A good example of taking the tile all the way up to the ceiling. It frames the hood and opens the space.

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Well, when I asked you to help me choose some topics for the blog,  it seems that backsplashes were a popular item. Whether you’re doing a total renovation in your kitchen or just going for a fresh face-lift, backsplashes are an important element. Yes, countertops are lovely (and expensive) but just like other vertical elements of a room (draperies, artwork) backsplashes are often the first thing you notice!

There are a variety of backsplashes including tile, wood, stainless, tin, stone and glass. But did you realize all these materials could be incorporated into Mosaic Tile?  I have gathered so many fantastic sources for mosaic tile lately that I am certain there will be something to please everyone and I will be sure to give you all those precious links.  But first, let’s review some of the most important things to consider.

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The Wide Hex Twist shown in two colors - Canvas & Vanilla Bean (from Dwell) - shows how a geometric tile (hexagon) can look soft and organic depending on the color pattern.

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Mosaic Tile Basics!

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Selection & Design

• Total overhaul?  If you really have your heart set on a certain mosaic tile, then choose that before the countertop material.  Mosaics can be very busy which may lead you to a more subtle countertop.  Once you have invested a couple of thousand dollars (at least) on countertop material, you don’t want to force a mosaic that will make it look too busy.
• Just renovating?  If you already have a countertop with a lot of action (granite or a solid surface), you can still go with a mosaic, just consider keeping the colors in the same family instead of adding a lot of contrast.
• Metal, glossy, bright and contrasting colors are going to give you a brighter, busier, more modern feel.  Stone, monochromatic schemes, eco-friendly and matte finishes are going to give you a more classic or earthy feel.
• Smaller mosaics (with more grout lines) are going to appear busier on the wall.
• If you want to brighten up the space, choose gloss tiles in light colors.
• Consider adding under-counter lighting to highlight your new design element.
• Decide if your electrical outlets could be in a better location.  Make sure you have one every four feet (your electrician will know the code in your area).  If you are renovating, the inspectors will check.  Even if you don’t ask them to!

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The warm combination of jewel-like finishes in this Emily Jablon Tile would work well with a warm granite or limestone countertop.

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Purchasing

• Don’t purchase anything without getting a sample.  The online vendors are usually very fair with the sample costs.  Also, make sure they are giving a sample from the same dye lot that you are purchasing from.
• Let the tile installer help you calculate the amount of tile.  It’s not the same same as measuring for flooring and you need to incorporate certain aspects of the design.
• After you measure how many square feet you need, add at least 10% to that for breakage (these tiles can be tricky to cut) and for filling in the edges.  If you pick a running pattern that ends in a jagged edge, you will have to find pieces to fill in to the corner.
• If you are on the fence about purchasing another square foot or another box, do it.  You never know when you are going to need that extra tile.  People make mistakes (break things), pipes burst, life happens.  When it does, you want to make sure you have extra tile from the same dye lot or run.

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I like the combination of soft shapes and cool stainless in this design.

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Installation

• Mosaic glass tile can crack when exposed to heat or cold or if your house shifts.  While it’s not likely it will happen, it’s good to err on the side of caution.  By installing tile with a crack suppression membrane, it absorbs some of these shifts and protects against the cracks.  Ask the tile company or your installer about this.
• Make sure your tile installer has factored in the cost of using new, high-quality blades on his saw for your job.  These blades can be costly but they are essential to get a clean edge and will greatly reduce the risk of cracking.

Grout

• Please select non-staining grout, especially if you like to cook anything with anything that stains…wine, tomatoes, oil…etc.
• Check out my friend Annie’s blog post about choosing a grout color.  She has some great examples showing you how grout color can either disappear or become part of the design.
• Mosaics that have rounded pebbles add substantially to the labor because the grout has to be pushed into the spaces by hand.

So feel free to jump into the mosaic-loving crowd and don’t worry about people who say it will go out of style.  Everything goes in and out of style eventually but in the meantime you will have a lovely backsplash that makes you smile and expresses your creative nature!

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Some of My Favorite Mosaic Tile Sources:

Eden Mosaic Tile - Metal, Glass, Steel, Aluminum and Copper Mosaic Tile  My Favorite? Eden Mosaic Tile Silver And Chocolate Brick Mixed Aluminum Mosaic Tile

Home Depot – A large variety of affordable styles that can get you comfortable with sizes and shapes.  But, compare their selection to online stores that don’t have the large overhead.  My Favorite? Solistone Indonesian Mosaic Jakarta Moon

Heath Ceramics - All tile made in Sausalito, California featuring some really subtle retro patterns.  In-stock and custom options.  My Favorite? The New Patterns Created for Dwell Magazine

Design For Less -Lots of cool glass tile and easy sample ordering.  They also have recycled leather tiles for something different!  My Favorite? Bengal Glass Tile

ModWalls – Great selection of glass tile in many colors and finishes.  You can customize your own blend and see it online, grout color and all!  Plus they have a huge gallery of photos where you can see many styles installed.  My Favorite?  Lush 1/2×2 Blend Big Sur

Susan Jablon Mosaics – A HUGE selection of glass tile.  You could spend hours surfing this site.  She has a great section all about grout too! My Favorite? Emily Jablon Designs Retro Mint

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This a photo of my office, which has a vaulted ceiling that was previously white. This time I painted the walls and ceiling Prescott Green and I love how it opened up the room.

