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2. LAYER FROM THE WALL OUT

While it is ok to display items solely on the top surface of your bookcase or armoire, hanging (or leaning) a decorative piece on the wall will draw the eye in and the piece will serve as a frame for the items positioned in front of it.  The wall space above a bookcase or armoire is idea for  large piece of art, decorative platter, basket or  even a mirror.

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3.  USE CIRCLES FOR CONTRAST

Decorating with circular items is a great way to break up the visual bulkiness of a heavy rectangular bookcase or armoire.  Clocks, round containers, bowls and decorative objects in round or oval shapes will make your top vignette more dynamic and interesting.

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4.  ADD A LITTLE T.L.C.

T for Texture, L for Length and C for Color!  Items with texture are a great way to add visual interest into your display.

  Baskets, greenery, metal and wood are all good textures to display with.

Creating a display that fills the length of your bookcase or armoire top is ideal versus placing items just in the center of the unit.  The entire impact of the unit will be greater if the display fills the space side to side.

Adding color up high is always a good idea for creating impact.  Pick a color from other elements in the room and carry that to the top of your unit.  Flowers, artwork and pottery pieces can add color and substance.

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5.  BE BOLD

Don’t go skimpy with the accessories you place up high.  Opt for bulkier, larger and more substantial pieces that will stand out and create visual impact.

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If you’ve been challenged with what to do on the tops of built-in bookcase, free-standing armoires or even kitchen cabinets, these tips will help you accessorize those spaces like a pro.

If you’d like help creating a home your absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services.

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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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10 Ways to UpStyle Your Closet

I love a beautiful closet and think it’s one of the easiest ways to enhance your life.  A beautiful closet makes your clothes and accessories look better and I believe it can also make you feel your best each and every day.

Many of the design clients I work with struggle with making the most of their closet, from organizing it to making it a design statement like the rest of their bedroom.  No matter how big or small your closet is, there are some design tricks you can use to make it a beautiful, functional and inspiring space.

1.  CREATE A POWERFUL FIRST IMPRESSION

If you don’t have a walk-in closet, don’t let that stop you from creating a dynamic first impression with your closet.  Painting your closet doors, adding trim work or using wall paper to add a graphic punch is a great way to up-style your closet.

2.  ADD PAINT OR PAPER

Adding a little pizazz to the inside of your closet will not only energize the space but your clothes will look more glamorous surrounded by pretty paper or paint.

 

I love the idea of wall-papering the inside of a closet door.  It creates such a pretty backdrop to display outfits against.

Paint your closet walls your favorite color which is sure to lift your spirits.

3.  ORGANIZE BY COLOR

 

Organizing your clothes by style first (shirts, pants, skirts etc.) and then by color will give your closet a stylized feel and make getting dressed easier.

And don’t forget that the hangers are part of your style statement so use all one style of hanger to give your closet a streamlined and  cohesive look.

4.  KEEP IT ORGANIZED

I can’t stress how important an organized closet is to starting your day on a good foot.  Keep like items together and use shelf dividers to keep things tidy.

 

5.  USE STORAGE BOXES AS A STYLE ELEMENT

Storage boxes are another great organizing tool.  Invest in study boxes with stylish details.  Storage boxes can become part of your closet style!  If you come across plain boxes at the thrift store, an inexpensive roll of wrapping paper and double-sided tape  can transform them into decorative boxes in a flash.

6.  PUT THINGS ON DISPLAY

I love to incorporate decorative accents into a closet space.  Hanging a piece of art or displaying accessories or personal care items on decorative risers can transform your closet into a special space.

7.  MAKE IT PERSONAL

If space allows, why not incorporate a small vanity desk or chaise into your closet space.  It my not seem like you’d hang out in your closet but I promise this will become a special retreat for you.

8.  ADD A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR

One of the easiest ways to up-style your closet is by hanging a chic chandelier or pendant light.  This change alone will make your closet feel special and personal.

9.  ADD SEATING

Ok, who wouldn’t want this gorgeous ottoman in their closet.  Seating, whether a chair, stool or ottoman will give you a place to put on your shoes and turn your closet into a salon.

10.  ADD A RUG

Adding a decorative rug as a style layer in your closest is a quick and easy up-style tip.  Go bold or stay classic but layer a rug to give your closet a sense of warmth and coziness.

If you’re looking for ways to make your closet a more inspiring space, try one or more of these Closet UpStyle Tips!

Happy Decorating!

If you’d like help creating a home your absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services!

all images can be found on MY DREAM CLOSET pinterest board.

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Outdoor Living Inspired by a Pillow

Living in Atlanta allows for lots of outdoor living and entertaining and designing outdoor spaces is one of my favorite things to do because you can have a little fun with the color palette, the design theme and the accessorizing. I recently created a design plan for a couple whose goal was to extend their living space beyond the family room and take advantage of their beautiful tree-lined back yard.

The Goal:

*  A space for entertaining and lounging that would accommodate lots of people

*  A space with color and a modern Moroccan vibe

*  A space to be enjoyed during the day and into the evening

*  Plants and lush greens to add a cozy feel

*  Texture and color

 

The Plan:

 

 

 

The deck is fairly large so there will also be a dining table and chairs off to one side.

This design plan was executed in record time, the furniture has been ordered and now all that’s needed for my clients Cinco De Mayo party is the margaritas.

Cheers!

   

If you’d like help creating a home or outdoor space you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services.  Don’t live in Atlanta?  No worries because our Door-to-Door e-design service was developed just for you.

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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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Inspiration + Weekend Reading

Proof positive that design is in the details!  via styleathome

If you’re on Pinterest you’ll find these tips on organizing your Pinterest boards helpful.

I think this would make for a pretty cute spring fashion statement. I just added it to my project list.

This room design is inspiring on so many levels!

If you love to DIY, you’ll want to check out the new DIY website from Censational Girl, Kate!

If the striped dressed on the cover doesn’t get you then the content inside the magazine will!

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Furniture Feature: Nesting Tables

Ok, I must admit I have a thing for side tables.  They are the perfect piece that can turn a chair into a relaxing reading nook or a sofa into a cocktail lounge.  One of my favorite styles of side tables is the nesting table set.  What’s not to love about getting 2 or 3 tables in one!

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Nesting tables are a unique night stand option and are even more valuable when they come with drawers!

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The ombre color palette of these nesting tables is right on trend.

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In a living room, nesting tables can be split apart to give everyone a table surface.

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Mirrored table tops give nesting tables and modern feel.

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When space is at a premium, nesting tables are an ideal choice.

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Nesting tables from flea markets and thrift stores can easily be updated with a little paint.

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Love this idea for a family room that also serves as a game area.

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I don’t know where the tables are from but the details are simply amazing.

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Amazing DIY rebar and wood nesting tables

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One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six

Happy Shopping!

 

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