Get it together girl! Or Guy! You deserve better. From white walls to bold dark walls, jump start your decorating genes with these 15 inspirational rooms. One simple rule applies here: just do it. Decorating styles vary–traditional, contemporary, modern and yes, of course transitional; so find one that makes you feel comfortable. Next steps: budget, plan and execute.
When White Walls Are Your Only Choice
Make contrasting statements through the use of furnishings and accessories:
Pinterest via BloglovingHomedit.com
Decozilla.com
Pinterest Pinterest Domaine Home.com
When You Want To Go Bold With Colors
Use dark rich shades and then contrast them with lighter colors. But you’ll need to skip the inhibitor pills and go for it!:
Elle Decor Belclaire House Blogspot.com.nzPinterest via Todd Alexander Romano in Millbrook NYAtlanta Home Magazine Suzanne Kasler, interior designerAnnechovie blogspotMade By Girl blog for Adore Magazine
Obviously, this post isn’t a “how to” or “(blank #) of ways to change your home life. Just wanted to share with you a tiny bit of the decor world of the possibilities–to inspire.
So let me know what you think! What’s your next decorating project?
I know exactly when it happened: a hot summer day in August 1998. That particular day I had experienced a three-hour long hot commute from DC to my town home in Northern Virginia. A car and truck accident had occurred on Interstate 95.
When I finally walked in the door to my home, my eyes fell on a jewel-toned burgundy and royal blue flowery sofa and two low-sitting burgundy slipper chairs. In the adjoining dinning room, a highly polished dark cherry Queene Anne dining table with shapely cabriole legs and matching chairs shinned back at me.
The misery of that long hot commute intensified in my blood and I felt old and tired. Thus, began a five-year road-winding decorating project. It covered browsing and reading countless magazines and books on decorating filled with glossy-page examples of decor styles written in adjective laden language; and even more countless hours of online searches. I had made frequent and periodic trips to one furniture store after another; and fabric and home decor stores.
Have you been on that road? I had a huge yard sale, moved to a single family home and simply started over. Okay, that was a bit extreme! But haven’t you ever felt that way: get rid of your furniture and start over? I later retired and have now downsized–yep, downsized–to an apartment with plans to push my transitional style even more. That’s why I’m here to tell you the reason I love transitional decor style.
Traditional + Contemporary = Transitional
In the transitional style, you get the best of both design worlds.
Houzz via Masterpiece Design Group
Did you think transitional style was boring? Did you read the article on (it will remain nameless) that stated twice, transitional style is a lack of color!
1. COLOR
Regardless of what style you love, I suggest when you see the style, color is the first thing that strikes you–even if experienced subconsciously.
Warm neutral colors (and these are legitimate colors) are used abundantly in the transitional style; that is, primarily creme, taupe, khaki and grey. Black and dark brown, such as espresso are fabulous for punching in a contrasting accent color. And this is true if you want to add some other color, such as the yellow found in that stylish bedroom above. Contrary to what was stated in that nameless article, neutral colors are not entirely without “color” but carry an undertone or hue of another color. Creme has a yellow hue. Taupe has a brown or gray shade, depending upon the amount of black pigmentation.
A traditional palette includes those colors, as well as beige and tan. Deeper colors of red, green and blue are also found in the traditional. While, contemporary includes an abundance of white and a more monochromatic scheme.
Neutral colors make us feel relaxed. Need I say more.
Lines are cleanly defined but where curved, the shape is soft and rounded like “simple silhouettes.”
Transitional Harrison Loveseat from Williams-Sonoma
Dear heaven, I do so love the cool, sophisticated grey and blue in this next room. Can you just see yourself sinking into that velvet sofa and forgetting about the world? I can. Just give me a book too. Warmth in the room is captured in the red of the carpet and draperies. Yellow is a happy color and its rich hue stands out in the lamps. There’s lots of interest to capture your attention in the wall gallery and the tulips(?) simply seals the deal for making this a stylish and comforting setting.
From Williams-Sonoma, a traditional sofa called Bedford.
The image above shows an updated traditional sofa. Note how the curved lines are more defined and the more plumpness of the seat cushions.
3. FURNITURE DESIGNS HAVE CLEAN LINES
With the exception of the last photo, as you can see from the examples above, transitional style incorporates “strong furniture; clean-lined pieces that have a sculptural air.” You see that particularly in the example seatings and in the shapes of the cocktail and side tables below. Both are contemporary pieces.
