My Design Secrets

A page from Better Homes & Gardens featuring some letterpress cards in floating frames.

I went to a client’s home the other day and there it was – an end table with so many frames that it looked like a stack of dominoes, waiting to collapse. It starts innocently enough; 3 or 4 photos proudly displayed.  But then someone graduates and another baby comes along and your table morphs into a cluttered mess . The only photos you can see are the ones that are front and center but you just don’t have the heart to remove a single one. So, I propose we move this party to the walls!

This post is not just about family photos, it’s about grouping artwork in general.  You may have a group of antique prints, some fun photos from an old calender, or your kids’ artwork from their Picaso-esque period.  When you choose the right frames and display them properly, it can make all the difference and turn crafty prints into super chic accessories.

A sleek, modern way to display travel photos.

Speaking from the personal and professional experience, this takes some planning, so let’s take it a step at a time.

Organizing & Framing your Art

1. If you have photos you are ready to use, great.  Decide if you are going to go with color or convert them to black and white or, my favorite, sepia.  Be discerning and pick your very favorites.  Not everything will make the cut and that’s okay.  We want interesting photos that elicit emotion and that you want to see for at least a year.
2. If you are looking for some interesting prints, check out Etsy and don’t limit yourself to prints, cards work great too.
3. Choose a frame and stick with a color.  You can mix modern and antique frames if they are all the same color.
4. If you want more of a grid look then choose all the same size frames and space them evenly on all sides when you hang them. Usually 2-3″ is good spacing.
5. For a collage look, choose different sizes and just make sure that edges of the neighboring frames line up on one side.

In terms of style, lately I like the floating frames that let your wall color show through.  It looks especially nice if your prints are simple or your photos are black and white.  If your wall is a boring beige, then this is your chance to consider an accent wall.  You will rarely hear me suggest an accent wall but this is one place where it works well.

My Favorite Floating Frames

Kohl’s Wood Floating Frames

West Elm Steel Floating Frames

Sears White Floating Frames

Now that you have some guidelines, start organizing your photos, unpacking those old prints and get framing!

For years and years my favorite type of desk lamp. Go classic with stainless or add a pop of color to your office or craft area. Six colors @ $59.

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I have been fighting it, but I am starting to “speak” my age.  I find myself saying things like “That’s totally inappropriate” or “My mother never would have let me wear THAT”.    When kids are drinking coffee and using cell phones at 10, we can’t be shocked when the teen activities and proclivities we knew seem virtually non-existent.  The warp speed with which teenagers are growing up these days is mind-boggling. But one thing remains.  A teens room is their haven.  Their home within your home. And they have some definite ideas about how it should look.

Pottery Barn’s marketing department is wise enough to know that teenagers want their own look, not just hand-me-downs from their parents.  It’s a creative catalog with saturated color and fun accessories.  Granted, I see a lot Peace Signs and Surf themed items  as I leaf through the catalog.  But I also a few things that might be worth stealing.  The prices are low and the style is high.  So just follow me…

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Quilts are all the rage these days but most prefer a modern flair. These Henley Quilts feature great colors and a full/queen is only $109.

As a person who hangs lots of family photos, this is definitely on my list. Three photos, hung perfectly straight and easy to swap out. A dream!

A modern and fun pop of color for your office. Plus the vinyl is perforated for a fun twist.

Love these little lumbar pillows for a chair or bed. Crewel embroidery detail for $29. A steal!

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The dominant color themes for the girls are aquas and pinks; navy and brown for the boys.  But try to think outside of the box when looking at their rooms.  I am sure you will find accent colors to suit most any casual or modern home.  The prices are very reasonable so you can change up your color story and rotate these into the mix.  That’s the key to keeping your home feeling fresh, current and fun!

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Some of us are lucky enough to have a house at the beach but most all of us have fond memories of spending time in the sea and sand.  The sounds of the waves and gulls, smell of the salt water, and the sun warming your face.  It’s relaxation and rejuvenation all rolled into one.  And that, my friends, is why some wonderful beach-inspired artwork is a great touch in any home.  So today I wanted to share this lovely photograph that comes to you straight from the sea.

