Category: Decorating Tips

Decorate With Orange

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The painter, Vincent Van Gogh, once wrote to his brother, “there is no orange without blue.”  A cool color, blue complements the heat in orange.  On its own, orange is associated with being a lively color that stimulates conversation, even the appetite.  Orange is considered vibrant and flamboyant.  It “radiates warmth and happiness, combining the physical energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow.”  It has been said that it “helps us to bounce back from disappointments and despair, assisting in recovery from grief . . . is optimistic and uplifting, rejuvenating our spirits.”  With that as a recommendation, perhaps just a little orange anything in our homes would help!  So if you still haven’t shaken off winter cobwebs and spring hasn’t moved you into activity, go with orange accents. 

Imagine a family room or living room or dining room or any room where lively activity would (or should) take place.  Paint the walls a lovely bright white with just a hint of blue.  Add a beautiful sofa in a rich cobalt blue fabric such as this one from Johnathan Adler: 

 

From Jonathan Adler 
From Jonathan Adler 

Of course, you can simply start with an existing sofa by adding a cobalt blue slipcover or just reupholster it. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Above the sofa, shake up your emotions and doldrums living with a dramatic orange painting (from WiMDesigns):

Orange abstract 15
Orange abstract 15″ x 22″ 

For a foundation, add a soft neutral area rug, giving the eyes a place to rest. 

But do keep the heat on with color.  I love these choices of colors for chairs in these fabric selections from Unique by Chivasso

Keep the color palate bright with light colors in accenting end tables and a cocktail table.  Or if you want more contrast, use medium to dark woods.  Strategically place other orange accessories in the room or repeat the accenting orange in an adjoining room.  Here are some great choices: 

 (Resources from left to rights:  Earth Sea Warrior,  Glassometry and a DIY found on Pinterest

And of course, leave space for a pair (or more) of orange pillows from my Annsliee shop: 

Be bolder yet and venture into a decor with orange on orange as seen in this photo, from Houzz.com:

Ready to try orange?  Just remember these words from Bourne Creative

“Different shades, tints, and hues of orange have different meanings. For example, dark orange may represent deceit and distrust, while red-orange relates to passion, pleasure, desire, aggression, domination, and action, and a golden orange often stands for prestige, wisdom, illumination, wealth, and quality. A light orange or peach color tend to be more friendly and soothing.

Orange and blue work well together because they are complimentary colors. The orange and blue color palettes are commonly used for representations of play and summer fun, depicting both the hot, summer sun and the cool, refreshing water.”

It’s also important to note the many variations of orange, from Color Matters

 “Orange is an excellent example of this design rule: There are no bad colors; only bad color combinations.

“It’s worth noting that there are many shades of orange – and different meanings. Some may be more appealing to those who find orange difficult: terracotta or cayenne – a dark orange, persimmon – a red-orange, pumpkin – a pure orange, mango – a yellow orange, salmon – a pink orange, melon – a light orange,.

·        

“Darker oranges offer a sense of comfort; some are spicy, some are earthy. Lighter oranges are soothing and healthy.

Happy Orange Hunting! 

The White Room

There was a time when I would have said no to a white room.  I had been living in apartments for years, the walls were always white.  When I had bought and decorated homes of my own, I had learned that there are different types of white.  Natural or artificial light, the type of white, and other colors and objects in the room changed my whole perspective on the use of white in a room.  And so for my next project, my display studio at the ArtWorks, having decided to pour the room in white, I’ve been doing some research.  And I discovered some interesting examples and insights into creating the white room.   

White is the color we see when we look at light “which contains all the wavelengths of the visible spectrum, at full brightness and without absorption.” (wikipedia)  It doesn’t have red, yellow, green or blue, what we call hue.  Its use in paintings dates back to the paleolithic period.  Speed forward through subsequent periods to the twentieth and twenty-first century and we find that the symbols of white in many cultures have come to be associated with “innocence, perfection, the good, honesty, cleanliness, the beginning, the new, neutrality, lightness, and exactitude.”

In his book, The New Traditional, Darryl Carter says, “White makes old things seem more current. White rooms are more complex than they appear, because there are no distractions. Every choice becomes critical.”   White rooms are too often, and unfairly, viewed as cold and uninteresting.  For example, major paint manufacturers are able to create whites with soft hues; varied textures elicit visual interests; and contrasting colors in furnishings and accessories stand out against the white, providing that desired or needed distraction.

White is the primary color but is checked by the splattering of wood tones, blues and other hues. (from www.countryliving.com)
White is the primary color but is checked by the splattering of wood tones, blues and other hues. (from http://www.countryliving.com)

The above design style also fits into a monochromatic color palate using white and wood tones.  Here too are examples of a white room that fits into the monochromatic palate.  They were created in the classic Scandinavian style of clean lines, minimalistic interiors and colors, also called Scandi or Norse minimalism.    (Photos and info from Home Designing.)

