This week I am happy to introduce an immensely talented residential interior designer, Robin Baron.  Robin was a fashion designer for 18 years before she became an interior designer.  She studied fashion and interiors at two very prestigious schools, Parsons School of Design and UCLA.  According to Robin, “fashion is fleeting but home and interior design have a deep impact on people’s lives.”  I could not agree more.  Her fashion sense is immediately apparent in the beautiful designs she creates for clients located around the country.  Today she is a sharing some classic monochromatic designs with us and some tips on how you can achieve this sophisticated look.  I hope you enjoy and are inspired for your own projects!

~Lorrie

The creamy upholstery is a perfect contrast to these exotic carved tables and the natural tones of the drapery fabric.

Here are some professional tips from Robin on creating a monochromatic look:

Color- When doing a monochromatic color scheme it is important that you use the right cast of the color you are working with. There are many casts, or undertones of any color, even within the same color family (some have a yellow undercast, some green, some pink, etc), and you still have to make sure that the colors, fabrics, paints, etc, all work together…there is not just one tan or beige, and every tan or beige does not automatically work with each other.

Another key to working in a monochromatic color palette is to use different shades and tones of the same color, some with a deeper hue, some with a lighter…this will create subtle differences that will help create interest and move your eye through the room.

This large dining area still looks very intimate and inviting because of the warm wood tones that are highligted with the sconces and recessed lights.

Texture - An important element to create visual interest is to use textures. This is crucial in a monochromatic color scheme. The mixing of texture helps give life to the room, and can be used instead of adding prints. You can use prints in a monochromatic room, as I did on the chairs and window treatments, in this living room but they should be very subtle and used sparingly, or you can easily compromise the quiet, warm, nurturing feeling you set out to accomplish by choosing to create a monochromatic room.
Texture can be used in your fabric selection, your rug, as I also did in this living room, as well as the family room (great room), and especially on the walls in the form of decorative paint or wall covering. In these rooms, I used a plaster treatment on the walls, which allowed me to play with the texture, and layer the colors on the walls.

The light-hearted accent colors are an attractive and logical addition to an area adjacent to the kitchen.

Accent Colors- The other key element, one that takes a bit of artistry, and a strong sense of balance in the monochromatic room, is the use of accent colors. This can single-handedly make or break the room. Balance is the operative word here. Using accents colors has nothing to do with symmetry, and everything to do with balance…and less is always more here. See how little of the accent color I used in this living room, and yet how much impact and balance it creates in the room.

You can use accent colors by choosing a different color wood for the furniture, as I did in this dining room, using a very dark brown, making that an integral part of the monochromatic balance. I then used the green of the plants on the dining table to throw in a bit of the unexpected…and to add a little punch…both being the goal in using the accent colors.

To learn more about Robin Baron and to see additional projects, visit her website at www.robinbarondesign.com.

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

Love the high-end look but not the price tag?  I thought I would put my skills to the test and custom design a living room for under $5,000.  This modern/casual living room has all the basic elements you need with most of your budget going to investment pieces such as uphsoltered furniture, rugs and artwork.  I am open to suggestions for future posts, so lay it on me!

The Rundown:

1. Bellacor Pebble Table Lamp  - Made of shapely ceramic in a pebble finish, this table lamp exudes charm. It is crowned by a paper bag hardback drum shade. - $120
2. “Call” Acrylic Painting from the Artful Home - Created by Amy Bouse - One of a Kind - $350
3. Orange Cased Bowl from Bellacor - $43
4. Martine Sofa from Crate & Barrel - Fabric:  Como-Olive - Eco-Friendly construction - 76.5″Wx36″Dx34.75″H- $1,499
5. Slab Coffee Table from Z Gallerie- Chamcha wood, sourced from the trunks of naturally felled trees in Northern Thailand - 50” x 27-29” x 16.5”H - $549
6. Cira Silk Pillow - Aqua - Shimmering dupioni and mulberry silk combine in a beautiful accent pillow with self-welt finishing - Feather Down Insert - 2@$49.95 each - $99.90
7. Jasper Chair from Room & Board- Dorien/Oatmeal fabric - pre-washed 100% cotton microweave - $799
8. Dandelion Persimmon Rug from Company C - A soft, modern look with incredible texture. Hooked yarns accentuate this tufted rug to create a landscape of color you can actually feel. 100% wool, tufted - 6′x9′ - $1,125
9. Galerie Side Table from Crate & Barrel - Three tiered round side table in Espresso Stain - 23.75″dia.x23.75″H - $199

The Grand Total: $4,783.90

Did you enter our Free Giveaway today?