We recently had the interior of our home repainted and it’s so wonderful to see clean, fresh colors on the walls.  So I chose some new colors…nothing too earth-shattering.  I stayed with the palette I love….blues, greens and earth tones.The trusty Benjamin Moore Historical Collection has been my color home base for years.

First we had some prep work to do. The painter did a great job of repairing the cracked plaster on the ceiling which made a huge different.  You see, we live in a Bungalow that was built in 1981 and by South Florida standards that is OLD! Now old is not a bad thing.  I like old. I grew up in a house that was a Grist Mill built in 1840. Old meant original hardwood floors, exposed beams and a house that oozed character and charm. It also had lots of cool places to hide. But in this house “old”  means quirky building details, odd-shaped rooms and every room has vaulted ceilings.

So the important changes I made this time around were with the ceiling colors.  In most rooms we have vaulted ceilings….which means 2 things.  A fifth wall that covers a lot of real estate and no crown moldings. I love this house, it just always requires a little extra imagination to pull it all together.

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Big deal, right?  Well it is a big deal if you want a cohesive look and the ceiling is the crowning touch.  So here are some tips on choosing colors for your ceiling:

Vaulted Ceiling –  Without crown molding you rarely get a straight edge where the ceiling meets the wall which looks messy and distracting.  A good solution?  If the wall color is on the lighter side, I like to paint the ceiling the same color.  It makes for a smooth transition and the room looks larger. I don’t recommend colors that are too dark for rooms with vaulted ceilings. If you paint the ceiling that same dark color and don’t have enough light in the room, it can really make it feel closed in.  As human beings we feel most comfortable with darker colors below and lighter ones above….kinda like the ground and sky!

Flat Ceilings/No Crown Molding – You have a few factors to consider.  If the line between the ceiling and wall is nice and straight, then you can certainly go with different colors. But choose a soft white rather than the chalky Ceiling White that most painters will automatically use. When you look at the whites side by side, you will see some are warm (pinks and golds) while others are cool (more blue or gray). Choose accordingly.  You can also choose a lighter shade of your wall color.

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Our Living Room has a plank ceiling with a simple band of trim around the edge so it basically the same as having a crown molding. So we painted both Atrium white which has a ever so slight pink hue. It compliments the warmth of the Chestnut walls.

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Flat Ceilings with Crown Molding –  Since you will most likely go with a white tone for your crown, it’s best to do the same with the ceiling.  I often use the same color for the crown as the ceiling (but of course a satin or semi-gloss for the trim and flat for the ceiling).  Don’t use the wall color on the ceiling.  The crown is going to look like a big white stripe around the room.

Small Ceilings - In powder rooms and small laundry rooms I like to use the same color on the walls and ceiling.  It makes the room look more unified.  If you have wallpaper in a small powder room, wallpaper the ceiling or paint it the same background color as the paper.

I hope this helps you have more confidence when it’s time to paint.  I am sure you will find that your newly painted (non-chalky-white) ceiling will give your room a light airy feeling!

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the lovely details of this this French Directoire style dresser from Wisteria are highlighted by the white wash.

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Do you remember a couple of years ago when dark woods were all the rage?  Whether they called it “Java” or “Wenge”, it seemed that they just could not make the finishes dark enough.  Well, just like fashion, politics and anything else we gossip about, when things swing to one extreme it seems inevitable that they’ll swing in the opposite direction sometime soon.  That’s why we are seeing worn and washed woods popping up all over the place.  Worn finishes have a nice earthy matte look that is soft to the touch and easy on the eyes.  A white wash can take that same piece and really brighten it up while highlighting the natural wood grain.  Because of this, a grainy wood like pine is the perfect candidate.

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The Simplicity Chandelier from Currey & Co. Need I say more?

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I like washed finishes for a number of reason, not the least of which is their time-worn look.  Furniture just has more character when it looks likes like it’s been around the block.  But the beauty of these weathered pieces is their ability to fit perfectly into so many designs such as:

• As a counterpoint to a room full of medium or dark toned antiques, it’s a great solution.
• If you are going for a light, beachy look with lots of white and painted finishes but crave some natural warmth, it also works.
• And if you love modern pieces but still want to inject a little history, they fit the bill there too.