Note the mix of materials (wood and metal) found in the cocktail table. The side table is a beautifully hammered brass. Remember, transitional combines traditional and contemporary. So please don’t confuse contemporary with transitional. They are different although you will almost certainly read about them as being synonymous. They’re not.
Houzz for Corner Stone InteriorsHouzz for Studio A Izmir
4. VARIETY OF MATERIAL FINISHES
Again, as shown above, transitional brings together various types of materials found in both traditional and contemporary designs. This would include an array of woods, such as walnut, cherry, mahogany and oak from the traditional style to chrome, steel, lacquer, glass, plastic and tile found in the contemporary style. When combined, the warmth of the woods juxtaposes with the sleek, elegant appeal of glass and metal.
It’s been suggested that a bank of art on a wall does not fall within the transitional style. The image below contradicts that rule. Tastefully done, and rules are often bent in such designs, a bank of art on the wall is stunning–and quite acceptable.
I love the presentation of one dramatic, stunning work of art on a wall. It certainly meets the overall principle in transitional style that less is more.
Transitional flooring follows the general color scheme of the room in selections of “natural woods, stone, tile, carpeting and more.” Warmth and textural, however, adds additional interest.
Manning Marable
As for me, I go straight to the hardwood and sisal department!! While I do love oriental rugs, especially the antique ones or even a carpet piece, I’m happier with the layered look of medium to dark hardwood floor, a neutral taupe or beige sisal area rug, topped with a smaller white flokati rug. Attention to this color palette and texture combination gives an air of elegance, glamour and softness.
There are seven more reasons why I love the transitional style and I will share them with you in Part 2.
In the meantime, I would love to hear what is your style. Oh, please do share!! Even if you are shy, you can let me know if you found the post useful and informational with a like right here.
Sources for this post came from my 14 years of experience on the path to a transitional decor style and several articles and references:
Floor space in many apartments combines living and dining rooms. You also see this layout in homes, especially small homes. I’ve certainly had my share of living in such spaces. The challenge is how to keep these rooms decoratively cohesive. How do you create a decor that is inviting while making the rooms truly functional? Here are 5 tips that I had discovered.
1. Color
Unless you’re inspired to design your space like a Picasso or Jackson Pollock painting, keep your color choices to a minimum. (Guess what? By the end of this post, you’ll see this rule broken–but in good taste.) Select a dominant color and play off that with varying shades, complementary or even contrasting colors.
For example, here the light gray rug and sofa color are dominant. The wall color is the same but in a lighter shade. Warm wood tones in both spaces are like support players in making the rooms visually cohesive.
Pinterest BHG article on how to build a wall divider
Space permitted, as you see above, a wall divider will certainly mark your space. But note too the color of the wall and the flooring gives this divided room color cohesion. Other color elements are also at play here, such as the values of the colors (from contrasting to same intensity). The orange her is a perfect example that you can use strongly contrasting colors.
Let’s look at a couple more:
2. Group Furniture To Define The Space
The images above certainly illustrate this tip. No brainer, right? So group your furniture together but you can break this rule and still create gorgeous rooms–when done with other rules in mind.
The designer for this living and dining room combination maintained the rule to group furniture but placed a sideboard (or server) in the living room sitting area. It’s placed close to the dining room and functionally serves both areas. But note too, it’s wood coloring is the same as the dining table and bare legs for the dining chairs and living room side chairs. Again, the rule for coloring is repeated in the gold light fixtures, drapery rod, and the brass cocktail table.
In the two images above, the rooms are created in the contemporary style, while the room above mixes a bit of glamour and traditional. Still, it maintains a cohesive style by iterating curvy, wavy lines in the white furnishings, wall shelves, and mirror while softening the curves to an oval shape in the cocktail table and sofa. What you don’t want clearly is a kitchen table sharing the same space as your sofa.
4. Clear Space For Good Traffic Flow
You don’t want your guests or even yourself bumping into furniture that blocks traffic, especially when that trip is to the restroom. Nor do you want guests bumping into or stepping on each other. (Okay, so its allowed in college dorms.) Here are some excellent examples of small spaces but with good traffic flow in small spaces:
Houzz.com from Nicole Lanteri, Interior Designer & Decorator (loft living) HGTV vis Fieldstone Hill Design Apartment Therapy Jackie Clair’s Home Tour Houzz via Miller & Wright Architects
5. Light’N Up And Have Fun!!
Even the most serious decor could use a little levity. Life is short. You don’t even have to go crazy about it. A happy paint color, a fun piece of furniture, accessories and paintings will all do the job.
