Refresh, Restyle, Redo

Now that the holidays are over and the decorations are down, the house looks a hmmm... bare. I do this every year as many people do, it's a big month in the furniture and decorating world. Everyone has visited a lot of family and friends over the holidays and gets to check out their lovely homes and then it gets you thinking, hmm, I've been meaning to replace the _______(insert furniture item here). Then BAM! It happens, you've been inspired to tackle the task. First things first, twist the husband's arm into agreement until he moans and groans through the entire process. It then naturally turns from one furniture item to the entire room. (We knew that all along though, right)? Good thing after all the holiday spending it seems you have extra money for the moment! The point being, here are some things to keep in mind as you go about your "refreshing".

I like to suggest in the ways of paint always get a sample size first and put it on the wall, picking paint samples from an inch and a half square is completely unrealistic. Secondly, it will always look different on the wall and in the various lighting you receive in your room. Don't forget the ceiling too, it is the fifth wall after all!

Lighting, a very important aspect in any space, (maybe my favorite) is fun to work with as well. It is more complicated than paint so I'll touch on the basics. Lighting can dramatically change the mood of the room, so beware. Incandescent bulbs will be warm and inviting and the fluorescents and some of the efficient ones are much cooler, again effecting the paint color and the mood of the space. The shades on lamps will determine how much light is emitted, so keep in mind if the lighting will be functional or ambient.

Rugs are not limited to just hardwood floors, carpeted floors can be layered with a rug too. Both rugs and window treatments are a great and easy way to add more color and pattern. A general rule of thumb when mixing patterns, be sure that they are different sizes and they will be compatible.

Accessories are scattered throughout, maybe an accent piece or two but these items can really tie a room together. You can get creative and add your color in these items: pillows, artwork, items on bookcases or tables.

Furniture, ah, the best for last. Furniture can be tricky, it can be hard to find the best compromise of comfort and style. It IS possible, I assure you. I do caution you that you can be picky or cheap, usually not both. :) Keep in mind also, you may have to order things in order to find the best option. It is worth the wait to do it right and be happy with it for years to come. Of course, resale shops will have things in stock at incredible prices without necessarily compromising quality. (Nice plug, huh?!)

Many people find this whole process overwhelming and understandable so. There are many aspects to juggle and it can be a challenge to foresee how they will all come together. That being said, as usual, I can be the one to step in and help you pull it all together if need be. You know where to find me!


Photo Credits: Pinterest, Houzz

Sprucing up for the Holidays

If you've been into a retail store lately, I am sure you've been bombarded with all the holiday decor and gift giving ideas. We admit, our holiday decor is in full swing around here and now that we are done with Thanksgiving, we should be! (Just no music yet). Not to be all "ba humbug" but if you listen to it for months it would turn anyone into a Scrooge! This is also the time of the year that everyone, or at least those who entertain for the any one of the holidays are looking to spruce up the house for those guests. Only with the hope that those very changes don't go unnoticed. With all the present purchasing and entertaining to do, what is actually left for the "sprucing up budget?" Maybe it's what you can get away without the hubby (or roommate) complaining too much, or as long as HE doesn't have to physically do it or get involved. So now we are down to YOU, something YOU can do successfully all by your lonesome. Well, here are a few suggestions that presumably one person could do and do somewhat inexpensively.

Paint, one of the all time least expensive components that go into any room. A fresh coat of paint goes a LONG way. You can easily open up a space or make it more cozy just depending on the color. Simply changing up the color will give a lift to the space, maybe even play with the thought of an accent wall, whether its a completely different color or just a shade or two darker than the main color.

Accessorize. Another easy and inexpensive way to update is to switch out your accessories. If not all of them even just a few, to add a different color or a new style. Better yet, bring the old ones into our store and make a few extra bucks for the holiday!

These ideas are great refreshers to jazz up a tired room. And won't break the bank. Should the wallet allow, both of these combined would make a huge difference. If these suggestions just don't do it for you or you still need some help applying it to your space, let me know and I would love to do a consultation for you! Photo Credits: Pinterest.

Peacock Perfection

Peacock, peacock, peacock! A look I am loving right now is anything to do with peacock. The rich emeralds, blues, teals, and purples just draw me in. Looking at pictures with these colors even makes me happy. I know we had a blog about this a while back, but I couldn't help but post one myself (We're such repeat offenders, I know!)

Since I've been obsessing so much, I decided to do a little research to find out more about this magnificent creature I've been obsessing about. The peacock is a symbol of integrity. Different cultures and religions see the peacock as openness, acceptance, and immorality. They also represent kindness, compassion, good luck and kind-heartedness. In Babylonia and Persia, the Peacock is seen as a guardian to royalty, and is often seen in engravings on royal thrones. Peacocks have also been associated with the "All Seeing Eye" because its feathers look as though they display 100 eyes. In Greek-Mythology, the peacock was the patron bird of the goddess Hera. According to myth, Hera placed 100 eyes on the peacocks feathers, symbolizing the eyes of the stars. Also, in Feng Shui, the peacocks feathers can protect you from disasters and dangers because of the "eyes" of the feathers.