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Cottage and Bungalow, which is my go-to source for everything in the Beach House Style, features some really fantastic artists and one of them is Robin Rowe.  In her latest collection, Coastal Studies, she shares closeups of shells, sand and sea glass that make a big impact with color and texture.  I love this type of work because you can really appreciate the organic patterns that Mother Nature has created and are often overlooked.  Framed or unframed, these pieces will add some wow-factor to your walls and they will make you smile each time you pass them by.  I would group them three in a row or two up/ two down for a designer touch.  Enjoy!

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Enter the $300 Rejuvenation Giveaway Here!

or Automically be Entered in All of Our Giveaways by

Joining My Secret Database!

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Even thought One Kings Lane only exists on the Web, this is its virtual home.

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70% off on gorgeous high-end furnishings for your home….now I have your attention!

One Kings Lane is an wonderful  site that offers a limted number of designer deals each and every day.  Furniture, art, accessories, it’s all there.  Today there are 10 vendors listed with everything from high-end bean bag chairs to hand-crafted candle flowers that could pass for the real deal.  The sales start at 8AM Pacific Time every day (the founders are Manhattanites turned West Coasters) and feature at least 3 brand new vendors.  There’s a schedule listed for easy reference plus you’ll receive an email each day announcing the sales.

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An adult sized bean bag chair is relaxation and luxury rolled in one. This shade of orange is the perfect accent for any room. (Retails for $250, their price $149)

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If you recommend a friend who makes a purchase they give you a $25 credit which is a nice little perk.  On Saturday’s they have the Tastemaker Tag Sales that feature “curated selections from leading interior designers.” This weekend they are featuring Vintage Print Gallery and I am excited to see what they offer since some of their artwork hangs in my clients’ homes.  Check it out and see what you think!

If you have not entered our Rejuvenation Giveaway, make sure you take a look.

You could win a $300 light just for stopping by!

Enter Here!

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This giveaway has ended!

For those of you receiving this entry by email, please visit our website for the full story and photos.  There were so many lovely shots that I have posted 2 slideshows for your viewing pleasure!

Wild Birds is just one series of pieces you can choose from!

Lonesomeville -A curious name that sounds sweet and melancholy at the same time.  Here’s the story… It all started with a farm house built in the late 19th century and a group of people who could not bear to see it torn down.  So what did they do?  They bought it!  And over the last 20 years the owners have brought the house and the lovely grounds it is nestled on back to life!   From the cabinetry, furniture and tableware to the railings and gingerbread, no detail is overlooked by their artisans. And so, Lonesomeville was born.

But that’s just the beginning of the story.  Danny, one of the homeowners, happened to be an accomplished potter.  Soon thereafter, the home and grounds became the birthplace of Lonesomeville Pottery Company.  Really, it’s a campus of sorts with a lovely home, garden, and studio that all provide endless inspiration and comfort for those that reside there.

As you browse through the website you will see that each piece is inspired by nature.  Leaves, insects, flowers and birds are lovingly integrated into the designs.  As you click on each motif, there is a wide offering of shapes and sizes. Maybe something for your end table or mantel… dining room or kitchen?  It’s all there and it’s beautiful.

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Would YOU like to Win your choice of

Beautiful Lonesomeville Pottery worth $150.00?

This is how to enter:

Step 1:  Visit Lonesomeville Pottery and shop around.

Step 2:  Leave me a comment below telling me which piece would be on the Top of Your Wish List and Why. You can choose any piece up to a value of $150!  If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted.

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Wednesday, May 26th to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

Good Luck!

~Lorrie

P.S.   And remember, you can be the first to hear about Lonesomville news and the latest designs by signing up to receive their Newsletter or becoming a fan on Facebook!

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At first glance, a well-designed bedroom allows you to  just settle into the whole space.  The colors, the furniture and the tiny details all work togehter harmoniously.  Ahhhh, the cohesive loveliness!  But as a designer, my next step is to start breaking it all down… the bed, the pillows, the window treatments and lamp.  Why does it all work and how can I learn from this?  I want to help you develop the same critical eye because this is the difference between a so-so decorating job and a room that comes alive.