So if you are stuck on when selecting that last piece for your living room, take a look at some of these well-worn pieces.  They are interesting, beautiful and instantly bring a little history into your space!
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A classic and comfortable x-back cafe chair. Perfect as an accent piece or an extra seat for an unexpected guest.

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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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Before ~ Dated, drab and choppy.

Recently I pulled off a quick and affordable bathroom makeover that I just love.  My clients purchased a home with a wonderful layout, lots of light and easy indoor/outdoor living.  But many of the details in the home needed updating.  So we prioritized.  Some of the must-have’s…a new kitchen and new flooring throughout.  But then there were details that  just needed a quick face-lift and their master bath was one of them. 

The Good News…it’s a nice size bath with his and hers vanities and beautiful plantation shutters. All the permanent fixtures were in light tones.  

The Bad News…dated vinyl wallpaper and pickled wood cabinets that highlighted the cultured marble counter-tops.  Not my favorite combo.    

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After ~ Serene, cohesive and classic.

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The key here is highlighting the good features (large room & plantation shutters), creating a simple color palette (ivory and blue) and updating the less desirable features (the mirrors and cabinets).  So this is how we did it.

4 Easy Steps to a Quick, Easy & Affordable Bathroom Makeover

Step 1 - Remove the wallpaper and paint the walls a spa-like blue. (See how the soffits virutally disappear?)

Step 2 – Paint the cabinets Benjamin Moore Linen White. (My favorite warm white.)

Step 3 – Replace the knobs with something simple and classic.

Step 4 – Install frames on the existing mirrors to tie in with the cabinets. (I have Excellent Sources for mirror frames in My Secret Database.)

So if you are not happy with your bathroom, really take a good look.  Does it have good bones but just needs a few tweaks?  Chances are you might be able to pull off most of the work yourself and be relaxing in your spa-like bathroom in no time at all.

My Secret Database should be your first stop on your decorating journey!

Join Today!

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The seamed silk shade and the slight bell shape immediately make this lamp look a bit more formal and traditional.

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Lamps are the last item I look for when designing a room.  To me, they are the crowning touch and allow you to infuse a last bit of style and color into the room.   I was looking for lamps for a client today and the ones I am considering have two different lamp shade options.  Options…it’s a word every designer loves and so should you! When you take a classic lamp and put a pleated silk lampshade on it, the result has a more formal and traditional look.  But when you take the same lamp and use a plain drum or cone shade you have a much more modern look.  Check out these lamps to see the difference.  And by the way, a gourd lamp like this fits in most any room.  They come in a broad spectrum of sizes and colors and are always in style.

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The more modern choice. Still a silk shade but the shape is simple yet classic.

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This also means that if you find a lamp you like but the shade is not quite right, change out the shade.  There are a number of lamp stores that carry a broad selection of shades in many price ranges. The perfect lampshade can make a  simple lamp look more spendy and we all love a bargain, right?

Tired of shopping the same online stores that all carry the same products?  Become a member of My Secret Database and enjoy access to a wide variety of boutique vendors that I have gathered over the years!

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You have a favorite sofa that you’ve snuggled into comfortably for the past 8 years.  The style is perfect and the size is just right.  But the fabric leaves a bit to be desired.   All the good things in life….kids, dogs, eating, drinking and being merry are reflected on your sofa.  Many clients ask me whether it’s worth it to reupholster their sofa or chairs.   It really depends on a few factors.  So let me step you through it and perhaps the decision will become clear…

Condition

How is the sofa or chair holding up?  Does it creak each time you sit down?  Is it sagging in the middle?  Or is it just the cushions that are shot?  If the frame is weak, then it’s time to move on.  If you just need new cushions, that’s an easy fix.

Style

How attached are you to the style of your piece?  Because if you really like the certain small details, it may be very difficult to find them again.  Styles change over the years and if you are looking for a duplicate piece, you may be searching for a needle in the haystack.

When the fabric is fastened directly to the frame, you need to apply welt to cover the staples. Click on the photo and you will see it's a much more involved process.

Budget

Reuphostering  a sofa or club chair is probably not going to save you money. The truth is that except for higher end furnishings, most furniture frames are not very well made.  Instead of kiln-dried hardwood and 8-way hand-tied seats, they are made with sofa woods and inexpensive metal coils.  So even when a company makes a brand new sofa, most of the money goes into the fabric and labor.

While you might be able to get a great deal on fabric, the labor costs to reupholster is significant.   If you’d like to get a quote from a local vendor, some may give you an estimate based on the sofa measurements, but they will have to come and determine the exact fabric yardage needed and take a look to give you a firm quote.  Don’t forget to ask about new cushions if yours are deflated!

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DIY

I do not recommend tackling a sofa or club chair unless you have expert guidance or an enormous amount of patience.  Most homemade jobs I have seen are very sad looking.  There is an exception to this rule.  Dining Room chairs that have slip seats are a snap to redo.  Check out the great video below for some helpful guidance.