Pinterest Pinterest Pinterest Pinterest via Houzz House Beautiful Pinterest
It’s so exciting to decorate a small space. I’ve often thought it is easier than decorating a large one. These 5 tips are really from my own experiences. And I have had examples of both the not so successful rooms and the successful ones.
What’s been your experience? You can share the faux pas too!! I promise not to laugh:) But please do share. BTW, let me know if you like this post or share with your decorating buddies.
I can’t state this enough, so I’ll state it again. Know your style. On a very popular design site, I recently read through several threads where home owners and apartment renters were asking for suggestions or HELP, PLEASE as one writer had put it. Requesters added multiple photos of their furniture and rooms. Other people chimed in with suggestions. The suggestions were all over the place, from short practical responses to buy new furniture. Some comments were so critical as to border on just bad manners. What struck me was that no one addressed the real issue of style.
If you have a room (home or apartment) that shares two different activities, you don’t mix the styles. Would you eat string beans cooked in ham hocks and a German chocolate cake served to you on one plate? One such example was a gray monstrous sized sectional and a kitchen table both of which shared the same room. Another example was a dining room with dark wood traditional furnishings, a shining industrial style chandelier, a mirror set in a shiny chrome-like frame. These designs were not eclectic, just pieces of furniture and accessories thrown together without benefit of a style to pull them together cohesively. Consequently, the home owners had painted themselves into a corner.
Take the time to know your style. How do you do that? Books, magazines, T.V. shows on home decor and the internet. A lot of information on style is confusing, some inadequate and others outright wrong.
An easy tip:
Select one piece of furniture that you love and just can’t forget. Learn what style it is, read and research all you can about that style. Then proceed to shop “around” for other pieces that fit into that style, including fabrics, colors and accessories. You may find other styles attractive. This doesn’t mean you can’t mix the styles. But do so armed with a knowledge of what distinguishes one style from another. First, however, know your style. Focus on it.
Houzz.com has a great series on several styles. Here are the major ones. If you think your style, “Transitional,” click here:
That’s a no brainer. Right? So why do people ask what color should I paint the wall, after having bought the furniture. That’s like walking into a grocery store, hungry and wondering what to have for dinner. So you walk out with all sorts of food stuff and you spent more than you had intended. Did you ever get frustrated, walk out of the grocery store, and go to a restaurant where the food is colorfully served, smells great and is nicely organized on the plate?
So what’s your favorite color–and why? What colors do you buy the most? Check your closet, lately? Do the colors of nature turn you on? Or do you prefer the glitter of a disco ball? When you walk into a room, how do you want to feel? Now that you know your style, what colors best represent that style?
Did you know that there are shades and tones in the same color. Even white paint is not white with an under tone. Types of lighting from ceiling to task to natural all influence the colors on your walls and furniture.
Okay, you found a drop dead gorgeous sofa that you don’t want to live without. It is to become your focal point. This may seem unorthodox to you but I suggest, you take a look in your closet for similar colors and what other colors do you pair it with. Too crazy of an idea? Well hop over to Design Seeds.com for color inspirations. You can even build your own color palate. Here are just a couple of examples of how the author presents color schemes:
Other resources would include paint companies, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherman-Williams. Of course, you may have figured out that you could hop over to my page on Inspirations and my category on Decorate With Color.
The point is it just doesn’t make real sense (at least not to me) to ask total strangers for color suggestions over the internet for whom each monitor will inaccurately show the color of your photo–and not consider style.
Know your space
I saw photos of small dining rooms with very dark wood dining tables that could seat six, a sideboard and a curio. One person even said she was going to paint the sideboard a metallic silver. I didn’t but I sure wanted to scream “get rid of the sideboard and the curio.” If your space is that small, better to clear an area on the kitchen counter and set up a gorgeous space where family and guest can serve themselves buffet style. Or roll in a lovely serving tray into the dining room.
Another problem with those rooms was that each piece of furniture crammed into the small space also represented a different style. It’s not easy, especially when you are downsizing, to edit out furniture pieces you love. If you must have it, do so with caution.