Any contrasting color stands out against white but of course you knew that. Let me add that white rooms also give the eyes places to rest, the brain room to think and organize.  They suggest peace and tranquility.  Even rooms over-pouring with stuff but with masses amount of white spaces provide a sanctuary for the heart and mind like the living room photo above.  I guess the only thing left is to be bold enough to try it.

Of course, the white room doesn’t suite everyone and that’s okay.  What’s your take on a white room?  Love it? Hate? Find it boring and bland?  Love to hear from you.  -xoxo

Art: Love It, But Afraid?

There are hundreds of great articles on the internet on art genre, how to buy art, frame it, where to hang it and how.  There are books upon books and magazines upon magazines on art.  But for those of us who love it, buy it but then become paralyzed by the indecision on presenting it, we’re left alone to self-treat our sad phobia.  If there is a category for such people, I would land in the category of laypeople who love abstract art.  I am particularly drawn to drawings in charcoal and pencils , and art that dissects the human form.  The problem for me had been, once I brought such a piece home, where and how do I hang it?  What would my friends say?  (To them an apple is an apple is an apple and should be interpreted as such.)  Not ready to defend my taste in art, I would buy them and put them away.

It took me three months to pay for this print by a Sunol Alvar, seven years and three homes later before I had it framed, and then one month later had it re-framed! 

I’ve always been a fan of Story People prints.  They’re simple, fun and colorful; and I had always imaged a collection of them on white kitchen walls, near the white  kitchen cabinets, over the kitchen desk.  But when I did have a white kitchen, I just bit my nails with fear and indecision on what would be an appropriate frame and would they look to “cluttery” over the desk, under the collection of cook books.  Ten years later and two more places where I have lived, I have yet to frame and hang them.   

Contrary to what you may be thinking by now, I have been exposed to fine art.  Why I’ve made lots of treks to some of the famous fine art museums, such as the Louvre, the Smithsonian (frequently), and The Art Institute of Chicago. (Still on my wish list is the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art).  And yes, I’ve stood and stared at works of the old masters of Europe and modern American artists–but seldom for more than 10 minutes.  For me, it’s abstract art that fascinates to no end. I can sit for hours mesmerized by a mobile or some sculpture that doesn’t seem to make any since at all.  Place me in front of a painting that only explores the variations of one color and I’ll lose all track of time trying to imprint its intricacies on my right frontal lobe–its shades, tones, brush strokes or even how much oil or water was used.  I don’t care what the artist was thinking or trying to convey.  I only care how it makes me feel or invites me to think, to image.  But if I bought it, I would still be faced with fear on how best to present it.

There is a happy ending to this story for those of you who suffer this malady.  First, I finally learned that art is like love, it’s in the eyes (and heart) of the beholder.  It doesn’t matter what others may think.  Then, I learned that grouping similar pieces with similar or like frames helped to make the collection appear cohesive.  Or if it is just one piece, give it front stage.  Remove every other accent piece in the room, slowing adding what compliments or supports that treasured piece of art.  Find a really, really good framer with a great eye who can help you select the best matting and frame.  In fact, I would say this is critical.  Most important, just do it! 

I found these wonderful examples on Houzz.com (yes, one of my favorite internet places) of art pieces that make a bold statement.  Can you determine what makes them work in their selected locations: 

And finally, this would be a favorite for me.  Such a dramatic entryway could even be scaled down with smaller pieces of abstract art if you live in a smaller home:

What’s your favorite art piece that you purchased?  Did you hang it?  Oh please, do tell!

The Case For A Custom Made Slipcover

Thinking about slipcovers to revive an old but sturdy sofa?  Here is my case for these marvelous sofa life-supports. 

From a previous guest room called The Cocoa Room, an old sofa was fitted with a custom made shabby chic slip cover in a soft cream cotton, loose fit.  New down/feather seat and back cushions were made to get this plush, sink in effect.
From a previous guest room called The Cocoa Room, an old sofa was fitted with a custom made shabby chic slip cover in a soft cream cotton, loose fit.  New down/feather seat and back cushions were made to get this plush, sink in effect.

There was a time when I thought of slipcovers as nothing more than an extra large sheet of drab rough fabric, loosely thrown over an old couch.   I found them totally uninviting; perhaps suitable for a dorm room but not belonging in a living room.  It didn’t matter to me that they were utilitarian and perfect for the well used room of a family with children.  It had crossed my mind that impressionable children shouldn’t be subjected to those unformed over sized covers. I suppose you could judge me snobbish.  But wait.  I felt this way until I was in a Calico Corners fabric store in Northern Virginia.  On the floor was a beautiful winged chair that had been fitted with a tailored slip cover.  The fit was tight and perfectly detailed with a self welt; a hidden back zipper closure; and the pattern meticulously lined up at the top, in the corners and at the edges.  I became a convert for slipcovers that very moment.