I designed the room above for two teenage girls about 10 years ago.  They liked feminine details but were growing up and did not want anything too cute.  They loved horses but did not want the whole room to go “horsey”.  It’s always a balancing act between “this” and “that.” So these are the steps I took to pull together this great little design without breaking the bank. 

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Color – We went with a warm peach because it was feminine, bright and fun.  It’s a more complex color than pink or purple which spoke to their sophisticated tastes (yes teenagers now have sophisticated taste!)

Beds – These iron beds are classic and budget-friendly.  The choice of many finishes allowed us to select one that tied in our coral, ivory and green palette.  (I don’t usually recommend iron beds for master bedrooms but for kids or guest rooms they do the job at a great price.)

Bedding- Custom bed-skirts and shams echo the colors with a designer look but we saved some money by using a matelasse coverlets.  These could easily be replace by down comforters and duvets when it gets cold.

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Some Ladder Tape options from Smith + Noble. Simple wood blinds step up the style with this designer touch.

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Windows - Simple 2″ wood blinds.  The big slats work with the scale of the large windows.  A color-coordinated ladder tape covers the strings that hold the blinds together (the ladder).  Now instead of plain old blinds that control light they ARE the window treatment.  Plus Ladder Tapes cover route holes so sunlight won’t poke through when blinds are closed.

Chair – We bought this wicker chair new but any old wicker chair can be painted for an instant face-lift.  You can also just wrap the fabric around the cushions and safety pin them on the back if you are a not a seamstress.

Lamps – Two simple and affordable lamps that could be found at a local home store.

Artwork – I love to use colorful and interesting artwork in kids rooms and posters are an easy answer. The pieces in this room are prints of famous horse paintings.  By going with more modern art, it gives the room a more updated feel and the white frames are simple and fresh.

I hope this helps you see, once again, that good design results is more than the sum of its parts.  Consider the look you want and then approach it one step at a time patiently and thoughtfully!

Let me know if I can help you with any design dilemmas by commenting below or contacting me here!

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Seasons 11 by Teresa McCue - 6" x 6" acrylic

I received an email this morning from my good friend (and amazingly talented artist) Teresa McCue for a wonderful event that I’d like to share with you. She participates in a brilliant art show twice each year that is presented by Nahcotta Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  They gather a wonderfully diverse and talented group of over 50 artists for their “Enourmous Tiny Art” show (ETA).  In their words

“Twice a year, the walls of Nahcotta are hung to the hilt with tiny art, in all of its one-of-a-kind” beauty, ingenuity, and magnificence”

So you ask…what is tiny art?  They are beautiful, creative pieces that are all about 6″x6″ (some a bit larger, some a bit smaller) in a variety of mediums and there is something for everyone.  So for those of you who say you don’t have any space for new artwork, now you do!

These small treasures are PERFECT for Valentine’s Day or for anyone that deserves a special gift.  The small size makes them extra precious and is bound to bring a huge smile to your sweetheart’s face.

And Terry is making this show even more special.  You see, she not only has a big talent but she also has a Big Heart (see above).  She is donating 50% of her proceeds to the charitable organization Konbit Sante which will benefit the victims of the earthquakes in Haiti. 

So jump in, take a look around and BUY something….it will be good for your heart, your sweetheart and all the good people in Haiti who desperately need our help!

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Do you have a wall that is just crying out for something special?  Well, instead of just painting it with an accent color, you can really give it some style with the fantastic giveaway we have today!   The folks at Architexture have a unique solution for you!  Tattoowall is a revolutionary, image transfer technique that allows you to install beatiful murals, frescos, and artworks onto your ceilings and walls. 

These photos just give you a taste of what they have to offer.  The video below has a lot of great information and shows the installation of a large Tattoowall.   Whether it’s fine art, photography, a cool pattern, or one of their many featured artists, I guarantee that you can find something that suits your style.  And as an added bonus… Tatoowall is completely customizable.  ANY image can be used.  You can even even submit your own! 

So start thinking where you could use a Tattoowall and follow the directions below carefully for your chance to win!