Tips for cramming in furniture, if you must:
Consider traffic flow. Can you and your visitors easily move about the room.
Use a minimum of colors. Neutrals but no more than a dash of color will sooth the feeling of claustrophobia
Lay off the shiny stuff. Nothing like a deer in the headlights to make you slam on the brakes.
Introduce texture, 3-4 to give interest and the feeling of comfort
You may not believe this, but even a dramatic dark wall with light colored furniture makes a stunning room
And yes, you can even add large pieces. Here’s one of my favorite:
Calvin’s apartment from Apartment Therapy (see my post on Decorate With Neutrals)
Why do I like this apartment living room? There’s a lot in it, without a doubt. And there are big pieces too. But notice traffic is clearly defined. You can even get to the window. Strong contrasting colors offer drama but it is balanced with the soft neutral color of gray and grayish blue. Warm colors are added in the rug which plays on the strong dark brown and off white of the zebra picture. Collections are organized.
Wondering why these are my three key tips for avoiding decorating dilemmas? Been there, done that!!! Even if you follow these tips, it doesn’t mean you won’t run into a few bumps. It does mean, your decorating project will have less bumps and you will be able to get back on track more easily.
I could have added a fourth which is to take your time. The last major decorating project I went through lasted for nearly 5 years, with that final year being the most intense. My style taste was changing along with my priorities in what I wanted out of my home and my life–and so it took me longer. Hopefully, that is not the case for you. Just knowing your style will save you time and money–and not find yourself painted in a corner.
Can you add another suggestion on how to avoid a design dilemma? Would love to hear from you! And please do let me know if you like this post!
After being greeted by the outside of your home or apartment, your entryway is the second most important impression you can give. It tells your guests that you’re a warm and fuzzy kind of person; happy or depressed; neat freak or that you’re just smart and got it together. It tells them to relax, you’re in safe, friendly territory here.
What do you think these entryways say about who lives there?
Paper blog.comPinterestAgainst The Grain Blogspot via Holly Mathis InteriorComfy ho.me
Here’s 4 ways to make your entryway inviting:
1. Add dramatic wall colors or patterns or wainscot
Dimples & TanglesPinterestHouse & Garden via South Shore Decorating
4. Warm up the ambiance with lighting that makes everyone look beautiful when they face the mirror.
Discovered on Places In The Home via Traditional HomePB & J StoriesHome Stories A to Z via Ikea
Is it Christmas yet!! Well, this lighting would be cool anytime of the year:
Pinterest via the Red Head Can Decorate.com
Did you notice the many types of accessories and practical furnishings you can put in your entryway? Yes, some of the examples certainly have the space. Don’t let that deter you, just scale down (or upscale) to space you do have.
5. Here’s a short list of functional accessories that can give your hallway more character:
A single picture or gallery of pictures or family portraits
Mirrors, plats and wall writings
Tables, chests, benches and chairs
keys in an attractive box
When your entryway says “Hello Honey, You’re Home,” it’s a warm greeting and you get that feel good feeling all over your body!
Wondering about my entryway? It says, Shirley, please unpack that large mirror, change out the lighting and get a new rug or paint the old one! Gotta’ go folks, my entryway is calling to me!
If you love floor length tablecloths as much as I do (and I do a lot!), then do read on. If you’ve never tried one, now’s a good time, especially for the oncoming holiday season. You can make it as formal or as casual as you like or even mix it up. Layer it with place mats and plate chargers.
A floor length tablecloth is easier to get than you think. There are at least three sources. I provide some links to resources and where to purchase at the end of this post.
You can purchase one.
You can make it yourself. Yes, that’s right. Purchase fabric or even use bedsheets.
You can have one custom made.
I’ve done all three. I made one for an oval table. Sorry, I didn’t take pictures and have since given it away along with the table. I do have a gorgeous silk embroidered floor length table cloth on my project board for Christmas. I promise to have pictures of that one.
I had a striped silk one custom made by Calico Corners several years go for the cocoa room where the tablecloth was used on a side table. It’s fully lined and has a gathered trim at the bottom. The table itself is actually a small outdoor glass top table that measures 30″ diameter. Now that I live in a downsized apartment, the table sits on the screened in porch and is now used for dining 1-3 people. But I only occasionally use the silk tablecloth. I will be making table tops and floor length tablecloths with summer themed fabric that can easily be machine washed–with or without ironing. The glass top you see here was purchased at Pier 1 Imports.
