My Design Secrets

This apron front sink from QualityBath.com allows you to see so much more of the beautiful finish. And this classic faucet is the perfect complement.

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When you’re renovating your kitchen, the sink and faucet you choose really say a lot about your sense of style. We all spend way too much time at the kitchen sink, so why not show a little personality?  There are loads of great options out there so I want to narrow it down for you a bit.  Here’s how:

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Finish & Style

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Hardware: If you are using more modern or cool tones, opt for simple and sleek.  Either brushed or polished chrome.  More traditional?  Brushed or polished brass, chrome and bronze finishes also look great.  Avoid white faucets, they are too utilitarian and look best in the laundry room.

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Sinks: Modern kitchens look great with with stainless sinks.   Traditional kitchens look best with farm sinks, and copper sinks. Fireclay and cast iron can work for both.

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High quality stainless steel is a timeless choice every time. The pot-filler faucet is a bonus for pasta lovers!

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Function

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Hardware: Faucets that feature a pull-out spray are super useful for cleaning the sink.  But if you are are after a more traditional look, choose something shapely and get a separate spray on the side.  Also, levers are easier to operate than handles when your hands are full or soapy.

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Sinks: Make sure the sink suits your cooking needs no matter what style you choose.  Will you be able to wash your roasting pan?  Do you like to have the drying rack in the second basin?

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Price

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Hardware: This is probably one of the most highly used pieces of hardware in your house so keep that in mind and invest what you can financially.  Not only do the higher end brands last longer but if you do need a replacement part or have a warranty claim, they are generally faster to help.

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Sinks: This is also a place worth making the investment.  Stainless sinks:  go for at least and 18 or 20 gauge sink.  The lower the number, the thicker and better quality the sink.  For more information on sinks, check out this post.  Cast iron, fireclay and copper are all very durable as well.

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Links to Sinks

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1st Photo: Elkay Harmony Undermount Antique Hammered Copper Finish Double Bowl Apron Sink - ECUF3319ACH

2nd Photo: Vigo Double Bowl Undermount Sink - VG2918

Tim (my husband) and I both work from home.  And while it’s convenient with no commute, sometimes it’s a little TOO cozy with work-stuff overwhelming our home and our lives.  Poor Tim had a desk wedged into my sample room and sometimes it was hard to find him amongst all the fabric and wallpaper. With many of my vendors moving their catalogs and libraries online, it was time to start downsizing by moving all the catalogs and fabric into my office.  It was going to take some organizing but we finally did it!

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My Sample Room aka Tim's office. His desk was wedged in at the right.

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So now Tim has some extra room in his office.  But before he could even start enjoying it, I had new ideas about how we could use the space…..yoga room, reading room, guest room…TV room during football season.  Being the amiable guy he is, he was up for re-purposing the space.  What we finally decided on was all of the above.  A big part of this equation would be a great sofa bed… which I know seems like an oxymoron, but please read on.

I had my reservations about sofa beds.  They are okay for a night or two but most people “put up” with them.  You know, the bar, the springs, the whole lame deal. But I am sure you will all agree, sleeper sofas are a hefty investment and it would be really great if they were actually comfortable!  So I did some research, talked to a couple of designer friends and jumped in!  Our choice was the Savannah Sleeper from American Leather. I had ordered a number of leather sofas for clients from this company and their quality is great.  They also offer many different fabric choices in addition to leather.

Their Comfort Sleeper Sofa Program is wonderful.  The sofa is comfy and generous in size but the way they designed it allows it to fit into tight spaces.  The sofa can also be taken apart if you live in an apartment with narrow stairways or doors.  The mattress is foam, kinda like a Tempur-pedic mattress (which you can also upgrade to) and it has a stain-resistant Crypton finish which resists moisture, dirt, mold and mildew. Check out a video of how the sleeper works here.

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So the sofa was delivered last week and we stood there and smiled.  We hooked up a larger monitor to Tim’s laptop and he’s in heaven watching tons of movies on Netlfix and football games online.  Then, I moved my yoga stuff into the room and it all fits nicely into the matching storage ottoman!  Now we had a wonderful space and room for our family and friends too.