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Would you like to win a Tatoowall image from Architexture?

To Enter Simply…

1. Visit the Tatoowall Image Gallery and choose an image from one of the following categories: fine art, decorative art, illustrations, patterns, or photography.

2. Leave me a comment below letting me know where you plan on using the image in your home.  *Please include the image code that corresponds with your choice (*the four digit image code can be found just below each image).    

If you are receiving this via email, go back to the site to enter.  Replies by email will not be accepted. 

One entry per person.  You have until 11:59PM EST on Thursday, January 21st to enter.  One random winner will be chosen and announced soon after.

The impressionistic landscape design of the Sedona vase is begun by sifting on many layers of glass powder. We then use multiple colors of glass in a variety of forms, powder, custom mixes of frit, and stringer. The design is embedded in the surface of the glass during the blowing process to creates a highly textured piece. The final step is to softly iridize the surface with a technique adopted from the studios of the early 1900's. $300.00

The Artful Home does a tremendous job of attracting gifted artists from around the world and making their extraordinary creations available to you at home.  Now, the artists can spend more time on their craft while someone else promotes them.  Brilliant!  I have bought many, many pieces from The Artful Home and my clients have always been delighted.  You can easily own original artwork for your home with prices to fit everyone’s budget.  And it’s not limited to paintings, there are immensely gifted people designing furniture, tile, glass, rugs, sculptures and many more items.  You can search by style, color, price range and artist.  The listings are detailed and clear with shipping times and charges so decisions are easy.  I have bought a number of birthday and holiday gifts here as well.  There is something for everyone.  You will have a blast just browsing through.

"Bougainvillea" - A giclee print of a mixed media painting, signed ,open edition. $150

Matted pigment print of a scanned black-and-white negative that has been digitally toned and painted. Printed on archival Hahnemuhle fine art paper. Limited edition of 15. Signed and numbered on print. Save 60% off this item. Ends April 30th. Was $310.00 Now $124.00

"Straight-Carved Yellow Urchin" - Hand-thrown, carved, porcelain vessel with hand-thrown/built, porcelain lid. Glazed by hand and fired at 2300 degrees. $385

"Tree Study" - This wire and glass sculpture is inspired by the beauty of multiple curves of tree branches. $1100.00

Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

Have a great day!

~ Lorrie

This piece is by Nicolette Jelen and is entitled "Icarus Flying." To me, it has a strong, uplifting feel.

One of the final and very important touches to any home is carefully selected artwork.  A few well-placed paintings and expertly framed prints make a room feel gracious and comfortable.  I often select antique or reproduction prints or photographs for the hallways and extra bedrooms.  But when it comes selecting the primary pieces that are more of an investment, I tend to take more of a backseat.  I feel very strongly that when you invest in a piece of art, it really has to speak to you.  Art elicits emotion that is different for each and every one of us and I want to make sure that the painting that hangs above their fireplace speaks to my client and says exactly what she/he wants to hear.

I have purchased a few of Marcie Jan Bronstein's Cloudscapes. She has an amazing eye for color.

Right now I am helping one of my clients select art for his vacation home and he said something to me the other day that really struck a chord in me.  We were talking about the different types of art and the various subject matter when he expressed an interest in seascapes and skyscapes.  He said that he and his wife really love them because they convey a “sense of hope.”   I thought that was a perfect way to express what he was looking for.

Nancy Hughes Miller paints lovely oils of North Carolina marshes and other coastal subjects. Her work is available on Etsy.

Now I know that we all have vastly different budgets when it comes to artwork but that doesn’t mean you have to  make big sacrifices.  There are many talented artists out there who are trying to make a name for themselves, but they also have to make a living, so often their art is priced to sell.  So, I thought I would show you a few pieces that have caught my eye.  Whether you like photography, oils or watercolor, you just might find it time to treat yourself to an original that’s all your own.

The New York Times Store has everything from historical photography to current events.

Some of My Favorite Places to Shop for Artwork:

• The Artful Home
• Etsy
• The New York Times Store

Have fun looking!

~Lorrie

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Win a $200 JCPenney Gift Card!