Even with a simple table topper, on this table, I’ve had and shared wonderful meals from breakfast to lunch to dinner.
For inspiration, let’s look at more floor length tablecloths:
So what are the advantages to a floor length tablecloth?
Punch color into your decor or tone down other colors and patterns in the room
Cover an unattractive or very old table
On the other hand, protect a beautiful table from scratches and stains during a meal
Keeps guests from putting their feet on the base of table legs that extend outward like a pair of feet. (Believe me, having polished the base of my pedestal table only to see someone’s shoes resting on it required a good deal of hospitable control!)
Give small children a place to hide and play while the grown ups sit around the table gossiping:):)
Whether for an elegant meal or casual dining, the whole experience is “kicked up a notch.” Your guest will love you with great admiration!
Bella’s Rose Cottage
The author and creator for this table cloth states that she used a “canvas drop cloth” which she had purchased for $20. The cloth is 9′ x 12′ but has visible seams. Her dilemma was to decide if she wanted to live with the seams or cut and restitch. Not how she “temporarily” decided to just let is puddle.
Here’s another canvas drop cloth but it’s painted. Yes, that’s right, painted. It was purchased cheaply. The author was pressed for time due to a fast approaching Christmas day diner and came up with this. As you can see, the edges are left to softly puddle on the floor.
Katie did.blogspot.comBetter Decorating Bible.comAlso from Better Decorating Bible.com
Clearly the two above are more formal. The first image is a rich brocade fabric–always a great hit; the second image shows a beautifully beaded trimmed tablecloth. Gorgeous dining settings!
(NOTE: you can dress up a plain floor length tablecloth with almost any trim. You don’t even have to sew it on, use an iron on tape. I once did this to drapery side panels. Worked beautifully.)
I simply adore floor length table cloths that display a layered look as it does in this next one from Apartment Therapy. Matching seat cushions really brings it all together for a simple but casually elegant look.
Apartment Therapy
What do you think of these next beauties found on Houzz.com
Ready to try out a floor length cloth–be it for dining or a side table? Here’s a few resource links (It just doesn’t make sense for me to repeat good stuff that’s already been written):
CV Linens. Excellent charts on tablecloth sizes based upon the size and shape of the table. Also carries a wide selection of linens and other fabric types for a tablecloth.
Total Table. Another excellent chart for desired tablecloth size.
In addition to the above, almost any good fabric store or online fabric distributor will have a wide selection of fabrics suitable for a tablecloth.
Yes, there are other options for dining at the table and I do plan to discuss those in future posts. But for now, I say if you’re looking for just the right final touch to a beautiful dining experience, add a floor length table cloth!
Are you convinced to give it a try? Or is this something you already include in your dining experience? Please, do tell!
“A chair is a piece of furniture with a raised surface used to sit on, commonly for use by one person. Chairs are most often supported by four legs and have a back;however, a chair can have three legs or could have a different shape.”
— Wikipedia
And so goes the opening lines in the Wikipedia that define what is a chair. To this I would add there is a category of modern chairs that are simply stunning pieces of art. Created by Laura Kishimoto, furniture designer, this tear drop shaped chair is made of ash veneer and mild steel.
Ms. Kishimoto describes her approach to creating the ash veneer and mild steel chair:
“The Saji chair began as a personal challenge to myself to create a three dimensional form from a single two-dimensional curve. Through bending layers of thin laminated strips I was able to retain some of the wood’s inherent flexibility and contort the curve into its compound shape. As the strips could not support weight individually, weaving provided a natural solution to bring rigidity to the structure as well as instilling a sense of movement in the overall composition.”
— Laura Kishimoto
I’m sorry but I do get dreamy eyed in awe when I see such exquisite creations like this WB chair by John Ford. The design almost mimics the natural curving and straight lines of a tree. It’s simple; yet, complex in how it reveals the wood grain, such as tree rings on the side panel. It’s clean and sophisticated. Speaking on his work, Mr. Ford approaches his “art” in
WB chair by John Ford, posted 9.2012 on Plastolux ™
“. . . using the most advanced wood engineering and machining technology combined with traditional methods and joinery is the core of execution.
to discover and put into form the most efficient expression and gesture of a thought sometimes too fleeting to fully witness is my passion. I must admit I doubt I will ever design a toaster.
its a given that a chair must support comfortably the human form and weight. there are more than enough chairs that accomplish that goal and stop. to design usable objects that humbly serve their purpose as best as possible yet take on another dimension and move a person thru it’s lines and forms is endlessly challenging.”