Eclectic Living Room design

Modern Living Room design by Atlanta General Contractor Cablik Enterprises

Eclectic Bedroom design

Traditional Dining Room design by Furniture And Accessories COLECCION ALEXANDRA

Contemporary Living Room design by New York Photographer Rikki Snyder

Mediterranean Home Office design by Austin Architect Cornerstone Architects

Contemporary Bedroom design by Melbourne Interior Designer jameslondon

Eclectic Bedroom design by Los Angeles Interior Designer Woodson & Rummerfield's House of Design

Eclectic Bedroom design by Los Angeles Photographer Erika Bierman Photography

Eclectic Living Room design by Dallas Interior Designer Abbe Fenimore Studio Ten 25

Eclectic Bedroom design by Omaha Interior Designer Birdhouse Interior Design Consulting

Eclectic Home Office design by Dc Metro Interior Designer Heather ODonovan Interior Design

Peacock by allisonryoung featuring burberry coat

Credits: houzz.com, pinterest.com, www.prlog.org, www.whats-your-sign.com, refinedtattoos.com

Back to School, Back to School

With summer winding down, and all those college kids about to go off to school, there is the anticipation of meeting new people, new places, new adventures, and of course, the MOST exciting: Dorm room decorating!!!

With all the "rules and regulations" of hanging pictures, etc (some of those colleges are really sticklers, trust me, I know, I've been there!), it can be difficult to make that white-walled dorm room feel like home. This blog post is dedicated to inspiring ideas, getting organized, and making that small room feel more like a personalized and comfortable crash pad.

Go ultra-girly with Parisian/Marilyn inspired decor. Stay classic with the black and white or add a pop of color (pink, purple, Tiffany teal, the possibilities are endless!)

I love the blue and orange combination. A fun color combo I would have not thought of myself.

Indecisive?! Go modern and mix prints. The combined tribal and floral print is perfect for the eccentric girl who wants it all.

Bunk beds. The perfect way to create more space for activities!

Stripes and plaid. This contemporary straight-lined print mishmash can up the cool factor in any guys' room.

Red and purple merge together for a stylish, merry living space.

Small storage space with shelves and hooks. Perfect way to keep all those clutches and handbags conserved and organized.

Need more closet space? Or just want to prepare a weeks worth of outfits?! Use soda-tabs to double hangers for the ultimate outfit organization. This way, you can hit that snooze button a few more times without going in to that frantic, panicked stress mode searching for "that shirt I know is in here somewhere!" And never, ever go to class in those sweats again! After all, a girl must always be prepared to meet a dashing stranger or an old enemy.

Calling all accessory freaks! Keep that bracelet collection under-control by using soda bottles as an inexpensive bracelet holder.

Use PVC pipes to create plenty of space to organize shoes.

Attach a magnetic strip in a cabinet to keep bobby and safety pins accessible and easy to find.

Cute way to hang photos, cards, memos, etc. without ruining walls and so simple/cheap to make!

Another neat way to display photos. String lights across and simply clip on!

Store snacks and room meals in this refridgerator cart from Pottery Barn Teen: Bye-bye to the sloppy looking "kitchen" area.

3 in 1 Breakfast Maker from freshfinds.com. Now, where was this when I was in college?! Actually, better question: Why do I NOT own one of these now?!


So, good luck to all of those going away to college this year. I hope you found some useful ideas from this blog post. And just remember, when all else fails...I present you with two options.

Option 1:

aannnddddddd...I give you option 2:

Photo Credits: Pottery Barn Teen, Keep Calm Prints, Ideabottle.com, Etsy.com, Pinterest.com, Siam House Design

Happy Birthday, America

Since it's just about America's Birthday (and I LOVE birthdays), I've been feeling...umm, should we say, much more Patriotic than usual? So in honor of Independence Day, I've decided to dedicate a blog to the stars and stripes, freedom, and Lady Liberty. As I type this, with my red, white and blue sparkely nails, I am reminded of all the things that make me love the 4th of July (and this time of year, in general): The fireworks and fairs, friends and family, BBQs and beers, popsicles and pies, baseball and blue jean shorts...I could go on...and of course, we can not forget about the many brave men and women that are the reasons we are able to enjoy these holidays in the "Land of the Free"...So, sit back, relax, and enjoy some pretty patriotic pictures and ideas. Sending wishes for a safe, fun-filled 4th of July!

The Americana theme has been huge this year, whether it's in decorating, clothing, or color schemes.

The plain white walls with the pop of red make a dramatic statement.

Traditional Family Room design by Los Angeles Interior Designer Linda Rosen Interiors

Adorable little boy's room.

Seaside Americana. Take me there.

Old blue vases?! Just add red flowers for a cute display.

Dress up a table with some star spangled napkins from Pottery Barn.
Now for head to toe red, white, and blue:

LOVE! Sky High Jeffrey Campbell platforms. (Lita Platform boot-American Flag)

Flaggish chucks.

Red, white, and shorties.

Gorgeous Chanel ensemble.

Seeing lots of stars and stripes :)

Cute Patriotic Mani.

Awww...and who doesn't love sleepy puppy pictures?!

Last but not least, be sure to celebrate with red, white and desserts!


Photo Credits: Houzz.com, Martha Stewart, Better Homes and Gardens, Pinterest, Pottery Barn, thecraftingchicks.com