I have walked into countless homes with gorgeous furniture, carefully selected wall colors, eye catching artwork and… NAKED WINDOWS!  What’s going on?  A few of my past posts have taken you step by step through the process of selecting the proper window treatment that enables you to strike the delicate balance of aesthetics and function.  I understand that a multi-step approach is not for everyone, so today let’s attack it from a different angle.  Let’s look at some simple curtains that are very easy to install.  Just measure, choose some hardware and the curtain style, and you are well on your way.

While blinds require precise measurement and mounting, curtains allow you a little more wiggle room.  As long as the curtain covers the window, you are pretty much in the clear.  Here are some measuring tips that will give off-the-shelf curtains a designer look.

Panel Height- If you want to add some drama to your room, choose a curtain panel that is higher than your actual window.  Take advantage of the space between the top of your window and the ceiling.  A few years ago it was difficult to find ready-made panels that were more than 84″ high.  Now I am seeing 108″ regularly and some up 120″.

Panel Width - This is a true designer secret.  To determine the width of your curtains, first take your window width and add at least 3″ to each side.  Then double that number to determine your width.  Ever notice that draperies in magazines never look skimpy?  This formula will give you a nice full, luxurious look. 

Example for a window that is 36″ wide: 

Add 3″ to each side:  36″ + 6″= 42″

Double that number:  42″ x 2 = 84″

So the total width of your drapery panels should be at least 84″ wide.  This is the total width of the pair.

You can take a peek here for some tips on selecting hardware.  And here is a short installation video.  The only thing I would add:  put the rings on the draperies and the draperies on the rod before determining your total height.

So please take down that skimpy, sheer swag and let’s dress up your windows and give them the dignity they deserve:-)

Shop for great curtains in My Secret Database!

Creating an attractive furniture plan that works well for your lifestyle and home is not all smoke and mirrors.  And the eye-catching designs you see in magazines are not pulled together in the blink of an eye.  Most designers will tell you that they take careful consideration and planning.  The challenge is to balance functionality with comfort and design.  If the furniture is too small or too light the furnishings seem to float aimlessly around the room; too heavy or too large for the room and the space closes in on you.  The best way to start is with a solid furniture plan so I have scanned the Internet and found a few easy tools to help you do just that.  They range from tech-savy to paper and pencil.  Choose the method that is most comfortable for you.

Simple Software - Personally, my favorite tool is Icovia Space Planner.  Icovia features web-based software that allows you to custom build your rooms to scale.  You can furnish them complete with a Ferrari in the garage and a dog bed in the family room.  As an interior designer, I have used some pretty complicated design software.  I can assure you that this one is simple.  You can print out the plans or email them to a friend for additional input.  There are only a few functions, so it’s hard to go wrong.  If you sign up on their website, the service is $29 per month. 

***Inside Secret:  A few of the larger retailers (Lane, Thomasville, Storehouse) also use Icovia and you can hop onto their sites to use it for free.  You will be placing their furniture in the rooms but you can easily re-size it to suit your existing furniture or pieces you have in mind. 

Cardboard Cut-outs - For those of you who like to keep it super basic, Design Yourself Interiors is for you.  This company has created life size reusable “footprints” that will replicate the actual size of your sofa, chair or table before you purchase it.  They have kits for every room in the house, including the nursery.  Most rooms run about $30, or you can purchase all 4 for $110.  It’s pretty affordable so I don’t think it’s worth the time it would would take to make them yourself.

The Old Fashioned Way - Many moons ago before computer -aided design (CAD), architects and designers all worked on a drafting board with pencil and paper.  Some of the purists still do!  It’s a simple way to layout your room.  Purchase some graph paper (or print some out here), a ruler and pencil and you’re all set.  Make each square on the graph paper equal to 1 foot or 6 inches depending on the size of your space. 

As you layout your room, a few tips to consider:

• Take inventory of what you have and write down the length and depth of each piece.
• Measure all doorway openings from the front door all the way through to that room.  Finding out a piece of furniture won’t fit through the doorway on delivery day is very frustrating, to say the least.
• Consider the focal point for the room (fireplace, TV, view, etc) and plan accordingly.
• Start with the largest pieces of furniture (sofa, coffee table, armoire).
• Allow for 14-18″ between a coffee table and the sofa.  Too close or too far is awkward.
• Leave room for end tables.  A 7′ long sofa needs substantial end tables.  An 18″ table will look like a slip-up.  Try 24″+.
• The back of a sofa is not the first thing you want to see when you walk in the room.  If you have put something there, the backs of chairs are preferable and will give you better flow.
• Make sure every seat has a table within reasonable reach. 
• Consider the natural traffic pattern to get from one room to the next and do not block it with a large piece of furniture.