— John Ford
A stunning and fun interpretation of a very old design: the rocking chair. I love it! The designer, an archetec and photographer, Mr. Carcedo, tells us that
“My big goal is to get functional forms equipped with their own beauty and distinctiveness.”
— Francisco Hoyos Carcedo
The chair frame is made of plywood with three bands fixed by means of a leather and steel plates bolted to the inner frame. The soft curvature of the frame of the chair and ottoman appear continuous and complemented by the leather bands, a very appealing and exciting composition.
From Kurt Mekki Jr in Switzerland, comes a chair designed to enhance your experience in listening or reading. The chair is called Rosa – Poltrona with acoustics:
“. . . [It] keeps one shielded with its acoustic absorbing foam and fabric.
The shape of the ROSA chair is inspired by the rose in a particular position. This natural position is clearly seen by roses or sunflowers that direct their head to the sun for their photosynthesis cycle. The strips represent the layers of the rose and contribute to the curves of the volume. The shape acts like a sound and visual protection which is fitted with sound absorbing foam. The Poltrona also turns in a 360° radius.”
— kurtmerkijr.com
This next chair definitely evokes a living in a space age feel. And reminds me a bit of the 1960’s cartoon The Jetsons. Frankly, I adore it for its whimsy and easy form. It would be so much fun to sit in it. It’s called the Cone Chair, made by Verner Panton and can be found on All Modern.com.
Okay, so this last chair is a novelty in every respect. But it’s fun, beautifully, artistically and masterly constructed: the Cello Chair. I discovered it on The Chair Blog. I never knew I needed a chair blog until I read this one. Do check it out if you love or are in search of that very special chair. The blog offers great resources. Back to the chair. It’s a creation of Thwart Design.
Once upon a time, I had a notion to only have chairs of different styles from traditional to modern, in different materials but in variations of the same neutral color. I wanted to thrill myself and guests with exploring experiences in sitting. Yes, well, I’ve had wild thoughts on decorating! Still, the thought left me with a passionate interest in chairs–okay, really the passion extends to all furniture.
That aside, I would love to have include so many more modern chairs, particularly by designers of fine craftsmanship (an adequate word to describe these artists). I love their visions and chairs.
Do you have a favorite modern chair in your home, on you wish list or just one that you admire? Please, do tell!
In the Northern Hemisphere, where I live, fall temperatures are gradually dropping and daylight hours are getting shorter. The combination makes it difficult to get out of bed, coupled with the joy of crawling into bed at the end of the day.
If you’re like me, you may be looking to how to make that bedroom cozier; that is more comfortable for a great weekend sleep-in–or any day of the week sleep-in! So what are key elements to a wintry cozy bedroom? I came up with ten.
No clutter. It’s so distracting, makes you want to run out of the room!
A well made bed. It doesn’t have to be luxuriously draped, it can be simple and with one or two comforters, quilts and throw. Pile on the pillows. See my post Decorative Pillows: Pile ‘Em On.
Window treatment that soften and give you the option to embrace or close off the outside world.
Side table(s) next to the bed for books and a warm drink. Even a chair can serve this function. (Note, I left out the cell phone and laptop!)
Decor accessories that warm your heart of photos of family and friend, wall plats, word sayings stenciled on the wall or art that you love.
Carpet and and rugs, especially a plush shag or flokati layered on a wall-to-wall carpet. If wood flooring is what you have or want, add a large area rug such as a vintage oriental.
Warm, caressing apparel. Just looking at plush slippers and a thick robe can mentally transport you to dream land.
Okay, so now let’s see how this list works in real life.
Houzz.com
I love this bedroom by Stacey Costello Design. In soft neutrals and lots of different textures but with minimum patterns this cozy bedroom feels more like a dream one had blessedly fell into. The four-poster bed, of course, is the star: raised high for climbing up into it; classic white puffy comforter; a throw; and lots of pillows (for sleeping and a decorative accent pillow). The gorgeous window treatment allows you to easily shut off or open the light and the outside world into the room. Ah, did you notice that lighting is missing from my list? Flowers and the silver tray with tea candles and martini glasses lend an air of romance to this lovely setting. If that’s not in your fortune, well . . . add books and a pet. And chocolates!