If you are saving for a new sofa but cannot stand the look of what you have right now, then be sure to consider a slipcover for the time being.  When the time comes to purchase a new sofa, you certainly don’t want the old one to wind up in a landfill.  So if you are ready to move on from your old sofa, please explore your options to donate it to a worthy cause.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask me below!

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As you know by know, Wednesday was the Big Day!  We unveiled all the wonderful improvements here at My Design Secrets and we are already getting some great feedback. Decorating your Home using the Web will be easier than ever before!

You have to be a Member for exclusive access to the Database and believe me, it’s well worth it!  Click here to see all the wonderful benefits of membership; including getting my free guide:

“7 Great Ways to Stretch Your Home Decorating Budget”

We have done our best to make the transition as smooth as silk, but as you know, technical glitches are bound to occur.   So, as you surf around please give us time to work out the kinks.  And if you want to bring anything to our attention, just click here to contact us.  We appreciate your help and feedback!

Thank you all for your loyalty and support.  We will be here helping you decorate your home for many years to come!

~Lorrie

CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

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If you are going to remodel your kitchen and would like to do it in an eco-friendly fashion, consider using the following materials in your new design.

Appliances- Certified with an Energy Star label.  Use a convection oven versus a conventional oven to save energy. 

Cabinets – FSC-certified plywood, wheatboard, bamboo, formaldehyde-free MDF, reclaimed wood, recycled timber, or recycled steel.

Countertops – Granite, engineered stone, recycled ceramic tile, FSC-certified wood, recycled steel, recycled glass, recycled plastics.

Flooring –  Bamboo, cork, linoleum, stone tiles, recycled glass tiles, recycled metal tiles, reclaimed & sustainable woods.

Lighting – Copper light fixtures, recycled glass, recycled aluminum, recycled steel, sustainably harvested wood, and post-industrial waste products.  Be sure and use energy-saving fluorescent bulbs.

Storage – Store food in glass and ceramic pieces instead of plastic.  They are easier to clean, do not hold odors, and if on display, aesthetically much more pleasing.

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Are you following me on twitter?  You should be!

~ Lorrie

Today, I would like to introduce you to a very talented interior designer, Joel Robare.  Joel is recognized for his innate creativity, open approach, attention to detail and superior service in interior design.  He has been kind enough to answer a few questions and share some of his work with us today.  Thanks Joel!  Enjoy everyone!  ~ Lorrie

Could you describe your path to becoming a designer?
I was bitten by the creativity bug early, drawing and painting ever since I can remember. My first apartments lived like stage sets!  That said, it surprises most people to know that I started with a business management degree – how efficient!  I think the experience gave me the ability to run my business with my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. A friend once told me we all have to ” do what makes our heart sing.”  If you are near me, you can probably hear my song without straining your ears too much!  I love what I do and am inspired daily.  

Can you describe your philosophy of a “lifestyle-driven approach to design?”
Have you ever walked into an interior that takes your breath away?  That is our aim when we work with our clients.  We create interiors that speak to their own inner voice – going beyond current trends and catalog pages. Our interiors speak of the people who live and work inside them.  Our life-style driven approach takes into account everything our clients are willing to share with us.  We start with an comprehensive interview that asks all the right questions. Have a dog?  Have children?  Have a problem with hiding clutter?  Don’t want to hide clutter?  There IS a perfect interior for every person, and I believe we create it…beautifully.  Our clients become intimately involved with their own homes and they love our work!  Some of their testimonials have been very touching.  

What was the inspiration for your featured project?
The featured project on our website is a home for San Francisco newlyweds.  Putting together a home is really the first decision making process any young couple takes on.  As a designer, we have to ask a lot of questions and use a bit of light psychology to bring two lives together under one roof.  Our inspiration was “a fresh start” and we worked hard to assist them in finding their combined voice.  I think they both learned a lot about each other in the process – almost as much as we learned about them! (The discussion on the nursery was important for all of us…) We layered in a lot of pure functionality (easy maintenance, extra storage, private spaces) with layered bits of personality they identified with individually.  She was most interested in the past like antiques and creating moments that stir her memory like the wallpapered powder room and painted cabinetry. He was very interested in the home’s tactile components like the Aga range, walk in shower, and building out his garage.  Our job was to add completely fresh elements, a cohesive color story and a few “wows” like the glass stripes in the kitchen floor and that lush mosaic tile backsplash.  Our work combined with their individual preferences led to a cohesive whole that both expressed their personality to the world – both as individuals as well as a new couple. 

Joel, could you share a few tips with our readers on how best to marry style with practicality/functionality?
Marry is the word of the day!  If you read my blog, you will see I love lists.  Here is one for your readers:  JR Studio’s 5 steps to making any situation stylish.