Before my five-year long decorating project had ended, I had slipcovers made for two old sofas.  They were both well constructed and were in excellent condition.  One was an over sized, thick cushioned love seat.  It was in the family room and had become one of the play areas for two rambunctious soft-coated wheaten terriers.  The other was a purchase from my floral-jeweled-tone-deep-burgundy-and-purple decorating days.   

In purchasing custom made slipcovers, it was the process that I had found fascinating.  I had purchased what seemed a bolt of fabric and had some how got it home.  The upholsterer came by a week later with his helper.  He then fitted, pinned and cut each piece to the contour of the sofa, like a tailor fitting, pinning and cutting each piece of a suit to fit to the contours of the body.   He asked me what style I wanted, how tight I wanted the cover to fit, what kind of details did I want, such as a welt, pleats or gathering.  When he was finished, he simply slipped the pinned pieces off the sofa and rolled it up.  Two weeks later, he returned with the slip cover.  It fitted perfectly.  You see one of the sofas in the photo above.  I had chosen a shabby chic style with custom made down/feather seat and back cushions.  The transformation was astonishing and I had gotten exactly what I wanted.

Here are more inspirations:

A new sofa is wonderful to have and there are many styles to choose from.  Custom made sofas are even more desirable.  The styles and fabrics are seemingly endless.  But sometimes these choices are not always practical, necessary or even wanted.  A well constructed sofa with a cover that has merely become outdated due to color or pattern or just worn can be made new again. New back and seat cushions can be made. 

Like pillow covers, a slip cover can also be a seasonal cover.  Slip on a spring/summer cover for a new look but remove it for a fall/winter look.  Have matching pillow covers made.  The choices for fabric and style offer endless possibilities.  Costs will vary depending upon fabric selection, trim work and other factors such as new cushions.  And of course it is wise to compare the cost to a new or custom made sofa.   Still, a custom made slipcover is definitely an option not to be overlooked for that next redecorating project.

Convinced that a slipcover can save your favorite sofa or chair?  Oh please, do tell?  Love to hear from you!

What’s The Point!

Surely, you’ve heard this at some time.  In essence it means, what are you, I or we talking about? Or what are we looking at?  Or even, why?  The phrase can also be applied in decorating; that is, what is the point (purpose in this case) of the room?  What is its focal point?

The room below is clearly a media room to which I may add, a media room to die for–or at least, to daydream about and wish for.  The screen is the focal point, complemented with a beautiful neutral decor.  It’s not boring because it’s accented with black frames, tables, even the base of the lounges; the taupe decorative pillow; and the texture in the carpet against the smooth leather.

So what do you think is the point of the next room?  Ok, that’s an easy question.  It’s a multipurpose room and its focus is entertainment and social interaction: 

Creating a focal point doesn’t mean you have to have a lot of space.  Sharing office space with a bedroom can easily blur the focal point but it’s really not that hard to still have a focal point, such as a design style.  Check out the next three examples, also from Houzz.com:  

Here’s a really small space but it’s effective and inviting–all accomplished with a smart decorating style, contrasting neutral colors of black, white and gray.  The violet warms the color scheme: 

And if elegance and period pieces speak to you but square footage is a problem, creating a focal point for a bedroom/office is still achievable as illustrated here:  

Yes, creating a focal point in a room can be a color or a specific decorating style.  It can also be based in a theme– an art gallery in a dining room.   

From My Olioboard, Art and Dining.  Of course, the purpose of this room is dining.  Yet, its focal point is the art.  Oh . . . alright, you could say the dessert is the focal point!
From My Olioboard, Art and Dining.  Of course, the purpose of this room is dining.  Yet, its focal point is the art.  Oh . . . alright, you could say the dessert is the focal point!

In decorating, the point is to define the space. But in that space, a focal point gives cohesion to all surrounding objects in the room be it theme or a design style, even in dual purpose room. 

What’s the focal point of the room you sitting in right now?  Please, do tell!

Decorate From A Blank Slate

Ever walked into your home, looked around and wondered where did all that mismatched stuff come from?  Was it impromptu buying when something caught your eye and you were sure it went with your . . . well, your style.  You got married.  Wedding gifts.  Two-household stuff that you were going to edit.  Years of garage and store sales.  A divorce and you fought to have that stupid chair just because . . . well, because.    Ever wonder, “Can’t I just do a do over” but where to start!

Empty the room?  Sleep in a sleeping bag and have picnics on a blanket on the floor?   That certainly sounds like fun . . . maybe when you’re in your twenties.  It’s a bit radical by the time you reach 40 or 50 years of age. 