For those of you with space, add a seating corner for reading, watching T.V. or just dreaming:
I selected this next example because it appears to be a small bedroom. Yet, it has a fireplace which is always an element that adds warmth and coziness to a room, even a romantic element. And I want to point out that if you don’t have a built in fireplace, you can still add one.
Free standing fireplaces is worthy of a separate post. But I’ll show you just a couple here so you can see what I mean. They’re listed on All Modern.com. The two listed are gel fueled but you can also find stand alone and wall mounted fireplaces that are wall mounted.
Sparta gel fuel free standing fire place, All Modern.com for Wildon HomeGel fueled wall mounted fireplace from Wildon home
All of the bedroom images above are in neutral colors, two have the coolness of blue. And the one above adds a little warmth from the reds found in the throw and carpet. These are relaxing colors and are suitable year round. In winter, if you want to warm up your cozy bedroom, you can add warm color accessories. So let’s look at a some cozy bedrooms with warm colors. I’ll tell you right now, I’m in love again and very definitely with this next one! It’s by Annie Hall Interiors.
Houzz.com via Annie Hall Interiors
For this next one, if you have an east facing bedroom where the morning sun stream through–and you love the feel–here’s a great example of enhancing the feel with warm colors. For privacy, add blinds or a fabric shade both of which can be rolled up, even under a simple valance in the same wall color. This will minimize an unwanted visual intrusion of window treatment, such as the one shown.
Beufl.comPinterest
There is a comment on Pinterest for the image above that states “Books always warm up a room.” I couldn’t agree more as I’m sure you book lovers and readers! It’s easy too imagine oneself on a snowy, wintry day escaping to this cozy bedroom. Note the spot of tea, a biscuit on the tray–sitting on a side chair that doubles as a table.
If you don’t think of beige and sage as warm colors, think again. Here it comes together beautifully, matched and layered with rustic reds.
Splendid Sass Blogspot.com
I dare not show you my down-sized apartment bedroom! I only have about four of the elements I’ve listed and have yet to even unpack some of them, including gorgeous draper panels enough to make covers for my head and foot boards. On my list of things to do as I plan the decor of my bedroom. Well, I’m inspired by the photos above. Hope you are too!
Are you making any changes this year for a cozy wintry bedroom? Can you think of another must have element to create such a room?, please do tell!
Someone once asked me what was trending in throw pillows. It was a really tough question for me to answer because I think in terms of style: modern, traditional, oriental, eclectic , Nordic and other styles defined by certain elements. I think in terms of design principles but love the idea of departing from those principles to capture a certain mood, an ambiance, an expression of who you are.
Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying that their is something wrong with being “trendy.” But in an age when there are so many choices, why short circuit your brain and “your style” to just being “trendy.”
Trendy and now overly used
For example, for a while the chevron pattern has been all the rave, particularly the wide, two-color pattern. And it still is but almost to the point of being prosaic. The pattern is an ancient one and frankly deserves better homage.
Fortunately, there are designers who explore the complexity of the pattern and have given us not only more choices but choices that allow us to best express ourselves. Even the most transparent person has elements of complexity.
You could say the chevron patterns below are trendy. But I would say they offer enough complexity to not be trendy but are sophisticated and classic.
From left to right: classic chevron by Kravet; Kasari ikat terra cotta by Schumacher; dulcina meadow by Fabricut; Tangier frame print driftwood by Schumacher; and Spa by Greenhouse
So what’s trendy now in interior design? Oh dear, I may be getting into trouble here but I would say those over-sized chandeliers. If you love them, I’m so happy for you and hope you will not scream at me. But I just can’t help it. They always make me think of Alice In Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, the king has no clothes but never do I think “Oh, how gorgeous!” How long this trend will last will pronounce me a taste-less-master, old fashion or sagacious.
By now you may be asking how do you create a home and not be trendy? How do you create spaces that are dated before you’ve even finished paying for it. If your song is “I’m in with the in crowd, and I go where the in crowd goes,” well, the list below is probably not for you. But if your song is “I’ve got to be me,” think about the suggestions below. Whether you are redecorating, replacing old pieces or just accessorizing, this is your starting point:
Look around your home and find the things you really, really love and have loved over a long period of time. If possible, gather them in one room.