Good luck putting together your new furniture plan.  With a bit of planning and patience, it will be a snap!

You have carefully decorated your master bath retreat with towels, lighting, and the perfect accessories and now that plain Jane mirror looks worse than ever.  For my clients there are two options: tear down the existing mirror; or have a carpenter frame out the mirror with a custom trim and then have my faux painter finish it.  The first option is messy, dangerous and the drywall often has to be repaired.  The second option is fantastic but it’s a costly venture.  So, what’s your alternative?

Well, I have a stylish solution that will bring your mirror from sad to superb.  It’s called Mirror Makeover and it’s an economical solution with designer results.  It’s the brain child of expert framers who thought of a new use for an old product.  Mirror Makeover offers you a selection of 16 frames that can be custom sized to fit your mirror.  They are crystal clear about the pricing and the installation is very easy.  The frame is simply applied directly to your mirror with very strong adhesive tape.  Take a look at their “before and after” gallery as well as the short installation video.

A couple of designer tips:

• Take advantage of their frame samples so you can confidently confirm your selection. 
• Make sure the frame will not interfere with any lighting or switches.
• Consider the finish on  your sink faucets when selecting a frame finish.  They have options in the silver, gold and bronze families.

Visit Mirror Makeover and put a new spin on your bathroom!

I received a lot of nice comments about the audio clip I posted last week, so here’s a new one for you.  If you find it challenging to mix different decorating styles in one room, then just click on the arrow to get some quick tips!  

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Final Thought:  Mix different styles and periods successfully by using the same color in different shades and textures throughout your room.

Thanks for listening and please share any ideas you have for future posts by commenting below.

~Lorrie

*If you received this post via email, please click here for the best listening/viewing experience.

All photos courtesy of Thibaut. Visit the Thibaut website for retailers.

Excitement is in the air!  Parents and students are gearing up for the big trip to (or back to) college.  It’s an exciting time and there is a flurry of preparation and anticipation.  One of the best ways to make your son or daughter feel at home in their new digs is to give them a chance to choose the style of their decor.  Time to let go a little and let their personality and taste shine through.  Dorm rooms are usually pretty basic so they’ve got a blank canvas to work with (within reason).  

I have a few tips that may help you agree on the things they choose and you pay for.

1. Have your child call their roommate and chat a bit so they can coordinate their styles.  Just agreeing on a basic color palette will help immensely.  (I started college in the late 80’s and our palette of choice was light grey, pastel pink and peach.  Yikes!)
2. Kids may not realize their limitions in decorating so give them the lowdown on where they can show their style:  bedding, table lamps, towels, artwork, rugs and technology.
3. Having a place to put the “stuff” is vital.  Hooks for towels, shelves for books, clothes hangers, boxes and bins help keep a small space livable.
4. Storage is usually minimal so bed boosters and slim storage help create some much-needed space.
5. Choose bedding that is easy to wash and hides stains.  Pizza and white sheets don’t mix.
6. Have an area set up to store food with a couple of place settings of plastic wear.

Dorm room decor is hugely popular these days so you will find that some of our vendors have created a specific “dorm room” section on their websites.  These include affordable options, a focus on twin bedding, and large selections of items in coordinating colors.  They also offer checklists that will come in handy so you don’t forget anything vital. Some of the sites I ran across:

Pottery Barn Teen - Dorm Central

The Container Store - Dorm

Linens-N-Things - Destination Dorm 2008

Enjoy spending time with your children and send them back to school with a bang!

When it comes down to it, we all work from home.  Whether it’s the place where you earn a living or where you keep your family’s lives in order, you need space for the computer, paperwork and a few paper clips.  Otherwise it’s a constant game of “Where did that bill go?” or “Please don’t play with my computer.”  A clearly defined workspace not only creates an area for all the “stuff” but it also creates a private space that gains respect from those around you.  From closets, to guest rooms, to an entire dedicated room, here is a simple plan to help you create a beautiful, comfortable and productive atmosphere.