But the “sleeper” portion did not come into play until last night.  My throat was scratchy on Christmas night and when I woke up the next day I had the whole achy, sniffly, cold thing going strong.  I knew Tim was never going to get a good night’s sleep with me blowing my nose, so I suggested he give the new sofa a whirl.  I kinda held my breath because no one (especially a designer) wants to find out the investment they just made was a bad one.  But when I woke up this morning, Tim looked well rested and gave it the thumbs up!  I breathed a sigh of relief.

The great thing is that American Leather is sold in many stores around the country so if you are in the market for a sleeper sofa (or any sofa for that matter) you may want to visit and check them out.  I’ve already done the homework for you.

Sweet Dreams!

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How’s your Christmas shopping going?  Me? Well, lets just say I feel like the finish line is within site but I am not quite there yet.  I love to give my friends and family thoughtful and personalized gifts.  But gift-giving can be a little more difficult for someone you are just getting to know, a business associate or the host of a party.

In this case,  plants are a lifesaver.  And I am not just talking about poinsettias and holly!  Bonsai trees, orchids, and fragrant herbs are top choices because Winter is a great time to bring nature back into the home.  If you aren’t lucky enough to have a great florist down the block, then don’t be shy about ordering online.  Order it in the middle of the night and it usually shows up in day or two.  How easy is that?

Here are a few great plants that look festive for the Holidays.  But once you take off the ribbon or change the pot, the recipient has a wonderful gift for months to come that reminds them of your generous spirit!

Just click on the photos to take you to each site!

Happy Holidays!

I am sure everyone has been primping and fussing over their homes as they celebrate the holidays all month long.  And if you’ve made some improvements this year, it’s time to show them off to your family and friends.  This year, we’ve talked about many quick and easy ways to step up your decor. But what happens when you have a big ugly stain on your carpet? Let’s talk!

It would be nice if you could cover the stain with your sofa, but stains usually don’t happen in spots where a sofa would logically go.  Now what?  New carpeting is a design commitment and a financial investment so I never recommend making any snap decisions. Plus, at this time of year there are few of us who are ready to spend that kind of money.  So, I will offer you a fantastic solution I used on one of my recent interior design projects. It will not only solve your stain problem but also add some style to your room!

I love this giraffe print and the orange color gives it a modern twist.

This Martha Stewart Rug is only $257 for an 8'x11'

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I have talked about Indoor/Outdoor rugs before and here I am again!  They work wonderfully over wall-to-wall carpet because they are very thin, so they don’t add a lot of bulk.  This makes them look more at home and there’s less risk of tripping.*  Also, they’re not budget breakers.  Often you can get an 8′ x 10′ rug anywhere from $150 up to $500. Last but not least, since they are made to be used outdoors, they are super durable and easy to clean.  Most can be hosed off outside!

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I use Dash and Albert rugs a lot and this great diamond pattern comes in several colors.

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How should you proceed?  Here’s some tips!

Size

If you have a small room, then go with a rug that almost completely covers the floor.  For example, I designed a 10×12 room recently where we are putting down a 8×11 rug.  That way the rooms looks cohesive instead of chopped up.  If you can only do an area rug and need more help choosing a rug size then check out my post on How to Measure for an Area Rug.  If you are in doubt, go one size up.

Style

You have an opportunity here to give your room a fresh new look.  If you have lots of pattern in your furniture and window treatments, then stick with a solid rug with a border.  If you would like to add a bit more pattern and color, stripes and plaids are great.  If you don’t have a whole lot of pattern in the room, here’s your chance to add a great floral rug or a modern motif!

Paradise Rug from Grandin Road.

Color

Don’t be afraid of color!  Most people are covering up a neutral carpet and the best way to do that is to go in another direction.  A beige rug does not hide beige carpet. But a blue rug makes you forget all about the beige carpet. The magic of great design is that it attracts your eye to the positive and away from the negative!

So stop moving the furniture around and let a nice indoor/outdoor rug do the work.  You’ll freshen up your room and solve your dirty little secret all in one shot!

*Designer Tip:  The rug-over-carpet solution works better with low-pile wall-to-wall carpet.  When you have thicker carpeting, an area rug can get very wavy and unstable which is not safe nor very attractive.