Identify what style you think these items represent, such as eclectic, traditional or modern.
Having identified your collected decor style, the question is do you want to continue with it or would you like to change it. Not worry. If your design taste changes, you can still find space for those items that do not fit by grouping them as a collection in a strategic spot. If it’s furniture, space them out as focal pieces. This very much depends upon size and number of items.
If you live alone, discuss with a friend your life style. If not, then discuss this with your spouse, roommate or partner. Talking about it, gets it out in the open where you can really examine your life style.
Spend a good deal of time looking through inspirational home decorated rooms–both trendy and traditional.
If the trendy really captures your taste and life style, opt for the more complex designs. Notice, a complex design can also be understated, simple–sublime. Think of an orchid. It is beautiful, complex and simple–and sublime.
Here’s the most critical and probably the most time consuming part: identify excellent resources from furniture stores (new or antique or garage sales) to fabric stores to home decor stores. Shop around is the old adage. Start with the most expensive places to buy. Can’t afford it? That’s okay. Work your way down to other places where you can find substitutions for the pieces you want and will fit your budget. In your haunts, include such places as auctions, flea markets and Craigslist. They offer great surprises and bargains for that special piece. You’ll have a fun story to tell over cheese and wine or a
Notice in steps 1 through 6, you had yet to spend or waste one penny! Being trendy saves you time by not having to think, just buy, add it to your decor and a year later tire of it. The art of home is not about just saving time or for that matter being trendy, but about creating something beautiful that stands up to time and that you, your family and friends can enjoy for years to come.
Is being trendy the way to go? Am I just not appreciating being trendy? Oh please, do tell!
In my last post, Create An Autumn Color Decor, I introduced a Design Seed color palette and had created two decorating design boards using the subdued hues of autumn colors. But autumn also brings with it new bold and exciting colors of yellows, golds, reds, and oranges, such as those shown below in the leaf colors:
Now I must express my disappointment in finding very few interior designs that reflect the bold vibrant colors of fall. There are of course decors for other seasons of the year with these bold colors. What I did discover were examples of yellow and white decors and orange and yellow or white decors that could easily be translated into fall colors by adding accessories. There are many such examples under the heading fall decorations and are loaded with pumpkins and gourds.
Where fall decors were identified or referenced as such, lots and lots of wood elements were in the decors, flat dark browns and traces of dark reds and oranges. It was as if someone turned off the lights.
Here is my one marvelous example of a living room that beautifully shows off fall colors. Yet, it is a room fabulous for any season with just a little change in decorative items. (Yes, it is accessorized in autumn colors.) Everything about this room exudes comfort and warmth. It works well for these reasons:
Light, light and lots of it. Even a gray day would have a hard time dampening the lovely mood of this room with its white walls and slip-covered chair and sofa reflecting every bit of light. The absence of window treatment gives clarity to the room.
Orange painted wood work around the windows. The designer was quite daring to paint the window trims a happy orange. You do know that orange is a happy color. Right? I write about orange in my post titled Decorate With Orange.
Multicolor blanket and throw bring in the layers of colors we see in fall.
Natural elements found in nature are reflected in the wicker chair and what appears to be a sisal or jute rug. And then there is the dark wood chest. But notice too that the dark elements are used sparingly.
The stone mantle and surround, well, I just love it. It’s height suggest grandness without the pretense of grandeur. A fire in a fireplace is classic love, romance, coziness, intimacy and a home for the heart. But too, the yellow and red flames without a doubt reflect bold colors of autumn.
Contrast! Dark and light colors are paired to create interest, even drama.
You love your white room? I would too if it looked like this one. Imagine what a tiny bit of fall colors would do when strategically placed throughout the room!
What’s your take on decorating a room in bold fall colors? Would you want it all year? Or would you just prefer accessorizing with fall colors? Oh please, do tell!
Pinterest 
BHG article on how to build a wall divider
Houzz.com from Nicole Lanteri, Interior Designer & Decorator (loft living) 
HGTV vis Fieldstone Hill Design 
Apartment Therapy Jackie Clair’s Home Tour 
Houzz via Miller & Wright Architects
Pinterest 
Pinterest 
Pinterest 
Pinterest via Houzz 
House Beautiful 
Pinterest
annsliees 