There are other ways.  You could use graft paper, take pictures of your stuff and play around with photos on a design board.  Collect paint chips and fabric swatches and add that to your design board.  You could purchase a floor plan software.  Or you could just start with ripping out pages of your ideal room from home decorating magazines. 

Here’s where I suggest two other options that are simply more fun and the only expense is your time.  I love to use them to stage my decorative pillows. 

WE’LL START WITH OPTION 1:  OLIOBOARD

You really can start with an empty room on Olioboard.com.  Interior decorators use it to help clients with visualizing a proposed design.  The site lists several background styles of rooms and thousands of products to create your room.  If you don’t find what you want in the Olioboard library, such as that buffet you inherited from your grandmother, you can take a picture of it and upload it to your olioboard. 

Oh, did I mention the best part?  It’s free and anyone can join.  You can upgrade to add text and paint colors to the wall.  You can make your board private or public.  There are lots of imaginary room designs you can view and vote on.  Better yet, it’s very easy to get a price and location for most products. 

A caveat:  The boards are one dimensional, and so it can be challenging to place certain pieces as they should be placed, such as what I had done with the blank room above.  Here’s a very incomplete version of it here:

Scaling is a challenge but fun, particularly for this type of layout.  Check out the next one.
Scaling is a challenge but fun, particularly for this type of layout.  Check out the next one.
Practice makes better, as it did in my fireside chat imaginary room.  Would you like to join me for a brandy?  The glasses are already there, just waiting for us.  And of course, the lovely orange pillows are from my Annsliee shop.
Practice makes better, as it did in my fireside chat imaginary room.  Would you like to join me for a brandy?  The glasses are already there, just waiting for us.  And of course, the lovely orange pillows are from my Annsliee shop.
The color combination in this living room vignette is fast becoming one of my favorites--soft blue, hot orange and black accents.
The color combination in this living room vignette is fast becoming one of my favorites–soft blue, hot orange and black accents.

OPTION 2:  POLYVORE

I started using it several months ago and must say, I found it easier to use and with more features.  Such as adding color and wall paper to the walls.  Products are abundant and like Olioboard, you can upload products you found on the internet.  If you like the product, want to learn more about it and purchase it, you can do so with just the click of a few buttons–and of course a credit card!

Here’s a view for creating a Polyvore “set.”

Here’s that same “blank” room designed by me:

In Quiet Places

Here’s a couple more of my Polyvore “sets.”

A Comforting Vignette

You can create a variety of set layouts, such as a story board (you simply collect the pieces you want in your room).

Room & Board Dream Living Room Contest Entry

Both Olioboard and Polyvore have communities and groups you can join.  Polyvore groups often have contests, many of them sponsored with prizes for first place winners.  I recently sponsored a great Polyvore contest with a prize that went to “Eyesondesign.”  See my post on And the Winner Is . . .

Try them both if you like.  But I must warn you, both can be addictive.  Both are fun.  I simply like the idea of do-it-yourself designing before spending and being able to create a more realistic budget.  One other thing, look for a floor plan similar to yours and that will help tremendously as you imagine and plan your decorating project.

Keep up to date with my Polyvore sets at annsliee-Polyvore.com.  

Would love to hear from you.  Let me know how you plan to decorate “from a blank slate.”  

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Emerald Green for 2013

It’s the hot color for 2013.  However, if you are a lover of neutral colors where do you add emerald green?

Start with an accent if you are feeling unsure.  Making a huge investment on the latest color trend works well with those who have deep pockets.  If this is a color you simply love, can’t live without and you want to go big, you can drown your walls in the color or punch it in with fabric, furniture–even a door.

It is indeed a delicious color and it would be fun to add a lot or even just a little emerald green to your home decor!     

Found on Houzz.com.  Definitely not overdone, you can easily repaint one wall and change out or cover the chair.
Found on Houzz.com.  Definitely not overdone, you can easily repaint one wall and change out or cover the chair.
From Home Decor and Design Ideas.  Let's face it, can emerald green really compete with Steve McQueen! 
From Home Decor and Design Ideas.  Let’s face it, can emerald green really compete with Steve McQueen! 
Elle Decor.  Now that's what I call a cozy, yet dramatic statement!  The emerald green wall has it's own accent of a repeating gold medallion print.  And of course, look at those pillows.  Oh... that's right... I make decorative pillows.
Elle Decor.  Now that’s what I call a cozy, yet dramatic statement!  The emerald green wall has it’s own accent of a repeating gold medallion print.  And of course, look at those pillows.  Oh… that’s right… I make decorative pillows.
Now, wasn’t there a song way back when, “What’s that peeking from behind the green door?”