Here you go:

1. Know your needs - Assess what currently works and what does not.  Clean out the space and make sure your storage is adequate.  Beyond file cabinets, consider baskets, bins and shelving.
2. Develop a floor plan - Don’t try to crowd too much furniture in the room and consider pieces that can pull double-duty.  Ballard Designs has a cool little Home Office Kit to help you plan your space.  Or just get out some graph paper, pencil and ruler and design the space yourself.
3. Create the Right Environment - Make it a comfortable and supportive environment for your creativity and concentration.  Though I encourage you to go with your gut on color, here are some basic color/mood associations that might give you a boost:

• Blue - calm, orderly, water
• Green - nature, health, renewal
• Orange - balance enthusiasm
• Purple - spirituality, wisdom
• Red - energy, strength
• White - pureness, simplicity
• Yellow - joy, optimism

4. Architectural Elements - If your budget and time allow, then go for the gold with new flooring, molding and lighting.  My friend and trusty web developer, Andrew, is redoing his office so I put together these tips with him in mind.

• Flooring: I recommend hard surfaces with wood topping the list.  Carpeting can get dusty and I like to keep the area around the computer equipment super clean. 
• Molding:  Be bold with base and crown moldings.  Don’t look to the original molding for size.  Often they are wimpy and small.  If you have 9 foot ceilings then anything up to 9″ each for the crown and the base is fair game.  I usually make the base a couple of inches less than the crown.  Mixing traditional moldings with modern furniture gives the space a designer touch.
• Lighting:  The best lighting for a workspace is a combination of good general lighting (such as recessed lighting) highlighted with some task lighting (lamps).

5. Personalize- Working from home allows you to personalize your space and really make it your own.  There are no rules!  Highlight the room with your favorite painting or a lamp with a cool shade.  Use a cork-board for special mementos or family photos.  Just make sure your office portrays an air of professionalism if you meet with clients in your home.

It doesn’t take much to turn a simple space into a home office.  And the boost to your efficiency and peace of mind will be priceless.

Good luck with your Home Office and be sure to use My Secret Database to fine everything that you will need!

My Design Secrets is launching into the world of Audio!  Today I am sharing quick and easy tips on adding your favorite colors to your next interior design project.  This simple step-by-step approach will have you surrounded by your favorite hues in no time!  Please let me know if you like this format.  Have a great day!

~ Lorrie

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Do you love a dramatic makeover? Of course you do and I totally agree!  You would think after all these years of being a designer that the charm would have worn off, but it definitely has not.  The process of taking a room from lackluster to extraordinary really fires me up!     

The project above is the bathroom in my friend Amy’s home.  Amy and I have been friends since our 7th grade Spanish class.  Instead of conjugating verbs, we were plotting a Friday night foray at the local movie theatre.  Her guest bath (which she lovingly referred to as the “sucky pink bathroom” before the makeover) needed a face-lift.  And with so many other projects (including 3 kids and a dog) going on at her home, she was not ready to do a full renovation.  As you can see, this bathroom featured the lovely pink tiles that were featured prominently in many homes from the 1960’s.  Replacing tile is a big job!  So if you are not ready to tackle the job, then figure out how you can work with it.  A new window treatment, paint, lighting and accessories helped transform this space into a glowing retreat. 

These are the tips I gave to Amy.  I am sure you will find them helpful as a general guidleine in most bathrooms.  Just adjust the colors for your project accordingly and have fun!

• Paint the walls brown, yes “brown.”  And I don’t mean a wimpy taupe color.  Benjamin Moore “espresso” 2099-30 is very pretty, or somewhere in that family.  It is going to take 2-3 coats to do it properly.  I know Dave (her husband) is going to hate me.  Rest assured this is going to give the room the face lift it needs!
• Window:  An off-white or ivory roman shade will look great.  West Elm has a nice one.  Don’t worry that the shade is too long.   It will look more substantial if it has some fabric folded up at the bottom.
• Put simple chrome hardware on the cabinetry. 
• Install a simple light fixture that has a chrome finish.  Get rid of anything brass.
• Find a brown vase (craft store) and put an orchid in it. Fake or real.
• Artwork - If you have some good digital photos of the kids and the beach, print them out in a “sepia” tone, which is brown and white.  Then get some white frames and use either white or pink mattes.  White frames are best beacuse they will show up beatifully against the brown walls.
• Rugs - Brown

Here is an alternate plan if you want to leave the walls white.

• Just paint the walls a warm ivory.
• Brown shade from West Elm
• Brown Frames on the pictures.

Since I know you all never tire of looking at photos, I have just posted a sample of my Portfolio online for you!

Shop for great bathroom furnishings at My Design Secrets!