My Design Secrets

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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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For a simple home office, you cannot beat the price and functionality of the Trovato Office-In-A-Box from Office Max. A desk, hutch and storage ottoman for $149.99.

More and more of us are working from home.  Some people need to take work home from the office, others work from home full-time and still others are starting new businesses “on the side” just to earn a few extra dollars in these money-tight times.  And let’s not forget how organized you need to be to manage a household – baseball games, trips to the vet, and school plays!

While it would be great to have a whole room for your office, many times you need to carve out a little space in an already crowded home.  The key here is to create a small, but well-organized space so you can focus when it’s time to settle in and get down to business.   Here is a sure fire way to make it work!

The Right Desk Spells Success

Find a desk that works for you. Not for the kids, not for your spouse, for you!  This means it has the right amount of space to hold the things you need (computer, phone, printer, etc) but not so much that you are filling it with clutter.  The height is very important because you want to be comfortable when using your keyboard.  If the desk does not have a keyboard tray then you will have to make sure your chair is adjustable so your shoulders are not scrunched up by your ears!

Steelcase has been making commercial office chairs for years. Now you can have an eco-friendly one that conforms to your body. It's a win-win. $659 at Crate & Barrel

“Chair” Man or Woman

Don’t buy a CHEAP CHAIR!  Your back, your neck and your butt will thank you.  The best chair allows you to adjust your seat up and down, and tilt forward and and back.  It should have lumbar support and allow you to adjust the arm rests.  Even people of the same height can be built so much differently with shorter arms or longer legs.  A good chair will last you for years.  Mine has gone 10 years so far and every vertebrae in my back is thankful.

This flexible gooseneck lamp from LampsPlus will twist and turn in any direction. LED lights keep it burning cool and saves energy. $99.99

Let There be Light

It’s great if your room already has overhead light but you still need some task lighting to make the space work.  If you are doing detailed worked, halogen lamps are great because the light is bright and clear.  But make sure the shade is not metal or it will get super hot.  Another great option is a light that uses LED bulbs that burn cool and last a super long time.  Table lamps look good but they really don’t give you the focused light that your eyes truly need. 

Metal mesh on the outside and cork on the inside allows you to use push pins or magnets. Pick your poison. $37.99

Organize It

Your organizational needs will vary greatly depending on your line of business but there a few basics that can help everyone!  Make sure you have enough filing space.  That sleek and simple writing desk may just have to wait if you have files you need at your fingertips.  There are lots of great looking desks with ample storage.  Also, some kind of  bulletin or magnet board is a huge help.  It can prevent you from getting lost in a flutter of Post-It notes.

These are just some basic tips to get you started with your furnishings.  If you feel you could use the help of a professional home office organization expert, then my friend Brandie is your woman!  She has contributed to My Design Secrets in the past and offers consultations to get you going in the right direction!

Please share your personal home office tips and tricks below!

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This rocker can go from a very chic nursery to your living room in snap. The PK 20 is available in Wicker $1250 or Leather $1450. Stainless Steel. Brushed finish.

Modular - $495

This copy of the 670 lounge chair and ottoman is constructed exactly like the original. Prices range from $2200 to $2600.

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~ Lorrie