Living Room After

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It’s been a while since my last post because I’ve been busy, busy, busy.  So I though the least I could do is share my world with you! I am working with a number of wonderful clients these days and one couple in particular needed some serious drapery help.  The lovely furnishings they brought with them fit wonderfully into their home.  But in order to make everything flow, a few design elements needed tweaking and draperies were at the top of the list.  They chose the right designer because I truly believe that window treatments are the crowning touch to any room.  Draperies don’t have to be super dramatic but they definitely should accomplish the following:

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Living Room Before

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Drapery Selection Checklist

• Complement the style of your furnishings.
• Work with the colors in your room and highlight the tones you love.
• Have a scale that works with the windows.
• Provide the amount of privacy and light control needed.
• Be hung on hardware that is sturdy and in scale with the room.

If you look at the Before and After photos on this page, you will notice a few things.

Shape - First of all, some people may think that to highlight an arched window, you should also choose an arched treatment.  But as you can see, by going with a classic linear design, it highlights the windows even more!  The arched window treatment and neutral fabric camouflaged the shape of the windows completely.

Color – In the living room the windows were just calling out for color.  The bold pomegranate sofa and the lovely rug were begging for some company.  My client and I agreed that blue would really pull the room together so we went with a gorgeous yet simple print that featured blues and ivory.

Hardware - Hardware is an important element of  all window treatments.  Too skimpy and you wonder how it’s holding everything up, too bold and you have a castle- like look.  When choosing the size, keep in mind your drapery length, the type of drapery, and other furnishings in the room.  For example, 8′ sheers look really nice on a 1″ metal pole but these lined draperies are about 12′ tall so we chose a 2.5″ wood pole and large finials.  Remember, things look smaller from far away!

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Dining Room Before

Dining Room After

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I realize that window treatments can be very challenging so I am happy to announce that we are unveiling online design services by the end of this month!  You name your design dilemma and I will solve it!

E-Decorating Services Include:

Paint My Room – Get three fabulous options for painting your room including walls, ceiling and trim.  Photo renderings to help you choose!

7 Point Interior Design Plan – Need a plan for your entire room?  No problem!  I provide an interior design plan that includes everything to get the job done – from flooring and paint to furniture and window treatments.  Includes your own personalized website for easy reference!

My Virtual Designer – Let’s meet online for a 1-on-1 interior design consultation! Our online meeting can be recorded so that you can view it again at your convenience.

Plus, we will be adding several more services in 2011.

I hope you are as excited as we are!  Stay tuned….

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During the month of October, we are all keenly aware of how Breast Cancer has touched so many of our lives.  While breast cancer is a serious illness, celebrating the recovery of many and gaining an awareness of others is how a Cure is going to be found.  When I think of anyone fighting breast cancer, I think of their surroundings. Do they have a home, a room or cozy spot  that makes them feel nurtured, calm and content?

When it comes down to it, all women, no matter where they are in their lives, need a room (corner, space, niche or nook) that they can call their own.  It’s a wonderful respite on good days and bad.  A place to sip a cup of tea, meditate, knit, or read a book.  Tim knows my spot.  Early in the morning, I curl up on the sofa with a book, my tea and our dog, Roxie.  It gives me comfort and helps me start off the day on the right foot.  For you, evening may be your time.  The kids are in bed, the hubby is watching TV and those tranquil moments are yours alone.

Whether you have a whole room or a little spot, decorate it in a way that pleases you.  It’s a place you can reflect, pray, scheme and dream. It’s all up to you.

Carving Out Your Quiet Space

• Choose colors that soothe you, whether it’s cool blues and greens or warm peaches and golds.
• Add textures that embrace you.  A chenille or cashmere blanket and soft down pillow will help you snuggle in.
• Add a candle, a statue and a photo or two.  Personalize your space.
• Music always helps me relax.  I use the Pandora app on my iTouch for a great mix and no commercials.  Two stations I love….George Winston & Calm Meditation.
• Ask everyone in your family to “respect the space” and allow you to have some time alone.  I know it’s a tall order but they actually might listen.

Enjoy your space.

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Sources in photos above:

Woodrow Swivel Chair in Sun Tweet Suite from Maine Cottage

Clockwise starting with Rug:

Spectrum Clover Wool Rug from Company C

Eliza nickel-plated Frame from Crate & Barrel

Rectangular Flanged Pillow in Zinnia-Sun Luxe Waffle from Maine Cottage

Set of 3 Scented Square Candles from Crate & Barrel

Solid Cashmere Throw from Williams Sonoma Home

Lucille End Table in Smootie from Maine Cottage

Zinnia Ball Lamp from Maine Cottage

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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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